Final Fantasy Origins

 PlayStation
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 96
  3. Negative: 2 out of 96
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  1. AndrewW.
    May 30, 2003
    10
    For gamers who really want a great lesson in the history of games, there is no better. The 2 games still hold up despite there age and are a welcome addition to any RPG fans game library.
  2. WakkoMan
    Apr 27, 2003
    10
    this was great. the improved graphics, the updated names of the monsters made this feel like a a more modern version of this great classic.
  3. ChrisD.
    Apr 18, 2003
    8
    Final Fantasy, the words make some salivate, however with some of the horrors brought to the 3D world, and borish predictability of the story lines, it is nice to see the original FF. Graphically, FFO is upgraded to perfection, the SNES style FF were perfect, FF3, need I say more? FF1 was so predictable and standard, buy still fun to play through. FF2 was pure joy, with the reminiscent Final Fantasy, the words make some salivate, however with some of the horrors brought to the 3D world, and borish predictability of the story lines, it is nice to see the original FF. Graphically, FFO is upgraded to perfection, the SNES style FF were perfect, FF3, need I say more? FF1 was so predictable and standard, buy still fun to play through. FF2 was pure joy, with the reminiscent story of FF7, and a levelling system abandoned by all poser RPGs, upgrading by experiencing. In a unique balancing act, created long before the balancing of weapons in Vagrant Story, FF2 is just plain fun, while FF1 took arduous hours of terror, FF2 was a pleasant change and hard to stop playing. All together a solid game and all FF players should experience it. Newbies to RPGs should try it out to see the fun and horror of playing, and the thousands of random battles.… Expand
  4. IanS.
    Jun 29, 2003
    10
    All there is to say is WOW!
  5. JordanD.
    Jun 6, 2003
    10
    It was 10 years ssince ive played FF! but when i did it all came back to me. The is the games that started it all. so i give it a 10 out of 10.
  6. DonnyV.
    Jun 6, 2003
    10
    I grew up playing the original FF1 and FF2. I wanted to play the same thing I played to what when I grew up playing.
  7. NickW.
    Aug 2, 2004
    10
    This game is excellent (or more correct, These GAMES.) I go to many places on the internet and read how everybody doesnt like to play either one of these becuase of their outdated graphics. My news to you guys: GET OVER IT! The graphics for this game were incredible back when it was created (1990 I think, not sure though.) The Sound quality is excellent and so are the cinematics. The This game is excellent (or more correct, These GAMES.) I go to many places on the internet and read how everybody doesnt like to play either one of these becuase of their outdated graphics. My news to you guys: GET OVER IT! The graphics for this game were incredible back when it was created (1990 I think, not sure though.) The Sound quality is excellent and so are the cinematics. The "Collections" Feature also provides for a better and more challenging game experience.… Expand
  8. CodyA.
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    Truly a landmark for all late comers of the Final Fantasy Series, Final Fantasy 1: short but sweet, addictive, and a good replay value to use diff party combos.
  9. PAULR.
    Oct 16, 2003
    10
    This game is a 10! I grew up in the heyday of 8 bit nintendo and LOVED the first final fantasy. It has a great story and plot. The fact that the graphics have been updated make this game even more KILLER!! As for FF2, EVERYONE into RPG's should experience this game!!! I played this with the 8 bit graphics even though it wasnt available in the US until now on a PC emulator and it This game is a 10! I grew up in the heyday of 8 bit nintendo and LOVED the first final fantasy. It has a great story and plot. The fact that the graphics have been updated make this game even more KILLER!! As for FF2, EVERYONE into RPG's should experience this game!!! I played this with the 8 bit graphics even though it wasnt available in the US until now on a PC emulator and it RULED!! NOw that the graphics have been redone on this one too, it makes the game about 50 times more enjoyable if that is even possible! Truly one of the greatest storylines in the series. NOONE should pass up the opportunity to pick this up and experience these games, especially the younger crowd that was weaned form FF7 and up. THESE ARE REAL RPG'S and all true fans will appreciate their worth and magnitude to gaming in general.… Expand
  10. CraigB.
    Apr 13, 2003
    10
    Wow what an awesome game. I never played it on NES but if it was anything like this it must have been great!
