Which Version of Final Fantasy II Should You Play? - ALL Ports Reviewed & Compared
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- This is a comprehensive review & comparison of Final Fantasy II for the Famicom, Wonderswan Color, PlayStation 1, Game Boy Advance, Mobile, PSP, smart phones, and PC. This includes the recently released Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster as well for PC and smart phones. We cover gameplay changes, bugs, visuals, music, and content differences. This comparison should inform you of any and all significant differences between each different version of the game, enough so that you could decide which version you think you'd prefer.
A special thank you to trintongl for providing feedback & helping me double-check info, as well as several members of the Final Fantasy Wiki & Speedrunning communities who've archived & documented information throughout the years. Their research makes all of my videos possible.
Trintongl on Twitch / trintongl
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Sources:
tcrf.net/Final_Fantasy_II
www.rpgsite.net/feature/11551...
finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/...
ffe.hendersongdi.com/e/esuna-...
/ final_fantasy_ii_mecha...
finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/...
finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/...
finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/...
finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/...
gamefaqs.gamespot.com/psp/937...
chapters:
0:00 - Intro/Famicom
1:10 - Wonderswan Color
5:14 - PlayStation 1
8:19 - Game Boy Advance
12:32 - Mobile (Namco)
14:21 - PSP
15:37 - iOS/Android/Windows Phones
16:56 - Pixel Remaster - Ігри
Addendum info (12.12.22)
The PR versions had various bug fixes and stability improvements. If you still experience stutter, consult fan solutions in the description. The text was only marginally improved via a thinner drop shadow.
I wish you added a conclusion section where you express which version you think is the best one according to you.
This series of yours is invaluable to people like me who never had the opportunity to play almost any of theses games when they first came out, and lets us have an informed choice in WHICH variant to choose, thank you!
Yeah this series KICKS ASS
Man those PSP ports of all the final fantasy games were awesome. Especially final fantasy 4 with the after years.
While i hate After Years, i agree, PSP is still the best one.
Got to be honest for Final Fantasy 1 and 2 to me personally the PSP one looks the best, it has that sweet spot of looking the best and being true to the original. The font is also the best, to me it looks jarring having pixel art for the portraits and world and have HD fonts for everything else.
I honestly never understood why square insists on using HD text on a pixel art games. It doesn't mesh well at all, and creates inconsistencies.
True
They are the training wheels versions, but still fine if you’re trying to experience the story.
Agreed! I'm so happy I picked up the PSP versions at the time of their release. Also have the gba one.
I personally opt to play the PSX version for my first playthrough and then the PSP for a "Remastered experience"
After watching these two videos, I'm really blown away at how greatly they nailed the PSP versions of I & II. Beautiful new sprite art, all of the previous bonus content & features, new renditions of the music, further tweaks to the gameplay, and further updated translations. Completely don't understand why they didn't continue in that vein with the rest of the series and port them to other platforms when they already did literally everything right. They could've just kept bringing every game forward to each new generation with further tweaks, or even none at that point and everybody would be happy. Imagine having a unified version on every platform you can name, because it's Final Fantasy, damn it, and it deserves to be on everything for everyone.
The PSP version of 4 is also by far the best one, and even included the After Years sequel. Its really a shame we didn't just get a port of that... and that the PSP never got around to 6.
@@robbybevard8034 i think the PSP version also has a new chapter in between 4 and Years After. But anyway i don't understand why they didn't port this version on PC, it's the best looking over all 2D remakes and the most complete of the bunch.
Well, not sure why but they did try "revitalizing" FF3 in a way. The DS port had the characters become completely 3D. And, they added names and faces to the cast. This was not done in the OG version and they were 4 random children (Onion Knights) tasked by a talking crystal. This game isn't a best seller, but I do enjoy the looks and thought behind it. They played the safer route in the pixel remaster and redid the OG version. FF4 (as someone had mentioned) did get an epilogue and also a DS 3D remaster (but I'm not sure if the story was changed). I also don't know if FF5 got any remasters (3D or otherwise) as well as continuations. FF6 hasn't received new content (which is mind boggling) but people do hope. FF7 has received a plethora of revitalized content. Spin-offs, movies, and here recently is the game.
Kingdom Hearts pays homage to many characters from the FF series, but for some reason Squall's name was changed to Leon (who is the protagonist for FFII). Selphie from 8, Aerith, Tifa, and Cid from FF7. Later we saw Steiner and his crew from FF8 in Kingdom Hearts 2, as well as Vivi from FF9, and Auron from FF10. Outside of that, Neku and the gang from TWEWY made a cameo in Kingdom Hears: Dream Drop Distance. No other FF characters have made a cameo as of this time in KH.
