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 I * II (Famicom) (2.27.94)
An adorably drawn Chocobo and FF I cast adorn the cover of the Famicom double pack, one of the software titles used to help promote the system's new model. Released all the way into 1994, FFVI for the Super Famicom was going on sale at the same time.
(Images borrowed from: http://blog.goo.ne.jp/touffu)
The legend...began from here!
Final Fantasy "1" and "2" are together in a single pack.
Special strategy book included.
Final Fantasy
The legend of the Earth, Fire, Water and Wind Crystals began from here. FF's famous 'Air Ship' also makes an appearance. A masterpiece which will never lose it's luster.
Final Fantasy II
Uses a unique growth system that omits experience points. Later games in the series were remarkably influenced by this game. The Chocobo was introduced in II.
Final Fantasy (WonderSwan Color) (12.9.00)
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.
WonderSwan Color Final Fantasy Limited Pack (12.09.00)
The special edition of the Wonder Swan Color is graced with Final Fantasy's elegant, minimalist packaging often seen during the late 90s to well into the 2000s. If you were able to read Japanese, this was arguably the best way to play the original Final Fantasy until the PS1 and GBA versions arrived years later.
The Origin Evolves.
13 years have passed and the first entry to the series is resurrected. Beautiful graphics! More impactful battles scenes! A powered-up game system! Going beyond it's origin, Final Fantasy is here.
The World of FF, Vividly Resurrected.
The nostalgic scenery has been made more beautiful. Newly depicted scenes and events have been added. Even players who enjoyed the adventure back then will find themselves creating new memories from this.
Dramatic Battle Scenes!
The side-view battles have been renewed on a large scale, making the screen overflow with a more immersive feel. Also, all of the spell graphics have been made more dramatic, livening up the battles.
A Further Refined System!
Cutting edge at the time of its release, the gameplay system has been brought back along with the addition of more convenience and functionality. Menu screens have been constructed in the style of the latest Final Fantasy titles, making for an easier viewing and playing experience.
Final Fantasy (PlayStation) (10.3.02)
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 1 * II Advance / Dawn of Souls (7.29.04)
Releasing shortly after the PS1 version, many players have fond memories of the GBA port which offered a smoother experience by eliminating the loading and allowing portability, which long, turn based RPGs are well suited for.
(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by Starwolf_UK, RFH, and Guard_Master.)
The originals of the FF series [Final Fantasy I*II] have been fully renewed on the GBA!!
Final Fantasy
In the grand story encompassing the crystals, the job selection system offers a high degree of individuality in the series' starting point, Fantasy].
Enjoyed only on the Game Boy Advance, the added dungeon [Soul of Chaos] features the appearance of several boss characters throughout the history of the FF series!
Final Fantasy II
Highly individualistic characters are interwoven throughout an emotionally impactful story. Additionally, the [Proficiency Degree System] and [Word Memory System] are highly original systems within FFII to charm players.
Only experienced on the Game Boy Advance: The added story [Soul of Re-birth]. Introduced to the story...in order to maintain peace in the world, a number of scattered, deceased heroes shall draw upon and open up their souls in one more tale.
Final Fantasy (PlayStation Portable) (4.19.07)
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.
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