  11. NickA.
    May 12, 2003
    9
    I love this game. I have loved the entire ff series. the only reason i gave the game a 9 is because the item system in 2 isent the best and you can only have 2 per characte.
  12. JakeM.
    May 14, 2003
    10
    I love this . the game is more advanced than 7 to 9.
  13. EmanuelC.
    May 22, 2003
    10
    This game is very goooooood. my rate is 100%.goooooood.
  14. JenniferB.
    May 5, 2003
    10
    Kupo!! I fell hard for the original game way back in 1990 and the updated re-release plus releasing FF2 has only added fuel to my addiction. So for all you serious FF fans, park your airships, feed the chocobos and moogles and prepare to be dazzled and amazed all over again.
  15. KendraL.
    May 7, 2003
    10
    I love the FF1 and 2. I remember playing FF1 one the original NES. It is so close to the original FF1 game that I am happy to own it. I had always wished they would come out w/ the original for PS1 and now that they did I am extremely happy.
  16. ArzakemA.
    Jun 11, 2003
    10
    What's better than having to complete your playstation FF collection? Well done Squaresoft.
  17. BrennanL.
    Jun 30, 2003
    7
    Hmmm....it's okay FF2 is a little cheesy and the graphics aren't PS1 qaulity & FF1's story is lousy but overall it's good but only for Final Fantasy Hardcores like me.
  18. LordGangrelV
    Jul 3, 2003
    10
    Great to play an old school role playing game again, the story line is good and ya dont to much graphics, i like playing a game that is a game and not a movie. it is a very good buy and fun to play. lets hope they redo the shining force games.
  19. ChukA.
    Sep 22, 2003
    8
    Stayed pretty true to the original.
  20. CloudStrife
    Jan 29, 2004
    10
    Its has a great story line and the game play is outstanding for the Foundation of final fantasy games today.
  21. AS
    Mar 24, 2003
    10
    This owns you all!!
  22. RodB.
    Apr 22, 2003
    8
    It has great movies effects in the beginning but when I started playing FF2 I had problems bringing up the map that was supposed to tell you where the hell to go. The maps should constanly be on no matter what and to help first timers a blinking town map whould have been appreiated to show which town to go to next. Oh the Final Fantasy map for FF2 will not come up when you press the codes It has great movies effects in the beginning but when I started playing FF2 I had problems bringing up the map that was supposed to tell you where the hell to go. The maps should constanly be on no matter what and to help first timers a blinking town map whould have been appreiated to show which town to go to next. Oh the Final Fantasy map for FF2 will not come up when you press the codes that it gives you in the manual book I am very annoyed with this. can you next time put maps with your games and a short walk though next time. Thanks… Expand
  23. JacobB.
    Jun 14, 2003
    10
    Absolutely perfect and brings back memories from your old childhood.
  24. ScottS.
    Jul 27, 2003
    10
    ff1 is a true classic when I bought the game I had to make sure I played and beat that one first as for ff2 I didn't get it at first but I stuck with it and the story line itself was enough to keep you entertained and I thought the word memory system was truely unique I never played a rpg with that before.
  25. GeorgeD.
    Aug 29, 2003
    10
    New sequences, cool updated creatures and animations, but still keeping the story and characters as close as possible to the original.
  26. TimH.
    Sep 15, 2003
    9
    I thought that only 3 and 9 were good but origins proved me wrong!!!!
  27. ZackK.
    Dec 15, 2003
    10
    Best game you can get for your PlayStation! The original FF was the best NES game and by improving the graphics and sound they perfected it.
  28. Kai82
    Nov 4, 2020
    7
    A compilation of Final Fantasy 1 and 2. This is excellent for retro gamers and nostalgia for those who played the games back then. However this is probably not the case for others. The games are from 1987 and 1988 and much has changed since then for RPGs and they cant compete with more modern games. For itself the games are remastered or an enhanced version. This means better graphics,A compilation of Final Fantasy 1 and 2. This is excellent for retro gamers and nostalgia for those who played the games back then. However this is probably not the case for others. The games are from 1987 and 1988 and much has changed since then for RPGs and they cant compete with more modern games. For itself the games are remastered or an enhanced version. This means better graphics, soundtracks and the addition of a few CGI videos. Lets start with the games:

