The Final Fantasy series has been a mainstay in the world of RPGs for decades at this point, with a legacy that spans multiple consoles and generations of gamers. With the release of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection on the PlayStation 4, Square Enix aims to bring the classic games of the series to a new audience, while also providing longtime fans with an updated and enhanced experience. So, how does the Pixel Remaster Collection hold up? Let’s take a closer look.
The Pixel Remaster Collection includes six classic Final Fantasy games: Final Fantasy I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. Each game has been given a significant overhaul in terms of graphics and sound, while still retaining the same classic gameplay and storytelling elements that made them so beloved in the first place. The remastered versions of the games feature beautiful pixel art and updated soundtracks that add new depth and complexity to the already rich worlds of each game.
One of the biggest changes that the Pixel Remaster Collection brings to the table is the updated battle system. Each game now features a refined combat system that feels more modern and streamlined than the original versions – including an auto-battle option. Battles are faster-paced and more strategic, with players able to queue up commands and switch between characters on the fly. This makes battles feel more engaging and satisfying than ever before.
Another positive aspect of the Pixel Remaster Collection is the improved localization. The new translations are more faithful to the original Japanese scripts, providing a more accurate portrayal of the game’s characters and storylines. This makes the games feel more cohesive and consistent, and provides a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and mythology across all six games – which were originally produced over a much longer period of time, leading to slight differences.
Each game in the collection has its own unique story and gameplay elements. Final Fantasy I, for example, features a classic story of warriors on a quest to defeat an evil sorcerer, while Final Fantasy II introduces a more character-driven narrative that focuses on a group of rebels fighting against an oppressive empire. Final Fantasy III is notable for its customization system, which allows players to customize their characters and choose different classes as they progress through the game.
Final Fantasy IV is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series, with a deep and emotionally charged storyline that follows the journey of the dark knight Cecil as he tries to redeem himself and save the world. Final Fantasy V is known for its innovative job system, which allows players to mix and match different abilities and classes to create their own unique party compositions. Finally, Final Fantasy VI is often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, with a sprawling story that spans multiple characters and a memorable villain in Kefka.
That being said, there are a few downsides to the Pixel Remaster Collection. For one, some of the games can feel somewhat dated compared to modern RPGs, with slow pacing and relatively simplistic mechanics for those who never played these games back in the day. Additionally, the remastered versions of the games can sometimes feel a bit too easy, with battles that don’t offer much of a challenge. Auto-battle somewhat alleviates this in terms of pacing, but it’s obviously not as rewarding as winning a hard-fought victory.
Overall, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection is a fantastic way to experience some of the most beloved games in the series. The updated graphics and sound, improved localization, and refined combat systems all work together to make the games feel fresh and exciting, while still retaining the classic gameplay and storytelling that made them so iconic in the first place. If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy series, or just love classic RPGs, the Pixel Remaster Collection is definitely worth checking out as an essential part of gaming history.
Score: 8.0/10
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