Final Fantasy II

 PSP
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
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  1. PSM Magazine
    85
    It feels much more fun and fresh than its predecessor. [Aug 2007, p.83]
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  2. Console Gameworld
    83
    Great blast from the past, although the experience mechanics could be a bit better. Overall, 2D has never looked so sweet
  3. GamePro
    80
    These complaints aside, Final Fantasy II is yet another great addition to the PSP's slowly improving library and really shows off the care and attention that Square Enix puts into its remakes. [Aug 2007, p.88]
  5. GameZone
    80
    Exciting turn-based battles that grow tiring from time to time. The strategic elements are the most interesting.
  6. Gamers' Temple
    78
    Final Fantasy II is an interesting blast from the past for those die hard FF fanatics. Others may not enjoy the fantasy so much thanks to a very odd leveling system.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    72
    A wonderful little game that is a must buy for any Final Fantasy fanatic. The revamped graphics, sounds, story, and additional content make the game a valuable addition to your PSP.
  8. GameTrailers
    71
    Final Fantasy II is a game that sports a refreshed look and feel, but a noticeable lack of added features and content puts a damper on this celebration.
  9. GameSpy
    70
    For those who are interested in some slightly-skewed nostalgia and the freedom to manipulate their characters' skills on a microscopic level, Final Fantasy II is a perfect time sink of RPG pleasure.
  10. GameDaily
    70
    The battle system wears thin quicker than expected and the story comes across as a little flimsy, especially when compared to more current Final Fantasy games. Nevertheless, it offers hours of enjoyment.
  11. Worth Playing
    70
    You'll most likely find that your level of interest in this game will be based more on your love for the Final Fantasy franchise than the quality of the product.
  12. PSM3 Magazine UK
    69
    It's old-fashioned, but definitely worth playing for a little bit. [May 2008, p.79]
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  13. IGN
    61
    But for anyone who can see past Square Enix's flagship branding, there isn't any one aspect of Final Fantasy II that pushes it into the "must try" zone.
  14. Games Master UK
    61
    A good story with strong production values, but get the first game. [Apr 2008, p.85]
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  15. Game Informer
    60
    Now that these two games have been separated, it is all too plain why this substandard adventure has never been able to stand on its own legs. [Aug 2007, p.103]
  16. GamesRadar+
    60
    If you’re a serious fan of Final Fantasy and have somehow yet to play the second installment, this is a fairly solid re-make that will at least bolster your appreciation for the series’ roots.
  17. 1UP
    60
    It's hard to argue that the minor tweaks to FFII -- though improvements they may be -- really justify its being sold individually when it's previously been packed together with the original Final Fantasy so many times.
  18. Game Almighty
    60
    Although Final Fantasy II isn't one of the better Final Fantasy games, it's an interesting cog in the 20-year history of the series, and shows how much the series has grown and evolved since its inception.
  19. GameSpot
    60
    The updated graphics are pretty, but the chaotic leveling system and aged gameplay don't hold up very well.
  20. G4 TV
    60
    Final Fantasy II is the first to truly deliver that experience of being transported to a world filled with fluffy yellow birds and medieval flying machines.
  21. Gaming Nexus
    60
    As much as I enjoy all things Final Fantasy, I find it hard to recommend this version of the game. It has already been released on two other consoles, and the game play has not been changed at all.
  22. Pocket Gamer UK
    60
    Unquestionably visually and aurally stunning, but in the end Final Fantasy II manages to somehow be simultaneously forward-thinking and painfully anachronistic.
  23. AceGamez
    60
    This is the worst Final Fantasy game, and that is a very hard thing to say for a diehard FF fan such as myself.
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  24. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    58
    Ultimately, Square Enix really ought to have put this and the first game on one UMD... [Aug 2007, p.82]
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  25. RPG Fan
    58
    Perhaps in the course of the nearly 30 hour romp I had through Final Fantasy II, I missed some mystical item that magically makes the game fun and so I was never able to actually appreciate the full worth of the game.
  26. Digital Entertainment News
    57
    They should perhaps forget about the half-hearted measures and just stop putting out these cosmetically-enhanced, half-effort retreads and forge ahead with something new already. Like Parasite Eve 3!
  27. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    53
    It’s still taking the piss though, and Square Enix should be ashamed of themselves for being so lazy and cheeky. Twenty pounds each? Piss off.
  28. Deeko
    50
    While the storyline and plot are more exciting than what we saw in the original Final Fantasy, the rest of the game is pretty damn bland, with the soundtrack being the game's one glimmering moment.
  29. GameShark
    50
    For better or worse, random battles pop up on the screen at a pretty high rate. While this will help in the quest to get stats and skills boosted, it becomes pretty tedious after awhile.
  30. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    50
    While the story is strong the clunky gameplay will irritate. [Dec 2007, p.108]
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  31. Gaming Age
    42
    Final Fantasy 2 Anniversary is a grand game to pick up if you're intent on playing it in an updated format made solely for the PSP, but not a good enough value to warrant purchasing it on curiosity or the nostalgic magnetism that draws gamers to remakes in the first place.
  32. Eurogamer
    40
    Final Fantasy II was a poor videogame in 1988 and no amount of spit and polish will perform the necessary shifts to its foundations to produce a good one in 2007.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best PSP Game of 2007
21
#21 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2007
20
#20 Most Shared PSP Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 54
  3. Negative: 10 out of 54
  1. sprintinmario
    Apr 29, 2015
    5
    *taps desk while sighing heavily* So Final Fantasy 2 supposedly the only Final Fantasy game in existence to be considered worse then Final*taps desk while sighing heavily* So Final Fantasy 2 supposedly the only Final Fantasy game in existence to be considered worse then Final Fantasy 13...do I agree with that...NO but is it my favorite game ever ....again NO

