I'm not even going to butter you up or lead into this one. This game is a 10. Even if you only have passing interest in role playing games, this is a must own title. I will be looking back on what the original Super Nintendo version, titled Final Fantasy II (IV in Japan) has to offer.

In overall terms of Final Fantasy games, this is actually the fourth installment in the series. Since it was only the second released in the US it was given the II subtitle. This is the most simple complex RPG of it's time. By that, I mean that while the turn-based battle system, items, equipment and story are very detailed, they are all very easy to grasp. There are so many things to do and explore in this expansive world but they follow a generally linear path which takes out any grinding or wandering aimlessly. The plot is intense for it's time and the characters are memorable. Who can forget Cid and his hijinks or the crusty old sage Tellah and how they have their own little turmoil amongst themselves? I know I can't. You learn to love and respect these characters and learn alot of their backstory during the game while they carve out their futures.

The replay value is massive. I personally have played through this game over 20 times...in it's entirety...without skipping a thing. Not a dungeon, optional boss fight or sidequest. Even though the story never changes and requires no input from the player other that to execute their next moves I find myself blowing the dust off the contacts of this now valuable game again and again.

This is a must own game. And you have no excuse. This game has been remade and rereleased...get ready...5 times! Besides it's original format on the SNES it was re-released on the Game Boy advance and given a graphical overhaul on the Nintendo DS. It is also available in the Wii's Virtual Console service for 800 points. Not a Nintendo fan? Good news! It's also available on the PSP which includes the previously WiiWare exclusive sequel: The After Years which continues the story. "I don't care for Nintendo and don't enjoy handhelds" Good news! It was also made available on the original Playstation in the Final Fantasy Cronicles bundle which also included Chrono Trigger (which itself was rereleased three times since it's original inception.) You have no excuse. I repeat, if you have even passing interest or have never tried an RPG before, go get this game.

Score: 10/10

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