Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Reviews
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a great way to experience the first entry in one of gaming's biggest franchises.
The first three Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters deftly walk the line between old and new, but might not convert anyone without the stomach for old JRPGs.
The first batch of the Pixel Remaster series of Final Fantasy games are now out, and while in many regards they are good versions of these historic games, some aspects and issues hold them back from being the best ways to experience them.
Overall, between the game’s story and gameplay, nothing sticks out as individually exceptional. Still, Final Fantasy comes together as an experience that is better than the sum of its parts. The Pixel Remaster does an excellent job of keeping the surprisingly well-aged gameplay that started the series intact while updating it with more modern pixel art and a beautiful soundtrack. Outside of a few confusing moments and poorly balanced bosses, Final Fantasy is a game I would readily recommend to modern RPG fans, and it’s a great introduction to the genre’s classics.
Still, for fans of the classic series, or newcomers looking for a quality introduction into the older games, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a great way to experience the series. Then, of course, there are the hours and hours of content across all games in the collection to consider. It isn't perfect, but players can easily get lost in the same stories and endless combat that Square Enix first introduced with the original launch on NES.
Overall, Final Fantasy: Pixel Remaster is a slight disappointment. It isn't a terrible port, but it feels half-hearted. For a game remade and remastered as often as Final Fantasy, it's easy to compare this release to the others and realize that it doesn't have a ton going for it. The updated visuals are nice, and the remastered music is excellent, but otherwise, it's a slightly easier and slightly more user-friendly version of the original NES game. Choose Final Fantasy: Pixel Remaster if you can't play one of the many other versions that have more content.
But if you loved these games before, these remasters are perfect for what they’re trying to do. They’re charming. They feel like a sudden rush of nostalgia not because they’re exactly the games you remember, but the rare form of remaster that does add some stuff on top while still preserving all of the spirit and intent perfectly. And if you’ve never played these games but want to understand why people loved them so much, these are the perfect way to try them out.
While I will miss delving into the Labyrinth of Time and kicking the snot out of multiple incarnations of Chronodia in this version, I do still have a copy of the PSP version where I can do that any time I want. So while it’s a shame that newcomers to the first Final Fantasy won’t have the opportunity to take part in those enjoyable endgame jaunts, the main game is completely intact — and, with a couple of tweaks, very enjoyable to engage with. Plus, for under a tenner when bought solus, it’s a good deal.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster respectfully builds upon the classic game's foundation while making tweaks that drastically improve its pacing.
The first three Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters are a somewhat solid remastering effort that could have been so much better with a few tweaks. While the amazing rearranged soundtracks sound great and the balancing tweaks make the three games still feel great to play, the divisive overhauled visuals reminiscent of the 16-bit entries, technical issues like the lack of a V-Sync toggle and display settings not saving and lack of additional content found in prior remakes make these remasters a truly worthy purchase only for those who live and breathe Final Fantasy.
Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II and Final Fantasy III are great games that work well even after many years. Pixel Remaster versions are a good way to catch up on these classics, or recall them. Especially since they are more affordable than ever - which again will not please everyone.
Review in Polish | Read full review
This not “the” remaster bundle to rule them all but if you happen to crave some FF nostalgia, they're your best alternatives to playing the original versions of the included games.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
The first three Final Fantasy with a new and excellent pixel section and a wonderful soundtrack magnificently reinterpreted.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
My feelings are mixed in this Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster review. Although I have fond memories of the original title, it hurts to see how badly it has aged in its design, its approach to fighting and the map. Still, it makes up for it in every way it can: the graphic treatment it has received is luxurious, and the orchestrated music elevates a magnificent soundtrack on its own. I'm glad to revisit such an important game in the history of Square Enix.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is an excellent collection if you're in a mood for an old-school experience with everything that this entails. If you were hoping that these remasters would drastically modernize the originals, you're on the wrong address.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
While the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters aren't perfect, they're certainly the best and most convenient ways to play these classic games. The soundtracks are lovingly orchestrated and the pixel art is gorgeous, though the latter does lose some detail in the translation. Each game feels great to play, but I do wish extra content from previous releases or remakes had been included.
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Series is a great set of remasters. They strongly preserve the 35-year-long legacy of Final Fantasy with resounding success. These remasters elicit the retro feel of these classic games while providing a bevy of accessibility options and extras. The new Boosters and font that were specially made for the console releases of these games are welcome additions especially. Extra content from prior releases may be missing, but the beautiful re-arranged soundtracks, Quality of Life features, and vibrant redrawn graphics do an excellent job of making up for the loss of admittedly mediocre, tacked-on content. Even underneath the modern bells, whistles, and shinier coat of paint, these are still the classic games you know and love; retaining their classic charm and flaws. As individual games, your mileage may vary, but as a retro collection, you can’t go much higher. What could go lower, however, is the price.
Despite being so basic in its execution, it's hard to fault Final Fantasy. It remains a solid RPG with a strong sense of adventure.
There’s a lot to love in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters package, while not perfect, each remaster is absolutely going to be considered the best version of each game yet – especially by fans of the series looking to play an updated version of an experience they treasure. However, those who don’t feel or benefit from the massive dose of nostalgia these remasters offer may struggle to see what all the fuss is about, especially when the iOS remasters and remakes also exist, offering a less pixelated package. Although, these remasters are primarily for long-time Final Fantasy fans who want to fall in love with these stories all over again.