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  1. Final Fantasy Version Differences FAQ 1.0:
  2.  
  3. This guide will attempt to inform the reader of the differences between each version of the mainline single-player Final Fantasy games (including advantages and disadvantages), and will also give a personal recommendation of which version of each game to get.
  4.  
  5. Final Fantasy:
  6. NES/Famicom Version
  7. Advantages:
  8. • The original version of the game.
  9. Disadvantages:
  10. • 8-bit graphics.
  11. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  12. Wonderswan Version
  13. Advantages:
  14. • 16-bit graphics in-line with the SNES Final Fantasy games.
  15. • Faithful to the original.
  16. Disadvantages:
  17. • Japanese-only release.
  18. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  19. PlayStation Origins Version
  20. Advantages:
  21. • Superior graphics to every prior version.
  22. • Includes FMVs.
  23. • Remastered, Final Fantasy IX-quality soundtrack.
  24. • Introduces an easy difficulty setting.
  25. • Includes art galleries and a memo-save function.
  26. • Completely new and re-written translation (which is used in all subsequent versions).
  27. • Comes with Final Fantasy II.
  28. Disadvantages:
  29. • Minor load times are introduced.
  30. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  31.  
  32.  
  33. GameBoy Advance Dawn of Souls Version
  34. Advantages:
  35. • Similar quality graphics to the Wonderswan version.
  36. • You can save anywhere .
  37. • The difficulty has been completely re-balanced, and falls between the PlayStation version's easy and normal difficulties.
  38. • Extra content in the form of four bonus dungeons.
  39. • Comes packaged with Final Fantasy II.
  40. • Drops the original magic system for a new, MP-based system in line with newer titles.
  41. Disadvantages:
  42. • Somewhat inferior graphics and sound compared to the PlayStation version.
  43. • The FMVs are removed.
  44. PlayStation Portable 20th Anniversary Edition
  45. Advantages:
  46. • The best graphics of any version.
  47. • Includes FMVs.
  48. • Includes all of the content from the GBA and PlayStation versions.
  49. • Features the music of the PlayStation version.
  50. • Has a further extra dungeon in the form of the Labyrinth of Time.
  51. • Otherwise broadly based on the GBA version, including difficulty level.
  52. Disadvantages:
  53. • Minor load times are introduced.
  54. iOS/Android/Windows Phone Versions (Writer's note: I can only speak from experience with the Android version. If there are any significant differences with iOS or Windows Phone, feel free to add them in).
  55. Advantages:
  56. • Broadly based on the PSP version, with similar graphics and sound.
  57. • Features all bonus content from all previous versions.
  58. Disadvantages:
  59. • No FMVs.
  60. • Slowdown on some devices.
  61. • The Android version is not optimized for tablets.
  62. • The Android version requires online verification before playing.
  63. Recommended Version: PSP 20th Anniversary Edition - The minor load times are only really evident in the menus and it includes the best graphics and sound, all bonus content, and FMVs. It is also very widely available.
  64. Difficulty Levels (easiest to hardest): PlayStation Easy Mode, GBA/PSP, Wonderswan/NES/PlayStation Normal Mode.
  65. Final Fantasy II:
  66. Famicom Version
  67. Advantages:
  68. • The original version of the game.
  69. Disadvantages:
  70. • Japanese-only release.
  71. • 8-bit graphics.
  72. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  73. Wonderswan Version
  74. Advantages:
  75. • 16-bit graphics in-line with the SNES Final Fantasy games.
  76. • Faithful to the original.
  77. Disadvantages:
  78. • Japanese-only release.
  79. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  80. PlayStation Origins Version
  81. Advantages:
  82. • Superior graphics to every prior version.
  83. • Includes FMVs.
  84. • Remastered, Final Fantasy IX-quality soundtrack.
  85. • Introduces an easy difficulty setting.
  86. • Includes art galleries and a memo-save function.
  87. • Comes with Final Fantasy.
  88. Disadvantages:
  89. • Minor load times are introduced.
  90. • Missing content compared to later versions.
  91. GameBoy Advance Dawn of Souls Version
  92. Advantages:
  93. • Similar quality graphics to the Wonderswan version.
  94. • You can save anywhere .
  95. • The difficulty has been completely re-balanced, and falls between the PlayStation version's easy and normal difficulties.
  96. • Extra content in the form of the Soul of Rebirth dungeon.
  97. • Several bugs such as the action-cancel cheat were fixed.
  98. • Stat decreases have been removed.