FF8 did get its own remaster, where they updated the visuals and kept the core game somewhat the same, this is very similar to what they did with FFI and FFII. FF9 has not had any notable remasters at this time, nor any continuations for FF8 or FF9's story. FF10 did get a remastered update for visuals, as well as a second installment (somewhat an epilogue). We can skip FF11, and FF12 got a HUGE remaster for gameplay after a few years. FF13 was their next bread and butter and took center stage as they made 2 sequels for the game. FF14 also took a lot of manpower as they had to rework the game (from the ground up) and basically remaster it into the game it is today. And, FF15 has come and gained ports, but not much else to say.
The pixel remaster is a breath of fresh air, and its nice to know they worked so hard on each of these titles. We could use something different to fill the void of what we see consistently right now. They can also use this to help fill the gap between their work on FF7's remake part 3. Maybe... Else they could just shoot us a Final Fantasy Tactics pixel remaster or something, maybe a sequel to that or another Bravely Default?
@@rewt3406 i think FF5 and 6 are the one with the less versions overall. The two have the original, the PS1 remaster, the GBA remaster, and the mobile version. Maybe because they are the best looking of the 2D era (6 being way better).
@@rewt3406 No remasters for FF5 after GBA, except that terrible mobile port. So still the GBA version is the only really good way to play it in English.
Funny, the PSP flames in the intro look like they're suffering, while the PR version looks like a bunch of Red Souls
Is that one of them there revenants in your profile pic
@@Fractal_blip mebbe
FF2 on PSP has the level up system accelerated compared to the other ones, and doesnt have the cancel bug. With only that, is imo the best version by far and a excellent title by itself along with FF1 and FF4 remakes on the console.
PR version makes you level up *really fast*. There's 0 grind needed to beat the game.
@@SethJV Yeah, but it has a fundamentally flaw compared to the other remakes: the return of the stat penalty.
Is it bad or just a bad details?
I just waiting someone to mod PR osts in the PSP version.
Your series is by far the most informative port comparison series. I know how much work videos like this can take so I just wanted to let you know we definitely appreciate the hard work! Thanks man!
I'd say the Souls of Rebirth is not just more bonus content because it (in addition to actually adding more plot) actually adresses two notable issues with the original game:
1) Guest characters. Guest characters would regularly leave the party permanently, meaning there was little reason to develop them and or give them good equipment that could instead go to your other characters, and the general wisdom among players was to not. Souls of Rebirth feature a good number of the guest characters as it's main party, with the equiment and stats you left them with in the main game, meaning that now anything you invest into them will be paid back with a better starting position in one of the harder parts of the game.
2) Ultima. The programmer of the Famicon version insisted on make what was supposes to be the strongest spell in the game, the Ultima spell, into pretty useless one. Why is that a problem? The plot treats Ultima as the MCs one chance of winning and a huge chunk of the plot and significant sacrifice is invested in getting it and then it just isn't. And it's not like the characters go "oh no, we did all that for nothing, and our one hope is useless" either, they keep treating it like it's going to change the tide. The newer version buffs Ultima up significantly, but it's still not the gamechanger the game presents it as. Except in Souls of Rebirth. There when Ultima is used by the right character, it's a bloodbath of a spell that significantly turn things around for the player. Retroactivly justifying the claims about it in the main game; it is essental, just not for the actual part the game's main characters play in the story.
The data for the PixelRemaster contain some unused "remastered" sprites for content exclusive to Souls of Rebirth, meaning at one point they considred adding it to the PR as well.
is it just me or is that wonderswan sound chip absolutely wonderful?
also, the psp games look so good they make me want to replay FFII again and that's a game I never wanted to replay again.
Personally I love the PSP version best. Wish they just port the whole FF PSP to more modern consoles.
Really happy to see you’re going to be going through the series for these version comparison videos.
I wish we could have the psp version with Pixel Remaster music but I guess we take what we get
I prefer the PSP music, but the PR should have an option to change between any soundtrack.
The Pixel Remaster version is mostly a step back from PSP version aside from music. The Pixel Remaster’s gameplay changes make it harder to train a character in the fisticuffs skill.
There really are some of the best videos on the platform for letting users get the info they need to find out what version of a JRPG they wanna play! Thanks for putting the effort into making these.
This is incredibly comprehensive, even getting down to in-game formulas. You cover every port and show how... curious some of the changes have been along with deep information about what each has to offer. I'll go back and watch your video on FFI too.
