Final Fantasy I: Anniversary Edition
For those familiar with the game (e.g., you already own some combination of the NES, PSX, and GBA versions), then this re-release might not be the best use of thirty bucks. The only real difference between the PSP version and the others are its audio/video. The graphics and sound have been redone, utilizing the PSP's rendering capabilities to produce a visually appeasing presentation. Final Fantasy I has never looked so nice. The audio aspect has some minor improvements, but it isn't anything substantial. There are also new cut scenes incorporated into the game. And like the GBA version, there is no restriction for saving (in the NES version you could only save at certain designated points.)
For those unfamiliar with the game, here are some details about it. The story is about four special people who are chosen to be the Warriors of Light. These four heroes have to save the world from evil. Scattered throughout the corners of the world are four great crystals. The crystals are the light of the world. Unfortunately, the four Fiends of Chaos have blocked that light and taken the power of the crystals for themselves. The four heroes must regain control of the four crystals and tame the very nature of the world (fire, earth, water, and wind) and drive away evil.
The general game play is as basic as role-playing games get. In the beginning, you can customize your party and select the hero's classes. The classes include fighter, thief, monk (formerly black belt), red mage, white mage, and black mage. The fighter is your basic warrior and can use a wide arsenal of weapons and armor. The thief's strength lies in speed and can use many different small weapons and light armor. The monk is a master of martial arts and has a very limited selection for weapons and armor; however, the monk's best friend is his bare hands. The red mage is a special class that encompasses a warrior, white mage, and black mage. He can equip most weapons and armor, as well as use a limited pool of white and black magic. The white and black mages are both magic users. They cannot use many weapons or armor. However, they respectively have full access to white (defensive) and black (offensive) magic.
Beyond selecting the character class, there is not much customization. Besides magic, the characters do not have special abilities or skills. Magic is acquired by purchasing spells in a store. There are nine different levels of magic and magic users can learn up to three spells from each level. Generally, there are four different spells to select from. This means that you have to choose carefully which spells you want to use. Some are more useful than others... However, while there is no further character customization, at a certain point in the game your characters "mature" and transform into an advanced class associated with their initial class. The maturity allows them to use stronger weapons/armor, upper level magic, and (in some cases) turns non-magic users into magic users.
The game is played by navigating a world map, towns, castles, and dungeons. As you progress, you will acquire vehicles to use for transportation (ship, canoe, air ship). Battles are encountered on a random basis while navigating the world map or a dungeon. The battle system is turn-based; it is as simple as they get. One major difference from the original release is that if you attack an opponent that has been defeated, you will automatically target another. In battle you can attack, use items (portions, equipment with magical properties, etc.), cast magic (if a spellcaster), change equipment, defend, and flee.
As previously mentioned, the game play is pretty simplistic. A crude summary of the game entails moving from point A to point B to point C. All the while, you talk to certain non-playable characters to trigger advancement in the plot. There are random encounters along the way and a few tough bosses. Despite my crude depiction, there is still a little more. Some strategy/thought is required in tough battles. And depending on your party selection, it might be really tough. I usually play with three monks (black belts) and a white mage. They can't use heavy armor or strong weapons, so it can be difficult surviving. But it is also worth it, because the three monks get pretty darn powerful.
In the end, Final Fantasy I: Anniversary Edition is a worthy release for role-playing game enthusiasts. Despite the game's simplistic nature and its age, it has and continues to hold up very well as an enjoyable, fun role-playing game. As a person who has played through it several times, this is one of the few games I really enjoy playing again. Newcomers who have never played the original NES release or subsequent remakes (PSX, GBA) will definitely want to pick this game up. For those who already own the game in any combination of NES, PSX, and GBA. The portability aspect of the PSP version is great, as well as the enhanced graphics. On that note, I recommend double-dipping.