Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation, Super Famicom, Wii
- Publishers: Square, Square Enix
Final Fantasy V (1992): A Timeless Classic JRPG
Released in 1992 for the Super Famicom (known internationally as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Final Fantasy V is a beloved entry in the long-running Final Fantasy series. Developed and published by Square (now Square Enix), the game has been praised for its innovative Job System, memorable characters, and epic story.
Story
Final Fantasy V tells the tale of four young heroes who are chosen by the Wind Crystal to save the world from an evil sorcerer named Exdeath. The heroes must travel across the world, collecting the other Crystals and defeating Exdeath’s minions. Along the way, they will learn about the power of friendship, courage, and sacrifice.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy V is a turn-based JRPG with a unique Job System. This system allows players to customize their characters by choosing from a variety of different jobs, each with its own unique abilities and stats. Players can freely change their characters’ jobs at any time, allowing for a great deal of strategic flexibility.
In addition to the Job System, Final Fantasy V also features a wide variety of other gameplay elements, including:
- A deep and engaging story with a cast of memorable characters
- A challenging and rewarding combat system
- A variety of side quests and minigames
- A beautiful and detailed world to explore
Characters
The four main characters of Final Fantasy V are:
- Bartz Klauser: A young adventurer who is chosen by the Wind Crystal to be a Warrior of Light.
- Lenna Charlotte Tycoon: A princess who is chosen by the Water Crystal to be a White Mage.
- Galuf Halm Baldesion: A veteran warrior who is chosen by the Fire Crystal to be a Monk.
- Faris Scherwiz: A pirate captain who is chosen by the Earth Crystal to be a Thief.
Setting
Final Fantasy V is set in the world of Blue Planet, which is home to four different Crystals: Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth. The Crystals are the source of all life on Blue Planet, and they must be protected from the evil sorcerer Exdeath.
Development
Final Fantasy V was developed by a team led by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who had previously directed the first four Final Fantasy games. The game was designed to be a more ambitious and innovative entry in the series, and it introduced a number of new features, including the Job System.
Release and Reception
Final Fantasy V was released in Japan on December 6, 1992. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over two million copies in Japan alone. It was later ported to the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, and it was released on the PlayStation Network in 2011. An enhanced port of the game, with new high-resolution graphics and a touch-based interface, was released for iOS and Android in 2013.
Final Fantasy V has been praised for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and epic story. It is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Legacy
Final Fantasy V has had a significant impact on the JRPG genre. Its Job System has been imitated by many other games, and its story and characters have inspired countless others. The game has also been referenced in numerous other works of popular culture, including anime, manga, and video games.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy V is a timeless classic JRPG that still holds up today. With its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and epic story, it is a must-play for fans of the genre. If you have never played Final Fantasy V, I highly recommend checking it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Review Score
9.5/10