This is the most comprehensive comparison I've seen so far. I feel like the quality of your videos is improving. Well done.
I love your series! I found your channel while searching for Final Fantasy content and instantly fell in love with your videos!
I absolutely love these videos! You should definitely make more of these. So informative, so interesting. They’ve gotten me to bust out my final fantasy PSP versions and play them. Good work! More please! Thank you for all the info.
Maybe I'm just a bit of a masochist, but I actually find this game really rewarding. It's nice to be able to choose which stats you want to level up faster, rather than just watching everything raise at the same pace. Also the Rebel Army theme is my favorite in the entire series.
I'd have to say that the Pixel Remaster is probably my favorite version, since it keeps the sprite designs of the NES version and adds more detail, rather than changing the look altogether like the other ports did. And the rearranged music is absolutely incredible! In addition the battles just seem to move much faster, even without the auto battle enabled. But I can see why people would prefer the PSP version, as it does have more extras, and the redone graphics are pretty good. This is probably one of the only games I'd recommend playing any version other than the original, as the Famicom version is just way too frustrating. I've even tried a hack that makes the balancing more fair, and it's still way too tedious.
This black sheep game is one of my favorites. There are probably only one or two NES/Famicom games I've put more time into. Part of the reward is drastically cutting down the grinding and time investment with knowledge of how the game works. The downside is that I have to shout to myself in every FF2 video that hitting yourself for HP and select-canceling are wastes of time.
@@dycedargselderbrother5353 How is it a waste of time? It does work quite well.
@@zanegandini5350 You gain the necessary amount of HP just by playing the game and excessive HP is a net negative toward the end when facing enemies that do proportional damage. HP restoration is comparatively expensive at the beginning of the game, so there will be extra downtime from acquiring money.
Damage is gated by weapon strength so boosting levels does less than acquiring better weapons faster. There is a bigger advantage with shield levels -> evasion -> agility, but you'll most likely max out before the end of the game by keeping shields on the whole time. There is also the matter of slower growth by grinding low rank enemies as opposed to reaching later content faster and gaining levels organically with less resistance. All in all it just adds to the game's play time, which is fine if that's a preference, but that was a complaint of the video while demonstrating time wasters.
@@dycedargselderbrother5353 Yeah, that and other reasons are why i dont play the NES/PS1 releases. I recommend playing the GBA/post GBA remakes
@@sebastianaliandkulche The Souls version strikes a good balance. I'd suggest that for someone who wants a representative taste of the game but doesn't want to deal with the onerous strategic and tactical aspects. The biggest quality of life improvement is not having to unequip your weapon and shield to effectively cast magic. The Souls version of Exit is really cheap, though, and it'd be best if people didn't discover it on their first playthrough.
Hey dude, i love your videos and these comparison ones are my favourite, i just love seeing the difference between each version, keep up the good work my guy :D
This series is SO helpful and very illustrative. I was hoping you would cover FFII since that's one I've always wanted to try out, and now you've given me a good idea :) Thanks so much!
I really don't understand why the pixel remasters didn't base their graphics and art after the PSP releases.
I'm glad it doesn't. I think the pixel remaster looks way better.
@@PieInTheSky9 I mean, to each their own, but since this games were released to "celebrate" the classic FFs they could just put an option to change the graphics in any moment.
Because PSP graphics is hideous.
@@sebastianaliandkulche There is probably modifications of it online that adresses it. If you are a PC user atleast
@@matrix91234 hideous? False
PSP versions of FFI, FFII and FFIV remain definitive. It is a shame SE did not give FFIII, FFV and FFVI the same treatment and seem to have zero interest in intentionally making defintitive versions of these games whenever they go back to them.
I really enjoyed those PSP versions, but going back and looking at them, I can't stand the way the characters look. Reminds me of something from an RPG Maker program. I'll stick with the originals on NES/SNES.
It's odd because 1 and 2 are not nearly as highly regarded as 3, 5, and 6.
@@58jharris I think there were plans to make the first six games in this style.
@@Silvergun_Raven Wrong
Yeah, I wish the “pixel remasters” followed the psp style…heck, I even prefer the steam/mobile old versions to the pixel remasters.
I appreciate the work that you put into this series. Please keep up the hard work!
I thoroughly enjoyed the FF1 video, and now this one.
These kinds of comparison videos are simply amazing and some of the most helpful stuff on UA-cam.
I thank you!
I honestly didn't expect you to mention the WonderSwan. I really just forgot FFII got released on there, but hearing ANYBODY mention the WonderSwan makes my day.
