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In a world scarred by the War of the Magi, the Espers, wielders of the mystical force called Magicite, chose exile to prevent humans from exploiting their powers. A millennium later, the Gestahlian Empire rediscovers Magicite, intertwining it with technology to forge Magitek warmachines, aiming to conquer the world. Terra, an unwilling soldier, breaks free from the empire's control during an attack on Narshe, losing her memories but gaining her freedom. In a quest for redemption, she joins the Returners to thwart the empire and unveil her forgotten past.
Final Fantasy VI stands as a pinnacle in the series, emphasizing narrative and character depth. While FFIV laid the foundation for story-driven games, FFV took a more gameplay-centric approach. VI, along with VII, contends for the coveted title of "Best Final Fantasy," and the Pixel Remaster for VI, the latest in Square Enix's series, might just claim that throne.
If you're new to Pixel Remasters, a brief rundown is in order. Previous versions of numbered Final Fantasy games on modern devices suffered from poor quality, replacing original pixel art with lackluster designs. Square Enix responded to fan concerns by recreating the classic pixel style. Despite some changes, like widescreen support, a music player with orchestrated soundtracks, and a redone translation, the essence remains unchanged. FFVI, the last in this series, builds upon its predecessors and stands out as an exceptional entry.
Evolving from FFV, FFVI abandons the job system, instead spreading its concept across a diverse cast. Each character boasts unique abilities; for instance, Locke, the thief, can steal, while Sabin, the martial artist, executes powerful Blitz techniques. Magic, initially wielded by Terra and Celes, becomes customizable for any character through Espers. The party structure dynamically shifts, ensuring engagement with various characters and their abilities throughout the adventure.
FFVI maintains a linear narrative in its early stages, gradually opening up for player-driven exploration in the second half. While some may find the initial linearity slow, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the cast's abilities and character dynamics.
The game's characters stand out as some of the franchise's most likable and relatable. The love story between Locke and Celes feels genuine, and Celes's struggle with suicide presents a remarkably relatable portrayal in video games. Terra, with her unique design, remains a standout protagonist, earning her place among the series' best. The Opera Scene, a memorable segment, receives a fresh shine in this remaster.
While the majority of the game maintains its bright, 2D pixel art, the Opera Scene adopts a more modern HD-2D style, akin to Octopath Traveler. Visual improvements in certain segments enhance the overall experience, providing a delightful blend of the classic and contemporary.
In line with the Pixel Remaster series, FFVI impresses with its visuals and music. However, the font choice remains a glaring issue, requiring players to delve into the game's files for a fix. Despite this flaw, the game's fantastic presentation and compelling storytelling make it a standout entry in the Pixel Remaster collection.
Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster on iOS preserves the magic of the classic while introducing visual enhancements and quality of life improvements. A compelling narrative, diverse characters, and a revamped Opera Scene make it a worthy addition to the Pixel Remaster series, despite a persistently irksome font choice.
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