Customer Reviews

Final Fantasy III

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I remember Christmas morning staying in my room and playing this game all morning until it was time to eat the big dinner. I just could not put this game down. It had a fairly cinematic opening with Terra, Wedge, and Vicks (an error in translation, he was supposed to be Biggs) traveling to Narshe to capture an Esper. This is still my favorite of all the Final Fantasies, and is one of my favorite games of all time, in any genre.

For the first time since the first game, there is no singular main character. The cast of characters changes throughout the game and even at the end when you can use any character, there is still no main character (most other Final Fantasies had followed one character, Cecil, Cloud, Squall, Tidus, etc). The leads are usually considered to be Terra and Locke, but several other characters can step up to that position: Edgar, Celes, Cyan.

This game has an incredible depth to the story. Like most games, it starts simply and escalates from there. The beginning is Locke, haunted by his past, rescuing Terra from the soldiers of the Empire. Locke is a member of the resistance, The Returners. As the game progresses, it gets bigger, as different cities and characters get involved. The main villain, Kefka starts out only trying to capture Espers and Magicite for the Empire as well as reclaiming Terra. We get to a point and the game branches in three. Three characters get their own segments to return to Narshe and this introduces us to more characters and more of the world and it opens up the story even more. Kefka, Emperor Gestahl and the Empire affects more lives than at first glance.

The story for this game broadens significantly, and as a whole this is the best Final Fantasy game of the series. I know that many people who first started with FFVII think that game is the best, and I do love that game as well, but this is where my heart lies.

There is no way around it. This is the best game of all time. Forget that, this is the best piece of entertainment of all time. Final Fantasy VII comes close, and is often hailed as the best in the series, but the true veterans who have been on board since the beginning know that this is the peak, the monument that defines the realm of RPGs. This analogy is probably overused, but accurate, that FFIII (FFVI J) is for video games what the Tolkien books are for fictional literature. The intricate, perfect, flawless interlacing and balance of art, music, story and gameplay push this above all the competition, no matter what era the contender in question may come from.
Perhaps the most vivid, profound point that FFIII makes is that a good game is not in the graphics, but in the gameplay, which is the soul of a well-designed game. Not to say that the graphics aren't beautiful; released in 1994, the backgrounds, battle engine, and overworld effects are gorgeous, considering it's birthdate. But the gameplay, the foundation of Final Fantasy III, is one of the two main elements that make it the gem of all the industry. There are a ton of items, 255 to be exact, from swords to paint brushes, from plumed hats to paladin shields. One of the best things about FFIII is that most characters are not limited to one type of weapon, as we see in FF VII, VIII, IX, etc. There are indeed limits on who can equip what, but they are very pertinent. For example, Locke, the thief, uses mostly knives in battle. He cannot equip large swords like the Masamune or Sky Render, but he can wield short swords like the Regal Cutlass. Some items abound, and others are one of a kind. Magic and special skills are also plentiful. Every character has his or her own unique ability that can be wielded in battle, and there is a hefty amount of magical spells, including black, white, and gray types. Esper summoning is also available, with each Esper yielding unique attributes and benefits for the characters in battle. Additionally, characters with Espers equipped will learn different types of magic and will receive stat bonuses that reflect the type of Esper the unit is joined with. The system is very efficient and fun.
The story is simply awesome. It's so long, so enchanting, so... smart! There are a lot of links and loops that will make you say "Ah, ha!" Unlike FFVIII (See my FFVIII review to see my opinion on that stinker), you will see motivation. You will see WHY every character acts the way he or she does. Why is Locke so afraid of failure? Why does Cyan nurture a deep, deep hatred for the Empire? Part of the charm of Final Fantasy III is that you are introduced to characters that do things that make you say "Huh?" But later on, you discover the events that shaped and molded their personalities. And the best part is that you feel as if you know them... As if you've always known them.
The music... Oh, the glorious, beautiful, enchanting music! Again, none of the other titles can match up against this score, though VII and IX give it a good shot. Folks, you cannot beat this! We have an opera. We have a well-thought theme designed for each character, made specifically to convey to you their love, fears, hopes and pain. We have music that compliments whatever environment you may venture through. You'll be hard-pressed to find any other game that attempts this, and you will NEVER find one that does it this well.
There you have it. The power, the raw passion emanating from this little cartridge is astounding. No game has lived up to it, and though that day will eventually come, this masterpiece will still stand as one of the best pieces of entertainment in all the history of man.