  99. • Comes packaged with Final Fantasy.
  100. Disadvantages:
  101. • Somewhat inferior graphics and sound compared to the PlayStation version.
  102. • The FMVs are removed.
  103. PlayStation Portable 20th Anniversary Edition
  104. Advantages:
  105. • The best graphics of any version.
  106. • Includes FMVs.
  107. • Includes all of the content from the GBA and PlayStation versions.
  108. • Features the music of the PlayStation version.
  109. • Has a further extra dungeon in the form of the Arcane Labyrinth.
  110. • Introduces a Defend command.
  111. • Otherwise broadly based on the GBA version, including difficulty level.
  112. Disadvantages:
  113. • Minor load times are introduced.
  114. iOS/Android/Windows Phone Versions (Writer's note: I can only speak from experience with the Android version. If there are any significant differences with iOS or Windows Phone, feel free to add them in).
  115. Advantages:
  116. • Broadly based on the PSP version, with similar graphics and sound.
  117. • Features all bonus content from all previous versions.
  118. Disadvantages:
  119. • No FMVs.
  120. • Slowdown on some devices.
  121. • The Android version is not optimized for tablets.
  122. • The Android version requires online verification before playing.
  123. Recommended Version: PSP 20th Anniversary Edition - Like with Final Fantasy, it has the best graphics and sound and all bonus content. The minor loading times are even less than those of Final Fantasy's PSP version. Again, it is also widely available.
  124. Difficulty Levels (easiest to hardest): PlayStation Easy Mode, GBA/PSP, Wonderswan/NES/PlayStation Normal Mode.
  125.  
  126. Final Fantasy III:
  127. Famicom Version:
  128. Advantages:
  129. • Original version.
  130. • The only 2D version of the game.
  131. Disadvantages:
  132. • Japanese-only release.
  133. • Less content compared to subsequent versions.
  134. Nintendo DS Version:
  135. Advantages:
  136. • A complete 3D remake of the game.
  137. • New content in the form of new Jobs.
  138. Disadvantages:
  139. • Requires somewhat more level grinding than the Famicom version.
  140. • The Mognet feature, required in this version to unlock one of the Job Classes, no longer functions.
  141. iOS/Android/Ouya/Windows Phone/Kindle Version
  142. Advantages:
  143. • Broadly based on the DS version.
  144. • Improved graphics over the DS version.
  145. • As internet functionality is no longer required, all Job Classes are now obtainable.
  146. Disadvantages:
  147. • No FMVs.
  148. PlayStation Portable Version:
  149. Advantages:
  150. • The DS version FMVs are restored.
  151. • This is the only version to have an auto-battle function.
  152. • Features extra art galleries over other versions.
  153. • Features an option to switch between the Famicom and remastered soundtracks.
  154. • All Job Classes are obtainable.
  155. Disadvantages:
  156. • The physical version was only released in Japan (although the Japanese UMD has an English-language option.
  157. • The game suffers much longer load times than other versions (these can be eliminated by installing the game).
  158. Steam Version
  159. Advantages:
  160. • The best graphics of any version.
  161. • Features Steam Achievements.
  162. Disadvantages:
  163. • Many of the features from the PSP version, such as the auto-battle function and soundtrack toggle, are absent.
  164. Recommended Version: PSP or Steam - The PSP's auto-battle is exceptionally convenient, but the Steam version's graphics are far superior to the other versions. Go for whichever matters more to you. That being said, all versions of Final Fantasy III are very good.
  165. Difficulty Levels (easiest to hardest): PSP (only because of auto-battle), Famicom, all other versions.
  166.  
  167. Final Fantasy IV:
  168. Super Famicom Version
  169. Advantages:
  170. • Original release of the game.
  171. • Challenging difficulty level.
  172. Disadvantages:
  173. • Japan-only release.
  174. • Less content compared to subsequent versions.
  175. Super Nintendo/EasyType Version
  176. Advantages:
  177. • None.
  178. Disadvantages:
  179. • Poorly translated script.
  180. • Very, very easy difficulty level.
  181. • Many game mechanics pared back - for example, rather than an item to cure each status effect, all are combined into the singular Remedy.
  182. • Suffered from censorship in places.
  183. PlayStation Chronicles/Anthology Version
  184. Advantages:
  185. • Comes with Final Fantasy V in Europe and Chrono Trigger in North America.
  186. • Features a superior translation to the SNES version (although still lower in quality than that of the GBA and subsequent versions).
