A Nostalgic Journey with Fresh Updates for New and Returning Warriors
The legendary quest that kicked off one of gaming’s most beloved franchises returns in style with the Final Fantasy 1 Remastered version, available on Xbox Game Pass. Whether you’re a long-time fan yearning for a trip down memory lane or a newcomer curious about the roots of the RPG genre, this remaster offers a compelling blend of nostalgia and refinement that’s hard to resist. But does this classic stand on its own two feet in its modern incarnation—and what’s changed since the original enchanted gamers back in the beloved NES era?
Let’s go on this journey together!
The Story Begins Here!
Final Fantasy follows the journey of four young heroes known as the Warriors of Light, each chosen to restore balance to a world plagued by darkness. They set out to defeat the four elemental fiends corrupting the land’s elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. Their quest leads them through dangerous dungeons, ancient ruins, and epic battles, culminating in a time-traveling showdown against the true mastermind behind the chaos. Will the Warriors of Light restore peace? That is up to you, but we bet they will.
Playable Character Classes
Final Fantasy I’s enduring charm stems in part from its party customization. From the start, you’ll select four heroes from six iconic classes:
- Warrior (formerly “Fighter”): The frontline tank, equipped for heavy damage and defense.
- Thief: Agile and fast, with improved evasion and, later, the ability to use powerful weapons.
- Monk: A bare-fisted brawler who becomes truly devastating as the game progresses. Do not underestimate this class.
- White Mage: The party’s main healer, specializing in restorative and protective magic. Don’t leave home without her!
- Black Mage: The master of offensive spells, great for dealing heavy elemental damage.
- Red Mage: A versatile hybrid, able to wield both black and white magic, as well as a variety of weapons.
Each class can be upgraded to a more powerful form later in the adventure, unlocking new abilities and spells, which adds a layer of depth and replayability.
Game like the Gamers of the Past did
In the Final Fantasy I remake, players guide their chosen party through a series of turn-based battles, exploring towns, dungeons, and the overworld map. The gameplay balances strategic combat—where you select actions for each character and exploit enemy weaknesses—with character progression, as you level up and upgrade classes. Resource management, such as purchasing gear and spells, is key to surviving tougher encounters. The remake adds modern conveniences like an enjoyable auto-save, enhanced speed options, and improved menus, making the iconic quest much more approachable for newcomers and veterans alike.
What’s New in the Remaster?
Final Fantasy I’s new remaster isn’t just a simple port; it’s a thoughtfully updated package with several changes that modernize the experience without losing its classic feel.
- Visual and Audio Overhaul: The pixel art has been carefully redrawn, giving the game a clean, vibrant look that honors the original’s charm. The soundtrack has been beautifully rearranged, offering orchestral-quality versions of those unforgettable tunes.
- Game Improvements: Features like auto-save, an improved UI, and streamlined menus make exploration and combat smoother and less tedious. The remaster also allows for faster movement and optional difficulty settings, catering to both casual players and hardcore fans.
- Bug Fixes and Balancing: Many exploits and glitches from the original have been addressed, and spell effects and class abilities have been rebalanced to create a fairer, more engaging gameplay experience.
- Bestiary and Gallery: The addition of a bestiary and an art/music gallery gives completionists and serious fans extra content to enjoy between battles.
How Does It Play Today?
Playing the new remastered version of Final Fantasy on Xbox Game Pass is a true treat. It’s accessible, visually pleasing, and respects its roots. The essence of the adventure remains intact: assemble your party, explore mysterious dungeons, and face off against villains in turn-based battles. However, the modern touches make it easier to appreciate the game’s simple yet satisfying systems, while the save-anywhere feature and enhanced speed options eliminate much of the old-school grind.
In a crowded field of modern RPGs, Final Fantasy stands out as a piece of history polished for today’s players. If you’re a gamer looking for a classic epic with a modern twist, this is one adventure well worth taking.
Do you want to revisit or play some for the first time? Well, to get to those fan favorites like Final Fantasy 6 and 7, we suggest starting at 1 and going in order. Trust us, it will be fun!
-Tabletop Beard
