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Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 12 May 08
User Rating
8 (1 vote) -
More Screens (5 total)
Overview
I'm not going to go in-depth here at all for a number of reasons. One being there's just no reason to spoil anything about Final Fantasy VI's story line and two, there's not much to say about Final Fantasy V's story (keep in mind that these really are two completely different games, each with its own pluses and minus.) Final Fantasy VI is very deep, mainly because there is no main character which really adds 3 dimensions to all the characters. Most of the storyline is optional. Yes, that's right..optional. You can finish the game without completing any of the sidequests, but a lot of the character growth comes from the sidequests. I won't bore you with Final Fantasy V's story but I will say that it's the most shallow and boring storyline ever found in an FF game, and a horrible translation doesn't help matters either. The translation reminds me of Final Fantasy VII's translation and we know how bad that one was (got dang spank hair kid shinra will eat ha ha us) but nonetheless, its still nice to play through any Final Fantasy game, even Final Fantasy V.
Gameplay
Almost everyone reading this are mostly interested in Final Fantasy V's gameplay, so I'll start there. FF V uses the job system. That's right, the same system found in Final Fantasy Tactics. It works like this - each character has 22 possible jobs or classes which you assign, such as knight, wizard, thief, dancer, lancer, and my favorite the drunk. Each class has its own innate strengths and weaknesses. AP gained from battle will build up, and eventually unlock secondary abilities which lead to some very deep and strategic gameplay such as using the class thief and then placing the knights armor on him, which needless to say creates an infinite amount of combinations and customization.
Now on to Final Fantasy VI's gameplay. Final Fantasy VI's plays a lot simpler and less customizable then V, but it's still one of the best. Each character has his or her set of unique abilities that are unlocked as you go through battles and gain exp and ap, like new espers (summons) for Terra to morph into and so fourth. It's all pretty standard FF fare, so I'll move on to the next section.
Graphics
First, I have to say that the new FMVs are fantastic. Seeing Kafka in full motion 3D sent shivers down my spine. It was the most eerie feeling you can experience, but only if you're familiar with Kafka already. Once you have beaten the game. the unlocked artwork in the bonus section is simply fantastic. You'll be amazed when you compare the pre-production photos with the final version - not because there so different, but because there almost identical. The actual gameplay graphics however are a different story. Those expecting Final Fantasy VIII's graphics look elsewhere because you won't find them here. The games do bring back some old feelings I remembered from my earlier playing days. The colors are sharp, the edges are crisp, and what else do you want? These games are 6 and 8 years old and that's really all there is to say about the graphics of Final Fantasy Anthology.
Fun Factor
Final Fantasy Anthology has lot of replay value - whether trying to come up with the perfect combination for a character in Final Fantasy V, or if its uncovering a new secret in FF VI. I just don't know if I would call it fun. Its addictive, like Coca-Cola™, but it's certainly not fun. That's the way these two games are.
Overall
Final Fantasy Anthology offers great value for your money (2 games in one!). Not only will it help show all the newer fans the roots of the series, it will give those in need some serious gameplay. I mean for the price of one game, you get two fantastic RPGs, and bonus music CD featuring the music from the series. All that aside, Final Fantasy Anthology is simply a must-have title in your collection. RPG fans should love this game, but wouldn't do much for those newbies who are more accustomed to more modern titles such as Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX.
- Gameplay
10.0 - Graphics
4.0 - Fun Factor
4.0 - Overall
8.0
