Metareview - Final Fantasy III (DS)
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Nov 16th 2006 at 4:00AM }
At long last, the true Final Fantasy III finally localized for our precious consumption. But don't be fooled by the cutesy characters, they don't make 'em like this no more: - Game Informer (80/100) - "[This is an old-school adventure, with all of the pitfalls and payoffs that entails ... Providing you're the type of person who doesn't have any trouble going back and playing 8-bit games, Final Final III [sic] is an excellent handheld homage to a bygone era."
- IGN (78/100) - "For any unassuming casual gamer out there, be warned, as Final Fantasy III hits hard and plays like the demanding days of old. We're talking tons of random battles (every five or so steps in some cases), inns that don't revive dead characters, and instant death battles that don't hesitate to kill unsuspecting explorers that feel the need to wander too far from the 'strongly recommended' path the game delivers ... Either you need this game or you don't. Plain and simple."
- Games Radar (70/100) - "[Tons] of uphill struggles and unaccommodating features [make] the experience borderline miserable at times. But for some of us, the Fantasy followers and old-style gamers, it's nice to sneak in such a guilty pleasure in between all the over-produced RPGs that hold your hand every step of the way."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zero_ @ Nov 16th 2006 4:11AM
Say what you will about that game, but that's one of the best box arts I've ever seen. Yoshitaka Amano is my god.
Eric Von Shpeel @ Nov 16th 2006 4:20AM
dissapointing :(
Kai Cherry @ Nov 16th 2006 4:43AM
I bought it, Eric. Its rather good, actually. It is, for want of a better word, a "real" RPG; you have to think, prepare and *save your progress* or proceed at your own peril.
None of this wishy-washy plow thru crap...its "old skool" gameplay, as I learned when I went to the wrong place, with like one potion, no spells and weak armor.
My ass was unceremoniously *handed to me* and all I could say was...
"Oh. Hrm. So this is like, an actual game. Let's try this again and do some saving this time."
-K
rockintom99 @ Nov 16th 2006 4:53AM
Thats not the US boxart, anyway.
But yeah, I got the game today, and it is quite awesome so far. There is a lot more strategy than there is in any of the more recent ones, which is pretty awesome (Haven't tried twelve yet, though, so count that out of my comparison).
FSK405K @ Nov 16th 2006 5:11AM
Ah good, a real FF for a chance. None of this FFVII, FFXII crap.
Vandros @ Nov 16th 2006 5:37AM
I Haven't gotten this game as of yet, however i will be securing my copy Friday, from what i hear this is gonna be an interesting departure from the "Tutorial" rpg's such as the tales, .hack, and star oceans, the Mog-Mail feature is one of those interesting ideas I'd like to see expanded just beyond this game, DS has a wealth of possibilities and we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
Zell @ Nov 16th 2006 5:45AM
I picked this up today and I really like it. It's good and definitely feels like the first 'healthy' RPG on my DS. In fact, I haven't taken out the game card since I've put it in. If only they'd release VI this way, I'd be in heaven. It definitely takes me back and looks great doing so.
Pandaguy87 @ Nov 16th 2006 9:46PM
Yeah, I love the new box art, ironic in the fact that the Japanese art is a lot fancier looking. It's supposed to be the other way around, but I guess the only people who'll buy this are the hardcore RPG aficionados.
Greg2k @ Nov 16th 2006 6:10AM
Lol, FINAL FINAL III
FuzzyPickles @ Nov 16th 2006 6:42AM
Numbers mean nothing. I read these reviews and it makes me want to run out and get the game even more. I've played through Dragon Quest I through IV more times than I can count, it would be nice to finally have a new experience that is similar.
"Oh my god I died in a game. This game sucks, because I'm totally 1337." Wait, but remember when games took fifty tries to beat, and there were no saves so you had to play everything through over and over trying to get to the same point without losing as many lives? "Those games have teh kiddie grafx. They suck. Halo 2 FTW!!!1111!!!one."
moominsean @ Nov 16th 2006 7:45AM
I'm loving it. I miss the old-school FF. III (US) is one of my all time faves. I don't understand how people can complain about difficulty and leveling up when that's what FF is ABOUT. Not all this BS about setting up tasks for your characters and just sitting back and watching them fight until the next town comes up.
