After experiencing later entries in the series, I wanted to go back and see where Final Fantasy began. Playing Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster gave me the chance to do that, while enjoying one of the styles of gameplay I’ve grown to love: turn-based combat.

My experience with Final Fantasy XIV had already introduced me to the Warriors of Light and many ideas connected to the wider series. Seeing the original Warriors of Light and following their journey gave me a new appreciation for where some of those ideas began.

The Journey of the Warriors of Light

The story of the first Final Fantasy is fairly simple. Four Warriors of Light arrive carrying darkened Crystals, and their adventure takes them across the world to restore the four elemental Crystals and bring balance back to the land.

Along the way, they meet people who help shape their journey. Early in the game, they rescue Princess Sarah from Garland. They also encounter Matoya, a witch whose missing Crystal Eye becomes part of their adventure. These encounters helped give the world character as I travelled from place to place.

I also enjoyed encountering Astos, the dark elf, and meeting the dwarves during the journey. Meeting these characters and discovering the different people who lived in the world made exploring it more enjoyable. Having experienced so much of Final Fantasy through XIV, it was interesting to go back and see some of these familiar elements in the first game.

The Warriors face the Fiends threatening the Crystals and continue their quest to restore peace. While the story is straightforward compared with later entries, I enjoyed following the adventure through to its conclusion. Reaching the end screen felt rewarding after everything it took to get there.

Exploration and Combat

Exploring the world was one of my favourite parts of the game. I enjoyed visiting different locations, discovering secrets and finding things I hadn’t seen before. As the journey continued, it was interesting to see how the world opened up and where later Final Fantasy games had built upon the original’s foundations.

Getting access to the airship was another memorable part of the adventure. It opened up new ways to explore the world and gave me another opportunity to see where a feature that became so familiar throughout the series began.

I also enjoyed many of the fights. The turn-based combat has room for improvement, but playing it recently helped me appreciate what the original accomplished for its time. It was interesting to experience those early systems and see how the series began.

The Music

The music was beautiful, and hearing the early themes and musical ideas of Final Fantasy was a highlight. Having experienced so much of the series through Final Fantasy XIV, it was special to go back and hear music connected to its beginnings.

Final Thoughts

Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster was a rewarding journey. I enjoyed the world, the people I met, the fights and the music, as well as the chance to see the foundations of a series that has become important to me.

The game may be simple in some ways, but I’m glad I went back to experience it. It also gave me more to look forward to as I continued through the Pixel Remasters. In the next post, I’ll share my thoughts on Final Fantasy II.