Honestly after sinking 20+ hours In on this game I’ve really come to enjoy the touch to move feature and auto battle. I think the touchpad or a controller just takes too much time and sure it’s classic and you’d feel like you are playing an old school game but these features are great for someone with a bad attention span like myself who gets tired of turn based combat. I am on a journey to beat each Final Fantasy in order and I’m very glad to have played this pixel remastered edition. It’s not my first time playing FFI but it is my first time beating the game and I do believe it was those features that sold it for me. I’ll be back to write a review on FFII when I’ve beaten it!
I do like the tap to move feature and moving diagonally. Seeing your position on the map as you move about is handy, too. Being able to boost your exp or GP up to 4x from each battle is great as is making these increase by 0x if you so choose. Turning off random encounters completely is a nice option. It’s worth noting that the more rare monsters like Tyrannosaur, Basilisk, Ochre Jelly, Iron Golem, etc. seem to appear more frequently. Even Warmech has popped up faster in my play throughs. The tweaks in graphics are just fine, but I really the magic effects—those are a big deal. The music has improved, too. However, I truly enjoyed the bonus dungeons from the old version and am seriously disappointed they are missing from this release. Also, it seems you can’t move more than about 25 paces before a monster encounter. I remember going through an entire floor of a dungeon without an encounter and it feels this new version isn’t as random. I wonder how many random drops are left out as I have been unable to find the Deathbringer sword. Finally, there is no peninsula of power and no way of switching the magic to the mana system. This means you will never be able to cast more than 9 spells for each level. I find myself playing the old version more than this one.
Thank you so much to everyone who made this game a reality. I love everything about Final Fantasy games, the stories, the music, the emotional feelings the games evoke… everything. I will play Final Fantasy for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for these games. As far as this version goes if I could change anything about the game it would be to make the status effects on enemies more obvious. Some effects are obvious like when an enemy is confused they will be backwards. However when an enemy is asleep or has dark there are no signifiers. I also believe the sleep status effect on enemies should last longer so that a Saboteur play style is more viable. Thank you again to everyone at Square Enix who works hard to make these games for all of us to enjoy ☺️
Played and beat the first one. I notice someone else saying something like “if you knew the pc version had controller then you should have gotten that one instead of crying about the mobile one” . Well I will say this, ALL the articles and previews of the game stated controller support and did not differentiate which version. There are games on the App Store that have controller support but don’t state it so people take the chance and download it and then get screwed over, I really don’t think is is right and it is misleading. Other than that the mobile controls are definitely better than the mobile version before this and not bad at all to be honest and the game itself is fantastic. Just bring controller support at some point
This is a beautiful remastering of the series. I sat down to play for a bit, turned on and connected my controller (PS4), loaded the game and... STILL no controller support. I realize that Square Enix wasn't really maintaining all of the previous core FF games on iOS (as much effort was clearly put into them when they were first released). But once this "remastered" versions started coming out, I assumed that they would engineer them to be the best they could be. I love using a controller for iOS games where they make sense. It makes perfect sense in this game. I equally hate when a game that clearly needs controller support doesn't prove it. I've read through the SDK. It isn't that hard to add. I am not sure how Square Enix still sees it as acceptable to offer the Final Fantasy games without controller support, but it has really reduced my expectations for this new line of remastered games - to the point where I don't really want to purchase any more than this first one until controller support is added. Note: I own ALL of the previously released core iOS Final Fantasy games and planned to purchase all of these as well. Really disappointed, but still leaving this more than one star since the game itself is truly gorgeous.
I’ve played all NA releases of FF1 aside from the PSP version, and I have to say this one is up there. It has low grinding and great pacing, especially for folks who just want to play every now and then. Up until the marsh cave the difficulty flattens and you can just cruise on to the next locale. The difficulty picks back up with the final boss, which is a treat and not another hassle to overcome, like high encounter rates and lots of insta-death attacks. Don’t get me wrong, you can still be insta-killed, it’s just less prevalent. The music is fantastic too! Overall, it’s one of the better versions of FF1 I’ve played.
Having played the original Final Fantasy on my NES as a kid, I never found the other modern reincarnations to be satisfactory. This game is a fresh take on the classic, bringing a welcome modern twist to this sprite-filled classic. Most notable are the spell casting animations and cleaned up sprites/tiles, made for vibrant modern displays instead of CRTs. Spell names were modernized to be more like recent (post FFX) games. The controls aren’t terrible but they are clunky. I wouldn’t consider this a deal breaker, but it does detract from the feel of the game as it sometimes feels like you’re steering a boat. Overall I really enjoyed this game to fill the boredom of some summer flights. I recommend it.
