Final Fantasy Origins

"Finally the two classics are here"

Well its about time the US finally got these two amazing games in english! Many people have probably played the roms of the NES versions of both of these games but few have probably played the Wonderswan color editions, whoever has (I have >:)) was probably swept off their feet by the great job done on these games. FFO brings those remade versions even with some more features!

Story: FF1=7 FF2=10
FF1 IMO has never been strong in the story department, it was the first FF though so it was more of a planning stage for greater stories to come, such is true as seen in FF2, FF2 has a great story, it gives several interesting characters in a war torn world fighting for independance, generally its the Rebels versus the big guys of Paramekia. FF1 may bore you a bit but its a fun game in its own, FF2 really got me going though.

Graphics: Both=10
This is one of the high points of both of these remakes, in the classic editions, it was little blocks of color, which I had no problem with but its not like they lunged out at you and captured your attention, hoever these remakes sport very cool looking sprites that have flowing color and a natural look. Also added were a few movies, these are a nice addition and done very well, however the only complaint here which is minor is that the battle and menu sprites are a bit too small, in the WSC version they were a bit bigger and fit into the menu more.

Gameplay: Both=10
Basically this was the start of the sideview battle system (dont jump on me if Im wrong, I think Im right though) FF1 sports the 4 characters vs. the max of 9? enemies with normal level gaining and a magic system that I think beats out traditional MP. FF2 is far different and very unique, in this you have the traditional side view battle system but instead of levels you gain your stats seperately depending on how much you use them, for instance, fighting a lot will raise strength, getting hit will raise HP and using Magic will raise your MP and the two categories of magic, however this is only idealistic as stat gaining can take a long time, fortunately there are ways to go about it much faster.

Music/Audio: Both=10
Holy crap! This is the best category of the remakes if you ask me, in the WSC the music and audio were basically suped up versions of the basic tunes but on the PS its all redone and beautiful but at the same time its totally recognizable from the original which is perhaps the best part of the music! The sound effects also sound a lot better than that of the WSC.

Difficulty: FF1=6* FF2=5
The star by FF1 means that how hard it is for the normal difficulty, Easy is so easy that its boring, only good for people who dont have much time, which is understandable for those who work and what not, FF1 is a matter of gaining levels, not really that hard unless you make it hard on yourself. Same pretty much goes for FF2, if you dont stat gain often, then you will have problems but otherwise you'll be fine

Replayability: FF1=8 FF2=3
Well FF1 has a lot of different combos of classes to try out and then you can go for solos or duos to increase the challenge and also with the Easy mode you can beat the game blindfolded. FF2 however was a lot of work to get through once and with almost nothing in terms of side quests its not very rewarding to go through a second time, dont get me wrong, the game is awesome the first time through.

All in all, this set is for anybody who likes Final Fantasy, whether you started on FF7 or you started on FF1 like me when you were like a toddler (:P) you will probably enjoy both of these great games!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/15/03, Updated 04/15/03