Thoughts on Final Fantasy II
Before I start, I decided that I will use the same four names for all my characters that I can name in the Pixel FF games. The “protagonist” flavored one is Ajati, the white mage/archer character is Saga, the Barbarian is Falkenbor, and the Monk/Black Mage/Dark Knight is Kalmor.
How similar yet how different FF2 is from FF1 is staggering. My favorite part is the fact that everything can be levelled up separately. It’s such a simple idea, but it allows for really complex builds that help each character build personality.
For example, from the start, I made Ajati use swords, Saga use bows, Falkenbor use an axe and a shield, and well Kalmor disappeared, which was weird. It took me quite a while to realize that every character in FF is capable of learning magic. This is such a cool idea! Even then though, I decided to give further personality to my characters. Ajati casts Haste, Saga casts Protect and Cure, and Falkenbor casts Berserk. This is just so darn flavorful, it’s so smart!
It’s very cool that even though every character can be and do everything, they can still have their own distinct flavors. And if nothing else, dual-wielding swords and also casting fireballs is really cool! More games should have this! Oh wait, Elden Ring has this. Elden Ring is a spiritual successor to early FFs.
Also, I can learn all the spells. No more spell slots! Yes! Why limit me! But, there is still balancing. Spells get more powerful the more you use them. So, it doesn’t matter if you have 25 spells if you only use 3 of them in your standard rotation. Smart!
In terms of quest and narrative design, FF2 is miles above FF1. There is significant lore and backstory. There are motivations that are somewhat beyond “save the world,” even though that’s still the heart of this story. There isn’t much writing, but there are still memorable characters with their moments, their own ambitions, their own fears, etc.
However, the story probably relies a bit too much on mentor/important character deaths to drive everything forward. I think I’m witnessing the origins of the “emotional tearjerk/gutpunch” that Japanese games do so well. (Looking at you Persona 3.)
Also, it’s really hard to get lost in FF2, compared to FF1. All NPCs have something to say, which is great. But the coolest part is the Learn ability. When they talk, some NPCs tell you about greentext or redtext things. Greentexts indicate a key item to be collected, but a redtext is a key concept that you can ask about.
The named NPCs are all able to respond to redtexts, even though they may have nothing to say for some prompts – in which case they’ll just say “?” which is hilarious, to be honest.
Fun story! Cool moments! Great power fantasy!
