Final Fantasy V Advance

A mandatory purchase for any RPG lover or video game connoisseur.

The conversion from Super NES to GBA is rock-solid, and American gamers who are only familiar with this "lost" classic from its shoddy PlayStation repackaging will be pleasantly surprised at how incredibly fast this game is.

FFV Advance may seem the least of the trio, but don't be put off by its simple graphics or the fact that it's on the GBA--it's one of the series' best, and this is a better-than-perfect port. [Jan. 2007, p.111]

All of the additions to the "Advance" port of Final Fantasy V are worthwhile, but it is a shame that the new jobs and bonus dungeon are only available right at the end of the game.

A really well presented game with entertaining scenarios despite being a port from over a decade ago. RPG players and anyone else who has to yet to play these classics should have a fun time watching the story being played out. However, if you're looking for an RPG with a thorough challenge and interesting battle system, you should probably look else where. [JPN Import]

It says a lot that after all these years, the class-changing system and its ATB mechanics still go toe-to-toe with just about everything that RPG manufacturers put out today. It's addictive, deep, and easy to pick up and play. What else do you need?

Many English-speaking Final Fantasy fans may now experience what they've missed out on for years in this relatively obscure but thoroughly excellent installment of the classic role-playing series.

Well I was wrong, FINAL FANTASY V not only lives up to its namesake, but also delivers the definitive version of what is now apparent as one of the best titles in the series. [Dec. 2006, p.108]

There is a lot to do and you'll get every penny's worth.

The definitive version of an already great game, and in the shadow of other Final Fantasy releases, should not be missed.

Not the best RPG of the year, nor is it even the most rewarding role-playing title on the Game Boy Advance. However, the game is without question one of the most polished portable RPGs to come to retail in recent months.

One of the better Final Fantasy games, FFV improves upon the Job system but doesn't match the storyline "FFIV" or "FFVI". It's still one hell of a handheld adventure though. [Apr 2007, p.90]

Learning and mastering new jobs while mixing and matching new abilities is such a deep and entertaining experience that the narrative becomes secondary. You can easily spend dozens and dozens of hours leveling up jobs and experimenting with them.

This is more than just a museum piece for today's JRPG fan. The speed of the gameplay is in stark contrast to today's lumbering epics, something that suits and shines on the GBA.

While not for those lacking experience points, Final Fantasy V Advance offers a highly customisable adventure for anyone seeking a role-playing challenge.

Without question, this is the best way to experience Final Fantasy V. However, if you're the kind of RPG fan who needs a strong story to keep you playing, even this definitive version won't be satisfying. On the other hand, if you usually skip through dialogue just to get to the next battle, you'll love this game's unique blend of character-building and combat.

With a robust and varied Job system that adds countless customization options, new dungeons and Jobs, and the portability of a handheld, Final Fantasy V is sure to keep even series veterans busy.

Its age is starting to show, but the new additions added to this GBA remake make the trip back much more rewarding. An essential purchase for what is ideally a dead console.

Ultimately, if you have plenty of time to sink into it and enjoy building characters as much as uncovering storyline, this is one of the best games available today.

The new additions aren't anything mind-boggling, but the new jobs and the bonus dungeon certainly add some extra playtime, and the result is a lovingly ported game that can really pass the time.

For the completist, a must-have. For the rest of us, an entertaining history lesson that's just about weathered the passage of years. [Apr 2007, p.49]

Whilst plotting strategic job changes remains as fresh and engrossing today as it ever did, the grinding and sometimes repetitive combat can't help but detract from the overall enjoyment of the title.

Unfortunately, it also requires a lot of battling to keep characters learning new abilities, and the frequent encounters are often tedious in their simplicity.