    Final Fantasy 1:
    The history of the game is interesting. Square was back then in financial troubles and this game could be the last they ever produced. So the name was changed to Final Fantasy. It became however a hit and started one of the most acknowledged and successful RPG series of all times. For its time it was a great game. Today it is very limited or bare bones. It is the story of the 4 unnamed warriors of light who have to restore balance to the elements as the 4 elemental crystals are tainted and harm the lands and its inhabitants. You have to chose a job (role) for each of the four characters. Be warned you cant change it afterwards. The jobs are: Warrior (Damage dealer), Monk (Higher damage cant wear armor), Thief, White Mage (healer), Black Mage (attack magic), Red Mage (Combination of black and white but does not get access to highest tier spells). It is up to you to chose. Except from this it is the standard RPG of its time. Overworld map, random battles, increasingly stronger enemies etc. Like I said it is very limited now but was excellent for its time and started a successful franchise. A good case study how RPGs have evolved.

    Final Fantasy 2:
    This was unique and improved from its predecessor. Now you have named protagonist with a backstory. Also it has the unique character development system never used again in a main Final Fantasy games. You don't chose a class and instead the abilities you use can improve after battle. The more you use them in a single battle the more likely that the skill increases afterwards. For example HP damage has the chance that your HP increase and spending MP increases the chance that your MP increases. The same with weapon skills (bare handed works really well after some time and some say it is game breaking). Sadly this made me hit and MP drain my own characters at it was a much faster method to level up. With some grinding you get really powerful and there is some need to grind. Especially the last dungeon is the longest in Final Fantasy history and has a difficulty spike if I remember correctly. The story is a huge improvements as there are motives, character development, factions and a system where you have to gather information using key words. Graphics have improved a lot and the soundtrack is fine. As to be expected it is still primitive compared to modern standards but worth playing.

    Final Rating:
    It is a well done compilation. It is for fans, retro gamers and players of the original games. Even as fan of the franchise I must admit that it is probably not that good for others. The standards were pushed far forward since then and so the games became limited and generic. Happen to other games as well. Goldeneye was a masterpiece and set standards with critical and fan acclaim. Today it is nothing special and limited. Overall I liked the two games but see it as my duty to warn you.    … Expand
  29. Noin007
    Jan 4, 2015
    7
    Playing Final Fantasy I again felt like I was getting to play a great piece of history. Really enjoyed it after having not been up to the challenge when I was a wee little one.
    Final Fantasy II on the other hand, I couldn't get into it at all. Something about the graphics where just so completely ass ugly to me.
    A must have for Final Fantasy fans, especially if you love the 2D games.
  30. Kitabake
    Sep 28, 2017
    7
    FF 1 is 10/10 for me and FF 2 is 4/10. Everything is good about both games apart from mega grind and difficulty spikes in FF 2.. so painful! I advise playing playstation or PSP version. Mobile versions are disgrace to genre.
  31. GamecubeLover
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    Origins is one of the best of the series probably the 4th and one of the best PS1 games ever! Probably the 10th best Playstation 1 games yet. So this game is amazing.
  32. Tallulah
    Dec 16, 2016
    8
    I only played these when this collection came out. so, needless to say, I was a bit spoiled.
    That said I was able to out aside the changes that occurred in gaming over the years and appreciate them for what they were. Any real RPG fan needs to play these to see where the Final Fantasy legacy began. They are even worth playing just to see how far we've come.
    They aren't for everyone, but    I only played these when this collection came out. so, needless to say, I was a bit spoiled.
    That said I was able to out aside the changes that occurred in gaming over the years and appreciate them for what they were. Any real RPG fan needs to play these to see where the Final Fantasy legacy began. They are even worth playing just to see how far we've come.
    They aren't for everyone, but the hardcore RPG fans should feel compelled to play these. I was and am glad I did.    … Expand
  33. likevin96
    Dec 28, 2016
    7
    This review is for FF1.

