As someone who loves finding every secret, grabbing every treasure, and beating every challenge, I approached Square Enix’s Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster with both excitement and caution. The original 1987 game started one of the most famous RPG series but felt outdated in past versions. This fully updated 2D pixel edition, released on July 28, 2021, finally delivers the version I’ve been waiting for—fun, polished, and true to the original. Here’s a closer look at why this version is a gem for longtime fans and a great start for new players.
Overall Impressions
From Cornelia Castle to the final clash with Chaos, Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster captures the original’s essence while smoothing its roughest edges. What stood out most was the balance—combat is tight, exploration rewards curiosity, and the simple story feels deliberate, not lacking. Unlike earlier remakes that veered too far or missed key upgrades, this version hits the mark. Features like revised dialogue, a clear world map, and true random encounter toggles bring welcome modern updates.
Gameplay Mechanics
The classic six-class job system—Fighter, Thief, Black Mage, White Mage, Red Mage, and later upgrades—remains at the heart of the game. Magic still feels like early Dungeons & Dragons, bringing both old-school charm and some real thinking. Each party member plays a unique role in battle, keeping things fresh and giving players choices without being confusing.
Helpful updates make the game smoother without removing the challenge. Being able to turn off random battles helps when retracing your steps or looking for treasure. Still, it’s smart to keep some battles on if you want to beat Chaos.
The fast-forward and auto-battle tools make leveling up much easier. They let you move through basic fights quickly while still keeping some strategy.
Menus and graphics are easier to use than ever. Managing gear and spells feels simple. One of my favorite moments was beating Marilith by using the right elements—a great mix of planning and smart moves. These upgrades make getting 100% feel both fair and satisfying.
Story and Characters
Final Fantasy I offers a delightfully simple narrative: four Warriors of Light, burdened with Zodiac stones, must restore balance to the world. Dialogue is sparse; most lore is delivered through NPCs in towns and dungeons. I found myself chatting with every villager, mapping hidden paths, and piecing together crystal lore. Though the characters are nameless classes, their journey becomes meaningful through gameplay. There’s no Cecil and Rydia drama, but the minimalist storytelling invites your imagination to fill in the gaps.
Visuals and Graphics
The pixel art redesign walks a perfect line between retro and modern. Characters and monsters move fluidly but maintain the charm of the original Famicom sprites. Dungeons and towns burst with color, evoking the SNES era of Final Fantasy VI. Subtle details, like a critter perched on a tavern roof or pond ripples, enhance immersion. On handheld devices, the visuals pop. On larger monitors, the pixel art holds up beautifully..
Sound and Music
This is the first version to offer both the original NES chiptune soundtrack and a fully orchestrated score, supervised by Nobuo Uematsu himself. I played the first half in chiptune mode to capture the authentic 1987 feel, then switched to orchestra for boss fights and overworld exploration. Hearing familiar tracks in full orchestral glory—especially Battle on the Big Bridge-style themes—reminded me why Uematsu’s compositions are legendary. Sound effects are crisp and polished without drowning out the music.
Difficulty and Replayability
Final Fantasy I doesn’t hold your hand. Bosses demand grinding and strategy—no quest markers or hint systems here. Optional dungeons and superbosses extend the 10-hour main campaign. I logged about 15 hours for 100% completion, including every achievement.
The random encounter toggle and auto-battle let players tweak the difficulty. Turn them off for a tougher ride, or use them to skip repetitive battles during exploration. While sidequests are limited, the ones included enhance the final boss’s impact.
Trivia and Fun Facts
Final Fantasy was Square’s last-ditch effort to avoid bankruptcy in 1987. Its unexpected success saved the company and launched one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
The title “Final Fantasy” came from producer Hironobu Sakaguchi, who believed it could be his final game. Ironically, it became a legendary beginning—transforming him into an industry icon and establishing a brand that shaped RPG history.
The Pixel Remaster series honors its roots with care. Supervised by original composers, these editions modernize gameplay while celebrating classic soundtracks. The original sold over 520,000 copies in Japan by 1988. By mid-2023, the remaster collection surpassed one million global sales, proving the franchise’s lasting legacy.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster is the definitive way to experience the franchise’s origins. It balances nostalgia with modern ease-of-play. New players will love the streamlined systems and clean visuals. Veterans will appreciate the enhancements that finally do the classic justice.
Though the story is brief and the combat can become repetitive, the charm, music, and strategic flexibility make it a joy to complete. For anyone curious about where Final Fantasy began—or just craving a polished retro RPG—this remaster delivers.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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