A few games are considered foundational texts for the medium — titles like The Legend of Zelda and Halo. However, for the role-playing genre, no single game is more significant than the original Final Fantasy. Expanding on the concepts of its predecessors, Final Fantasy defined nearly every aspect of modern RPGs, elevating turn-based combat into a dominant genre. Square Enix launched a beautiful remaster in 2021, and that version is now accessible on Xbox Game Pass. Whether you’re seeking a lesson in gaming history or a relaxed weekend adventure, Final Fantasy deserves a place in your library.
First launched in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Final Fantasy was the creation of Hironobu Sakaguchi, who would guide the series through ten more installments before departing to establish Mistwalker Studio. While Final Fantasy didn’t create the JRPG or mechanics like turn-based combat and an overworld map, it perfected and brought mainstream attention to almost every genre staple. The game synthesized existing parts into a definitive blueprint that has been built upon by innumerable titles since. Its integration of combat with a class system was particularly impactful, with six unique jobs offering substantial replayability.
The narrative centers on the four prophesied Warriors of Light, who are dispatched to rescue the princess of Cornelia from the antagonist Garland. Naturally, plans change, and the group finds themselves on a mission to harness the power of the elemental crystals to save the world. Judged by contemporary standards, Final Fantasy is remarkably straightforward — with minimal plot, simple combat, and a brief playtime. Yet, this very simplicity is what makes revisiting Final Fantasy so appealing.
The gameplay of Final Fantasy cycles through four stages: exploring a town for clues, traversing the overworld to a dungeon, delving into the dungeon, and engaging in battles throughout. All these components merge seamlessly. Players aren’t hindered by long dialogues or exposition, fights are brisk, and the dungeons are concise. It’s the type of experience where you can start playing and suddenly find that five hours have passed.
The game also possesses a comforting charm. Uncovering Matoya’s Cave with its catchy theme feels cozy, and obtaining the airship, which unlocks the entire world map, provides a sense of freedom. While the intricacy of subsequent titles is welcome, it’s compelling to revisit the origins and observe Final Fantasy’s basic framework. The inaugural title truly celebrates what were, at the time, monumental moments, contributing to the franchise’s enduring appeal. From the very start, the series had a knack for creating memorable experiences.
The Pixel Remaster specifically bestows Final Fantasy with a beautiful visual overhaul and a magnificent orchestral soundtrack, amplifying those significant moments. It also includes numerous bonus features and quality-of-life improvements, such as a comprehensive art gallery, the ability to disable random encounters, combat speed adjustments, and more.
Final Fantasy is among that select group of games that feel timeless, the sort you might play biannually as a ritual. Its elegant simplicity makes it valuable for both RPG enthusiasts and those new to the genre. For anyone who has never experienced Final Fantasy, playing it will foster a deeper understanding of the origins of many video game concepts and the medium’s evolution.