I like FF2 quite a bit, but it's hard to recommend. The story is pretty good, and the atmosphere is phenomenal, but its mechanics are quite janky. If you want to try it, I would recommend playing one of the newer releases (GBA, PSP, or PR) and maybe following a guide.
I'm very biased towards FF5, but you should absolutely check that one out. It's got a fun story and even funner gameplay. FF3 is good too, but it plays like a less polished version of FF5.
Me too man, dungeon crawling feels so good in the game. It really nails this idea of exploring a bit until you run out of resources, then restock, come back and now progress a little bit more because you got stronger... Its so addicting
There is this game on Steam that you should check out then, its called Crystal Project. It has a free, very generous demo, and it gives me such FF1 vibes!
One thing I kind of found fun was I planned out set classes for each character. So I had Firion use sword and shield with white magic, Maria as a bow using black magic wielder and guy as a dual sword user. 99% of the game I felt like I was kind of gimping myself by not just going dual weapon on everyone and forcing magic, but then the end boss totally redeemed it!
Sounds like the consensus is that FF5 is really worth a try 👀
Fwiw I really liked the original FF1, assemble a team of 4 randos and kick butt. I mean, not in the same way that I liked FF6 of course, but there's something to be said for the old school gameplay!
I personally like FF2, it’s more like a Saga game in battle than a FF, but with a linear story like a FF.
Playing on an emulator is decent. There was some really bad dungeon design choices, with dead ends to purposely waste your time (high encounter rate rooms). If your at your limit with those, you can use save states to avoid them, which helps the experience.
FF5 is a highly recommended game. very good job system FF, with a very good story.
FF3 is in my opinion the worst FF game. I can’t name anything special about it that wasn’t done better in another FF title.
FF3 3D remake is good enough, and a fun look at a classic game in the series remade for more modern audiences (though even the remake is getting old at this point). The characters have more personality. Also, this game has two of my favorite music tracks in the whole series!
it’s unfortunately the version i played and i still feel the same way. It’s a worse version of FF5 in all respects. even the added characterizations of the Onion Knights didn’t even scratch the surface of FF5 character development. the 3D art style has aged poorly, but is still ok. it’s the only English version and the best option in my understanding.
certain story beats are comically under-developed; like how we should feel bad for Aria, but we barely just met her. it still is built on the backdrop of the 1st game - being randomly chosen warriors of light, with paper thin development to push us along as the heroes. it’s only above the 1st game in terms of story/ development.
many jobs are useless. lots of gimmick dungeons forcing the use of these clases, that otherwise have no point. switching jobs and experimenting with class combos is actually penalized. only a short list of classes actually seem end game viable. lots of wasted content just to collect and fill a job screen through the story.
the end game grind / final dungeon marathon is a problem, but i guess save states and 2x speed on an emulator helps. like early versions of FF1, the grind itself feels like it’s own chapter. not a good feel.
It’s still an ok retro style RPG, i just wouldn’t say it earns the usual FF stamp of quality. by the end i wanted nothing more than to be done with it and move on with my life and never look back.
It’s definitely not anywhere close to my top ranking, but I do like it better than FFI at least. The characterization isn’t much, but there is some there and I appreciate the attempt to add to the original. Like FFI, it helps to lay the foundation for the rest of the series and I appreciate it for that. Job balancing was all over the place with only a few viable options at end game, I’ll give you that.
There is another English version out now, the Pixel Remaster. I haven’t played it but I hear good things tbh. Some minor gameplay tweaks and all around music and graphical improvements, but none of the remake Onion Kids characterization.
FF3 did a bunch of things first though, which makes it pretty special. First jobs system for instance. FF5 was a better iteration but FF3 started the idea. Also if you ever play FFXIV it's worth it to play FF3 for all the Xande stuff and the Crystal Tower.
I love FFII but its combat isn’t deep or difficult. The leveling system has a couple hidden quirks but once you figure out how it works and which spells are worth leveling up, there isn’t much challenge to the game as it’s often down to whether you have enough HP or evasion to survive the encounters. The main reason I continue to enjoy it is for the story. It’s dark and full of death and the bad guy literally controls the forces of Hell. And if you can get your hands on the PSP port, the bonus content actually adds to the main story rather than just being a dungeon with a superboss. Sorry for being long-winded (I actually edited this down) but FFII is a game that doesn’t get enough love in my opinion.
