Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy (Famicom)

The Famicom packaging of Final Fantasy is elegant, but rather minimalistic compared to the American cover with weapons, mysterious floating cities and proudly boasts how complex and rich the adventure is. I found the original Final Fantasy fascinating as a child, but had little grasp on how to play it. It wasn't until the more approachable Earthbound came around that I really got into JRPGs.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

The Four Legendary Warriors have paid visit to the ancient town of Coneria, where they're made aware of their grand mission: They must embark on an adventure in order to return light to the crystals. An adventure that will have them wandering the mountains, seas and entire continent. Now...it begins!

Scenario Writer: Terada Kenji

Character Design: Yoshitaka Amano

Programmer: Nasir Gebelli

Final Fantasy (MSXII)

Despite being well aware of the first Final Fantasy  since its debut in America, until recently I had no clue that it was ported to the MSXII in Japan. Watching footage of it on YouTube is trip. Despite the loading and horrible scrolling which plagued personal computers at the time, the music is fantastic and some of the sprites are near 16-bit quality. The spacious packaging features more artwork and a far more detailed and gloomy preview of the story.

(Images taken from GameFaqs.)

For ages, people have passed down the legend of the light.

The light resides within 4 crystals controlling Earth, Fire, Ice and Wind, which allow the world to be peacefully protected. Additionally, at the time that the crystals lost the light, the 4 warriors of light were to appear...

Just how long ago was the world enveloped by the light, allowing peace? (Now) everything was hidden away by a thick, deep darkness.

People were aware that this terrible happening was the work of some great evil, but there was not a single person who could stand up against it.

All they could do was pray that God would bring on the appearance of the 4 Warriors of Life.

Finally, in the city of Corneria, according to the ancient legend, 4 warriors possessing the crystals appeared.

So then, proceed! Legendary Warriors! Now, the fight has just begun.

Final Fantasy (WonderSwan Color)

Before appearing on the likes of the PlayStation and GBA, the first major remake of Final Fantasy was on Bandai's WonderSwan Clor in the year 2000. The colorful border doesn't jive with the minimal style of Final Fantasy packaging, but some cool art of Behemoth is featured on the back.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

The point of origin...evolves.

13 years have passed...the first entry to the series is revived. Along with the addition of new scenes, the graphics have been made more beautiful. The battle scenes have an increased feeling of drama. The (game) system has been made more intuitive and convenient. Now, a new "journey of searching" begins.

Final Fantasy (PS1)

Based on the WonderSwan Color version, the original Final Fantasy got ported very late into the PlayStation's lifecycle in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the US. I remember only the more diehard fans buying this, as there was so much interest for 3D gaming in the early 2000s, and since 2004's Dawn of Souls largely bested the PS1 version.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Spine card:

The 'Legend of the Crystals' began from here. Bringing a new, deeply moving experience, this is the complete remake. Final Fantasy.

Back:

The origin has been resurrected.

The long journey of the FF series begins with 'Final Fantasy'. With an added opening movie, graphics and sound, this is the complete renewal, equipped for a new reincarnation. Surpassing hardware, surpassing generations, it finally appears on the 'PlayStation'!

Final Fantasy (PlayStation Portable)

The PSP release of Final Fantasy features an additional graphical overhaul going beyond the PS1/GBA/WSC releases and while keeping the previous extras. Before 2021's Pixel Remaster release, this was widely considered the definitive version. Many would say it still is.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs)

The ultimate adventure...all begins from here.

For this grand story of the crystals, 20 years have passed. The original Final Fantasy makes a NEW return!

Together with the Warriors of Light, venture out into the world.

Head off into a world enshrouded by darkness along with the Warriors of Light. With new graphics, it's even more beautiful. This is the birth of 'Final Fantasy'.

Upgraded with an extra mode and new features.

Starting with an art gallery featuring the work of Yoshitaka Amano, a number of new modes have been added in this expansive compilation. Additionally, even a new dungeon has been added, sure to stoke player's hearts.