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BEST FINAL FANTASY ON GAME BOY SP!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 9
Date: June 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I love the final fantasy series!I think this is a great classic final fantasy game.Plus with new stuffin the 2 games.I WANT THIS GAME NOW!!!!!

Way Too Easy!

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 3 / 9
Date: February 24, 2005
Author: Amazon User

FF1- I am not a sucker for punishment. I do not particularly care for the grueling amount of leveling required to play the original NES FF1. I have been a big fan of the FF series since it came out on the first gameboy up through the playstation versions, (if you haven't played the FF legend series for the original GB, do yourself a favor and play them now!) and I remember working very hard to beat the bosses (granted, I was maybe 12, but they seemed hard at the time) About 2 years ago I found the original NES FF in a thrift store and decided to give it a shot. It was agonizingly difficult to play and after hours of leveling the cartridge battery lost my info, and I just gave up on it. So when the GBA release came out I was excited to give this new, easier version a try. But it's so easy I can't bear to play it. It's not unusual to beat a boss in one round of fighting! I'm trying not to level up, but monsters appear every five seconds and it just doesn't feel right to run away all the time, but that's the only way to keep this game challenging. To make matters worse, when the bonus dungeons are unlocked, the only way to beat the extremely hard (and optional) bosses in them is to be at a very high level! The bonus dungeons bosses are in that regard the best part of the game, but in order to beat them, you have to be leveled so high the rest of the game becomes incredibly boring. I've never stopped playing a ff game before out of boredom, but I've pretty much given up on this one. FF2 seems to be much more promising, and I'm trying to stay at a low level, but I've just started playing it, so I can't vouch for it yet. I would recommend though, that you play the Golden Sun series for GBA and all three of the original gameboy FF Legend series before investing in this game. And if you do still want to give it a try, keep your characters as weak as possible.

Awesome game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

These are the games that defined a generation. the wondrous, yet somewhat corny, gameplay style that so many have tried to mimic. all have failed where final fantasy has stood true. these games are definetly a must-play for all game lovers. some may not find them on the same level as say FFVII, but still its better if they are played. FFI start off with hardly any storyline, hardly any instructions, and basically really cruddy communication. but still, this game is great! what FFI lacks in storyline, FFII makes up for. play both all the way through and you'll feel like a million gil!

A throw back to the old days!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It's been quite some time since I played the original Final Fantasy on the NES. I have this and the PSX release, and this one is way better! I like the new MP system as well as the added potions. They also made the black wizard a bit more tough when it comes to combat. If I recall, my black wizard was in the lower double digits for damage until he got the cat claw. Now I'm approaching the 3 digits, and my characters are only in the mid 20's! The graphics and sound are great (compared to the original), and the plot is pretty much intact. A must buy for any final fantasy fan!

Brings back great memories

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 05, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I'll be the first to admit it- Dawn of Souls doesn't have much new content in it. Save for a monster database, updated graphics and menus, a few new dungeons, and the ability to save anywhere, it's pretty much just a re-release of two RPG classics.

However, one must next ask if this is a bad thing. Certainly, I'd have been more pleased to see one of the later titles in the series (say, 3 or 4) released, but this was the next best thing. Anyone familiar with Square's RPG line will immediately recognize the gameplay style, even if they haven't played the originals. As with the later games, you control a party, visit towns, fight monsters, and battle through dungeons. The quests are typical RPG fare. They're not particularly inspiring, but this fact is oddly irrelevant when you're busy trying to survive against hordes of bloodthirsty enemies. Of those there are plenty, as well as scores of equipment choices and abilities.

The two games play quite differently when it comes to combat and character building, which should be no surprise to those who have followed the Final Fantasy series in its long, illustrious career. Of particular note is the fact that the second game is the first FF title to introduce characters with distinct personages and stories, which is now of course a mainstay in the RPG genre.

Both games have a main plot and keep you at least partially reminded of your goals, but you have a great deal of freedom to roam the world and see the various locations and monsters (and, naturally, the loot they're guarding). Though dated, the graphics aren't an eyesore, and there's enough unique monsters and backgrounds to make exploration interesting.

Lastly, there is of course the fact that these are two complete, long, high-quality RPGs in one game that is for an excellent portable console. This really seals the deal in my opinion, despite the recycled content. Additionally, if you haven't played either FF1 or 2, my recommendation is to click the 'add to cart' button immediately. The new areas also add bosses from some of the other FF games, all of whom are probably even harder than they were in those titles. Though not a selling point, it's a great bit of added fun for fans.

Dawn of Souls is an excellent throwback title that brings back two great RPG classics. For those that want to relive the adventures with some extra content, or for those that missed out before, this game will surely not disappoint.

