Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 40
  3. Negative: 1 out of 40
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  1. Da Gameboyz
    72
    Sure, the graphics and gameplay are not over the top, but this is classic Square...what is left to say.
  2. GameSpot
    72
    The compilation here offers a lot of role-playing bang for your buck, and though each game shows its age a bit, the combined package is still worthwhile for old-school RPG fans and patient neophytes.
  3. Inside Gamer Online
    72
    Those who missed out on "Final Fantasy Origins" can go ahead and pick this game up. However, unless you have a lot of patience, you can easily be turned off by the slow pacing and excessive random battles the games have.
  5. WHAM! Gaming
    71
    Given today's evolution in RPG's (even for handheld RPG's), I find it hard to believe this compilation will hold the attention of newer gamers for longer then 15 minutes. Any old school players out there with a GBA however will get plenty nostalgic with this duo of games.
  6. Gamestyle
    70
    Doesn't offer much more than genre traditionalism in the wake of its contemporaries, but it's a nostalgic look back at how this fantastic series started, and has enough hours of playtime locked away to make it more than worthwhile.
  7. Armchair Empire
    70
    The music is amazing.
  8. 1UP
    70
    These aren't really the best RPGs on the system. But they're historic games, and they've been buffed up to the best they'll ever be, so if you're a fan of the genre, it's a nice little package you'd do well to check out.
  9. My Gamer
    70
    FF1 & 2 had potential with its classical turn-based fighting, but Square-Enix just left it a mediocre "enhanced" port.
  10. Nintendophiles
    67
    While the graphics (or lack thereof) may be a turn off, solid gameplay and storylines free from excessive details help keep Dawn of Souls from derailing like so many RPGs out there today.
  11. GameDaily
    60
    Though they may lack the depth and complexity of the modern games they inspired, Final Fantasy 1 & 2 are still quite enjoyable, and definitely worth playing if you're a fan of RPGs.
  12. Eurogamer
    50
    Certainly one of the more passable products of the recent retro-gaming fad, but packaged up in the guise of a modern RPG - without the decency of the NES Classics range in terms of admitting to its own clapped-out state - it's going to be a major disappointment to most who pick it up.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
10
#10 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
19
#19 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 79
  3. Negative: 3 out of 79
  1. gm101
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    After some time, I decided to try out the FF games in order, so I got the first two, and I must say, I'm impressed. FF1 had some excellent RPGAfter some time, I decided to try out the FF games in order, so I got the first two, and I must say, I'm impressed. FF1 had some excellent RPG gameplay, while a little hard for a newcomer like me. And for its time, was truly revolutionary. Sure the plot wasn't the best, but this was done at a time when Square was about to be bankrupt, so that's forgivable. FF2, which was done after the first Final Fantasy was a success, ended up being an even better game. Excellent plot, more excellent gameplay, and a much more balanced difficulty. I'm proud to say that I am now a Final Fantasy fan. Overall Score: 9.5, which rounds up to 10.… Full Review »
  2. TheDoodFrankWak
    Nov 29, 2017
    8
    Final Fantasy Dawn of Souls is the definitive version of the original titles. It makes everything look, sound, and feel better than theFinal Fantasy Dawn of Souls is the definitive version of the original titles. It makes everything look, sound, and feel better than the original NES version of the game. However, this version doesn't do much to fix the issues this game has had for 30 years. These are very grind heavy titles that suck a lot of the fun out of the game by making you fight wave after wave after wave after wave... You get it. this game is well worth the time, just know you're going to go a little insane with the little fights in between dungeons and story progression. The cutscenes are a cool addition that gives the game a bit more life, though I still for the life of me can't get over the fact that the airship is just a plot device to split you off from certain sections of the world... I really wish this game had more convenience and rewarding with things like the airship. Still a good game… Full Review »
  3. BlogDog123
    May 25, 2011
    10
    This game is beast. I mean, you get TWO graphically enhanced versions of the first TWO Final Fantasy games? Just be prepared for a challenge;This game is beast. I mean, you get TWO graphically enhanced versions of the first TWO Final Fantasy games? Just be prepared for a challenge; Final Fantasy is no walk in the park.… Full Review »
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