  187. • Uses the original difficulty and gameplay mechanics.
  188. • Features a Run button.
  189. • Includes a Memo Save function.
  190. • Includes FMVs exclusive to this version.
  191. Disadvantages:
  192. • Has very long loading times compared to other versions.
  193. Wonderswan Version
  194. Advantages:
  195. • Features a unique 8-bit soundtrack only found in this version.
  196. • Has minor additional graphical details in some areas.
  197. • Has a re-balanced difficulty curve which is neither as difficult as the original or as easy as the EasyType versions.
  198.  
  199. Disadvantages:
  200. • Japanese-only release.
  201. • Despite minor detail enhancements, graphical quality is overall lower than previous versions.
  202. • The PlayStation FMVs are removed.
  203. GameBoy Advance Version
  204. Advantages:
  205. • Introduces a Quicksave feature.
  206. • Re-translates the script a second time, being superior to both previous translations.
  207. • Party members can be switched in the late-game.
  208. • Features difficulty broadly similar to the Wonderswan version, but slightly more difficult.
  209. Disadvantages:
  210. • The North American and original Japanese versions feature several bugs, which may result in the skipping of turns. These were fixed in the European and second-run Japanese versions.
  211. Nintendo DS Version
  212. Advantages:
  213. • A full 3D remake of the game, with graphics similar to DS Final Fantasy III.
  214. • Features voice acting.
  215. • Changes the battle system to include an Ability System and an Auto-Battle function.
  216. • Has yet another new translation which is even better than the GBA version.
  217. • Restores the original difficulty of the Super Famicom version.
  218. • Has new mini-games.
  219. • Has new FMVs.
  220. Disadvantages:
  221. • Is very difficult compared to other versions.
  222. • Has less content than the PSP version.
  223. • Removes the ability to switch party members.
  224.  
  225.  
  226.  
  227. PlayStation Portable Complete Collection Version
  228. Advantages:
  229. • Is the best looking 2D version of the game.
  230. • Comes bundled with The After Years and Final Fantasy IV-Interlude, the latter of which is only available in this version.
  231. • Retains the DS FMVs.
  232. • Retains the auto-battle function.
  233. • Allows the player to switch between SNES and remastered music.
  234. • Otherwise broadly based on the GBA version, including the ability to switch party members.
  235. Disadvantages:
  236. • No voice acting.
  237. • Long load times (which can be remedied by installing the game).
  238. • Doesn't use the superior DS translation.
  239. iOS/Android Version
  240. Advantages:
  241. • Broadly based on the DS version.
  242. • Has different difficulty settings.
  243. Disadvantages:
  244. • FMVs are removed.
  245. • No switchable party members.
  246. Steam Version
  247. Advantages:
  248. • Broadly based on the DS version.
  249. • Includes Steam Achievements.
  250. • FMVs are restored.
  251. • The best 3D graphics of any version.
  252. Disadvantages:
  253. • No switchable party members.
  254.  
  255. Recommended Version: PSP or Steam - The PSP version is the best 2D version and the Steam version is the best 3D version. If you want the 'classic' experience of the game, the PSP version is the best, but if you'd like a game with more modern trimmings then the Steam version is best. The DS and iOS/Android versions are also very good.
  256. Difficulty Levels (easiest to hardest): EasyType, Wonderswan, PSP/GBA, iOS/Android/Steam, Original/PlayStation, DS.
  257.  
  258. Final Fantasy V:
  259. Super Famicom Version
  260. Advantages:
  261. • Original version of the game.
  262. Disadvantages:
  263. • Japan-only release.
  264. PlayStation Version
  265. Advantages:
  266. • Comes bundled with Final Fantasy IV in Europe and Final Fantasy VI in North America.
  267. • Has FMVs exclusive to this version.
  268. • Features a memo-save function and a bestiary.
  269. • After the iOS version, this is the most widely available version.
  270. Disadvantages:
  271. • The original North American and Japanese versions are incompatible with PlayStation 2 and 3 systems.
  272. • The translation is poor in quality.
  273. • There are significant loading times before battles.
  274. GameBoy Advance Version
  275. Advantages:
  276. • Has a new and superior translation to the PlayStation version.
  277. • Has no loading times.
  278. • Introduced a new content including a new dungeon and new Jobs.
  279. Disadvantages:
  280. • The FMVs are removed.
  281. • Has a minor downgrade in sound quality.
  282. iOS/Android Version
  283. Advantages:
  284. • Broadly based on the GBA version.