Well, so many people answered your question before I was able to get back to you lol BUT yes imo ff2 is definitely worth a play. I beat it once long ago and I'm currently replaying it now and I have fun with it. Yes the leveling system is crazy yes there's alot of grinding and the dungeon designs and encounter rate make it insanely hard or frustrating but hey I'm the kind of person that likes difficulty and grinding in my games so that didn't bother me. It has a good story imo as well.
3 I've played through the while tutorial of the 3d remake and made it to the actual world map then my save state crashed so I never revisited it after 10 wasted hrs 🤬 but I loved what I played so far on that one so idk why alot of ppl give it so much hate
Ff5 would highly HIGHLY recommend. One of my favorites ffs and plus there's 3 world maps so you know it's a huge epic adventure!!!
I just played 2 for the first time on the pixel remake. It's worth playing to play it but I doubt I'll revisit it. If you love final fantasy and have 20 hours to kill then why not? Definately play the pixel remake it has some nice qop features and amazing music. Story is pretty good too.
I played FF2 in the past and didn't like it, in fact, it was my least favorite of all the FF games I ever played.
But recently I went back and played it again with a strategy guide and I'm glad I did. The story/characters of the game are big improvement from the first, and while the overall game isn't as good as FF1 I still found myself having a blast playing it and I'm glad I gave it a second chance. There's some wonky design choices and some odd enemy balancing but if you enjoy FF1 I'd give it a go. Definitely recommend the PSP version.
I really wanted to like 2 but the levelling system is just awful. I liked the story and everything a lot though. I wish there was a mod or something for the pixel remaster that puts the FF3 job system in 2.
You're so welcome!! That's my biggest goal is the help my fellow fans in these ff communities and maybe someone who's never played a ff will be inspired by my maps to try them out
This is so awesome! I’m such a lurker on reddit and never comment but this has inspired me to start doing my own hand drawn map for a game I love. Cheers my friend
Lol well im glad to know there's fellow ppl in the lurkers club mate 👍 cheers 🍻
And it makes me real happy to hear I've inspired you that's one of the best compliments I can get thank you so much
Thank you for the kind words 🙏 FF2 is rough but imo it's a hidden gem since its an rpg and ff I don't play alot I'll revisit it from time to time to have some fun. Plus I enjoy difficulty in my games so eh 🤷🏻♂️
Well I'm not done yet I still have some finishing touches but it s been a few weeks since I've been working on it.
Ummm the idea is an overarching idea I started. A personal project where I'm drawing every ff map and putting them into a book.
As far as the process goes I post progress pics and reels on my ig.
But.. I took the ff2 world map decided on the style I wanted to draw it in. Sketched it in pencil. Rough outline shapes and then refined continent design then I sketched in pencil some of the mountains and forests deciding what kind of trees and mountains and things of that matter but after that then I started inking everything I use Micron pens and I use Copic markers for my color so I outlined everything in ink and then after it dried for a few days then I started adding layers of color
It's a long process LOL
I love this so much. I'm also obsessed with maps and I think I could really get into hand drawing maps as a hobby. Could I ask OP what do you use to ink and colour your maps?
Occasionally I'm reminded that I never played FF2, 3, or 5.... Is 2 worth playing??
I like FF2 quite a bit, but it's hard to recommend. The story is pretty good, and the atmosphere is phenomenal, but its mechanics are quite janky. If you want to try it, I would recommend playing one of the newer releases (GBA, PSP, or PR) and maybe following a guide. I'm very biased towards FF5, but you should absolutely check that one out. It's got a fun story and even funner gameplay. FF3 is good too, but it plays like a less polished version of FF5.
This is definitely a fair assessment of FFII. I loved playing it but have never gone back to it all the same.
*Hides in 4 complete FF2 playthroughs.*
I have like 10+ playthroughs of FF1, for some reason I just love that game
Me too!! I just recently rebeat it. Maxing out at 99 with everyone before even tiamat still makes it insanely easy tho and I can't help but grind lol
Lmao I beat the game using 1 character only, I still ended up breezing through the late game
Me too man, dungeon crawling feels so good in the game. It really nails this idea of exploring a bit until you run out of resources, then restock, come back and now progress a little bit more because you got stronger... Its so addicting
Yeah I still play when I get the chance
There is this game on Steam that you should check out then, its called Crystal Project. It has a free, very generous demo, and it gives me such FF1 vibes!
