Final Fantasy VI

"Slow loading time has prevented me from giving what could have been a perfect score."

Since 1998, I have been a huge fan of Squaresoft, and back then I had no idea what previous Final Fantasy games were like, seeing as I live in Europe, and the Final Fantasy series wasn't popular in Europe until the seventh in the series, also one of my favourites. But after 4 years of waiting, Final Fantasy VI finally hit PAL systems across Europe, and it also came with a bonus disc of one of the greatest PS2 RPGs to date: Final Fantasy X. What I didn't like about this game, and probably the only thing, is the really slow time it takes for it to reload, and this was really annoying. Final Fantasy III for the Super Nintendo, which is rare here nowadays, but I have played before, was, in my opinion, better than the PSX version, frankly because it didn't suffer this minor problem. The reason? Because it was on a cartridge. But because this version is on CD doesn't stop it from having these slow loading times. Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy V (PSX versions) didn't have slow loading times, and they were generally the same size as Final Fantasy VI, so maybe if the developers had done something about it, Final Fantasy VI would be the same.

But on to the good points. Final Fantasy VI is one of those older SNES games (released in 1994) and back in them days the RPGs were mainly 2D and had 'block' movements, but this game, unlike FFIV or FFV, had 3D pats in it, as well, and really showed some of the SNES's hidden ability. As a modern PlayStation game this is like another penny in the jar, but for SNES graphics, this is impressive. Here's the rundown for the game then:

Gameplay: 9/10

In terms of a 2D RPG, Final Fantasy VI is by far the best in terms of gameplay, no questions asked. There are several different modes that you must play through in the game, such as the basic field of travel and discovery, the battle system, the powerful 3D world map and plenty much more. There is much to exploit and discover through this amazing RPG, like magic spells, several weapons and items, and each character has their own special abilites you can master to crank up the enjoyablity factor up to the highest notch. Controls - they are much simpler than the sequels it has spawned and remains easy for anyone who plays it. As a 2D RPG, it's simple to make your way around, talk to people and pick up stuff, yet the game is so complex, that everything you do is worthwhile. The battle system is great too: you can use several different strategies to outwit or simply braun out your opponent and each character has their skills. Overall gameplay never fails to impress me here. The only letdown is the slow loading time.

Story: 9/10

The story for FFVI is amazing. The start sees a young girl named Terra being controlled by the Empire Force. Not to mention that high-tech rules all over the land after 1000 years and gunpowder and iron have been rediscovered, but the dreaded force of magic has been rediscovered too, and those in power are on the verge of 'repeating' a senseless, deadly mistake.

Many centuries have passed since the war. Civilisations have been rebuilt with iron, machines and technology. For years the Espers have existed only in ancient legends. Now an Esper has been rediscovered and the forces of magic are beginning to return. The risk of another, more devastating war is about to surface.

Great story, that builds up to the great game both in terms of what's going on and as something to give a great start-off to Final Fantasy VI.

Audio/Video: 10/10

Added with FMVs, the graphics in the game, in terms of SNES graphics, that is, look AMAZING. For a 16-bit game these graphics look good just about anywhere. The 3D world map has truly revealed the SNES's power plus the short introduction also on FFIII of Biggs, Wedge and Terra walking towards Narshe looks good in terms of SNES graphics too. Not exactly realistic, but nonetheless impressive. As for sound, this game has to have one of the best soundtrack ranges I have ever heard. The sound effects are great, such as the beams that Magitek armor fires, or footsteps being made from a distance. And the soundtracks are brilliant. The main Final Fantasy VI theme is overall extremely magnificent, not to mention the other soundtracks. Final Fantasy VI comes a close second to Final Fantasy VII in terms of good soundtracks, and they are extremely great to give the game that smooth touch.

Replayability: Low-Medium

That's the thing with these long RPGs. Once you've completed them, it seems quite pointless to play them again after all those long hours. But it is extremely fun to see how high you can raise characters, how many items you can discover and all that stuff, so overall the replayability maybe isn't the most impressive of replaybilities, but eh, what're you gonna do.

Buy or Rent?: BUY

Final Fantasy III was one of the best Super Nintendo RPGs of all time - but if you don't have a SNES, don't fret, because Final Fantasy VI (its true series number btw) has finally hit PSXs either as the game itself with a FFX demo in Europe, or as part of the American Final Fantasy Anthology. The slow loading time is the only flaw in the game that has forced me to give it a 9 no matter how much I love the Final Fantast series. If you have Final Fantasy III I'd suggest you play that rather than this version though unless you need it for a collection or something, it's probably still worth it anyway, even if you have Final Fantasy III for the Super Nintendo. I shelled out £8 for the game (only because it was on sale), so I say spend no more than £15 for it (I wouldn't know how much Final Fantasy Anthology American edition is worth), as an old classic has been revived, and at this low price, it is well worth a purchase. If you have a SNES but don't have Final Fantasy III, you could surely find a copy on eBay or if you're lucky (and I mean very lucky), you could find a copy at a car boot sale or maybe in a second-hand game-selling shop, but I wouldn't count on it, as the game is rare nowadays, so if you have a copy, I say you stick with it.

Good Things/Pros

It's great even as a PlayStation game.
As part of the American Final Fantasy Anthology, you've got two classics.
The PAL version comes with a great demo.
The soundtracks are superb.
The gameplay factor is great.
Easy controls.
Very fun.

Bad Things/Cons

Slow loading times. And that's it.

THE CONCLUSION
Final Fantasy VI is a masterpiece. Buy it at any opportunity. Thank you.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/29/02, Updated 06/19/03