Excellent classics reborn.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This is the beginning of rpg heaven and the games that started the hugely popular rpg trend.

Both games are 'tame' by todays standards but the fun factor is still beyond measure. Final Fantasy 1 and 2 both offer tons of great gameplay and will make you pass hours without even thinking.

Though it seems that both games have gotten dramatically easier...
Oh well, there are still things we can do to make things harder, like a solo white mage. :)

The two games that started the Final Fantasy Dynasty!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: August 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Reviewed for Big Boss Games by: T.R.C.

--- Final Fantasy I Prologue ---

The world lies shrouded in darkness. The winds die... The seas rage... The earth decays... But, the people believe in a prophecy, patiently awaiting its fulfillment.

"When darkness veils the world four warriors of light shall come..."

After a long journey, four young travelers did at last appear... and in hand of each was clutched a crystal.

You start out by selecting your four heroes. You can select from six different classes. The heroes will change after you complete a side quest that is about a third of the way through the game.

Warrior = Knight
Thief = Ninja
Monk = Black Belt
White Mage = White Wizard
Black Mage = Black Wizard
Red Mage = Red Wizard

My team consisted of a Warrior, Monk, Black Mage and a White Mage. This group is the most balanced between strength and magic.

You will have to buy your spells. So save your money!

Story 6/10 - The story was re-written with much more detail than the original Nintendo version.

Music 7/10 - You will find yourself humming along to the background music.

Graphics 6/10 - The graphics were updated from the original Nintendo days. Looks more like an SNES game.

Battle System 5/10 - Your typical turn based battle system with updated spell graphics.

Game play 6/10 - This game took me 25 hours to complete.

Special Feature - In the original NES Final Fantasy you had to walk everywhere you went. In this wonderfully remade version of Final Fantasy they added the run button. Hold it down and you can run. This cuts down on travel time in towns and dungeons.

Overall 7/10 - For Final Fantasy I, all the updates to this game have truly made a great game into a classic.

--- Final Fantasy II Prologue ---

A long-lived peace is at an end. The Emperor of Palamecia has called forth monsters from the underworld and begun his campaign for world conquest.

A rebel army arose in the kingdom of Fynn to thwart the emperor's plans. But the rebels' castle fell to an all out assault by the remote town of Altair.

Four youths from Fynn also found themselves fleeing the imperial forces. They had lost their parents at the hands of the empire. But their escape wasn't over...

Your party will consist of four people. Three of them will stay with you throughout the game, but the forth member will change throughout the game.

You start with Firion, Maria, and Guy.

The forth wheels are:
Leon - A Dark Knight
Minwu - A White Wizard
Josef - A Monk
Gordon - A Prince
Ricard - A Dragoon
Leila - A Pirate Captain

You will have complete control over how you mold your team. So, take some time to think how you want them to grow. "E.g. to be a wizard or a sword fighter?" You will be fighting a lot in this game, so take some time to attack your own team with your spells and weapons. This will help your team members to grow strong and powerful. You don't gain experience points in this game, you grow by casting spells, fighting, and taking damage.

Story 8/10 - This game has betrayal, revenge and redemption. This game was well written and a delight to read. So far, this is my third favorite Final Fantasy story.

Music 6/10 - I enjoyed the midi style of music that was used in this game.

Game play 6/10 - This game took me 22 hours to complete the main quest.

Graphics 6/10 - Were like some of the best graphics seen on the SNES. Eye candy is out there for you to find. The spells also gain levels by using them over and over, by doing so the animations also become flashier every 2 to 3 levels.

Battle system 5/10 - Typical turn based attack system. Note: Building your team is slow and painful, but well worth the effort.

Special Mention--- After you complete Final Fantasy II watch the credits till they end and the game will ask you to save. Save your game and you will return to the main Final Fantasy II start screen with 3 options, "Congrats!" You just unlocked the "Soul of Rebirth" mini quest!

This Soul of Rebirth side quest is tough, it also added 10 hours of game play and a great side story to Final Fantasy II.
I would like to see more of this kind of treatment to the remakes of RPGs.

Overall Time: 32+ hours to finish this game and 57+ hours to finish Final Fantasy Dawn of Souls is a great length for a GBA game.

I truly liked this game. It was a challenge to complete and that is its charm.

PS: Don't forget to get a copy of the strategy guide for this game. Official Nintendo Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls Player's Guide

A must own, even if you have the originals

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: August 23, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I've owned Final Fantasy I ever since it came out in the states. And I've had a version of FFII emulated for a long time. Frankly, I was never impressed with them; FFI seemed clunky and slow, and FFXI was largely the same, not to mention unusual. So when Dawn of Souls came out, I wasn't too excited. But it far surpassed my expectations.

