Tr0llF13nd
1997
I know that the PSX version is utter pants, but it was my first exposure to this game and the first version I completed. Not much can be said that hasn't already been said about this, being the first Final Fantasy to really focus on a deeper, overarching narrative. Some elements feel incredibly trite and generic nowadays, but still holds a special place for me as the first pre-Playstation Final Fantasy that I ever completed.
1994
Brutally difficult, and visually stunning; this was a huge upgrade from the previous DLC stumble. The bosses are unreal, and the level design wonderful...but I still give absolutely zero shits about Slave Knight Gael...a character who showed up for all of a couple of minutes previous to this. Dope boss fight though, and a fitting end to the series. I genuinely hope they leave the Dark Souls name at that.
1996
I can't help but see this through nostalgia tinted glasses. This introduced me to the world of online play; something I had to incredibly wary of falling into further as the pull of addiction was STRONG with this. Sure, it doesn't hold up nowadays with a myriad of diablo-likes now available, but it's still a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. Pour one out for Blizzard's glory days.
For me, this was the least enjoyable DLC From Software has put together. It felt like a retread of the Painted World of Ariamis, but not in a good way. The Champion's Gravetender was incredibly lack-lustre and the addition to the lore of the game was more confusing and unnecessary than anything. I also found Sister Friede to be an egregious, frustrating three phase slog. I love me a snow-zone in Souls games, but this just wasn't it.
Having basically finished the main story, and now moved onto the DLC, Hearts of Stone, I can safely say this is easily one of my favourite open world adventures. Playing at higher difficulty provides a satisfying challenge, the world is immersive, the characters deep and quests legitimately interesting and diverse. Gwent also slaps harder than a bad step child.
2003
Love me a job system in Final Fantasy! I really enjoyed the battle system for this as it was quick, flowed well and the dress spheres made for interesting fights...but man they did my boy, Brother, dirty. So many characters are horrendously obnoxious and the story was utterly forgettable. They also made the cardinal sin of forcing interaction with the main mini-game, sphere break, making the 3rd chapter a truly miserable experience.
1998
Damn this game holds a special place in my heart. It hasn't aged well at all, but I still find time to play it several times a year.
Playing this before the second was released felt like a revelation in gaming, and the possibilities felt endless. Although the second game improves on everything in almost every way, the first is the one I keep coming back to. It's in my top 5 of all time for a reason!
Playing this before the second was released felt like a revelation in gaming, and the possibilities felt endless. Although the second game improves on everything in almost every way, the first is the one I keep coming back to. It's in my top 5 of all time for a reason!
1997
A truly innovative combat system, characters that just reek of whimsy and charm, and a fantastic child-like sense of adventure that's a joy to come back to. This was a regular spin in my teenage years, and has held up better than a lot of other RPG's from the time.
The combination of 3D environments and 2D pixel characters can really make your eyes bounce off initially, but you'll quickly adjust.
The combination of 3D environments and 2D pixel characters can really make your eyes bounce off initially, but you'll quickly adjust.
2016