    Pros: - Remastered sprite looks great - Despite being a NES game, still holds up pretty well - Magic system is unique and pretty fun - OST is incredible - You get to name your characters! - Revisions on the original that keep the classic difficulty while making it less annoying to actually play Cons: - Very unbalanced with the classes - Terrible    This review is for FF1.

    Pros:
    - Remastered sprite looks great
    - Despite being a NES game, still holds up pretty well
    - Magic system is unique and pretty fun
    - OST is incredible
    - You get to name your characters!
    - Revisions on the original that keep the classic difficulty while making it less annoying to actually play

    Cons:
    - Very unbalanced with the classes
    - Terrible dungeon design.
    - Random encounter rate is way too high and uneven
    - As with many NES games, sometimes it is too difficult to find out what to do next

    True Score: 7.6    … Expand
  34. UncleEd
    Oct 13, 2019
    9
    It was a great surprise to see how the first entry to arguably the most popular JRPG series still holds up today. Final Fantasy Origins enhanced the graphics with SNES quality sprites, addressed some frustrating game mechanics from the original NES version and introduced this ancient game (originally released in 1987) to a new generation of gamers with eye candy graphics. You choose fourIt was a great surprise to see how the first entry to arguably the most popular JRPG series still holds up today. Final Fantasy Origins enhanced the graphics with SNES quality sprites, addressed some frustrating game mechanics from the original NES version and introduced this ancient game (originally released in 1987) to a new generation of gamers with eye candy graphics. You choose four from a total of six classes: Warrior, Monk, Thief, White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage. In terms of gameplay, this is a typical JRPG with plenty of grinding. What makes this title special is how well it has been remastered for the PlayStation. If you want to visit the “origins” of Final Fantasy but in a beautiful world, iconic bosses, memorable soundtrack, spectacular turn-based battles and a fairly good story, you will be very pleased with Final Fantasy Origins.

    9/10    … Expand
  35. Sylictic
    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 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    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.    … Expand
  36. XV_
    Dec 19, 2019
    8
    Final Fantasy I (7.5)

    I never played the NES version but for what I read is very similar just taking out of the way some annoying things, that being said... At least for the first 15 hours (took me 32) there was a lot of boring mindless grinding, the problem is that feels unbalanced, some enemies were very difficult but gave almost as much exp as other ones that weren't as hard, but    Final Fantasy I (7.5)

    I never played the NES version but for what I read is very similar just taking out of the way some annoying things, that being said... At least for the first 15 hours (took me 32) there was a lot of boring mindless grinding, the problem is that feels unbalanced, some enemies were very difficult but gave almost as much exp as other ones that weren't as hard, but either way, the exp they gave was so little.

    Another thing that feels very unbalanced was the boss fights, it took a lot of time and grinding and backtracking to get to the boss's room but once when you get there it was very easy compared to all the stuff you need to get through. Another thing that was so frustrating was the random encounters, especially in the final dungeon (it was like 6 steps and bam! random encounter), they were so frequent and thanks to that and the mindless grinding I almost quit this game a lot of times... Which I'm happy I didn't because on the other hand there's a lot to like in this game, the music and the writing are charming, they're not great but have a lot of soul, the thing I liked the most was the sense of wonder, what kind of town will be the next, what kind of characters will be there, the dialogue is short but always good and important for your advance, so you better make some notes.

    When the time the epilogue was rolling and the story took a nice twist, I have this nice feeling that maybe FF I wasn't a goodbye letter but a promise letter, a promise that there's a lot of ideas and stuff that can be made in this universe given the opportunity, and as flawed as it is I think is worth your time, just make sure you have the right mindset and time. Oh, and whatever you do, have a Warrior on your party, there were a lot of armors and I think the most powerful weapons are only available to this class, I know because I couldn't use any of those.

    __________________

    Final Fantasy II (8)

    Given the number of infamous opinions people seemed to have with this entry I search for starting tips to make my experience more "unpleasant" truth to be told I find some of them pretty useful but I also discovered that this black sheep was not what people said it was.

    At first, I was pleasantly surprised of the amount of plot this game starts with, unlike its predecessor you'll unravel a lot of things and a lot of things will happen, this was the thing that I liked the most, the main cast is basic and somehow dull but the supporting cast is pretty good, I was genuinely moved by some of the plot twists within this game, also is safe to assume that this was the basis for a lot of things that happen in later entries.