My friends know me as a Final Fantasy VI fanboy. I've never had respect for the fanboy class, but I am definately proud to be associated with this game. It was my first Final Fantasy and first RPG, and it still holds a dear place to my heart.

For one, it was probably the deepest game I had ever played. I played it on the SNES (I still have the system, and I still own the "FFIII" cartridge of this game) when I was still only familiar with games like Mario. You can imagine how big a jump it was to go from saving the princess from mushrooms...to genocide, war, and teen pregnancy. I think that was one of the big reasons I liked this game: I really got into the characters and CARED about them. I remember being 11 years old and wishing that Celes would be honest to Locke about her feelings, or even having pity for Terra's problems with trying to fit in being half-human, half-esper. I also remember finding an early liking for Kefka...he's a sick mofo - but he's a likeable sick mofo, because he's so sick. I don't know if that makes any sense, but hopefully you can understand my reasoning.

The gameplay itself is pretty fun as well, though. I liked the ability to assign characters espers, and they learn spells by gaining the experience of whatever spells those esper possess. That's right - any one can learn magic, and you can differentiate the spells. There aren't really any mage classes, you just need patience and remember to swap espers every now and then.

If you can, I would suggest you try to find the "Final Fantasy III" copy for the SNES, or download a ROM. The recent "updated" copy for the Playstation doesn't do much except put the games in one collection, but at a cost of some CG scenes that I think are totally unnecessary. They also do some really unforgivable things, like turn Kefka into a clown. In the original designs, he was clown-ish, but I always assumed it as battle make-up. The CG's turn him into a full-blown clown! He looks like he should drive into Narsha inside a tiny circus car. Oh yes, and you tell me the difference between the character design for Terra and Ceres. You can't? Exactly.

I digress, but back to the original game...I love it. It's probably the best storyline and group of characters that I've ever seen in a role-playing game, let alone a Final Fantasy. I would again suggest any one who's into the classics or a fanatic of the Fantasies to check this out. It is definately worth your time.

By the way, Setzer is still my favorite video game character. If only I could be a world-travelin' gambler with a cool airship...

Where do you start when writing a review of this game? How do you actually review and still do justice to a game which boasts such fantastic, unprecedented brilliance? How do you describe in words its absolute magic, which reels you in and never lets go, from the first intriguing minute right up to the spectacular finale that will leave you gasping for breath?

Perhaps we should start with the characterisation. With an impeccable, varied cast of 14 playable characters, there isn't much more that you can ask for. But what are characters without personality, emotion or being? Here, your characters are not merely disposable, faceless pawns; as the game progresses, you discover their inner selves, the dark secrets that their pasts hide. Unlike many other RPGs, characters aren't made of flimsy cardboard; they have feelings, reasons for the things they do. They change and grow with the unfolding storyline, sweeping you along with them. Who is Gau, the boy raised and bred by monsters, and where did he come from? What bond does Terra share with the magical Espers, and what part does she play in the evil, mercenary Empire's plans? And don't forget the other members of the cast; General Leo, who becomes disillusioned with the Empire and forsakes it, at the cost of his own life; the double-faced, scheming Emperor Gestahl, whose heinous plans eventually backfire, damning him to his own destruction; and of course the inimitable Kefka, the central lackey-turned-villain of the game. Wacky, obsessed and absolutely nuts, he is often referred to as the "Clown Prince of Darkness", destroying the world and loving every minute of it. How many villains spout lines like "I will create a monument to non-existence!", "Son of a submariner!" and the one that will go down in the hallowed halls of RPG immortality, "You guys sound like chapters from a self-help booklet!" Never has a better RPG villain been created, and probably there never will be one.

Gameplay also gets top notch scores. Final Fantasy III exhibits a stunning reportoire of spells, attacks and special abilities. There are well over 300 spells, ranging in power and usefulness. Each character also has an unique ability that you can manipulate, ranging from the linear (Locke's item-snatching ability) to the downright outre (Relm's Sketch, which produces an exact replica of the opponent with a magical...paintbrush?!). Characters are not merely restricted to one or two spells; with the use of magic-teaching Espers and abilities like Rage, you can have access to as much as 100 spells at a time. You have almost complete control over who does what. The flexibility is incredible.

