bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Final Fantasy VI (GBA)

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: same classic game with a timeless fantasy story

Weaknesses: if you didn't like it then, you won't like it now, but why wouldn't you?

Summary: You might remeber this one as FFIII, but if you don't, no worries, it just happens to be one of the best Final Fantasy games in the series. This portable version captures the original perferctly except for some annoying (and unnecessary) retooling of the music and a touch of editing here and there. Otherwise it is a perfect port and a perfect format to rediscover this classic game with its timeless depiction of a battle between magic and technology.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Classic RPG converted for the Game Boy Advance

Weaknesses: Sound limited by GBA hardware, some graphics slowdown in busy areas

Summary: The last of 3 classic Final Fantasy games remade into Game Boy Advance titles, Final Fantasy VI is probably the best. It is a deep, complex adventure with a solid story line and great characters. The translation from the Super Nintendo original is very well done, with many improvements in this version over the original U.S. translation (of the Japanese original). There are also lots of bonus content here including a new dungeon, new items, and a host of other things. The only disappointment is that the conversion of Final Fantasy III to the DS has set a new standard and these GBA recreations are a bit underwhelming. Yes, they contain the original graphics but the makeover in FF III on the DS leaves us wanting these better Final Fantasy games to make that transition as well. And given that they are already doing so for FF IV this is likely to happen for VI as well. In the mean time, this game is an excellent one to play on that old GBA or Micro, should you still have one around (of course it also plays on the DS).

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4

Strengths: Gameplay, new & better translation

Weaknesses: Graphics and sound

Summary: There are 14 playable characters in this remake of Final Fantasy VI game for the Nintendo Gameboy Advance platform. Some of these characters are pretty worthless though. New to this remake is a better and clearer translation and tons of added features for GBA.The story in this installment is one of the best in the Final Fantasy series. Although it is old-school like and has outdated graphics and sound, don't this put you off. Pick it up and you'll become addictive to it in no time.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Gameplay, story

Weaknesses: Outdated graphics

Summary: Final Fantasy VI Advance is a remake for the Nintendo GameBoy Advance system. What shines in this game is the epic story and memorable characters. Gameplay is as good as the other FF games for the GBA.FF VI Advance has a better and clearer translation of the game in the States. Graphics and music are nicely updated. Highly recommended!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Compelling storyline; 14 playable characters; Optional side quests; Additional GBA-exclusive features; Plethora of items, weapons, armor, and relics; Vast bestiary; Solid music

Weaknesses: Simple graphics (outdated by today's standards); Low replay value

Summary: I grew up on Nintendo, so how I failed to play this game when it was originally released as Final Fantasy III is beyond me. Thanks to this re-released edition, I've been able to correct (at least one of) the mistakes of my youth. Final Fantasy VI is considered by many to be one of the best RPGs of all time, and about 80 hours in, I'd have to agree. This game has all the earmarks of the classic early RPGs. Developed back when video game graphics were still fairly simple, creators had to rely on a compelling storyline and interesting characters to keep gamers' attention. Believe you me, they succeeded. Others have done a much better job than I can of describing all of the twists and turns throughout the game's plot, so I'll just say that this game is well worth playing, and I highly recommend this game to any RPG fan out there. * As a note, there are plenty of hints and tips for this game posted on the Internet. Detailed walkthroughs are also available for those of you who want to find every secret. The Final Fantasy Wiki has been particularly helpful for me.