  285. • Has remastered graphics.
  286. • This is the most readily available version.
  287.  
  288. Disadvantages:
  289. • Some consider the new art style to be inferior to the original.
  290. The difficulty level is the same across all versions.
  291. Recommended Version: GBA - It's a little hard to track down, but it's the best of the 'original' versions of the game. Compared to FFVI, the music downgrade is barely noticeable and the translation is better than the PlayStation version, and in this writer's opinion the new art style of the iOS game doesn't suit FFV very well.
  292. Final Fantasy VI:
  293. SNES Version
  294. Advantages:
  295. • Original version.
  296. • Best sound quality of any version.
  297. Disadvantages:
  298. • Has a few bugs such as the notorious 'Evade' bug.
  299. • The translation is patchy in places. While generally a good translation - superior by far to the original translations of Final Fantasy IV & V, it has many spelling and grammar errors.
  300. PlayStation Version
  301. Advantages:
  302. • Includes exclusive FMVs, a memo-save, and an art gallery.
  303. • Comes with Final Fantasy V in North America and a demo of Final Fantasy X in Europe.
  304. • Fixes several bugs.
  305. Disadvantages:
  306. • Has significant loading times not present in other versions.
  307. • Has a minor sound quality downgrade over the SNES version.
  308. GameBoy Advance Version
  309. Advantages:
  310. • Has a much-improved translation over other the SNES and PlayStation versions.
  311. • Includes extra content in the form of new dungeons, Espers, and bosses.
  312. • Includes bonus features such as a music player.
  313. Disadvantages:
  314. • Has a major downgrade in sound quality.
  315. • Has minor slowdown.
  316. • A physical copy can be expensive.
  317.  
  318.  
  319. iOS/Android Version
  320. Advantages:
  321. • Broadly based on the GBA version.
  322. • Restores the full sound quality of the SNES version.
  323. • Has a significant graphics overhaul.
  324. Disadvantages:
  325. • Similar to Final Fantasy V, the new art style has been divisive.
  326.  
  327. The difficulty of all versions is similar.
  328. Recommended Version: GBA or SNES - With Final Fantasy VI, it's a tough call. The GBA version's much-improved translation is certainly a boon, but FFVI has one of the best game soundtracks ever made, and the sound quality in the GBA version is significant enough a downgrade to make the SNES version a contender. With this is mind, you can have your cake and eat it with a GBA ROM patched with the Sound Restoration Hack.
  329.  
  330. Final Fantasy VII:
  331. PlayStation Version
  332. Advantages:
  333. • Original version.
  334. • Most widely available physical version.
  335. Disadvantages:
  336. • Compared to the PC versions, the graphics are lower resolution.
  337. • No mod support.
  338. • The translation contains several spelling and grammar errors.
  339. Original PC Version
  340. Advantages:
  341. • Something of a Collector's Item.
  342. • Higher resolution graphics than the PlayStation version.
  343. • Slightly cleaned up translation.
  344. • Extensive mod support.
  345. Disadvantages:
  346. • Major downgrade in sound quality from the PlayStation version.
  347. • Notoriously buggy and difficult to run on newer systems.
  348. Steam Version
  349. Advantages:
  350. • Higher resolution graphics than the PlayStation version, including minor extra graphical details.
  351. • Fixes the bugs of the old PC version.
  352. • Extensive mod support.
  353. • Retains the refined version of the translation.
  354. • Has Steam Achievements.
  355. • Has a 'Character booster' and cloud save support.
  356. Disadvantages:
  357. • None.
  358. The difficulty level of all three versions is the same.
  359. Recommended Version: Steam - With that advantages list, it seems quite clear cut, but the original PlayStation is 95% the same game, so go with whichever is more convenient, especially if you'd value the ability to take it on the go. Just avoid the bug-laden original PC version.
  360. Final Fantasy VIII:
  361. PlayStation Version:
  362. Advantages:
  363. • Original version.
  364. • Best sound quality of any version.
  365. Disadvantages:
  366. • Somewhat lower resolution graphics than the PC versions.
  367. Original PC Version
  368. Advantages:
  369. • Higher resolution graphics than the PlayStation version.
  370. • Mod support.
  371. • Like with Final Fantasy VII, something of a Collector's Item.
  372. Disadvantages:
  373. • Like with Final Fantasy VII, the original PC version is notoriously buggy and difficult to run on modern PCs.
  374. • Has a major downgrade in sound quality compared to the PlayStation version.