And either they say a game is too tough and demanding, or it's a cakewalk and can be finished in 8 hours. So which do you want? And, so far, I'm not having any probs with FFIII. I'm leveling up at a decent rate, I've fought a few bosses, everything's going great!
mcgoo @ Nov 16th 2006 7:59AM
reading those quotes, it sounds like most reviewers gave it low marks because of the difficulty. maybe if they didn't suck it'd get higher ones? these game reviewers have become soft when it comes to rpg's thanks to the last couple FF games.
Fuzz @ Nov 16th 2006 8:51AM
Sounds awsome. I've been waiting for somthing to go back to the days of FF1 and 2. Its the only type of RPG I like. Good to see there is still a mind out there to put up a good challenge.
devi8i @ Nov 16th 2006 10:06AM
Have to say I was really looking forward to some FF goodness, and I have not been dissapointed. This is like a swwet homecoming after being gone for a very long time. And the updated graphics add a really nice touch.
Its funny how a lot of recent RPG's have become so dumbed down and easy. It is similar to how movie studios take a great story and ruin it to make it more "appealing" to a broader audience. I am thankful that FFIII has remained true to its roots. Is it for everyone? Thankfully, no!
Epic @ Nov 16th 2006 10:51AM
Nostalgia is going a little too far here. Random battles every five steps is not a feature, it's a limitation.
Karen @ Nov 16th 2006 11:08AM
The 1up.com podcast Retronauts had a 30 min show about FFIII for the DS and how challenging the game is and tips around the difficulty.
http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3144909
32_Footsteps @ Nov 16th 2006 11:31AM
"If only they'd release VI this way, I'd be in heaven. It definitely takes me back and looks great doing so."
Sorry to disappoint you, but that's getting the GBA treatment, like FF4 and FF5 already have. But the good news is, it will definitely be getting a rerelease.
"reading those quotes, it sounds like most reviewers gave it low marks because of the difficulty. maybe if they didn't suck it'd get higher ones? these game reviewers have become soft when it comes to rpg's thanks to the last couple FF games."
I have to agree. This definitely sounds like the reviewers have grown soft on recent RPGs.
I mean, I started on these old school games. I remember how difficult it was. And I remember them using enemies, instead of walls, to box you in and guide you. And if you were brave/foolhardy enough, there were times when it paid off to jump ahead and visit outside where you were supposed to be (the one I fondly remember is visiting the Castle of Ordeals in Final Fantasy I before going into Gurgu/Gulug Volcano).
Nowadays, most RPGs hem you in by throwing walls in your way. "You can't go past this area; there's city guards prohibiting it." But back in the day, the "walls" were enemies. "Try going past here, and we'll kick your pansy ass back to the title screen."
Personally, I'm ready for a challenge. But I promised my wife I wouldn't buy myself any games between now and Christmas. December 25th can't arrive fast enough.
Anthony @ Nov 16th 2006 11:39AM
I just got to the Vikings Cove, and yes the game is very fun. However I have my gripes about it. The game is SLOW. Going into your menu takes a long time with unnecessary *sliding the "game" to the top screen slowly*. In battle you can't just hold down the A button and zoom through picking attack like in most RPGs.
And at the end of battle... You dread your characters gaining levels, because you have to watch them dance EVERY SINGLE TIME they gain either a level, or job level. It down right sucks when all four characters gain some sort of level.
We get it, Square Enix... You put a lot of work into the game. We just don't care about watching our characters dancing.
Diahrrea Man @ Nov 16th 2006 11:48AM
FF-III sounds better and better each time I read a different review. It sounds like its what its meant to be: an old-school FF. I love it. I feel sorry for the game reviewers for sucking so much that they take it out at the game, but that's life. I remember in FF-II they'd have rooms in dugeons with a single chest, it had a valuable item, but to get it, you had to beat some overly powerful monster fight. Oh, and the random encounters every five steps was the standard back then, it forced you to train you ass off, otherwise you get hopelessly stuck in the next dungeon. That's what happened to my sis in FF-II, her characters were barely strong enough to get to the final boss fight in the pandemonium castle, but were too weak to last a minute against him, and at the same time too worn out to trek back outside to heal and restock on potions and stuff. Like I said, I love it. Can't wait to get it this weekend.
STILL WAITING FOR GOLDEN SUN 3 DAMMIT!
TheBigC @ Nov 16th 2006 12:32PM
“Um, Final Fantasy III? I think what our ignorant young friend here means is Final Fantasy VI! (donkey snort)”
earl g @ Nov 16th 2006 1:31PM
Funny, the reason they didnt ship FFIII to the States was, if I recall correctly, because it was deemed too difficult for Americans.
