10/06 Update: Since we no longer write for the Edmond Sun, this section is temporarily housing our podcast links for our iTunes feed. All of the columns are in the archives menu if you feel like exploring.

These columns (as well as the 'releases') come from weekly content that we write for the Edmond Sun, out of Edmond, OK (though we live in Chicago). This page contains the archives for said column, many of which are in their pre-published, unedited state. Some titles and editing by Brendan Sinclair.

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Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls
Friday, December 31, 2004

Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls is as much a game as it is a museum piece. For only $30, you get the first two Final Fantasy games, remade with touched-up graphics and some added features. For those who were weaned on the PlayStation adventures, you may be in for a bit of a shock. With simple graphics, a scaled down combat system and a paint-by-numbers storyline, it's not surprising these titles are almost 20 years old. Despite all the flaws, the games still manage to be quite fun, though.

I'm sure we're both sick of vague modifiers at this point. It's high time I dove into both adventures individually and made my decision whether or not these classics can stand toe to toe with current role playing games. First up: Final Fantasy 1. If you're like me, the first thing you'll want to know about an RPG is whether or not it has a good story. Are their plot twists? Compelling characters? Is there any reason you should want to finish this game? Usually, if it can't provide a solid story, I'll move on to a game that can. However, Final Fantasy 1 is different. The story is as simple as stories get: darkness has fallen over the kingdom and it is up to you, the
four warriors of light, to rid the world of evil. From there, you travel all around the world and kill whoever the various townsfolk are blaming their problems on.

If the story is so average, clearly the combat system must be pure entertainment, right? Again, this isn't really the case. This is a strictly turn-based affair with none of the bells and whistles newer titles offer. You select a physical attack or magic, then watch as you and your opponent trade blows. Somehow, despite falling far below what current RPGs offer, Final Fantasy is still quite fun to play.

For starters, each character is completely unique. There are three different mages, a warrior, a monk and a thief. Each class has their own set of moves. For example, if you chose the Black Mage you will be able to unleash the wrath of the darkest magic powers known to man, but try as you might you can't learn any cure spells. And don't even think about using your hands to fight, you're far too weak for that. At the beginning of the game, you chose which of the four classes you wish to take on your journey. While this may not add a ton of strategy to the game, it was really fun designing the ultimate team of destruction. Frankly, I am shocked and appalled that Square decided to leave this feature out of newer titles.

Aside from the ability to customize your party, there are two other reasons to play through the first Final Fantasy. First, it easily has the best music I have ever heard on the Gameboy Advance. If you're as big a fan of old time video game music as I am, it's almost worth playing all 20 hours of FF1 just to hear the fantastic score. While there are some recycled tracks, such as the victory song which weasels its way into every Final Fantasy, most of the soundtrack is original and as rocking as medieval midi music can be. The only other reason I can see the average person wanting to play through Final Fantasy 1 is the sheer novelty of being able to play the first title in what has become one of the most popular franchises around. While now the series is riddled with angst and androgynous main characters, it started with a simple good versus evil battle. I was curious to see how how Square would
throw in Cid, who is in every Final Fantasy. I wanted to see if Chocobos or Moogles made the cut (they didn't). Seeing how the series started and knowing what it will eventually turn into was reason enough for me to enjoy this game. I'm sure most people won't share that belief.

And then there's Final Fantasy 2. Whereas FF1 takes the basic approach to role playing and simplifies it so much a learned baby could complete the game, Final Fantasy 2 is clearly a step towards more modern games. The silent heroes from the first tale are replaced with three living, breathing characters that not only speak but actually have a purposes and motivation other than simply "saving the world from imminent destruction." While the game clearly takes a step in the right direction with its much improved story, it actually takes a huge step backwards in the gameplay department. While the actual battles remain essentially unchanged from the first
adventure, the manner in which you level up is much different. Stats are now dependant on what you do in battle. For every time you are hit, your maximum hit points go up. Use lots of magic and your magic points go up. While this seems like a vast improvement on the surface, it turns out to be quite a chore in practice. You actually have to attack your own characters in order to gain the necessary levels to advance. If you think random battles are normally tiresome, wait until you draw them out to ten minutes because you have to attack your own characters so they become stronger.

So while FF2 offers a much richer playing experience – with a more logical leveling up system and a story you can actually care about – I found the experience less rewarding as a whole. The main reason I play video games is for entertainment, and I just didn't have as much fun in FF2.

Simply put, Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls doesn't offer anything new for role playing fans. There are only two types of people I can recommend this game to: those who have never played an RPG and are looking for a good place to start. And Final Fantasy nuts who either missed these games the first time around or just want to relive the experience on the small screen.

- Tom


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