Thanks for doing these videos they are so incredibly useful!
Pixel Remaster looks a quite nice version but I like visuals from GBA more.
Many have said it before, but I gotta say it too: thank you for these videos. I, like many others, recently started playing FFXIV, and having only played one FF game before, i really wanted to go back and try the old ones. With so many versions, it was tough to know which to play. The amount of depth and detail you put into these is far beyond any articles you can find online, and it helps make the best decision. Thanks again, can’t wait to play!
10:35 gotta love those retro achievements!
Lol I noticed that right away
PSP is hands-down the best version. No questions asked.
Yeah. The only thing i miss in the psp port is the lack of all the languages that the GBA version has and not having FF1 in the same UMD. Other than that is the best version of the game.
My biggest focus for FF2 specifically is the music, and while I do love what they've done with the tracks for the Pixel Remaster, there were some changes to the songs that make me a little disappointed, like how it doesn't have the acoustic guitar in the Rebel Army theme that was in the GBA and PSP versions (which is my favorite part of the song). The change in instruments changes the feel of the songs, and some of them lose a bit of impact for me. It's probably just my nostalgia, but it's still kind of a bummer.
For me, in relation to all FF Pixel Remasters, if it has a PSP version, I 100% consider that to be the better and definitive version. Although I acknowledge the sound/music are better on PRs, I can't justify lost content. Visuals are subjective, but I would prefer the PSP style just a tiny bit, not a deal breaker. If only they retained additional content from 1,2 (Dawn of Souls) and 4 (After Years), then PR all the way. But nope
I prefer the soundtrack also on PSP. They screwed some themes like the Matoya cave.
What about the 3D remake of FF4, was it really bad or what?
@@maxwell2428 Both FF3 and FF4 3D remakes I would consider to still be worthy to play even if you played the 2D counterpart. Although it is the same game at the core, the presentation (cutscenes), voice acting and style is different enough for me.
Just like FF7 (PS1) and the current remake. I'd say if you like FF7, you would be missing out if you only played just original PS1 game or the remake. Both will give you awesome experience without feeling like you are playing the game twice!
Same with FF3 and FF4 2D and 3D. That's just my opinion
Wait it has lost content? I tried to look that up about Ff2 before buying it…
@@Logans_Login 17:12 timestamp on this video
FF2 is a game criminally misunderstood due to the majority of people only ever looking at the earliest versions (NES -> PS1) with the most problems and then spreading that experience as if it's universal to all versions. And also who don't realize Evasion is the most important stat in the game and are under some weird misconception that hitting yourself is something you *have* to do.
IMO: PS1 version is king for those looking for an experience closest to the original (maintains the most mechanics while dropping the weapon penalties for more freedom of how you build characters) , with the GBA or PSP version being best for those wanting faster overall pace and character progression. PR is... interesting, and not the worst version, but the changes to row mechanics pretty much ruining the point of bows (shields are very important, but don't really matter for back-row bows because you can only get hit by magic/ranged attacks anyways) plus bringing back the weapon magic penalties, along with a couple of other issues (the status-on-hit effects being guaranteed, mostly) make it so I really can't call it definitive.
Even the original is misunderstood. It's definitely not for everybody, but a lot of assertions are made about it that aren't true.
I've been playing FF2 on my phone, and I have to say these old Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests are perfect phone games. Lots of grinding, perfect to pass the time. FF2 pixel remaster in my experience is great, probably because I treat it like a grindy phone game.
if i being honest i like you to talk about magic animation because many people just ignore these hd magic and talk about sprite, i mean just compare the intro with burning village of psp and pixel remaster, you can see which one is better
So wait ff2 leveling system sounds like elder scrolls leveling
I've heard about this one, the classic FF title where hitting yourself with a blunt weapon improved your max HP.
The GBA version looks very promising for the balance changes.
the gba battle theme drums are so insane
PSP version still looks the best. It's baffling that Square is still unable to make a flawless remaster/modern port to PC for these classic FF titles.
This work is invaluable, thank you so much
Please do the rest of the 2D games, this series of your vídeos is SO good man, instant subscribe
The most underrated FF imo. Much better than III.
Much better than almost any game in the franchise besides I imo.
"Kawazu is the best kind of game designer the the sense that he is a true auteur: every game with his name on it bears his unique signature, and could never be mistaken for the work of anyone else. He is also the worst kind of game designer in the sense that his games are never much fun." -Pat
Saga 1 is fun In a Aleatory learning curve kind of way, i don't think that we should judge Kawazu's desing only for one bad game in which he was experimenting
Not facts
Man. I miss Socksmakepeoplesexy. It ain't the same since the forums shut down.