Way to prove them right.
More dumbed down easy games please!
Kent Houseman @ Nov 16th 2006 3:00PM
I thought they didn't ship this to America because the released the first one in America a few years after it was released and by the time theyd finish this one the SNES would have been around for awhile.
Another thing about rpgs and being to hard for Americans is that the standard Japanese RPG from the 80s to early 90s was created because our American RPGs (think Ultima) were too complicated and ultimately hard for the Japanese. So they had to simplify everything. I believe thats coming from the maker of DragonQuest or Final Fantasy.
It is interesting. Then in less than 10 years they start pitching "it is too hard for Americans" thing. Oh those whacky Japs.
Kent Houseman @ Nov 16th 2006 3:03PM
Oh yes, also
"At its heart, Final Fantasy III is a dated and mediocre RPG that will only please the most die-hard Final Fantasy fans." This was part of the review that gave the game a 6.5/10. I like the game a lot but I am so sick of these morons that don't know how to use a 10 scale.
A 6.5/10 deems the game to be above, above-average and just below good. How does that review come off as giving the game 6.5? I am glad they did. But that along with the other reviews come off thinkin that 1-5 doesn't exist unless the game is universally pannned. Then they can give it a horrible score.
moominsean @ Nov 16th 2006 4:51PM
Dancing? sorry, my characters just stand there looking sleepy after a battle. i was suprised they weren't jumping up and down! i love every second of it though. i missed the old ff battle & win music.
i spent like 100 hours way back when on FFIII (VI) leveling up my characters and finding every secret. i guess i just like the old school style. my other fave was FF VIII, which didn't get decent scores because it was too much like the old games.
Eric Bostrom @ Nov 16th 2006 6:13PM
Gain a level or a job level and they all have their little animations.
/me takes deep breath.
I've never been into FF, it's embarrassing as a gamer to admit this. I've always wanted to enjoy them though. I can play an srpg no problem, but the random battles every few steps and guided paths really kill regular rpg's for me. That said, so far I am loving FF3ds. Also, I wasted 3 hrs last night when the gryffon kicked my ass for the first time. They don't tell you how to save until you get the princess in the sealed cave... I had to read the manual to know that the game doesn't autosave after major battles. And I had to start completely over.
It is hard, but I kicked the djinn's ass with 2x antarctic blast... he was only 600hp, and they are 400~ hp dmg each. That was pretty surprising. It's pretty ugly compared to some recent psp games, but that makes me like it more. Like old videogames where you had to use your imagination.
That's too bad about FF6, I was hoping that would be DS too.
MikeC @ Nov 16th 2006 11:38PM
Just bought this game today, played it for about 2 hours and I think it is REALLY GOOD. The only Final Fantasy games I've really played were FFVII, FFIX, FFX and now this game. So this is a new experience for me and I love it, even though I died and forgot to save and had to start again, but oh well! IT'S AWESOME.
nat @ Nov 24th 2006 6:24PM
i have never played a FF game before, but would really like to play this one because it looks good and fun, it looks like a game that you could really get into.
can someone please tell me whether you can save the game progress whenever you want i.e. without having to wait for certain 'save points' in the game.
it would really help me out it you could advise me!
thanks
Cero @ Dec 7th 2006 4:21AM
nat, just so you know, you can quicksave ANYWHERE (but quicksaves self-destruct when you load anything or start anew), but hard saves can only be done on the overworld - either on the floating continent or the actual overworld. While some would appreciate a save point right before a certain point of no return, them's the breaks.
Still, you know an RPG is suitably difficult for you if you get your ass whooped by at least three separate bosses mid-game. For instance, I got canned by Gutsco, Salamander, Kraken, Goldor, and Garuda, not to mention a Red Dragon at Syrcus. For some reason this game feels more satisfying than other, later FF games.
I hope Square is taking notes; this might make their future mainstream and branch FF games better than usual. I'd rather the bosses have the power to put a player out of the game without some prep, and the final boss be more powerful than the optional bosses in a suitable way than have to get my fix from tweaking and fighting "superbosses".
Nick @ Dec 8th 2006 2:14AM
i would like to know how to save your game and where they are because i keep dieng and then i have to start from the very start of the game every time and it is getting very boring