Excellent remake. Really confused reading some of the comments initially, specifically those regarding the controller issues. The movement response is excellent, and I can only guess that those hating on it have terrible finger dexterity. I had no problems navigating the game. There are two convenient options for movement and this remake did well with the limited mobile platform constraints. The remake is far less grindy than the original, but in a good way. The music is refreshing and graphics have been updated. All in all, an excellent and enjoyable playing experience, especially if you loved the first as I did.
I’ll start this review by saying, that if you are a JRPG fan, this game is definitely worth it. Having just beat it about 5 minutes ago, I'm glad to say I’ve experienced this classic. Not a game I would see my self playing a second time, but I'm definitely excited to check out the other Square Enix games. These old school JRPGs play really well on mobile. A word of advice, you will need a guide to play through the game. Ive had Dawn of Souls on GBA back when it came out, but it was hard to get into at the time. Im so happy that this pixel remaster exists. The auto battle function is very handy.
Everything is great, plays nice, sprite work and music is gorgeous. The problem is they eliminated the MP magic system (which was introduced later in the series) and went with the original vancian (Ew, gross). This limits your magic use to a few charges and makes magic users very limited in their abilities. It makes mages often into dead weight when transversing a dungeon if you want to use magic on important battles. Having ethers ( Item recovers one charge) cost 150 Gil is kind of nice, but I feel square should have went a different way. They should have gave us the option of using the MP system rather than forcing us to use the older one just for the sake of nostalgia.
this game is nothing like the old IOS version. and is an overall downgrade due to the excluded content. the graphics are amazing, the controls are more defined and updated, the sound and music remastering is beyond outstanding. but due to all the added content from bonus dungeons to labyrinth of time to new items excluded I wouldn’t recommend anyone getting this version. the increased level cap, faster leveling, lower shop prices than the NES original makes you overpowered in every area you complete which makes the game too easy without the added content/mega bosses. overall a decent remastered but leaves a lot of room for improvements and updates that I hope they add to the game over time
So I’ve played many versions of this game over the years from the NES days to now, and really enjoy this one as well. While small things like the choice of original score and turning off auto-enemy targeting post death would be nice, they’re not deal breakers. The new score is fantastic, let me not knock that. The new sprites are great, and small quality of life changes for shops and such, and new animations are awesome. Highly recommend if you want to scratch that nostalgic itch or want to see the roots so this franchise and marvel at how much they got right, trends that would echo throughout gaming.
This new version of Final Fantasy is a beautiful remaster of the original, with gorgeous new updated visuals and remade music that really justify paying the price for this most recent version of a very historic game. However, mobile is probably the worst place to play this game, with a slow and imprecise interface that makes controlling the game very annoying. Touchscreen phones are an inappropriate way to experience this storied classic, now getting the classically-minded remaster it deserves, and it should have been released on a more traditional game system from the start.
This version is stuck somewhere between the original and the Dawn of Souls/PSP release. While retaining the spell charges of the original, is borrows more from the latter without including the additional content. Mild bummer. Leveling up is accelerated, prices are decreased significantly by, but not limited to, 20%, tome stone mentions Link and not Dragon Quest/Warrior’s hero, level cap is 99, includes an auto battle feature that repeats the last action made, includes the bestiary and music player in the title menu only, contains dialogue and cut scenes used in the most recent translations, and has an in game map useful for gathering treasure chests. This is overall a great release. Although lacking controller support (weird thing to gripe about on a mobile release) it does have a touch based control scheme that moves at a faster rate as if holding the run button down. It’s quite nice once you give it a chance. Especially for grinding. Why the 1 star review? I 100% the steam version in about 13.1 hours. The main reason I bought the iOS version as well was to achievement hunt. The final achievement is bugged. Once patched I’ll gladly update the rating.
So, I’ve finished my 100% playthrough, all achievements. I originally reviewed this game and gave it 1 star for lack of controller support. After completing the game, I can say that the remastered sprites look great and the game is even better for it. However, the touch controls are not good as I suspected. Detracts from the experience and becomes annoying when your character doesn’t move exactly how you are expecting to control them. This remaster definitely needs MFI support. Overall though, the game is well-polished and I do not regret my purchase.
