


The definitive version: Final Fantasy 4: The Complete Collection (PSP) FF4 has a TON of different versions, and no two are exactly alike. Sure the characters have zero personality and the plot is all over the place, but it's fun learning (and exploiting) the quirks of this game, such as which jobs are horribly overpowered, and which are completely useless. But if you did, you would find that FF3 holds up surprisingly well.

And I have no idea how you might acquire a copy, so I won't even speculate. What about the rest? Well, the only other version of Final Fantasy 3 is the original, released on the Famicom in 1990 and available exclusively in Japan. This remake is available on DS, PSN (for PSP and Vita), Steam, and more, making it widely accessible. The basics remain intact - plot, dungeons, bone-crushing difficulty - along with some minor tweaks that help smooth out some of the original's rough edges, such as making more character classes viable during the endgame. The original game has been completely rebuilt using vibrant 3D graphics along with a freshly remixed soundtrack. Thankfully, it's also an excellent remake. The definitive version: Final Fantasy 3 (DS/PSP/PC/Mobile) As this is the only official English version of the game available in the West, it's the winner by default. If you're looking for the original, unadulterated game, you can pick it up on the Wii Virtual Console (which is also buried inside your Wii U's Wii mode), or as a built-in game on the NES Classic (good luck finding one of those, though). Plus, neither of these remakes have been released on other platforms, making them difficult to enjoy on modern hardware. Considering the original FF is already light on plot and characterization, challenging combat should be the game's main attraction. But they also replace FF's spell system with an MP-based magic system, and reduce the difficulty across the board. What about the rest? Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls (GBA) and Final Fantasy (PSP/Mobile) are both solid remakes with all the updates found in the PS1 version, plus some new dungeons and other extras. And, because Origins was released on PSN in 2011, the game is very easy to find and play on your PS3 or Vita. Origins also has redrawn sprites, a remixed soundtrack, a revised script, and some bug fixes that together make it a clear upgrade to the NES classic. Should you find the game too tough, there's also the option for easy mode (which is made mandatory in later remakes). Unlike other remakes, Origins remains faithful to its namesake by retaining FF's unique spell system and difficulty curve. The definitive version: Final Fantasy Origins (PS1) It's the perfect blend of classic difficulty and modern presentation.
