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The Final Fantasy series has long been a cherished part of gaming history, with titles like Final Fantasy VII leaving an indelible mark on RPG enthusiasts. While this eccentric cousin in the FF family had challenged players before, the remastered version surprised us with a better-than-expected experience, even though it still retained some quirks and frustrations.
In the FF family analogy, FFII stands as the eccentric cousin—related but on the outskirts of the gatherings. This title introduced series staples like chocobos, Cid, and character archetypes, but it also dared to break from tradition. Unlike its predecessors, FFII abandoned the conventional leveling system, emphasizing individual skill and stat building. Actions in battle and equipped weapons determine character statistics and skills, allowing for a unique and personalized growth experience.
Customization in FFII seems straightforward, allowing players to equip any weapon and focus on desired skills. Magic, too, takes a new approach, with characters learning spells through Tomes and improving proficiency by using them. The concept is enticing, promoting player freedom, but the game's gimmicks can be easily exploited. Strategic self-attacks and unconventional grinding methods can lead to a party that excels in unexpected ways, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for creative gameplay.
Creative strategies, like Firion dual-wielding weapons, add depth to FFII's gameplay. FFII's unique gameplay extends beyond its skill system. Learning key words and showcasing items to NPCs drive the narrative forward, offering an interesting yet underutilized dialogue mechanic. The dungeons, however, are a mixed bag—nightmarish and frustrating, with excessive random battles and peculiar designs. Fortunately, the Pixel Remaster introduces an autosave feature in dungeons, mitigating some of the stress associated with traversal.
The Android version of FFII showcases polished pixel art, vibrant character sprites, and detailed enemy designs. The cutscenes and additional details add a visual charm, while the rearranged and remastered soundtrack enhances the overall experience. The dialogue boxes and font may lack aesthetic appeal, but they serve their purpose effectively. The visual and auditory elements elevate the nostalgia factor for long-time fans.
FFII's story, while an improvement over its predecessor, follows a familiar RPG trope of rebellion against an evil empire. The central trio—Firion, Maria, and Guy—lacks extensive development, with side characters offering more depth. While the plot may not wow modern gamers, the bones of an old-school epic are present, albeit underexplored. Princess Hilda and other story-prominent NPCs add depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, for fans committed to completing the FF series, the Pixel Remaster on Android is the recommended version of FFII. Despite its quirks and growing pains, the remaster provides an opportunity to experience this divisive classic. While the strategic sense gained from a revisit made the journey more enjoyable, FFII's peculiarities and frustrations remain.
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