Definitive version of a classic with a few fixable flaws
I’ve played every version of FF1 to release in the US and can say without a doubt that this is my favorite version. Best aesthetics, best music, best gameplay. However, the font is too narrow, the game should have controller support as an option, and it would be really nice to be able to transfer saves between the steam version and mobile. Hopefully the devs release a patch or two to make these new remakes shine as brightly as they deserve to. It’s clear a lot of passion went into making these.
As a fan of this game on the Nintendo a long time ago I am amazed in how they revitalized it to perfection. It’s just how I remember with a fresh coat of paint! The music has be brought back to life in a magical way. It’s perfect for cell phone and the portability and quick saves make it easier than ever to enjoy this journey. The controls and menu work great and are not intrusive. If you are a fan of turn based RPGs or final fantasy do yourself a favor and grab this one. Thank you Square Enix for bring this back.
I love this game and this series! Finally being able to carry around the first entry on my phone to throw on whenever I need to kill some time in a waiting room or on the bus has been a godsend. Unfortunately, I am unable to access the final achievement — the 15 puzzle — on my iPhone 11 Pro. I’m not sure if I’m trying to access it wrong or if it’s simply not compatible, but either way that glaring dark spot on my achievement list is keeping this from being a 5-star purchase.
I have an iPhone 8 Plus with a battery at 92% health running iOS 15.5. The battery was fully charged to 100%. I had a few apps open in the background when I opened FF1. Two hours of play time later, and my 100% battery is down to 40%. I’m not a software engineer, but I can tell you that two hours of game play should not deplete a full battery by 60%. This game isn’t exactly graphics-intensive, so what gives? Please fix this issue SE! Other than that, I would give these remakes all 4 stars. 5 stars if they included the bonus dungeons, but I understand they wanted to go back to basics, so to speak, with these releases.
The game plays well, and is still fun, but there are a number of changes from the NES original, which this is meant to be a port of. What I have noticed that changes the game Spell prices starting from level 3 spells onward are reduced. (Level 8 spells were 65K on the NES cart) Prices of starting equipment are reduced The Hall of Giants is no longer in the Earth cave(google it, if you don’t know) Some equipment is missing from the elf village - Mithril sword stands out as most obvious) This is a personal observation, but monsters don’t seem to hit as hard as the original Some things that changed are not a big deal, or needed to happen for modern audiences Black backgrounds are gone in battles Kary was renamed to Marilith Quick saves
I’m enjoying this new version of the original classic Final Fantasy. The game combines the updated graphics of previous versions with new pixel renditions of the original character and monster sprites into something nostalgic and unique. Unfortunately there is no controller support and it’s confusing and disappointing. While touch controls are serviceable enough for a game like this I’d like the option to be able to play this on my iPad with a controller. Hopefully this will be added in an update and if so I will update my review.
I played through to the end. Good port with great visuals of a classic (but flawed, like most games of its time) game. The option of using tap to move and swipe controls is smart but controller support seems like such a no-brainer here. The ability to use a d-pad would launch this version from “mobile port” to “true alternative to the console releases.” I’ll wait on the rest of the series to come to Switch, because it feels like such a disservice to classic games to deny even the option of a real d-pad and buttons.
Maybe it is because I am old now, but this game seems much easier then I remember. Status effects seem to have minimal effect on characters and I went an entire game without a character missing a swing. What is the point of accuracy? I remember problems with the original NES version like spells with minimal utility, so it could be faulty memory. Some of the items may not work quite the same as the original, too. It looks nice and the quality of life Improvements like tap to location and auto battle are huge. I tried to reboot the original NES version before playing this and it was far too much of a slog to bother with. This is much more enjoyable. It just doesn’t seem quite the same. If you need a nostalgia fix, go for this, if not it is an easy superficial game. There are better games out there.
I LOVE the original Final Fantasy games so you can only imagine how happy I was to learn about these new versions. In good faith I bought the whole FF Pixel Remaster bundle. I was immediately upset to see there was no controller support. When I went online to see if an update was pending, I was dismayed to find out that not only has there NOT been an update in ages, but the PS4 and Switch versions have alternate music tracks, no encounter mode, and an EXP boost mode! As a family man with a rather busy schedule, those last two features would have been extremely welcome. I’m unfortunately going to issue request for a refund. Hopefully someday Square will find it in there hearts to make all versions have the same feature set.