What about the music? Nobuo Uematsu, with the release of Final Fantasy III, must immediately be elevated to the status of divine being, and be seated on a golden throne in the heavens, flanked by an army of ambrosia-bearing servants. His solely composed score features some of the best music to ever be created (RPG or otherwise), fully utilising the limited (and rather pathetic) capabilities of the Super Nintendo sound system to its absolute best, creating a masterpiece of interwoven drums, flutes and strings. It's difficult to explain how the music perfectly complements each scene, or how a theme was made for every character that suited each one to a perfect tee. Who could forget the hilarious, synth-dripping Techno de Chocobo, the Opera House's Aria de Mezzo Caraterre (horrible singing and all), the 17-minute, tension-laden dramatics of Dancing Mad, the music for the final face-off with Kefka and his pillar of cronies, or (my personal favourite) the music that accompanies the grand finale, which blends each character's theme into one seamless, beautiful piece?

The only area in which the game warrants dissent is the graphics. It's not that they're truly awful; in 1994, when the game was first released, it probably would have knocked gamers off their seats, but with the advent of new, powerful 3-D capable consoles the visuals just can't cut it. But the other aspects of the game, as detailed in the rant above, more than make up for the inadequate graphics.

Squaresoft, take a bow. What you have created is more than a game. It is an all-out experience.

Before i begin, I would like to say that this is by far the greatest game i have ever come across (and i have come across metroid, mega man, and chrono trigger). this game never gets old (unlike the new final fantasys), and produces maximum fun to the gamer (unlike the new final fantasys). another victory for squaresoft.

Onward to the review....

STORY 10/10

I have never given a game a 10 out of 10, but this game deserves it. this game circles around the magic Espers, creatures that contain large amounts of magic and power. An evil being named Kefka seeks after these espers, and drains power out of them until they are obselete. a small rebel resistence force battles against him in a long battle which later on becomes a battle for the human race's survival

CHARACTERS 8/10

The characters were not that bad, but there were some that were terrible. that is okay, as you rarely ever have to play with them. i am judging the characters by not only their usefulness in battle, but their personality also

TERRA BRANFORD-7.5/10- an interesting character who sulks a bit much, but DEFINATELY not as annoying as selphie from FF8. an early magic user, and can transform into an esper

LOCKE COLE-9/10- a sly theif who is dedicated to his promises. can steal items from enemies during battles

EDGAR RONI FIGARO-9/10- a ruler of figaro castle(...). uses useful tools in battles

SABIN RENE FIGARO-10/10- super cool, super funny bodybuilder, who uses strong "Blitz" attacks during battles

SHADOW-8/10- your uncommon loner ninja with quite a past who will "slit his momma's throat for a nickel". he can throw swords and items during battle.

CELES CHERE-9.5/10- she is pretty cool, and really useful during battle, as she can absorb magic

CYAN GARAMONDE-8/10- a persistant devious character. during battle, he can use certain sword techniques, some proving rather powerful

GAU-4/10- a useless character who acts like my 7 year old brother. he can permanently copy and use enemy moves (once again like my brother :)

SETZER GABBIANI-9/10- a sly gambler who has a ratherinteresting personality. he can perform a "slot" move during battle

STAGO MAGUS-3/10- another worthless character who is extremely weak even in his "lores" which he can use in battle

RELM ARROWNY-5/10- an annoying little girl who wants her way with everything. can "sketch" and "control" enemies in battle

GOGO-7/10- This person has no personality and says nothing during the entire game. He copies off of ANYONE during battle

MOG-6/10- interesting character, but not annoying like the moogles in FFIX. can "dance" during battle

UMARO-8/10- one word monster who is quite strong, and good for battle. He has no special move for battle

GAMEPLAY 10/10

this is where the game gets its highest scores. The non-stop fun of playing continues on from beginning to end (except for the squid ultros, i thought that was tedious). your party consists of four characters, each being different in battle, and you battle enemies that are not insanely hard, but not easy, and still producing fun to the gamer. the summons, while not proving that much use at all, dont take the usual full minute watching stupid animations such as the later final fantasys.

GRAPHICS 9/10

for a super nintendo these graphics are superior. compared to final fantasy 2 these graphics are superior. not much else is to be said here

MUSIC AND SOUND EFFECTS 10/10

I am in love with the battle theme song for this game. not only is it extremely catchy, but it is very memorable. the boss music isnt that great, but dont get me wrong, its memorable. In my opinion however, i think that squaresoft should have taken the boss theme music from final fantasy 2 and beefed it up, as final fantasy 2 has the BEST boss theme music.