Pat of the (now former)SuperBestFreinds? Or different Pat?
Holy moly, the WSC rendition of "Battle Theme 1"! May just need to give that whole tracklist a listen, off that impression.
Aww, that first mobile version's tiny character sprites are adorable.
This is my second time rewatching these videos, and I'm so glad they exist. I've begun playing the GBA games in bed and my god the quality of life changes are something else. Seeing all of the weird step backwards with the pixel remasters will keep me away from those versions.
Do you have any plans on making a summarized update video once the console version of pixel remaster comes out?
Wai wai wait. The newest remaster, that is 15 bucks... Removed all of the additional dungeons?
W.t.f.
pointless content
@@kanaric That's not entirely fair to say for FFII, it gives a purpose to the tag-along crew that bit the dust throughout the game.
Where have you been? They been doing that. Only based off original with added QOL
Finally something to watch while I'm working lol
Can’t wait to see the FF3 video!!!
Being honest, the more I hear of the pixel remasters soundtracks the more I kinda wanna get them. I hope they get console ports sometime, that would be sick.
This is a really cool series though for someone like me who's just beginning my journey through the series! Last game I finished was actually 2 a little while ago on the PSP version.
The Pixel Remaster of 1 was very nice to play through!
@@arekhautaluoma4276 Definitely hope I can experience all of these at some point!
Omg I’m about to play this game for the first time. Was hoping you would do This game!!!!! Thank you!!!
Hmmm not sure if I should do the PSP or PS1 version 🤔🤔🤔
An update just released that doesn’t allow you to hit two separate enemies. For example, if you have two swords equipped and your first attack killed an enemy, your second attack would go to the next enemy in line. They just patched that so when the enemy drops to 0HP after the first attack, the enemy stays alive for the second attack as well. It’s a huge bummer and slows the game down. The only positive is that you can get more attacks in for other party members which may help speed progression.
I’ve also learned that the Pixel Remaster moved some items to different areas from previous version. It wasn’t mentioned in the video so I just wanted to help out in case anyone is wondering.
That’s a shame. It seemed like a genuine improvement.
Mod the psp version with the pixel remasters music and the psp version is even more of a better version than it already was.
I personally prefer PSP soundtrack, but i agree, PSP version is so good.
Idk... Both musics are too good but psp version is more accord of the original FF2, PE sounds always to try being epic and works in themes like Pandemonium, but more than that sounds strange.
You do an absolute ton of work making these videos. It's somewhat baffling how Square keeps making versions of these games and not retaining features of past releases.
They did that as to recapture the feel from the original version, hence the exclusion of the extra features and dungeons.
@@HashiNuke bad reason to cut content, it's BONUS content, meant to be played after you finish the main storyline. the pixel remaster versions are pretty bad.
@@johnlowe1255
... you do realize of course that your assertion is as weak as a broken eggshell, right?
@@HashiNuke no it isn’t. Any new port/version of a game should include all previously released game content within it. Kind of like how it’s the industry standard for remasters to include all dlc in the package. That’s just…kind of the thing you do when bringing an old game to new platforms or re-releasing a game. It never makes sense to bring out a new version lacking in content and features over versions that are over a decade old. It’s absolutely incomprehensible
@@HashiNuke Nah, they're on the money. These pixel remasters are lazy versions and overpriced at that. The reason they gave was a pathetic excuse to do the bare minimum and rip people off.
PSP version looks stunning!
These videos are a godsend for anyone trying to sort out all the different versions of these games. I personally like to keep the original difficulty intact as much as possible, but I also like a lot of the QoL features of the later releases. It's a shame that the pixel remasters couldn't give harder difficulty options
Something to keep in mind with ground-up remakes of old games: Even if they keep all the exact stats and items and prices and exp/money gain of the original, it will always be easier for a multitude of reasons:
1. Newer game engines are much faster than game engines of the past. 60 FPS being the modern standard we expect. So since the old game was running at approximately 30 FPS, the overall game experience will be both smoother and faster. This means, even if the same amount of EXP was required to level up in the new version, compared to the original version, you'll still level up faster due to the game itself running faster.
2. Remakes will fix any glitches/bugs that they can. In FF1, this was especially a hinderance, as there were bugs everywhere, from Intelligence not working correctly, to half of the spells not working correctly. Fixing these means the player will be far less handicapped, which also means the game will be easier.
