Hi there! I recently dove into World of Final Fantasy, and as a fan of cozy adventures and gentle puzzles, I found this game a charming twist on the classic Final Fantasy formula. Here’s my friendly, laid-back take on its highs, lows, and everything in between.
Overall Impressions
Right from the first chibi-style cutscene, World of Final Fantasy won me over with its adorable visuals and upbeat tone. It feels like a mash-up of a soothing creature collector and a classic turn-based RPG. Square Enix even packed in cameos of beloved heroes, which made me smile every time I spotted a familiar face. At the same time, it offers fresh mechanics that set it apart from, say, the mainline Final Fantasy or Pokémon games.
What really stood out? The art style, the monster-stacking battles, and that warm sense of nostalgia. On the other hand, a handful of technical hiccups on PC and a storyline that never digs too deep held it back a bit. Compared to other cozy RPGs, though, it still strikes a nice balance between soothing exploration and strategic combat.
Gameplay Mechanics
I love how you capture, customize, and evolve Mirages (the game’s adorable monsters). Stacking Mirages in battles adds a puzzle layer that keeps you thinking. Each stack dictates your stats, abilities, and even elemental weaknesses. It’s simple to learn, yet the deeper you go, the more fun combos you discover.
That said, some players have run into crashes when launching from Steam. I hit the same bug myself—my game closed the instant it opened. The fix? Run the .exe as administrator or create a desktop shortcut. Once I did that, the game ran smoothly. Battles loaded quickly, and I never saw another crash.
Overall, I’d say the combat works really well once you sort out the launch issue. If you love turn-based fights with a twist, this one will keep you hooked.
Story and Characters
You play as twins Reynn and Lann, who wake up in the magical world of Grymoire with no memories. Their goal? Rediscover their past and save the future. Along the way, you run into classic Final Fantasy heroes—Cloud, Squall, Yuna, and more—reimagined in chibi form.
The story stays light and heartwarming, rarely veering into darker territory. That makes it perfect for unwinding after a busy day. I grew especially fond of Lann’s playful antics and Reynn’s level-headed kindness. They share a sweet sibling bond that carries the narrative. If you’re after deep character arcs, you might find the plot somewhat surface-level. Still, if you’re in it for cozy adventure and plenty of cameos, you’ll be smiling the whole way.
Visuals and Graphics
World of Final Fantasy looks like a storybook that sprang to life. The chibi art style is downright adorable, and environments—deserts, forests, and ruins—burst with color. Character designs feel true to their original games but with a delightful miniature twist.
On PC, I did notice the occasional texture pop-in, but it never spoiled the game’s charm. Cutscenes remain crisp and vibrant, too. All in all, the visuals feel warm and welcoming—perfect for relaxed play sessions.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack blends new tunes with rearranged Final Fantasy classics. Composer Masashi Hamauzu and friends deliver melodies that tug at the heartstrings. I’d find myself humming tracks long after I quit.
Sound effects are clear and cute. Mirages squeak when captured and cheer when they evolve. English and Japanese voice options add personality. I tend to play in English for those cozy evenings, and the VAs do a solid job bringing the twins and their friends to life.
Difficulty and Replayability
The game eases you in with simple battles and clear objectives. Boss fights grow more challenging later, but you can level-up or seek stronger Mirages to balance the scale. If you enjoy mastering mechanics, you’ll spend hours tweaking your Mirage stacks.
After the main story, post-game content unlocks tougher dungeons, secret bosses, and legendary Mirages. I jumped back in to find rare creatures and push my team’s limits. It made me feel like I was exploring a fresh new chapter. Players who love completionism will appreciate the extra challenges and collectibles.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
Directed by Hiroki Chiba to welcome new Final Fantasy fans and co-written by series veteran Kazushige Nojima—renowned for crafting iconic franchise narratives—this entry harnesses Unreal Engine 4 to deliver smooth, colorful visuals. Originally released on PS4 and Vita in 2016 before arriving on PC in late 2017, it boasts over 200 Mirages inspired by classic creatures and summons from past Final Fantasy titles. As a result, both newcomers and longtime aficionados enjoy a seamless blend of nostalgia and modern graphical fidelity.
Final Thoughts
World of Final Fantasy brings a cozy world full of cute monsters, strategic battles, and nostalgic cameos. Its chibi art and lighthearted story make it a perfect pick-me-up after a long day. Technical hiccups on PC can frustrate, but simple launch fixes smooth the way. If you enjoy gentle RPGs with a dash of challenge, this one’s worth your time.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
It earns high marks for its charm and creative combat. I lose one point for story depth and initial PC bugs. Even so, I’ve replayed dungeons to collect every Mirage. And that to me feels like a cozy victory.
Whether you’re a longtime Final Fantasy fan or just seeking a relaxed RPG with a twist, World of Final Fantasy will welcome you with open arms. Grab your Mirage stack, and let the magic begin!
