I remember the first time I stepped into the world of FINAL FANTASY II back in the late ’80s. A fresh, ambitious tale of war, loss and hope that built on its predecessor’s template while forging its own path. When Square Enix released this fully remodeled 2D edition on July 28, 2021, I knew I had to revisit Firion and his friends with fresh eyes. As a seasoned explorer of open-world realms and retro treasures alike, I found myself drawn into an experience that balances nostalgia with modern polish. Here’s how this Pixel Remaster–style release holds up today.
Overall Impressions
From the opening notes of the arranged soundtrack to the crisp, chibi-style pixels that dance across the screen. FINAL FANTASY II immediately reminded me why this entry was such a bold experiment for Square in 1988. The timeless story of four youths caught in an empire’s march still carries emotional weight. Even if its structure feels more linear than modern open-world epics. Compared to its peers, original FF I Pixel Remaster, or later titles, the remake leans into simplicity. Yet that simplicity is part of its charm. It’s less about sprawling continents and more about personal sacrifice, tragic twists, and the creative leveling system that has made this entry infamous. If you’re expecting a sprawling sandbox, you won’t find it here. But if you crave a condensed, focused narrative wrapped in lovingly redrawn pixels, this edition holds delightful surprises.
Gameplay Mechanics
What stands out most, beyond the obvious nostalgia, is the game’s unique “level-up by use” system. To raise your sword skill, strike enemies; to hone magic, cast spells again and again. Punching your own party member to boost HP is less effective than fighting higher-rank foes. User forums note that battling rank-6 enemies yields six times more HP “experience” than rank-1 foes, but the gag remains. In practice you simply advance through the story’s dungeons and side encounters, and stats climb naturally.
That said, the grind can feel lengthy. Spells require dozens of casts to progress a single tier, and raising everything to max level is an exercise in patience—unless you focus on only your core toolkit (Cure, Esuna, basic attack spells) and leave the rest at mid-rank. I found it helpful to spread magic spells across my party rather than load one character with every incantation, echoing recent player advice. These mechanics were novel in 1988, and they still spark debate today: some praise the freedom, others bemoan the tedium.
Story and Characters
FINAL FANTASY II dared to be a “war story.” Four young heroes—Firion, Maria, Guy and the reluctant rebel Leila—rise against the iron-fisted Palamecian Empire. Characters vanish, sacrifices sting, and your decision to equip guest allies with your best gear can feel like a gamble: lose them and you lose your investment. Critics at the time balked at this risk, yet it underscores the developers’ message: even champions fall in a world at war. The plot’s straightforward arcs and archetypal villains foreshadow later, richer narratives in the series. While it may lack the depth of FFVI’s ensemble or FFIX’s whimsical charm, its raw ambition shines through. Key moments—Maria’s reunion, the Emperor’s shadowy plot—remain memorable.
Visuals and Graphics
Square Enix entrusted lead pixel artist Kazuko Shibuya’s style to guide this remake, and the result is both nostalgic and fresh. Towns brim with detail: lamplit inns, stoic guards, and bustling market stalls feel alive in pixel form. World maps are rendered with vibrant terrain textures, making overworld exploration a joy. Character sprites boast expressive animations—attacks sparkle, magic circles glow, and the Emperor’s looming profile chills the screen. Though not a full 3D overhaul, the hand-crafted 2D art packs personality and respects the original’s spirit.
Sound and Music
Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic score returns in lovingly arranged form, courtesy of composer Tsutomu Narita. From the heroic march of Lowtown to the somber strains of the Imperial Castle theme, the soundtrack underscores every twist. Battle music crackles with energy, and victory fanfares feel triumphant. Sound effects—swords clanging, magic fizzles, the final boss’s roar—are punchy and clear. No voice acting here, but the chiptune-meets-orchestral upgrade more than compensates, enhancing the atmosphere without veering into overproduction.
Difficulty and Replayability
By modern standards, FINAL FANTASY II sits in the moderate difficulty range. Random encounters can be frequent, and boss fights demand you manage magic resources carefully. The unique leveling system ensures you can’t simply grind one stat and steamroll bosses—you must fight varied foes and cast spells to grow. Replay value hinges on your love for retro RPG design and collecting every spell rank or uncovering hidden treasures. Speaking of which: don’t miss the chest on the Vulture ship in the mid-game, and be sure to learn all the Key Words for crucial dialogue paths. Multiple save slots—20 autosaves and room for more—invite you to experiment with different party setups or challenge yourself to minimal-grind runs.
Trivia and Fun Facts
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster revives the 1988 classic—the first in the series to introduce continuous character names and a persistent world map—and builds on its success, having sold over 600,000 copies in Japan and cementing Square’s reputation. Now available on PS4, Switch, Steam, and mobile with up to 60 FPS and newly recorded sound effects, it showcases Tsutomu Narita’s expert rearrangements of Uematsu’s themes under veteran pixel artist Kazuko Shibuya’s supervision. A cheeky “HP up by hitting self” trick adds a playful nod to the original’s design.
Final Thoughts
FINAL FANTASY II (2021 Remodel) bridges past and present in satisfying fashion. It leans heavily on nostalgia, but the sharpened visuals, enhanced audio and quality-of-life tweaks make this a worthy revisit for series veterans—and a neat window into the franchise’s early storytelling ambitions for newcomers. The grindy mechanics won’t appeal to everyone, yet they remain an intriguing experiment in growth-by-use. I tip my hat to Square Enix for preserving a classic and giving it new shine.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The game shines with charming pixel art and a standout soundtrack that immediately draws players into its world. Bold story beats deliver memorable moments, while faithful animation breathes life into every scene. Moreover, the cohesive aesthetic and audio design work in harmony to evoke nostalgia and deepen immersion, making this title a standout retro-inspired adventure.
However, the experience can be hindered by a lengthy grind that drags down pacing. Additionally, the narrative feels somewhat thin compared to later entries in the series, offering fewer emotional twists. Finally, limited open exploration restricts freedom, leaving exploration enthusiasts craving more variety and opportunities for discovery.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or to sample RPG history, FINAL FANTASY II’s 2021 remake delivers a concise, heartfelt journey. Keep an eye on hidden chests, spread out your spells, and brace for a war-torn tale that dared to change the rulebook.
Add FINAL FANTASY II Pixel Remaster to your Steam collection!
