I’ve spent the last few weeks diving into Square Enix’s Pixel Remaster of Final Fantasy V. As a lifelong explorer of open-world delights, I couldn’t resist uncovering both hidden gems and dusty corners. Originally released in 1992 for the SNES, this 2D remake revives one of the series’ most inventive entries. Here’s my take, from overall impressions to replay value, with a touch of behind-the-scenes lore.
Overall Impressions
Final Fantasy V’s Pixel Remaster remains a classic JRPG at its core. It paved the way for later innovations in the series. The job system stands out most—no other entry offered such freedom to mix roles like Ninja, Summoner, or Mime. Still, it isn’t flawless. The story feels light compared to later cinematic FFs, and this remaster cuts four jobs and some end-game challenges found in past ports. Compared to today’s open-world RPGs, FFV feels linear, but the world map still invites exploration. If you crave strategy over spectacle, this throwback will reward you.
Gameplay Mechanics
The real joy comes from experimenting with jobs. I spent hours testing gear on one character, turning monsters into toys once I mastered the right mix of abilities. Discovering rare powers like “Learning” on Blue Mages led to epic battles. I’ll never forget defeating a random boss by pairing Berserker’s “Frenzy” with Dragoon’s “Jump.” On the downside, players report cursor-memory bugs that sometimes target allies by mistake, especially with the Healing Staff. Without bonus jobs from earlier versions, progression can plateau once you’ve cracked the best combos. Still, the early-game experimentation hooks you fast.
Story and Characters
FFV tells a simple “crystals vs. fiends” tale, never reaching the emotional depth of VIII or X. Yet the writing remains charming. The four heroes—Bartz the wanderer, Lenna the princess, Galuf the elder, and Faris the pirate—form a likable group. World-building centers on each Crystal’s lore, giving a steady sense of discovery as you trek from desert ruins to underwater realms. While the cast doesn’t undergo dramatic arcs, their camaraderie and banter keep the adventure warm and fun.
Visuals and Graphics
The Pixel Remaster polishes sprites with sharper animation, richer colors, and smoother menus. Towns like Tycoon and Karnak feel nostalgic yet fresh, while new spell effects—Cure III’s swirling mist or Meteor’s fiery blast—shine on modern screens. Still, these visuals are firmly “old school.” There are no voice-overs or sweeping camera angles. If you expect cinematic flair, you may feel limited. For retro fans, though, this is pixel art at its most vibrant.
Sound and Music
Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack returns in lovely, chip-tune–meets-orchestra form. From the triumphant Overworld theme to the haunting Opera House number, the music elevates every scene. Battle on the Big Bridge still sends a thrill through me, and ambient tracks in the Lix Desert or Exdeath Castle layer in suspense. Sound effects remain crisp—swords slash, spells crackle, and victory chimes ring out with satisfying clarity. No voice acting here, but the tunes alone are worth the price of admission.
Difficulty and Replayability
Final Fantasy V can be tough if you dive in blind, especially when facing fiendish bosses with randomized abilities. The job system’s depth means you’ll want multiple playthroughs to test niche builds—from a full-party Mime run to all-Dragoon squads. On the downside, Pixel Remaster’s current “superbosses” fall quickly under a well-tuned party, and without extra jobs or hidden dungeons, end-game content feels sparse. If you’re driven by challenge, consider self-imposed limitations—no leveling beyond a cap, job-swap bans, or speedruns—to keep the adventure fresh.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Final Fantasy V was originally planned as a side story to FF II but grew into a full sequel that shaped the series’ future. Thanks to fan petitions, the Pixel Remaster updates modernized the game while preserving its classic charm, making it accessible for a new generation. The innovative job system introduced here became a hallmark of RPG design, later influencing Square Enix titles like Tactics Ogre and inspiring mechanics in today’s indie RPGs.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy V’s Pixel Remaster is a must-play for RPG strategists and retro enthusiasts. You’ll fall in love with its job system and iconic soundtrack, even if the story feels lightweight and end-game content is slimmer than in past re-releases. Bugs are minor but noticeable, and modern gamers may crave more visual flair. Still, unlocking that perfect party combo and overhauling a boss battle never gets old.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you’ve never experienced the magic of FFV’s job system, this pixel-perfect journey is an essential stop on your RPG map. Just be prepared to craft your own challenges when the final credits roll.