For sounds, they are phenominal. they have different types of sounds for different swords, whips, ninja stars, throwing darts, and more. when you block an attack with your sword, it really sounds like two swords are being crossed. when you block with a shield, it really doesnt sound like it, but it makes a nice noise nonetheless.

REPLAY VALUE 10/10

I have had this game since i was 6, and I have beaten this game time and time again and yet i still want to play it. i have never played final fantasy anthology, but it sounds real nice so im gonna get it. my thoughts tell me that the super nintendo version is the way to go however

A little emotional something as i leave....

the first time i ever beat this game, which was a long long time ago, i encountered a feeling that made me feel rather sad but blissful, sad because there is no more to play of this game, blissful because the storyline and ending gave me the feel of true fantasy. after beating this game time and time again, i bought final fantasy 2. when i beat it, i did not get that same feeling even though it was a great game. after that i bought final fantasy 7, and i barely got any feeling at all. after purchasing and beating final fantasy 8, i felt extremely happy to beat and be rid of that crappy game. now i am working on 9, hoping to beat it and get that same feeling again, which i probably will not get, because final fantasy 3 is a ONE OF A KIND game

Out of any RPG (or any genre of game), this game has the strongest storyline of all. Sure the graphics are pretty poor, but they aren't bad considering it's SNES! There are many characters to choose from as the story progresses and all of them have different abilities and personalities.

I think that FFIII (or FFVI) has the best music out of any FF game as well! Even though it all has a very old midi sound to it, it is very effective and well put together.

So many twists and turns happen throughout this game that you can't possibly get bored. It's incredibly well done and I have to say that it is one of the best games out there!!! I HIGHLY recommend it.

This game was one of the first I ever played on the SNES. I remember the time I spent playing this game. Each character felt like they belonged and they had a real and growing/ever changing personality. After a while you really start to care what happens to them, how their world is affected. This game is and always will be the best Final Fantasy and RPG ever. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes RPG's.

Note: I will refer to FF III as FF VI throughout this review, since that is its Japanese name, and the name given to it when released in FF Anthology.

FF VI was first released in 1994 for the SNES. It received great reviews and critical acclaim from people all over the world. This was also my very first FF, the one that got me into the other FF's and RPG's for that matter.

FF VI has it all: a great story, some of the best character development seen in any RPG, music that is still hailed as best video game music ever, moderate challenge, and one of the longest RPG's for its time. All the characters have their own background, and it's pretty tough at times to tell who the main character actually is. Terra, Locke, Edgar, Sabin, Mog, Cyan, Shadow, and everyone else is an unforgettable cast of characters, which really draws you into the game.

The usual FF summons are here, in the form of Espers. Equip them to a character to learn magic (ex. Ifrit, being fire-based, will teach Fire). This makes for a whole lot of customization and good replay value. Every character has their own skills, like in FF IV and IX (ex. Edgar has his Tools, Sabin has Blitz commands, etc.).

If you're a fan of FF's or RPG's and haven't played FF VI yet, you really should. One of the best FF's, one of the best SNES games of all-time, and my 6th favorite game of all-time....check it out.

Note: It would probably be better to buy FF Anthology, which contains this game and FF V. Despite longer loading times, you get both games for the price of one.

Final Fantasy VI (III in the US) is considered by many to be the best RPG ever made. It is a very deep game, and will provide countless hours of fun. It is one of my personal favorites in the RPG genre. I highly recommend this game, and it is worth every penny.

God, I would do anything to relive the good old SNES Final Fantasy days. Anthology is nice, but the best experience was its original release. In my opinion and many others, this is the best in the ongoing FF series. The story line could bring tears to your eyes it was so damn good. It felt like you were actually in it. The battle system was so each character had his or her own unique abilities. Take Edgar for example. He had his powerful tools. Or Sabin. He had all his awesome blitz techniques. Magic was great also. It came in the form of Espers. You could equip anyone with any esper and have them learn all the magic abilities from it. This allowed each character to have every single magic in the game. Can you say ULTIMA baby??? The game's graphics were a nice step up from FF 2. The music in this game was and probably is still the best to grace any RPG or any game for that matter. Hail to Square for making such a perfect game and series. Let this one go down in history.