    But why well let's find out

    First off the good:
    1.Graphics just like FF1 the sprite work is SUPERB
    2.The Music BY GOD THIS SOUNDTRACK IS SOOOOOO GOOD
    3.The Story is a different departure

    THEN THE BAD:
    1. Completley backwords character development system
    FOr example to raise your agility and HP you need to take damage understandable right
    YES
    But basic mooks don't deal a hole lot of damage
    which means *builds up screaming voice*
    YOU HAVE TO BEAT UP YOUR OWN FRIGGING PARTY MEMBERS TO INCREASE THEIR HP
    UGGGGHHHHHHH

    2. The bonus dungeons are open from the very beginning and are centered around the key phrases you know at the time (which are only 3 making it unwinnable as of now)
    Even better due to the way the entrances are placed on the overworld map you'd think "oh to get through to the other side of the mountain I just go through here fight some mooks and be on my way" NO YOUR WRONG when in fact the real way to go is just slightly to the left

    3.TEDIOUS GRINDING
    now this is another common complaint that I do and don't agree with due to the level up system there is so much grinding it puts FF5 and FF8 to shame

    ALl in all this game isn't horrid but it's not amazing either but I still had a good time with it so you know go ahead and buy it you might like it yourself

    NORMAL SCORE: 6.0/10.0
    METACRITIC SCORE(If I could give an official one): 66/100    … Full Review »
  2. Arc_Inochi
    Dec 6, 2014
    9
    This is definitely one of those rather "different" final fantasy games. This game probably plays more like the saga series, but with a linearThis is definitely one of those rather "different" final fantasy games. This game probably plays more like the saga series, but with a linear storyline that most final fantasy games come with. There's a couple additions that add some new flavor to the game but for the most part not much has changed from the gba version.… Full Review »
  3. RicochetPhoenix
    Jan 20, 2013
    7
    This is another case of a definitive version of a Final Fantasy classic game, much like the PSP rerelease of FF1 (and FF4, which came outThis is another case of a definitive version of a Final Fantasy classic game, much like the PSP rerelease of FF1 (and FF4, which came out recently). The game looks great and improves upon the original version in every way needed. This Final Fantasy is also interesting in that the leveling up is completely unique and different from what is standard in RPGs and Final Fantasys alike. Instead of gaining overall experience points and gaining a level after a specific amount has been obtained, the player improves based on what they are using (ie: your hit points increase if you get hit, your strength goes up if you attack, etc). This can be frustrating, especially when you are given a new 4th party member repeatedly who is vastly behind the curve. This is a unique title that is worth a look but might not be for everyone. Thankfully, the difficulty has been scaled back slightly to make things both more accessible and more fun.… Full Review »
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