3. Quality of life features that make the overall game experience smoother, such as diagonal movement, purchasing more items in one transaction, bigger inventory space, faster text speeds, etc. These will make the game run faster as well, and feel less clunky.
In other words, no matter what they do or don't do, the newer version will be easier one way or another.
So the question you should be asking isn't "Is it as hard as the original," because this will almost never be the case just from the polish coming from the new version.
The questions you should be asking are: "Does this provide the most polished way to experience the same game? Is there any new content to look forward to?"
@@tamerkoh I think you completely misunderstand how framerate works. Animations will be more smooth, scrolling especially will be smoother, but unless they got to 60 fps by literally doubling the speed of everything in the game (which I assume they didn't, otherwise it would have been mentioned in the video), you won't be leveling up faster. Battles will still take the same amount of time, they'll just be smoother while doing it.
@@mjc0961 That is true on an individual feature level, but you also have to look at things as a whole. Now that there are flying numbers for example, from FF3, instead of the old popups from NES FF1 and FF2, seeing damage/misses/crits happens far more rapidly than it did on NES, cause it doesn't have to take time showing so many box pop ups. Add on top of that the faster response times for input afforded by 60 FPS, and you can input and execute commands far faster than you would on NES. Almost maybe even double or triple the speed of an attack being performed on NES.
So just say an average NES turn would take 6 seconds to execute, cause it has to show the character swinging, 4 box pop ups for the attacker, target, damage and death/crit/miss confirmation. With the newer polish like flying numbers and such, that happens in a matter of 3 seconds tops, since the results are displayed instantly, and the enemy dies mid animation. 300 EXP to level up now takes half the time to reach, despite it being the same requirement. Get what I mean now?
Would be easier if Square just released the originals, but they tend to George Lucas their own games often so that aint happening. Unlike Capcom where if i want Megaman 1-6. BAM, here they are! Ported perfectly!
@@matrix91234 even Konami came out recently with OG ports. I really wanted to own OG FFI...
Hey, I know that trinton guy! :) enjoyed the vid.
I played the java version a few years ago and enjoyed it. It is the first FF I play from start from finish (with help from a walkthrough for the Famicom version, I think). I don't think I've missed much playing this version.
I recently finished FFXV and I am slowly working through all the games. This is the one I am looking forward to the most.
I still say, both for FF1 and FF2, PSP version is the best for me. PR version might have better stuff, but there are worse stuff too. Though I think the PR version of music rocks so hard, very nice.
I think it was a huge oversight not talking about which games incorporate the magic penalty
Short question, was the music used in this video primarily from the pixel remasters or a different source? Thanks
With what you said about the version on the Wii Virtual Console (~dimmed to lessen flashing) is that why all Wii Virtual Console NES games look like that?
I thought it was an aesthetic choice.
Having been dragging myself through the original famicon version it’s been a chore but it’s interesting to see the start.
amazing, I came to this videos prefering both gba and psp version of both final fantasy 1 and 2, and after watching the videos i still can't decide... At least now I know i'm dealing with the best versions due to my preferences. oh, well, time to wait for a ff3 video (will the same thing happen but with ds and psp?)
Something I forgot to mention about the first game I liked and I like about this one, besides the music, is the addition of a map. Other than that, I think the psp version is the definitive version. Especially when the pixel remaster removing lost content that was added.
Final Fantasy 2 is my favorite pre PS2 Final Fantasy. It has the best levelling system in the entire series and I wish they would bring it back.
These videos are very helpful and informative. I'd like to see one on Final Fantasy VI. I played about half of the GBA version a few years ago and want to start over and play the whole game from start to finish. I hear people bash the GBA version and praise the SNES version quite a bit, but I don't know very much about the exact differences between them and other versions other than graphics and sound.
He's definitely going to wait til the PR comes out too for it.
Are there any other RPGs with a magic system similar to this one where the spells become more powerful the more you use them? I know that's a thing in Secret of Mana, but I'm interested in playing more games like that.
When are you going to make a comparison video of the final fantasy 3 4 5 and 6 ?
The WonderSwan Color version is a hidden gem. The music in that game 👨🍳🤌 No other version of FFII has a sound like it. It's a beautiful marriage between console audio chip and game, like the NES and Mega Man 2. Here's the link to the OST ua-cam.com/play/PL6JZ8IQ2dCY3ob6I5GDpGYFPXDAFCyG1n.html Some of my favorites are Revivification, Main Theme, Magician's Tower, Temptation of the Princess, Dead Music, and Battle Scene A.
