This one is *weird*, even for Final Fantasy. Very strange mechanics if you're (like me) coming from III and IV. I have to say this is the worst entry in the series just for how impenetrable it is. Play with a guide.

Its one redeeming quality is that the story is really strong and there are a *ton* of little things that have long lasting impact on future entries. Having played this first, my first play through of FFXIV was vastly improved just because of all the references I understood.

It gets some hate but I enjoyed it. The encounter frequency is ridiculous.

I can't believe I actually managed to clear Final Fantasy II.

I've been a Final Fantasy fan since Final Fantasy IV—which was the first game I played with my own hands. But as for Final Fantasy I, I could only watch my friend play it on his Famicom. (Yes, I’m Asian.)
And don’t even mention Final Fantasy II—because I never even got the chance to touch it or watch my childhood friend play it.
My first real experience with it was on the GBA version, but I never finished it. I didn’t like its system at all.

That’s right—back then, I really didn’t like how the game worked.
It didn’t have the standard level-up system. Instead, it had fragmented leveling depending on what you used: sword level, bow level, fire magic level, ice magic level, and so on.

Still, I ended up buying FF2 Pixel Remaster (along with the other games in a bundle) and told myself: “This time, I’m going to finish it!”
And I did it—I actually finished the game!

Even though the skill-based leveling system was frustrating at times, once I got used to it, I started to find it kinda fun.
I get to decide who uses what, in your own way. For example, Guy was a tank character—but I gave him healing and defensive magic too, just for fun.
Maria was naturally suited for spell caster, so with the two of them, I basically had two white mages—one of whom was tough enough to survive longer in battle.
Stuff like that was surprisingly enjoyable, even though the system could be annoying at times.
That said, I don’t think the game really has the same "party experiment" appeal as FF1 or FF3.
Which means... if I were to replay it, I’d probably do it the same way again.
From this playthrough, I’ve learned something very important:
Berserk + Haste = Boss Killer!
I beat the last boss in two minutes with Berserk + Haste + Blood Sword!

But above all, I only just realized how dark the story actually is.
FF2 borrows many things from Star Wars, but some part is really dark, so many sacrifice. When I consider that this is an old game story from 1988, it’s actually really impressive how grim it is.

I think I’m genuinely happy to have experienced Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster in the year 2025.