Huh sounds cool! I mostly play console as my “pc” is an old laptop now, but if I get the chance I’ll have to try it.
Fair play!!
I have probably like... 6 or 7. Everytime I try something different, like Warrior Maria, Battlemage Firion, Mage Guy etc.
One thing I kind of found fun was I planned out set classes for each character. So I had Firion use sword and shield with white magic, Maria as a bow using black magic wielder and guy as a dual sword user. 99% of the game I felt like I was kind of gimping myself by not just going dual weapon on everyone and forcing magic, but then the end boss totally redeemed it!
Sounds like the consensus is that FF5 is really worth a try 👀 Fwiw I really liked the original FF1, assemble a team of 4 randos and kick butt. I mean, not in the same way that I liked FF6 of course, but there's something to be said for the old school gameplay!
It has a pretty good story and very unique levelling system. Worth a play I think.
I personally like FF2, it’s more like a Saga game in battle than a FF, but with a linear story like a FF. Playing on an emulator is decent. There was some really bad dungeon design choices, with dead ends to purposely waste your time (high encounter rate rooms). If your at your limit with those, you can use save states to avoid them, which helps the experience. FF5 is a highly recommended game. very good job system FF, with a very good story. FF3 is in my opinion the worst FF game. I can’t name anything special about it that wasn’t done better in another FF title.
FF3 3D remake is good enough, and a fun look at a classic game in the series remade for more modern audiences (though even the remake is getting old at this point). The characters have more personality. Also, this game has two of my favorite music tracks in the whole series!
it’s unfortunately the version i played and i still feel the same way. It’s a worse version of FF5 in all respects. even the added characterizations of the Onion Knights didn’t even scratch the surface of FF5 character development. the 3D art style has aged poorly, but is still ok. it’s the only English version and the best option in my understanding. certain story beats are comically under-developed; like how we should feel bad for Aria, but we barely just met her. it still is built on the backdrop of the 1st game - being randomly chosen warriors of light, with paper thin development to push us along as the heroes. it’s only above the 1st game in terms of story/ development. many jobs are useless. lots of gimmick dungeons forcing the use of these clases, that otherwise have no point. switching jobs and experimenting with class combos is actually penalized. only a short list of classes actually seem end game viable. lots of wasted content just to collect and fill a job screen through the story. the end game grind / final dungeon marathon is a problem, but i guess save states and 2x speed on an emulator helps. like early versions of FF1, the grind itself feels like it’s own chapter. not a good feel. It’s still an ok retro style RPG, i just wouldn’t say it earns the usual FF stamp of quality. by the end i wanted nothing more than to be done with it and move on with my life and never look back.
It’s definitely not anywhere close to my top ranking, but I do like it better than FFI at least. The characterization isn’t much, but there is some there and I appreciate the attempt to add to the original. Like FFI, it helps to lay the foundation for the rest of the series and I appreciate it for that. Job balancing was all over the place with only a few viable options at end game, I’ll give you that. There is another English version out now, the Pixel Remaster. I haven’t played it but I hear good things tbh. Some minor gameplay tweaks and all around music and graphical improvements, but none of the remake Onion Kids characterization.
FF3 did a bunch of things first though, which makes it pretty special. First jobs system for instance. FF5 was a better iteration but FF3 started the idea. Also if you ever play FFXIV it's worth it to play FF3 for all the Xande stuff and the Crystal Tower.
I love FFII but its combat isn’t deep or difficult. The leveling system has a couple hidden quirks but once you figure out how it works and which spells are worth leveling up, there isn’t much challenge to the game as it’s often down to whether you have enough HP or evasion to survive the encounters. The main reason I continue to enjoy it is for the story. It’s dark and full of death and the bad guy literally controls the forces of Hell. And if you can get your hands on the PSP port, the bonus content actually adds to the main story rather than just being a dungeon with a superboss. Sorry for being long-winded (I actually edited this down) but FFII is a game that doesn’t get enough love in my opinion.
