Final Fantasy 3 Game by Square Reviewed by Philip Wesley dmgice@yahoo.com Size: 24 Megabits Save: Battery, 3 slots Released: 1992 Works with: The Super Nintendo **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: This game is infamous. Really. People who are hardcore RPGamers still talk about this game and reference it. This game is actually Final Fantasy 6 in Japan. It's surname is: "The Grand Finale". In fact, this game is supposed to be the end of the Final Fantasy series. What about Final Fantasy 7, 8, etc? They are essentially, new games slapped with the Final Fantasy logo to make you buy them. Hmm. Anyways, this game should be an interesting review.. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The game is story driven. Thankfully, the game's story is not cliched like so many other RPGs out there. There's no damsel in peril or kingdom to save. The story starts out simple, 1,000 years have passed after a war that literally ended all magic. (This takes place after the world is nearly sucked in by the MU. FF5.) The worl has become of place of steam, and engines. High technology reigns; but those in power seek to revive the dread destructive force known as magic. Part of that war was fought with Espers. A frozen Esper was found in the mine caverns of Narshe and a team of three Imperial troops are sent to investigate the situation. If I say anything more about the plot... I'll give away too much. The game is long and rightfully so. The gameplay is varied and deep. It is like playing a book. The story comes to life at an excellent pace. The game moves fairly linear at first.. than after a certain point, all Hell breaks loose and the game becomes non-linear. There's some "mini-game" like parts of the game and tons of once per game situations. You're timed in some places, and the gane has a ton of neat twists. The villians and heroes are memorable. Everything about the game's menu-based battles is easily customized to suit the gamer. There's tons of stuff to do. The game is truly an epic with LOTS of side quest and unusual scenarios. Liked: BILLIONS of secrets, multiple endings, an unusual multi-player option, hidden characters, tons of variables, lots of items, lots of magic, and easy to use items like Magicite. Battles aren't that long. Hated: Leveling up and exploring is time consuming. The game's plot has some parts that kinda of get to you; because they don't seem requited. It is possible to level up your characters to the point that they are so strong.. it's ridiculous! You can beat the game with out many of the characters. (But, than the ending is a bit sad.) **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The enemies are hand drawn and everything else is done in sprites. Mode 7 effects are used liberally to create almost 3-D areas and some impressive spells. The main character sprites have tons of animation; but are kinda short. People who have only played FF7 and up; won't be spoiled with eye-candy. But, you know... I find it easier to associate with those tiny sprites than a polygonal guy with spiky hair. They may look limited; but a ton of emotions and gestures can be shown with those sprites. The bosses are cool. And the ending is awesome. (It's also pretty long....) There are just TONS of neat things. Lots of detail. Beautiful locals. Liked: The graphics... they are gorgeous. Hated: Umm.... nothing. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Final Fantasy 3 has the best soundtrack ever made in my opinion. Do you need a case against Redbook audio? This game is that case. The midi songs are just amazing! The sound is nice and varied as well. There is a stereo sound option. :) This game has the most stirring melodies EVER created for a game. I have not seen a game yet that can match Final Fantasy 3 in terms of pure emotional sound. Liked: The amazing sound. Hated: Kefka's demonic laughter... it still brings back bad memories of that villian... **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: This game is the pinnacle of Square's design - Game Play and Music wise. square hasn't made a game yet that can come close to the sheer gameplay quality of this title. The play control is nice, there is a lot of menus; but that's okay. LOTS of customizable aspects. Very nice. Liked: This is what Square can do if they concentrate. Hated: The story and some elements of the game were censored and removed from the game for US release. (Square of America and Nintendo of America's current standards for that time.) **************************************************************************** Improve: Don't censor it and ummm... attempt to port it to Game Boy Color. RIYL: RPGs. You are NOT a true RPG player if you have not played this game. **************************************************************************** Final Words: If you see it. Buy it. it's just that simple. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: ***** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 25 out of 25 Final Score: 100% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: None.