High school is an awkward time for most folks. Especially for chubby, acne ridden teenage types such as myself at the time. Luckily for me, my school's "bullys" were actually undercover nerds, allowing me to bribe them off with video game lendings. Hell, they even gave me some games back ( I still have a copy of one of them folk's Chrono Cross somewhere). Regardless, it's hard to convince folks (and by folks, I mean the nerdbullies in question) to give some games (and by some games, I mean the fugly slow PS1 adaptation of this game) a chance. especially if said games are A) old B) ugly (at least in the original and ps1 release) and C) unheard of. Final Fantasy 5 is all this with the added bonus of having a main character named Butz. (albeit localized as Bartz for the GBA version i'm reviewing, but fudge it, Butz. Hehe.)
Regardless, I ramble. On to the Review.
GRAPHICS: 7/10
The GBA version does a great service to the original, making all the sprites more colorful while making the text much easier to read overall. The game certainly enjoys a myriad of little touches to it, such as completely different sprites depending on which of the several job classes that character is currently employed as. All in all nothing breathe taking but certainly nice to see.
STORY: 7/10
The story is classic Final Fantasy crystal related shenanigans. Butz (teehee) is a sort of wandering vagabond who happens upon a meteor crash site, discovering and old man with amnesia and a pink haired princess. As the story goes, we meet up with A pretty pirate captain who cross-dresses for lulz and the old man's grand daughter who form the core cast. Pretty standard JRPG fair, with the exception of the villain. I'd like to take this time to mention once again that the final boss guy is a tree.
GAMEPLAY: 10/10
Pretty much the pinnacle of the Classic (which is to say 1-6) Final Fantasy series in terms of combat. The job system is super deep and filled with different abilities available depending on the job level that character has for that specific job. Job job job. As your character grows in regular levels, the stats change depending on which classes you play as whilst you level up (normal level up, not job.) Returning from FFIV is the ATB system, refined a smidgen and made more enjoyable due to the diversity the job system presents.
NEW ADDITIONS: 9/10
I really enjoy the additions the GBA port brings. prettier graphics and a better translation do wonders for the old title, plus it benefits by losing the long load times present in the PS1 release I first experienced. adding to the add ons are a new optional end game dungeon complete with 4 new job classes to master. Best of all, the optional dungeon expands the original story of the game while tying up a few lose ends (such as why exactly the final boss was a tree.)
REPLAY VALUE: 9/10
The game contains 26 different classes to mix and match with, providing hundreds of different ways to run through the game. Also helping beef up the replay-ability are optional strong monsters found through out the entirety of the game you'll more than likely miss out on fighting on your first go. Side quests are bountiful and rewarding, ensuring exploration remain key during your first or fifth time through this classic title.
OVERALL SCORE: 9/10
The character's are pretty darn memorable (tree.), the gameplay is an absolute blast, and while the story may not be the best among the final fantasy canon, it could certainly be worse (here's looking at you, 8.). If you've never played it before, it's definitely a game you shouldn't miss out on. If you have, the remake has plenty of new meat on it for old fans. Bottom line, get this. YOU HEAR ME NERD BULLIES?!