Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls

"A classic game comes back to its roots."

Graphics: 9
The graphics are some of the best on the GBA. The graphics rival those of the PS version. The backgrounds are detailed and easy on the eyes. The characters have a good amount of detail on them considering it is a GBA game. Most of the bosses are simply stunning. The out of battle graphics aren't as good, but they are in no means bad.

Sound: 9
The music in Final Fantasy is always some of the best and this game is no exception. The battle music is one of the best themes ever. The music however is not a good as the PS version because it is the GBA but i think they did the best they could. If you are a fan of Final Fantasy music then this will not disappoint.

Gameplay: 9
The gameplay in this game is turn-based, as would be expected of a Final Fantasy game. There are a lot of new weapons, items, and armor added in both games from the previous versions.

Final Fantasy I has four new dungeons to explore and included in them are sixteen "new" bosses. These new bosses are actually from the later Final Fantasy games which will be a treat for newer players.

Final Fantasy II has an extended storyline after you beat the game. The difficulty in Final Fantasy I is very easy. Final Fantasy II is fairly simple until the Soul of Rebirth storyline.

The character classes in Final Fantasy I have also been balanced out so the thief is no longer useless. The magic system has also been revamped. You now no longer have a certain number of casts for a spell but rather an MP system like later Final Fantasies.

In Final Fantasy II you no longer lose stats for not using the stat. This means that you can max out your stats if you play long enough.

Story: 8
The story in Final Fantasy one is very complicated. Garland, a knight of Cornelia, has kidnapped the princess. The four warriors of light have to save her. After you save her you travel and learn that the world is dying and you must restore the crystals you carry.

You journey through four old dungeons and four new ones until the crystals shine again. Even after that is done, a prophet tells you it is not over and you must go to the past to kill the one how is causing all this.

In Final Fantasy II, you have been run out of your town and have fled to a nearby place. You awake to find that the Emperor is causing havoc and you must stop him.

So begins your journey as you join the rebels to find a way to destroy the Emperor. After the main story line is done, you get to play as four character who died in the story on there journey through the world of the dead.

Overall: 9
This game is an almost perfect version of two very good games. These games can by enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike. This is definitely a buy because each game will last you at least 20 hours. The price is also very good at $30.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/10/05