[GBA] Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls

[Kagath]

Anyone get this yet? I'm interested, but I don't have the case at the moment to pick it up.

[Qbe]

I've read some good reviews on it but am holding off since I have the PS1 version.  I cracked it open yesterday and it's pretty fun so far, though I've been doing a lot of generic leveling up.  Don't know whether that's really required or not.

If I didn't have the PS1 games, I'd probably get this one and probably wouldn't regret it.

[farley2k]

I haven't gotten it yet but it is in the Target ad this week for $24.88
Which is a great price for a new GBA game.

They won't have it until Wednesday but it is worth waiting I think.

[Kagath]

Can you pricematch that to like Best Buy and then use one of thier Gamer's cards for the 19.99 and above games also?

[depward]

Would also like to hear some impressions.  I have the ps1 Origins but I would like the GBA cart so I can plug in and play whilst doing my business on the pot  

[Kevin Grey]

On my Christmas list....

[ravenvii]

I have FF: Origins for PS1. It's fun classic gaming. Although do beware of the strange levelling system in FF 2. It's a good game, but not my favorite FF.

[stiffler]

I have FF: Origins for PS1. It's fun classic gaming. Although do beware of the strange levelling system in FF 2. It's a good game, but not my favorite FF.

The preview of this I read in GMR said that Square "fixed" the problems with FF2.

Look, I even found a link!  Memory, you've really outdone yourself today.

Quote from GMR

Final Fantasy II, though, has been rebuilt from scratch—and the results are fantastic. The second Final Fantasy uses a "no experience" system in which party members improve through in-battle actions: Attacking with heavy weapons builds strength, casting spells improves magic power, and so on. Unfortunately, every previous version has been insanely unbalanced against the player, requiring hundreds of extra random battles just to survive. Though the "no experience" system is intact, the nuts-and-bolts implementation is completely different. This version of Final Fantasy II is the first one to be actually playable, and that's reason enough to celebrate.

[EddieA]

"I've been doing a lot of generic leveling up. Don't know whether that's really required or not."
Presuming they didn't make the game easier for the GBA, then for FF1 at least, it's very much required.  I have yet to make it out of a dungeon without being almost dead, and that's after several level-up/scouting trips into the dungeon.  The game is very hard, at least on the "Hard" difficulty setting.

Also, assuming they kept the option from the Origins games, I'd suggest that anyone playing change the setting that automatically switches targets if an enemy dies to "off".  Combat is very boring if you use the auto-switch.

[Kagath]

I have the ps1 Origins version also along with the guide for it. How different is the new GBA one from that one? I haven't had a chance to start Origins yet unfortunately though.

[ravenvii]

I have FF: Origins for PS1. It's fun classic gaming. Although do beware of the strange levelling system in FF 2. It's a good game, but not my favorite FF.

The preview of this I read in GMR said that Square "fixed" the problems with FF2.

Look, I even found a link!  Memory, you've really outdone yourself today.

Quote from GMR

Final Fantasy II, though, has been rebuilt from scratch—and the results are fantastic. The second Final Fantasy uses a "no experience" system in which party members improve through in-battle actions: Attacking with heavy weapons builds strength, casting spells improves magic power, and so on. Unfortunately, every previous version has been insanely unbalanced against the player, requiring hundreds of extra random battles just to survive. Though the "no experience" system is intact, the nuts-and-bolts implementation is completely different. This version of Final Fantasy II is the first one to be actually playable, and that's reason enough to celebrate.

Yeah the levelling system is out of whack. But I didn't fight hundreds of battles; I used the select, un-select, select, repeat to level all my weapons up. One whole level per battle. I was insanely overpowered when I entered the first dungeon.

[depward]

IGN posted a review if you haven't looked:

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/569/569570p1.html

8.5 ain't too shabby

[Kagath]

Thanks, I must've missed that one. Some good info in there. I guess that I will have to pick it up for my commuting.

[farley2k]

I have played about 45 minutes so my impressions are not real deep.

However so far it is wonderful!  I am loving the retro feel but with all the modern touches.  Things like save anywhere and auto equip the best equipment really improve the game play and make the game enjoyable.

[depward]

I have played about 45 minutes so my impressions are not real deep.

However so far it is wonderful!  I am loving the retro feel but with all the modern touches.  Things like save anywhere and auto equip the best equipment really improve the game play and make the game enjoyable.

Great.  I need this NOW!  Too bad the "local" target is about 1 and a half hours away.  Maybe I'll just settle for full price then . . .

[EddieA]

Circuit City also has it for $25 this week.

[depward]

Circuit City also has it for $25 this week.

And that is an hour and a half away as well.  It stinks to live out in the boonies sometimes  

[Kagath]

Just to reiterate a question from above:

Can you pricematch the sale prices to like Best Buy and then use one of thier Gamer's cards for the 19.99 and above games also?