This is a must-have for fans of the 2D FF entries. I’m a huge fan of the NES version of this game, and I’m a traditionalist, so I was a bit skeptical going in. This modern version grew on me quickly. The musical score is amazing, and the updated graphics are a nice touch. The quality of life updates are also nice. Don’t listen to the nitpickers regarding the controls. I got used to them after a couple minutes of gameplay.
I’m a die-hard FF fan. I’ve played every core game when it was released and have spent countless dollars on ports and sequels. I do like that this port has new graphics and music, but that’s really all it’s got going for it. No controller support; bugged achievements; horrible pathing for the tap-to-walk feature. I’m glad they took out the bonus content because it was never really balanced and was a waste of hours for us completionists with no real reward, but I also think it was a mistake to not have any new content for old players to be enthralled with. If I really wanted to play a “true to the original” version, I’d go play the original.
I am really disappointed in this release, while it looks better than the other mobile port (aside from the text font) and I’m sure it is a fine version of the game it is a shame that I can’t use my Backbone with it. I was under the impression before launch that this game would have controller support and upon addition of this feature I will re-evaluate my rating but as it stands there is no reason it shouldn’t be an option and the fact that it isn’t is incredibly disappointing.
This is terrific! It fixes many of the bugs and original problems. Tons of fun lots of hours of enjoyment. Auto battle and other convenient features make it less of a grind and more fun. Many of the reviews complain about controllers which I don’t understand since this is a mobile app. This has been unfairly ranked because of some weird vendetta about inapplicable controllers. 5 Stars!!
I love the original Final Fantasy. It’s perhaps my third favorite FF game. There’s a few other ports/remasters of this game that are great and add more content. However, the orchestrated soundtrack adds a level of immersion that I had not experienced before. The difference that a good remake can make it’s amazing. The one thing that really bums me out is a lack for controller support. That would’ve made his game a 10/10 for me.
Only reason I didnt give it a 5 is because the font is so smal even on my iphone 15 plus….I aslo noticed that the steam and consol versions have it where you can chnage the font and it looks way better than the default it wouldnt be hard to expand the font width and length to fill in the text boxs but i aint no dev
They should’ve added so many custom options to this port. We should’ve been able to cycle between graphic styles. The PSP port is STILL the best and the closest We ever got to that was 2009 cellphone port… we should have the enemies dying like the FF4 PSP ports. Have the options for standard or advanced MP in the start menu for the Save file. It’s a Very Basic, CLASSIC!!!, RPG. It Needs the vast Andi in-depth options and graphic style to boot. We should be seeing NEW bosses and monsters too. The pixelated versions of most enemies/bosses exist within FFRK. The ball was dropped so Hard with this port tbh. Enjoy my funding, as always, SE. PLUR
Just beat the game. Ive played this game a lot of times growing up. There is no end game dungeons like on the Gameboy Advance version. The end game dungeons literally was my favorite part of this game. It was a huge disappointment to find out at the end that it was over instead of doing the dungeons after the game…. The remaster was great other than the fact it was a bit too easy. But the graphics and gameplay was good and auto battle. I wouldn't recommend downloading this. And I probably wont download any of the other pixel remasters after this.
I had a lot of fun with this game. I have played the GBA version before but I’d say this is definitely the better version. The magic system is not so great but you have enough magic once you hit level 40 that it does not matter. Really liked the graphics and the music was gorgeous.
Can only speak as someone who played the original for a whole year as a kid on my NES that this is The Best version of this game and has more than just graphical and musical updates to keep it fresh. Touch controls work great. Square Enix should update the fonts but I’m not taking off a star for that.
The art and music is nice, and the tap to move feature works well in place of controller support, which I thought was a deal breaker for me. The UI design/font looks a little weird, and I wish there were more options for the “classic” CRT look, but otherwise, it’s a very playable version of the game
This remaster is beautiful! I love it! The graphics and the music are so much better than the previous version! It just needs controller compatibility (like Backbone). That’s the only thing I do not like about this port. Please add this in an update. I would give this game 5 stars then. Thank you.
I can look past the lack of controller support. But not including the 5 dungeons from the GBA and PSP versions removes about half the game, stat bonus items, and all the best armor and weapons. All of which were in the prior iOS FF1 version that used to be offered. Earthgift Shrine, Hellfire Chasm, Lifespring Grotto, Whisperwind Cove, and the Labyrinth of Time Dungeon all gone. The pixel remaster version just feels … incomplete. And stating that “Features and/or content may differ” seems exceedingly misleading given all that was taken away.
