Earlier this week, Square Enix released Final Fantasy Origins on the PlayStation Network. The compilation of the first two Final Fantasy games are but one of the many ports and remakes of the original NES games, and the first to introduce opening FMV cinematics to both titles. Before you take a dive into the past, check out what makes this version unique.
Released back in 2003 for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy Origins is just about a decade old now. The game itself shares many similarities with the Wonder Swan Color remakes that are exclusive to Japan, but came packaged with a bevy of new presentation upgrades such as a remastered soundtrack and FMV sequences. Nobuo Uematsu and Tsuyoshi Sekito, alum of the now-defunct The Black Mages, composed and arranged music for the titles.
Pre-rendered cinematics serve as the prologue for each game, bringing to life new character designs for the Warrior of Light and the cast of Final Fantasy II. The new in-game sprites reflected designs originally produced by Yoshitaka Amano many years ago. While minimal, the FMV cutscenes do have voice acting, the only PlayStation Final Fantasy to do so.
Final Fantasy Origins keeps the spell tier system of the original Final Fantasy I intact, instead of a MP system that was introduced in its sequel.
Subsequent ports and remakes on the PSP, GBA, and for smartphones, feature additional content such as new dungeons and extra scenarios. For those without the convenience of a handheld gaming platform, Final Fantasy Origins is your best bet to experience a bit of series nostalgia, remixed for the PlayStation era.
Final Fantasy Origins is available for download today on the PlayStation Network for $9.99.
