Cute little 3D figures plus weaponry and magic equals a great solid RPG.
The Bad: Storyline still hasn't improved since the original FF game; Dungeons are short, but you can't save in them, meaning that it can be quite punishing at times
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Most of the Final Fantasy series was released worldwide. Though this game is one of the few that wasn't. This game was the REAL FF3 on the SNES. The other one was actually FF6. Though now Square Enix is releasing their classic RPGs on Nintendo's portable consoles. Well, since they're doing that, why not put the game on the DS that almost everybody outside of Japan missed? Oh, and since it's going to be on the DS, why not upgrade it? Well, fortunately they did. As a result is a solid RPG that has that old nostalgic feel to it, while still feeling like a new experience at the same time.
You very likely have not played this game before, though there isn't too much new stuff about it, especially in terms of storyline. If you've played the original Final Fantasy game, then you'll feel right at home here. You have four Light Warriors who gather the power of the magic crystals and are sent on a lengthy quest to rid the world from dark forces. Same storyline, different tasks and monsters. Though there is a bit more personality in the characters. They even have their own names (though you can name them yourself if you want). Luneth, who gets caught in an earthquake of destiny, is somewhat like a leader (well, it feels that way since you start the game with him). Then there is Arc, somebody who prefers the journey through libraries rather then actual dungeons, but he joins Luneth because he wants to prove to everyone that he isn't a wuss. There is Refia, a daughter of a blacksmith. Due to her carelessness, she wasn't affected by the curse which was cast upon her village, so she was able to join and help Luneth out. Then finally there is Ingus, who works for Castle Sasune, and is having a little love relationship with Princess Sara. It's nice that they have a bit of personality and a bit of background, but it really goes unnoticed as you get deeper into the game. They all can have the same jobs, meaning that who they are doesn't really make a difference. There are a few other characters with a bit of personality is well, but it's only just a few. The storyline is still very straightforward. Though they were slowly making improvements.
If you've played the original Final Fantasy (or the second one), then no introduction is needed for the formula of this game. It's just your standard classic RPG. World Map, dungeons, random encounters, weapons, magic, blah blah blah... You know the deal (if you don't, then I'm wondering why you are looking at this game). Though a new addition is the job system. Everybody starts of as a basic freelancer, though as you get to more of those magic crystals, more jobs will be available for your characters to switch to. They can switch between available jobs at any given time, but I would strongly recommend against that. Along with the basic character level, there is also the "Job Level." The higher the job level, the better the character is in that job. Plus there is a job adjustment phase whenever you switch jobs making your character suck for a few battles. It's a good addition, a good stepping stone for future games of the series. There is also a small little gimmick for this version of the game called "Mognet." It's like an e-mailing device which allows you to send messages to friends inside and outside of the game. I personally prefer sending e-mails through my computer's e-mailing programs and instant messengers. However, Square Enix put it in because they want you to use it. They're basically telling you, "If you want that ultimate weapon, you better use our little gimmick."
We've all seen some bad 2D to 3D transitions before. Though in this game, that graphical upgrade really does help out. The graphics aren't perfectly smooth and animation could've been improved in a few areas, though it really does breathe some fresh air into this old classic RPG. This game does a tremendous job of keeping that old nostalgic feel from the classic RPGs, while integrating 3D graphics to make this game feel as if it were a brand new modern RPG. Plus, who doesn't like watching adorable little characters duke it out with God-Almighty super-powered dragons that do insane amounts of damage? Also, you are able to zoom the camera in and out, and it's even used as puzzle solutions in some areas. That's another addition that gives a breath of fresh air to the game.
The sound of this game is good. You can just listen to the music and you would be able to give a vague description of your current situation. All the music is distinguishable and memorable. There is some variety too. If you're on the World Map, you'll know it by the music. If you're in a town that has a problem, you'l know it by the music. If you're in a certain dungeon, you'll know it by the music. As for the sound effects, it's also pretty good. It's sweet being able to hear your fighters' blades slash your opponents to death with a killer amount of slashes.
This game will provide you with a very lengthy quest which will keep you occupied for hours. Also, add on the time you will absolutely need to train your characters. Remember, this game comes from a time of difficult games which will neglect to help you. If difficult RPGs annoy you (due to the need of level grinding), then I'm sorry, but this game may prove to be too aggravating for you. If you don't take the time to train your characters, you will be destroyed faster then you can say, "Chocobo!" Not even by the boss, but by the minor monsters you meet in random encounters if you're not prepared. Also, there are only a limited amount of Phoenix Downs (the reviving items) in the game which you may only find in certain areas in this game, and is the only way you can revive your party members (except for after you defeat a boss). Trust me, if you're not willing to take some time to just go through some random encounters to level up your characters, then you will probably find this game too challenging. You also have choose the right jobs and the right amount of them. Having four fighters will only prove render you screwed in some areas. Having four mages will only leave you to be being killed very quickly. In some areas of this game, certain jobs are necessary. Also, the only place where you are allowed to save (excluding the "Quicksave" feature) is on the World Map. So if you go through a whole dungeon, only to fall at the hands of it;s boss, then you will need to go through the whole dungeon again. Most of the dungeons aren't that long, but it will still feel aggravating. You are given some help in this game, but you will need to learn to be independent in order to get through this game.
If you are looking for a long challenging classic RPG for your DS, then this is the game for you. It's like fried eggs and bacon (the game being the bacon ofcourse). You and your DS will make a great couple with this game. It's a great combination of classic RPG gaming and new 3D graphics which visualize cute little characters taking down killer zombies and demons. The graphics aren't perfect, but they still do give a great upgrade this classic RPG. The sound is memorable. The gameplay is pure RPG greatness. It's a long quest that will keep you busy. You just need to be ready to face the relentlessness of classic gaming. If you aren't, then I wouldn't recommend it to you. However, if you are, then I shall scream at you, "Buy this game!"