Let me just say off the bat that I realize that there have been a lot of Final Fantasy re-releases lately. This is probably the best one I've played though. Here are the reasons why;

PROS
- No loading time! Unlike the playstation collections, the Dawn of Soul has no load time. This makes the game MUCH more smooth playing and a hoy to play.

- Portable. Unlike most other versions of FF (whether that be Playstation, original NES, or emulation on a PC), Dawn of Souls is utterly portable. That means you can work your way through the storylines on lunch, between classes, or anywhere else you choose to.

- Wonderfully updated sound and graphics. Dawn of Souls makes great use of the GBA's capabilities and has updated the old classics so they're a treat to the eyes and ears.

- Vastly improved gameplay; both games have gotten a much much needed update in controls, battle systems, and playability. The slowness and awkwardness that plagued the original releases is 100% eliminated.

Unfortunately, there are bad parts about this release that keep Dawn of Souls from being a indespensible part of my GBA collection.

CONS
- Re-releases; as if you weren't already aware, Dawn of Souls is a re-release of Final Fantasy I and II. If you played though these games already and don't feel like doing so again or you despised the games, this game might not change your opinion. Also, those who already own the originals might feel cheated paying so much for games they bought in the past. That said, Dawn of Souls versions are vastly superior to the originals, and are worth a look even if you have such problems.

- FFI's storyline; Being such an old game, Final Fantasy I doesn't present much of a storyline. While new dungeons and items have been added to the game to give it more depth, there is no increase in the depth of the story, and the game still largely feels like series of sogging through dungeons with faceless heroes.

- "Where to go" syndrome. Both games have many points in their stories where you will liekly get lost with no idea where to go next or what to do. A lack of hints will make many players wishing they'd shelled out the money for the guide, or at least making trips to GameFAQs. It would help to have more hints, a journal, or at least somethign of the sort.

- FFII. Final Fantasy II is the weakest game in the entire Final Fantasy series to many people, including me, and Dawn of Souls does little to fix that. While improved gameplay and presentation go a long ways towards improving the general experience, the basic problems of the games poor advancement system, boring story, and uneven challenge plague the game to no end still.
==============================

In the end, if you liked FFI or FFII at all, it is worth it to get Dawn of Souls. If you've never played either, I would still say it is worth it to get the long and well done remake of FFXI; story or no story it plays smoothly and is an engrossing challenge to play through. FFII is just an odd little bonus to this wonderful remake cartiridge.

Nice Spin on the Beginning

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: November 10, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Final Fantasy has evolved into one of the longest lasting and best series in the video game industry. Known for its memorable storylines and traditional battle system, it's unquestionable that it has gained a considerable cult following.

As a handheld port of the Playstation's "Final Fantasy Origens", "Dawn of Souls" is a great remake that emphasizes the vision on these 2 important games. Although it can be hard to compare these 2 to their epic successors, they offer a journey into the past that can give insight to a FF fan how this series began. It's also a great purchase for any owner of the Gameboy Advance/Nintendo DS looking for a good RPG or a game worth the purchase to spend some time on. Final Fantasy I is the game that started it all, and the remake give life to the game that set the precedent of the battle system and the manner in which the stories take form. Final Fantasy II offers more customization with the characters, and is an early predecessor to the in-depth storyline the future installments would have.

The only drawback is that the battles can get very repetitive and tedious, being every few tile steps, the player is plunged into yet another battle. Also, a guidebook or online walkthrough becomes almost necessary, as it is easy to get lost, and at times there is no clear direction of where to go to next. This game can be very straining on the eyes (at least on the Nintendo DS) as the monsters are the size of a thumb tack and the numbers and letters are even smaller. You might consider playing this on a TV w/ the Gamecube adapter.

Overall, this game is a nice addition to the GBA catalogue, and the extra dungeons are sure to add plenty of gameplay to the user.

Eh............

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 2 / 9
Date: March 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I was a huge fan of the original Final Fantasy for the NES. As a matter of fact, it's my favorite game of ALL time. So when I heard this game was coming out, I was ecstatic! Well I finally bought it and I must say this : "If it isn't BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT!"

Pluses:
I do enjoy the updated graphics.

MINUSES!:
I enjoyed the fact that the most number of spells you could get in the original was 8. Changing the magic format to the "New style" makes this way too easy. Why did they change the names of the weapons and bosses like Kary? And WHY those stupid shrines!? And this is what REALLY gets me. NO WARMECH! The BEST character EVER (!!!) and they change his name! WHY!?

If this game was exactly like on NES (Like Zelda and Metroid and Link), then this would DEFINATELY get a 5 star rating but because it isn't, it's LUCKY it gets this rating..

The second game isn't much better.

Nintendo just needs to release "The ORIGINAL" (no remade graphics or anything!) and then I'll be happy.

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