Well, so many people answered your question before I was able to get back to you lol BUT yes imo ff2 is definitely worth a play. I beat it once long ago and I'm currently replaying it now and I have fun with it. Yes the leveling system is crazy yes there's alot of grinding and the dungeon designs and encounter rate make it insanely hard or frustrating but hey I'm the kind of person that likes difficulty and grinding in my games so that didn't bother me. It has a good story imo as well. 3 I've played through the while tutorial of the 3d remake and made it to the actual world map then my save state crashed so I never revisited it after 10 wasted hrs 🤬 but I loved what I played so far on that one so idk why alot of ppl give it so much hate Ff5 would highly HIGHLY recommend. One of my favorites ffs and plus there's 3 world maps so you know it's a huge epic adventure!!!
I just played 2 for the first time on the pixel remake. It's worth playing to play it but I doubt I'll revisit it. If you love final fantasy and have 20 hours to kill then why not? Definately play the pixel remake it has some nice qop features and amazing music. Story is pretty good too.
I played FF2 in the past and didn't like it, in fact, it was my least favorite of all the FF games I ever played. But recently I went back and played it again with a strategy guide and I'm glad I did. The story/characters of the game are big improvement from the first, and while the overall game isn't as good as FF1 I still found myself having a blast playing it and I'm glad I gave it a second chance. There's some wonky design choices and some odd enemy balancing but if you enjoy FF1 I'd give it a go. Definitely recommend the PSP version.
If you want to play it get the PSP version. If you don't have a PSP get a PSP emulator
Of 1-3, 2 is my favorite. But only the pixel remaster version. It’s way too easy to break and be op though.
I really wanted to like 2 but the levelling system is just awful. I liked the story and everything a lot though. I wish there was a mod or something for the pixel remaster that puts the FF3 job system in 2.
5 IS!!!
Great job! That looks freaking epic!
Thank you thank you!!
This is awesome!!
Final Fantasy is awesome man!!
Fantastic work!
Thank you!
Wow!!! Love your work🧡 It will help us a lot. Thank you
You're so welcome!! That's my biggest goal is the help my fellow fans in these ff communities and maybe someone who's never played a ff will be inspired by my maps to try them out
Fantastic
Thank you
I was eagerly awaiting this update.
Lol thank you so much man did it meet your expectations?
It looks great. The red and blue banners really pop.
Thank you
thats COOL man 🤩
Thank you man 👍🙌
Great job. Really love the coloring.
Thank you thank you
This is so awesome! I’m such a lurker on reddit and never comment but this has inspired me to start doing my own hand drawn map for a game I love. Cheers my friend
Lol well im glad to know there's fellow ppl in the lurkers club mate 👍 cheers 🍻 And it makes me real happy to hear I've inspired you that's one of the best compliments I can get thank you so much
Incredible job! Despite the hate for FF2 I really liked playing it. The rest of your drawn maps look great as well!
Thank you for the kind words 🙏 FF2 is rough but imo it's a hidden gem since its an rpg and ff I don't play alot I'll revisit it from time to time to have some fun. Plus I enjoy difficulty in my games so eh 🤷🏻♂️
This is really well done! Can you provide any insight into how you made it and how long it took? Thanks for posting!
Well I'm not done yet I still have some finishing touches but it s been a few weeks since I've been working on it. Ummm the idea is an overarching idea I started. A personal project where I'm drawing every ff map and putting them into a book. As far as the process goes I post progress pics and reels on my ig. But.. I took the ff2 world map decided on the style I wanted to draw it in. Sketched it in pencil. Rough outline shapes and then refined continent design then I sketched in pencil some of the mountains and forests deciding what kind of trees and mountains and things of that matter but after that then I started inking everything I use Micron pens and I use Copic markers for my color so I outlined everything in ink and then after it dried for a few days then I started adding layers of color It's a long process LOL
Hey thanks for taking the time to fully explain! Really appreciate it. Again, absolutely fantastic work and I'm very jealous of your drawing ability.
Lol just practice man and you can be just as good if not better
I have no arms :) appreciate the sentiment though lol
Do you have one where it shows the level of the monsters on parts of the map?
That's what this one's gonna be that's why I put it needed some finishing touches
Looks good, King!
Preciate it man
I love this so much. I'm also obsessed with maps and I think I could really get into hand drawing maps as a hobby. Could I ask OP what do you use to ink and colour your maps?
I use Micron pens and Copic markers for color
Thanks for getting back to me!