Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Game Informer
    93
    The sound is excellent and the music consists of lovely tunes typical of the series. [Apr 2003, p.85]
  2. This compilation’s been given enough bells and whistles (unlockable art gallery, redesigned interface, prettier graphics, remastered soundtracks, CG intermissions, etc.) to appeal to a whole new generation of gamers weaned on the series’ trademarked formula of turn-based battles and high-quality (for their time) production values.
  3. If you can get pass the obvious dated graphics then you will be in for a serious treat.
  4. 90
    This one-disc set is literally overflowing with a high-quality history lesson that not only provides well over 40 hours of simplistic but addicting gameplay, but a true look back at the origins of the world's most popular RPG franchise.
  5. Unlike the later games, Final Fantasy II showcases the most involved learning and experience system of the series - all weapons, shields, and spells have some associated skill level in using them.
  6. Final Fantasy and FFII has something that many games nowadays either lack or feature poorly: a well-developed, creative and engaging plot. If you’re into RPG’s in any way, get to the store and get a copy of Final Fantasy Origins. You’ll have over a hundred hours of play in your hands, and you won’t regret a single minute of it.
  7. GMR Magazine
    80
    For those who are just curious, it might not be worth your time, but with teh Amano art gallery, an Easy mode for "FFI," and other improvements, the old school will be pleased. [Mar 2003, p.65]
  8. Origins provides you with two mammoth-sized RPGs in the form of Final Fantasy I and II. Both offer fantastic stories, and anyone familiar with the later games in the series will immediately be immersed.
  9. The gameplay is still as enjoyable as it was 15 years ago, maybe even more so.
  10. Play Magazine
    80
    Play "Final Fantasy I" as a blast from the past, but play "Final Fantasy II" simply because it's a fantastic old-school RPG. [May 2003, p.67]
  11. 80
    Anthologies can be a sketchy business, but Final Fantasy Origins delivers the goods and shows that, even now, the current crop of high-gloss, tech tour-de-force games have ancestors that can and should be honored.
  12. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    80
    FF Origins would not stand a chance today if it were a new release but it proves that good games don't always need major production values.
  13. netjak
    75
    Play this to understand where Final Fantasy, which has done so much for gaming in general, has come from. Play this to appreciate how good things were even back then, even if they aren't really the same. But if you want what you had before, save your cash. Time and gaming has moved on - even if I haven't fully.
  14. GameNow
    75
    From a collector's vantage point, this disk is indispensible. [Apr 2003, p.46]
  15. A no-brainer for anyone that enjoys RPGS.
  16. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    "Final Fantasy" is an impenetrable mess with a bare-bones bore of a battle system that's all about mindless levelling-up. But "Final Fantasy II" is a real treat: The story, system, and pacing all hold up marvelously. [Apr 2003, p.134]
  17. Origins won't win over staunchly anti-RPG players, but for fans of the genre, this is quite a deal.
  18. 70
    While regular Joes will miss nothing if they pass this up, the art galleries and new music are enough to make Origins worth it to hardcore FF fanatics.
  19. Games don't have to look great to play great.
  20. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    Simply said, Final Fantasy Origins is a must-have title for any RPG lover - no matter how casual or passionate your devotion to role-playing games. [Apr 2003, p.88]
  21. Pleasant graphically, but disturbing as a more complete experience.

Awards & Rankings

1
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2003
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 96
  2. Negative: 2 out of 96
  1. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    8
    I loved this game when it was released. At that moment, this was the only way you could play these games. Pretty good.
  2. Jul 8, 2023
    7
    If you want to play final fantasy 1 and/or 2 on the playstation one then this is probably your best bet.

    Final fantasy 1 is a fantastic first
    If you want to play final fantasy 1 and/or 2 on the playstation one then this is probably your best bet.

    Final fantasy 1 is a fantastic first entry in the long running franchise with simple pick up and play gameplay with simple but deep mechanics.

    Final fantasy 2 decided that being successful wasn't good enough so scrapped it with a system where your stats increase based on what weapons you use or damage you take. Something elder scrolls would perfect 20 years later this is just a bare bones turn based easily exploitable and therefore not that enjoyable experience.

    Also comes with a free glitch.
    Full Review »
  3. Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this collection game in the series.