  375. Steam Version
  376. Advantages:
  377. • Higher resolution graphics than the PlayStation version.
  378. • Mod support.
  379. • Features Steam Achievements.
  380. Disadvantages:
  381. • Retains the downgraded soundtrack of the original PC version.
  382. All three versions have the same difficulty level.
  383. Recommended Version: PlayStation - The PlayStation version's prerendered backgrounds make it easy enough on the eyes anyway, and the MIDI music in the PC version doesn't do the game justice. That being said, if Square ever patch it, the PC version will be the one to go for.
  384. Final Fantasy IX is only available in its original PlayStation version.
  385. Final Fantasy X:
  386. Original JP/US PlayStation 2 Version
  387. Advantages:
  388. • Original version.
  389. • The only version in which you won't have to fight Dark Aeons to return to several early areas.
  390. Disadvantages:
  391. • Lacking extra content found in other versions.
  392. JP International/European PlayStation 2 Version
  393. Advantages:
  394. • Has extra content in the form of Dark Aeons.
  395. • Has the option to activate the Expert Sphere Grid.
  396. • Comes with a bonus 'Making of' Disc.
  397. Disadvantages:
  398. • The European version is a notoriously bad 50hz port and runs letterboxed and 16% slower than other versions.
  399. • Due to the presence of Dark Aeons, several areas in the game are difficult to re-visit.
  400. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster for PlayStation 3
  401. Advantages:
  402. • The best-looking version of the game, with completely remastered graphics.
  403. • Much of the soundtrack is remastered.
  404. • Includes all the bonus content of the International/European version.
  405. • Comes with Final Fantasy X-2.
  406. • Has several exclusive bonus features such as the X-2.5 Audio Drama.
  407. • Has PlayStation Network Trophies.
  408. • Has Cross-Save with the PS Vita version.
  409. Disadvantages:
  410. • Due to the presence of Dark Aeons, several areas in the game are difficult to re-visit.
  411. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster for PlayStation Vita
  412. Advantages:
  413. • While not as accomplished as the PS3 version, it is still better-looking than the PS2 version.
  414. • Much of the soundtrack is remastered.
  415. • Has PlayStation Network Trophies.
  416. • Has Cross-Save with the PS3 version.
  417. • Has the same bonus content as the PS3 version.
  418. Disadvantages:
  419. • Minor slowdown in some areas.
  420. • Due to the presence of Dark Aeons, several areas in the game are difficult to re-visit.
  421. • Final Fantasy X-2 is not included on the cartridge and is a separate download.
  422. Due to the lack of Dark Aeons, the original JP/US PS2 version is easier than the other versions of Final Fantasy X.
  423. Recommended Version: PS3 - It's the best looking version with the most bonus content. Having Final Fantasy X-2 on the disc is a pretty great bonus, too. The Vita version is also great, and having both and being able to Cross-Save is wonderful.
  424. Final Fantasy XII is only available in its original version on the PlayStation 2.
  425. Final Fantasy XIII:
  426. PlayStation 3 Version
  427. Advantages:
  428. • Original version.
  429. • PlayStation Network Trophy support.
  430. • Slightly higher resolution in-game graphics compared to the Xbox 360 version.
  431. • 1080p uncompressed cutscenes, which are the best-looking of any version.
  432. Disadvantages:
  433. • None.
  434. Xbox 360 Version
  435. Advantages:
  436. • Xbox Live Achievement support.
  437. Disadvantages:
  438. • Slightly lower in-game resolution compared to the PlayStation 3 version.
  439. • Heavily compressed cutscenes which are the worst quality of any version.
  440. Steam Version
  441. Advantages:
  442. • Potential to run in higher resolution than either of the other versions.
  443. • Multiple language options, including the ability to switch to Japanese with English subtitles (previously this was only possible on the Chinese PlayStation 3 version).
  444. • Potential for higher framerates than either of the other versions.
  445. • Has difficulty settings previously exclusive to the Japanese PS3 and X360 versions.
  446. • Supports Steam Achievements.
  447. Disadvantages:
  448. • Can have issues with frame-pacing which can give the appearance of slowdown.
  449. • Cutscenes are lower quality than the PlayStation 3 version.
  450. The PC version has an easy difficulty, but on normal all three versions are the same.
  451. Recommended Version: PS3 or PC - Ultimately all three versions are more than fine, but the PS3 version is definitely the most playable with the fewest headaches and the uncompressed 1080p cutscenes are a major advantage. That being said the PC version when running properly looks magnificent.
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