    Gameplay-wise is were things start to shake a little, before I continue, I have to say that this game has an exploit that power-ups your weapons and magic and is completely broken, I did use this exploit but mainly to fasten up the grindy parts of this game, and balance things up, this way I wasn't OP but I didn't have to grind, my advice is that you use it wisely to have fun and a good challenge. The part that is not fun in the gameplay is its individual growth nature, in order for you to upgrade your attack you have to attack, to have defense, get hit, and so on, is not that great but isn't terrible, if only they did it different with the HP and MP, if you want your HP go up for example, you have a good % of your total HP to go down, if you heal yourself before the battle ends your opportunity to grow up that stat will disappear, same with MP, when you get like 100 of MP you have to make a lot of spells in each battle for the system to recognize that you can upgrade it, this translates to slow and repetitive grind that can at times kill the mood this game has.

    As far as character design and environment design they're pretty good and the music is amazing too, I loved some tunes, particularly the overworld and the 1st boss battle theme, this one is incredible.

    For all things considered, FF II is superior to its predecessor in almost every therm, I can see why it has a bad wrap but it is also way too misguided and unfair. If you want to try this game please give it a go, my recommendation is that you use the "attack" exploit with moderation to have a nice balance of fun and challenge.    … Expand
  37. squeelovespie
    Oct 5, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Final Fantasy
    Unless you just have to see where it all started or you wanna faceroll the game with three monks and a white mage don't play this game. I had fun sometimes. Keyword sometimes. I appreciate what it created in the long run and I'm thankful but man was this an empty infuriating **** of a ride. I hear the PSP version fixed some stuff but as far as I know, it's not a real game-changer. I thought the sprite work was awesome and loved the music the bosses were cool. 21hrs and 51 minutes probably the fastest I've ever beaten a Final Fantasy game.

    Final Fantasy II
    The characters in this seem super cool and I wish they were more fleshed out I feel like part of my problem is they decided to name the characters and vaguely give them roles so it just feels awkward that they don't really have any personality. I even looked into if it was a translation problem and it kind of is but even with a script that has been better written (the PSP version) it doesn't fix the lack of dialogue to make these characters feel more than just cool designs.

    Also duh I get that this a basically just a basic remake/reskin of the NES version so it plays NES adjacent and there were hardware and space limitations, but **** man from what I've seen other than an extra dungeon and some story stuff that really doesn't change anything you didn't even try to make this more fleshed out for the PSP version. Great music, great sprite work absolutely great sprite work. Honestly, the plot of this game could be written in a two-page max essay and it feels super jumbled up and all over the place, cool **** executed poorly is just this whole game.

    You can definitely see this is still heavily DnD inspired but it's like a poor man's DnD. The dungeons in this game have pretty tile sets and not much else and 90% of this game is just running dungeon to dungeon with nothing interesting to break up the same same. If this game didn't have the Final Fantasy name I'd never have played it. The coolest part of this game was the leviathan which you don't even get to see, the intestines having acid that damages you was a cool touch and seeing the teeth in its mouth was awesome but then your just back on the world map and it's like "WHAT!?".

    The last boss was an absolute joke, really cool moves, awesome background and dope music but such a ****in joke. Dissidia's designs of the Emperor and Firion made me wanna play this game and even though I feel it'll never happen I'd love a proper fleshed out remake someday to do these interesting set pieces some justice    … Expand
  38. SuperClaudio64
    Feb 28, 2021
    8
    I Primi 2 Final Fantasy sono giochi molto vecchi e si vede giocandoli. Tuttavia sono ancora un ottima sfida a livello di gameplay e ancora godibili. Final Fantasy 1 mi è piaciuto, il secondo non è tra i miei preferiti ma in sostanza il pacchetto completo di FF Origins è sicuramente apprezzabile.
  39. LastResource
    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.
  40. 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.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS1 Game of 2003
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 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]
  2. Game Informer
    93
    The sound is excellent and the music consists of lovely tunes typical of the series. [Apr 2003, p.85]
  3. PSX Nation
    91
    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.
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