35 years ago, Final Fantasy redefined RPGs when SquareSoft pushed the boundaries of 8-bit storytelling.
Basic storytelling by todays standards but, aging gameplay aside, Final Fantasy 1 remains iconic.
Theres strength in its simplicity and it felt complete.
I wasnt convinced at all, and the broken demo left me concerned about the project’s quality.
Soon after launch, my curiosity bested me, and Ive never U-turned on a first impression this drastically.
Despite Team Ninja playing it loose with the source material, Stranger of Paradise never forgets its roots.
Swapping turn-based battles for real-time combat.
I enjoyed gameplay considerably - but the story is what kept me playing.
Much of this comes down to characterisation and, in FF1, Garland significantly falters.
That wouldnt be so bad if Garland was actually interesting.
Not every villain needs an expansive backstory, sure, but he needed something, anything at all.
More prominent NPCs like Princess Sarah and the Dark Elf king, Astos benefitted too.
Just, do me one favour Square Enix, like.
Never show me another Tonberry ever again.
