Final Fantasy Adventure
Game Boy
Square
Genre: Action Role-Playing
1991
The history of the Final Fantasy series in North America is a convoluted one, especially in the early entries. The mainline entries were numbered in difference to their actual positions in the series due to our only receiving half of them before Final Fantasy VII, and there are a variety of games that had the Final Fantasy brand stapled to them upon release here. Due to a number of reissues and adaptations, however, most of these have been ironed out.
Most fans of the series know that Final Fantasy Adventure is not considered a part of the actual series. For a bit of history, the game was released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu (translated as Legend of the Sacred Sword): Final Fantasy Gaiden, indicating that while the game was related to the Final Fantasy series, it was meant to be a side-story. The game’s origins become even more confusing when you factor in that this entry was released as Mystic Quest in Europe. As Mystic Quest in North America was actually Final Fantasy USA in Japan-
Let’s just say that the name Final Fantasy Adventure is a misleading name in the grand design of Square’s catalogue, and while it has also been fixed with the recent remake- the game was released as Adventures of Mana– for a long time, the Final Fantasy name carried a lot of weight in both reputation and quality at the time that this game came out. Does that mean that this game leaves the same impression that the rest of the titles did, though?
![Final Fantasy Adventure (U) [!]_01](https://3pstart.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/final-fantasy-adventure-u-_01.png?w=350&h=315)
The spear is just one of the many options for weapons you’ll have access to.
While the story itself isn’t novel, the beats in the story actually do deliver some sincere moments. Throughout your journey, you will be joined by a number of characters who are invested in your goals. Even when they are not fighting at your side or accompanying you, they will appear throughout the story. Some of them make some sacrifices that are emotional, to say the least, and leave a lasting impression, even in the minimalist presentation of the Game Boy. While the brunt of the plot is standard Final Fantasy style offerings, by the standards of the system and what could be expected, the narrative was surprising in its pacing and depth.
![Final Fantasy Adventure (U) [!]_05](https://3pstart.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/final-fantasy-adventure-u-_05.png?w=350&h=315)
You’ll see a number of familiar faces, like the Mantis Ant, from later Mana games.
Statistically, you only have four of them to worry about- Power, Stamina, Wisdom, and Will. Upon leveling up, you can choose one stat to raise by two points. This will also add a point to two supplemental parameters. For instance, if you raise your Wisdom (which controls your magic power), you will gain two points in that and a point each in your defense (Stamina) and your magical defense (Will). Your Power, however, will remain unaffected. This does allow you to specialize and create a character with a combat style you enjoy. Admittedly, as someone who prefers magic-users when I can create them, I found that there was never enough magic points to justify trying to create a wizard. More than likely, you’ll find more utility in creating warrior or a hybrid of sorts.
One last feature I found interesting was that you have an option in your menu called ‘ASK’. If you have an NPC with you, choosing this will have them perform a supportive function. Most of these are useful, such as replenishing your magic points, regenerating health, or allowing you to shop whenever you want. A couple of functions are fun but impractical. You travel with a bard at one point who can change the music you’re hearing in the background. Given that the majority of allies also attack enemies with decent AI tactics, even unnecessary support functions can be forgiven.
![Final Fantasy Adventure (U) [!]_14](https://3pstart.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/final-fantasy-adventure-u-_14.png?w=350&h=315)
Only equipping one spell or item at a time is a minor issue.
Unlike a number of games of the time, I have to give a fair amount of credit to Final Fantasy Adventure for pushing the player as games of this scope should. You are always presented with the next step of your journey by a helpful NPC, and while the world is large, it is not insurmountable. If you are told that a place is off to the southeast, you should be able to progress there pretty easily. It should go without saying, though, that speaking to everybody in town’s is the best way to continue on smoothly.
As with just about every Final Fantasy game, the score to this game is stellar. It is, of course, set back by the technology of the Game Boy itself, but it is pleasant to listen to. Under Kenji Ito, who is also the composer for the Romancing SaGa series, the melodies most likely sound fantastic in orchestration but feel like they are lacking something at times. The title track “Rising Sun” is a standout track, however, and probably one of the most memorable opening tracks in my recent experience.
The game isn’t tough on the eyes, either. There are a number of assets that look like they would be used a year later in Final Fantasy V, pixel for pixel. Many of the enemies are also progenitors for creatures from Secret of Mana’s bestiary. Overall, the graphics are on par for the system, though some of them do get messy. I had instances of bosses’ death explosions becoming a jumble of tiles used on the boss themselves, and sometimes when attacking invulnerable parts of the larger creatures, the tiles would disappear. Final Fantasy Adventure is pleasant to look at, but it isn’t without its glitches.
![Final Fantasy Adventure (U) [!]_11](https://3pstart.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/final-fantasy-adventure-u-_11.png?w=350&h=315)
The number of enemies is random in most of the dungeons and overworld so there can be a few or a bunch.
If you’re a fan of the early Legend of Zelda or the Seiken Densetsu series’ later titles, you will enjoy Final Fantasy Adventure immensely. I can’t say that I would recommend this to first time action RPG players, as the game can be difficult in spots. It is a solid entry in the Game Boy library, and if you have the chance to experience it, you could do much worse if you’re looking for an emotional and competent RPG that fits right in with the works of Square’s Super Nintendo offerings.