So I'm sticking to the PSP version for FF2 as well.
@
AustinSV
My only personal experience is with the original FFIV and FFVI games on SNES. The Pixel Remasters are very appealing to me to start the series anew. My hope is that all 6 games graphically, musically, and structurally have consistency to them. Would you say that is the case for the collection? Thanks for these reviews, they have been really helpful.
23:24 wish they had made that monster in the background a secret final boss
I love FF2 :) The Rebel army theme always gives me chills.
This is an actual well done video that covers what actually matters to players. Many times do content creates just ramble about shit that doesn't matter. So thank yiu for not wasting time with BS and actually competently making an informative video. First in a while I've said this, earned my sub!
I look forward to the next four
Do you have specifics on the leveling mechanics for the original iOS version?
Along with FF1, FF2 is my favorite in the series. I was impressed by the amount of hate that this game has. This is for you guys!:
-The game isnt broken, at least the GBA and PSP remakes. All the spells works, hitting your characters isnt neccesary, just optional, and is much better than newer games where this is just useless and level up is very quick if you fight with high rank monsters.
-Contrary to what some people said, the game explains you the mechanics, at least in these two remakes, in a room on the rebel base.
-The game never makes you grind a lot, in fact, i found it one of the less grinding games in the franchise along with FF1.
-Even if all of these was true, the game was released in 1988 in a console that was a potato. And in terms of character level up, is one of the most realistic RPGs i ever seen.
-I can understand why some people think the dungeons are somewhat annoying, although the combats itself arent really too hard, and is very funny when the fanbase praise FF5, 6, 7, 8 when this games have like 10 times more grinding and 10 times more annoying encounter rate! Welcome to the hypocrites club! I will show you the way.
Doesn't make you grind?? What am I doing wrong 😕
@@deepdungeon With FF2, at least on GBA and PSP (the versions I've played), the strategy is to level up spells and stuff along the way, going from point A to point B. You don't have to stop and grind in separate sessions if you do this. Make sure you cast enough spells to use a lot of MP, and also raise your spell levels, in a single battle, while walking. Especially between towns on the overworld. When in dungeons, you can be a bit more conservative.
@Tamer Koh I actually put down the gba version because of how much easier it was than the NES distribution; perhaps OP is referencing a later version when he says it doesn't make you grind but I had to spend hours in the bushes before I could survive an encounter with the dark knights of fynn..!!
@@deepdungeon NES and PS1 versions definitely require more grinding, but I don't think that makes the game harder, just more boring personally. You're stuck fighting the same monsters over and over for longer, because the EXP for the skills and stats was much slower, on top of slower battles (Since flying numbers didn't come til FF3, so there were all these box pop ups). If you can't move forward cause you need higher numbers, and it just takes longer to get the numbers necessary, I'd say that's artificial padding, and not difficulty.
@@tamerkoh word that makes sense 🤔 I was concerned that it would be like final fantasy 6 which is an experience I had to go out of my way to turn into a real challenge.. final fantasy 1 in its original distribution, glitched spells aside, is o guess the experience i wanted to emulate. Goin on Diablo style dungeon dives, running out of heals and fleeing back to town hoping you don't get stun locked along the way.. I found it to be a real challenge that was painful at times but not boring. I had guessed the difficulty in the newer distributions had been ramped down in order to make the product more consumable and popular, but your analysis does track, at least with my experience of ff2 like why do i have to fight 145 goblins before I can advance the plot even an inch forward :0
Everyone is raving about either the PSP version or Pixel Remaster... Very little appreciation for the Game Boy Advance version. I started playing it once again just recently, and now that I understand its levelling up mechanics and the effect of spells completely, I am having a blast with it. Not at all the frustrating experience I had when playing it for the first time. I like the little body movement animations of the field sprites and the translation which is top-notch.
Yeah, the GBA version is my preferred version of FFII. I played it back to back with the PR version and it was fun comparing the two games.
Is there a fix for the jittery backgrounds when you're walking in the pixel remasters?
So do stats grow on eng, and the chance of stat increase goes up based on how often that stat is used? Or is there an invisible "number of times used" bar that levels up when the bar is filled?
Rng not eng. Autocorrect why?