I think the main flaw of this game is that they implemented diagonal movement. It is nearly impossible to control the character. There are times when the controller will freeze in one position and cause my character to walk in the wrong direction, which is a major problem when you are in a challenging dungeon and close to dying. Other times the touch controller won’t respond at all. Love the graphics and music. Will ask for a refund and buy on steam.
I have all the previously released versions of the earlier FF games on IOs…these are buggy. The trophies do not trigger on a regular basis. There is no controler support and, The boosts like 4x Gil and exp, the no random battles, and speed boost are all absent from this game despite being the main advertised selling point. This is less playable than the previous versions that I already owned. Total cash grab by Square. The devs put zero effort into the mobile versions. Want my money back.
I was happy to pick this version up. This game brings back so many memories, I have only one problem with this version it doesn’t support controller option. Devs please allow controller support the older version did. Other than that well worth the price
Everything is literally wonderful, but I wanna use my PS5 controller on it. I play on the big screen when I’m not out of the house with my iPad, so if I was able to kick back using my Apple TV to screen mirror the game and use my controller would give this an instant 5 Stars.
I never played the original, so this was my first experience playing FFI. The pixel remaster has good visuals, and combat sequences are well placed. Eventually I got to the point where I was super overpowered for 99% of the encounters, until it was time to defeat the final boss. Beat it in about 13-ish hours.
Once i found out how to switch over to the old graphics i can’t help but play it that way. Only issue i have is I don’t know if the 15 puzzle game is still available on IOS, and if it is, how do I access it? i already have the pirate ship.
I understand this is a remaster of the 1987 version, but when it’s less visually appealing than the previous iOS release of FF1 (which you can now no longer get), I feel like I got to pay extra for a lessor version of something I already had. 3 stars at least though because I would never rate a FF product lower.
My rating of this is heavily biased. I drink FF morning, noon, and night. I am a sucker and I am not ashamed. That said, this is a fine version of the game. There’s pixels, dungeons, and plenty of knocking down. It lacks the bells and whistles of other versions, but I think it’s fine. Newbies should go for 5 or 6 to start though. Those rock.
This port is an improvement and looks great! Needs more mobile features, such as auto save and portrait mode! I put my phone down for 2 min and the app closes and I lose all my progress since last save, how is that a thing in 2021.
I love this game for it’s simplicity, and the ability it gives to me play it in short spurts. The technical aspects of the game work well enough to produce an enjoyable experience. This isn’t some sort of “hardcore” gaming experience. Not the story some “AAA” status life changing event. Just a bare bones classic adventure. Final Fantasy provides the broad strokes of the perfect adventure, leaving the details to the imagination. Choosing the names of your heroes, and making up their dialogue as they travel together.
Didn’t really know what to expect in terms of quality given pre release discourse but I’m very happy with it. Good controls, amazing music, great art. Feels like the definitive old school RPG on mobile. Looking forward to the next 2!
It’s sad I actually assumed this game would already come with controller support… it actually frustrates me now, because I bought a controller just to play the square rpgs… I guess the jokes on me for not doing deeper research
Game is great. Mobile version would benefit from controller support and classic text feature added in recent console releases. Would change this to a 4 or 5 star if those were implemented. Right now there’s no reason to play the mobile version if you happen to own a switch.
The original FINAL FANTASY comes to life with completely new graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster! A remodeled 2D take on the first game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics. All the magic of the original, with improved ease of play. Earth, fire, water, wind... The light that once shone within the four Crystals was lost. Darkness covered the land, until the only hope for humanity rested in legends past. Become the Warriors of Light and embark on your own journey to restore power to the Crystals and save the world. Switch between classes to improve your characters. Traverse the wide world with your airship and other vessels. Return to the game that started it all. --------------------------------------------- ・Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator. ・Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu. ・Improved gameplay, including touch controls, modernized UI, auto-battle options, and more! ・Dive into the world of the game with supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery, and music player. *One-time purchase. The app will not require any additional payments to play through the game after the initial purchase and subsequent download. *This remaster is based on the original "FINAL FANTASY" game released in 1987. Features and/or content may differ from previously rereleased versions of the game. [OS Compatibility] iOS 13.0 or higher [Applicable Devices] iPhone 6s, iPod touch (7th generation), iPad (5th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 and higher
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