When FINAL FANTASY first appeared on the NES in 1987, it wasn’t just another RPG—it was a revolution. Crafted in the shadow of the genre’s infancy, it laid the foundations for nearly every Japanese role-playing game that followed. It may look primitive by modern standards, but beneath its pixelated surface lies an epic adventure that captured hearts and imagination worldwide.

The plot is archetypal but effective: four Warriors of Light, each carrying a corrupted crystal, set out to save the world from darkness and chaos. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil, delivered with minimal text but maximum impact. The sparse storytelling leaves plenty of room for player imagination, making every victory feel personal.

At its core, FINAL FANTASY is a traditional turn-based RPG with a focus on exploration, strategic battles, and party customization. Players choose four character classes—Fighter, Thief, Black Belt (Monk), and Red Mage—each with unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing for varied playstyles.

Dungeons are challenging mazes filled with traps, puzzles, and tough enemies, demanding patience and tactics. The game’s difficulty is notorious, but that only adds to the sense of accomplishment when you finally conquer a boss or retrieve a crystal.

The 8-bit graphics are charmingly simple, using minimalist sprites and environments that sparked players’ imaginations. The music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu in his debut, is unforgettable—melodies like the “Prelude” and “Battle Theme” are etched into gaming history.

FINAL FANTASY may seem straightforward compared to modern RPGs, but it’s a cornerstone. It introduced systems, storytelling techniques, and an epic scope that defined the genre. Without it, many of today’s RPG classics wouldn’t exist.

For fans of RPG history or anyone curious about where it all began, FINAL FANTASY is a must-play. It’s a challenging, heartfelt journey full of magic, mystery, and timeless appeal. Its simplicity is its strength, inviting players to dream big in a tiny 8-bit world.

A pioneering RPG that started a legendary saga. Simple, challenging, and endlessly influential.

Pros:
-Classic, strategic turn-based combat
-Iconic music and atmosphere
-Deep exploration and customization for its time
-Laid the groundwork for an iconic franchise

Cons:
-Can be unforgiving for newcomers
-Minimal story details by today’s standards
-Graphics are dated (but charming)

Rating: 9/10

- First time playing the first Final Fantasy ever. It was an interesting experience
- Pretty simple RPG with that usual fantasy story
- Why can't I rest in an Inn to revive my teammates and heal all status effects? Man...
- So. Many. Encounters.
- By the end of the game, it was a bit hard to get some tips to where to go and what to do. There are some NPCs that help guide you.
- I struggled against the final boss. Maybe I was a bit underleveled, like lvl 35ish, but c'mon it should have been easier. But I beat it.
- The party choosing in the beginning, combat strategies (and luck) and the visual effects were cool. I liked buying a lot of spells.
- The game can be pretty rewarding. I found lots of loot

Nice and short. Great music. A bit grindy.