Final Fantasy II (Origins)

Score - 45

Release: 2003

Platform Played: PlayStation 1

Developer: Square

Overview

This particular version of FFII was a remake on the PlayStation in a bundle with FFI. This remake was much cleaner than the original version but still had its flaws. At its core it still revolves around an unconventional leveling system where characters grew stronger based on their actions. This was the 2nd entry in the series, and it focused on a completely different progression system, Square has always been bold but this time It was a step in the wrong direction.

The Good

The best part about the game is more of its value as a relic in that the progression system for the 80s is a completely insane idea so the allure of something with so much flexibility and control was magical. You could attack your own character to raise his def/hp. It forced you to use your resources to level your spells and it forced you to pick weapon styles and stick with them. It gave a front and back mechanic that would give you strategic formation which was something the 1st entry of the series didn’t do. The story was fairly linear and for the most part made sense.

The Bad

The system that seems way too complex for its time was "(SURPRISE!) too complex for its time. The game ends up being a grind fest where you’re kind of outside of a town just beating the hell out of your own characters to power level them and then heal back up. Sometimes the hits register for xp or the spells and sometimes they don’t. The game has one of the worst RPG themes of progression in the fact that you cannot naturally flow through the game, for any normal skilled player you HAVE to grind, and grind in an unconventional way that gets very repetitive very fast. The story direction isn’t great and there are times that your choices are either look up where to go or explore the entire map until something works.

Final Verdict

Even though the Origins version of the game improved some minor issues it is still a subpar experience. In terms of polish and enjoyability FFII takes a step back from its predecessor in the name of boldness. The game offers some very unique progression systems and puts Square’s bravery on full display. Final Fantasy is the greatest RPG series of all time, but this insert is just along for the ride.