In the last months of last year, I decided to replay one of my favorite games, one that gave me quite a challenge to complete the first time. It’s none other than the gem Final Fantasy V.
This time, I chose the Game Boy Advance version, particularly because of its wealth of additional content: a new dungeon, unique jobs, and exclusive bosses. It truly is a challenge in every sense of the word.
I started thinking it would take me little time to finish, but I had forgotten how challenging this game can be. While it's true you can almost become invincible by following guides online, I preferred to go at my own pace, discovering everything on my own. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast, but always enjoying every pixel of the game and every bit of its music.
In my opinion, the best way to play Final Fantasy V is with the Game Boy Advance version. Although the sound quality takes a hit due to the hardware’s limitations, the gorgeous colors, pixel art, and portability more than make up for it. Add to that the nonexistent load times and the additional content, like "The Sealed Cave," which is a treat and a genuine challenge even for seasoned JRPG players. Moreover, it has an excellent translation into Spanish, which adds to the enjoyment.
If I had to explain what Final Fantasy is about to someone who doesn’t know the series, I’d use this game as an example. It perfectly combines the mechanics of previous installments and lays the groundwork for future titles. It likely has the most comprehensive job system in the entire series, where you have creative freedom to develop characters with unique abilities as you progress.
That said, it’s not a perfect game. While Exdeath is an interesting villain (despite being a tree, haha!) and the protagonists Bartz, Lenna, Galuf, Faris, and Krile have good motivations, the main story at times feels slow and predictable. There are moments where it loses rhythm and doesn't reach the narrative depth of other installments, like the epic story of Cecil in Final Fantasy IV. Some subplots, such as the relationship between Faris and Lenna, are sidelined or completely forgotten.
Replaying this game has been a nostalgic journey. It allowed me to reconnect with a world full of medieval fantasy, magic, magical crystals, and dragons. These kinds of universes have always been my favorite. Since I was a kid and even today, I enjoy losing myself in these imaginative worlds.
My favorite character this time was Lenna. She transformed from the classic damsel in distress into a brave adventurer. I always assign her jobs like white mage, summoner, or beastmaster (highlighting her love for dragons), and knight. My favorite jobs overall are the Mime, for its combat versatility and ability to combine skills, and the Mystic Knight, which allows you to enchant weapons with magic.
The game is full of unforgettable moments: the merging of worlds, Syldra’s sacrifice and emotional return as a summon, the Moogle village, the burning forest that elevates the narrative, and the unexpected appearance of the super boss Shinryu in an unanticipated spot. Each of these moments adds excitement and surprise, making the journey worthwhile.
I recommend Final Fantasy V to every JRPG lover who hasn’t played it yet. However, I wouldn’t suggest it for newcomers to the genre, as its job system can be overwhelming for beginners. Instead, I’d recommend starting with titles like Final Fantasy X and its sphere grid system in FFX-2. But if you enjoy personalization and facing tough challenges, this game will definitely become a must-have in your collection.
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