HP: Increases based on how much lost in battle, relative to your total HP at the time of battle
Attack: increases based on weapon, how many times used in battle, unarmed has its own complicated formula
Defense: Increases based on the sum of your base defense and equipment defense
Evasion: Be targeted by attacks, doesnt matter if you dodge or not, just be targeted
Magic Defense: Same as evasion, except be targeted by magic
Strength: Use attack command a lot
Spirit: Use White Magic a lot
Intelligence: Same as Spirit, but use Black Magic
Stamina: Lose HP, how much stamina determines how much HP you gain(example, have 40 stamina, gain 40 HP per HP level up)
Agility: Completely random chance to level up based on your Evasion, higher evasion, higher chance of random level up each battle
Magic: Use literally any magic a lot.
I like these videos a lot, and they’re very informative and well made, but I think that the whole “Any version is good as long as you have fun.” is somewhat counterintuitive to the title of these videos. In my opinion the Pixel Remaster or the PSP versions of FF1 and 2 are the clear choices of the best to play, based on wether or not you want more bonus content, or simply accessibility.
Just wanted to point this out for anyone finding this video later, but he mentions the peninsula with the high level monsters doesn’t exist in the pixel. It definitely does, one of the first battles in that area triggered and wiped me out.
There's a lot to like about this game, but I'm always going to recommend whichever version you have access to that has the least tedious leveling.
If only it didn't take 100 casts to lvl a spell and 16 lvls to max it I would be here defending the OG. Feels like bugs are the only enemies of the original duo (3 had some more... Intentional problems)
was the nes version harder than the remaster? seems like they balanced some things out because i remember getting totally clobbered at times on the original version (back when i played it on Nesticle emulator back in the day).
At 19:10 for the pixel remaster you say the number of skill points to level up is in line with the GBA version and not the PSP version, but for the PSP version you say its based of the GBA version. I don't see how both of those can be true.
This is the most educationary video ever
I have been playing FF2 PR on steam and almost at the very end. I have been loving it, did FF PR right before it. So long I have been a Final Fantasy fan, but didn't have the patients to sit down and play FF 1-6. I started on FFX when I saw a buddy playing it and later went back and played and fell in love with 7-9. I can't wait until the day I can say I played and beat 1-15. Such a great journey it has been and it will be great if Square Enix never gives up on the franchise.
Another great video. Super helpful and I hope you cover all the FF Pixel Remasters. Super informative and I'd say necessary given the multiple versions of these games where even with the PR we still don't have "definitive" versions as it seems every port/remake brings it's own pros and cons.
I do wish they kept the PSP style and just brought that over to PC (and other platforms I'm sure) keeping the style and the bonus content. I'd rather they be unified with that style over the simpler PR style. Either way though, the PR music is the best and these versions are worth it just for the sound tracks.
I LOVE YOUR IN DEPTH ANALYSIS SIR!!!!.... its like the EVOLUTION OF FF2 from scratches to more refined quality of game....every version has its own to offer to a gamer...its up to the player to choose which better suits for them most...from Graphics to Gameplay Mechanics.... unlike FF1 you easily determine which one is the better to choose because of those bug fixes.... LOVE THE VIDEO SIR!!!.... i have played the GBA and PSP version so those are both my Poison.... ALRIGHT!!! Next is FF3 SIR!!!... Looking forward to that!!!!!!
I've decided to play the original 3 and have opted to play NES versions using romhack translations. I'm currently on FF2 and it's punishingly hard but it's also incredible to see what developers were able to accomplish with such limited resources. The FF2 rom is 256kb and somehow they've crammed in hours upon hours of gameplay. As difficult and punishing these games are there's a certain charm to them that is still amazing to this day that they accomplished what they did. However as original as I want them to be I still shamefully use some emulator options such as save states and fast forward, but in my opinion since these options exist in later versions it's permissable.
I cheat regularly in games. Using emulator options is usually considered cheats and… whatever. I consider it as a given. I WOULD HAVE gotten the gold if I spent x hours grinding, that’s time I spend with my grandkids instead. Using emulator options to speed battles and such is just reclaiming time you would have spent, especially on games made during an era when time consuming activities were needed to pad the playtime because of such memory constraints as you mentioned.
I just beat final fantasy nest on retroarch it has achievements like trophies which rom hack you use ?
Holy sh¡t that pixel remaster battle theme is incredible!
2 is one of my favorites.
Why would they remove content on the pixal release
Firion .. my lovely Swiss Army knife.He is a multitasking man
Just got FF Origins from the PSN Store after gradual curiosity. While I don't know exactly how rough this game will be, I'm betting it's still a lot better than "Quest 64".
2:01 Todd when looking at this system during skyrim production be like "It works and imma put it on my next magnum opus"
Thanks for the elaborate comparison videos. While the Pixel Remasters are cool, I really dislike the fact they cut the extra content present in other versions.