My Hero from Back in the Day

Final Fantasy VI Advance is Square-Enix's latest venture to "cash in on the past". This game was originally released as "Final Fantasy III" back in the day, and it was great then. Is it still great now? The graphics are pretty much the same (which weren't bad to start with). The screen is smaller (so there is quite a bit of panning added where there wasn't before. However, that can be safely ignored. There is some graphical slowdown on the airship and while chocobo riding, which sometimes makes them hard to control. Despite the harder to control airships and such, the controls are really tight. Tighter than they used to be. I was able to maneuver my characters with ludicrous speed (sprint shoes plus holding B) and execute Sabin's Blitz without much problem. Go control! The sound quality is a bit of a double edged sword. On the one hand, the music has improved in a few places (such as the Opera and Relm's theme), but the sound effects themselves seemed to have gotten worse (especially the ice magic sound effect). My biggest complaint (this only really affects those who've played FF VI before this) is what they changed from the original version. First off, the dialogue is different. Slightly, yes, but when you have a split second to chose a phrase in the opera scene, and they're different from what you remember, it can get frustrating. The scene where Locke first meets Celes was VERY edited (I know that Japan has had a problem with kidnappers, but come on. She's a PRISONER. There's a difference). Spells, monsters, and items have also been given name changes, which becomes confusing if you're trying to use Gau (I never do, I think he sucks) and trying to remember what does what. Once again, this only affects those who have played the game before. Some glitches were fixed from the older version, which is both good and bad news. First of, Relm's Sketch glitch has been FIXED! So you can have her sketch away without fear of destroying your game! This, however, is where the bad news comes in. They fixed the "Vanish - Doom" glitch, so this means we have to go back to defeating bosses the old fashion way. With my laundry list of complaints, it must sound like I hated this game. Quite the opposite. I loved "Final Fantasy III" back in the day, so there's no reason not to love it now. The characters are still interesting, the story is still good, Kefka is still bat s*** crazy, and I have the power to ignore characters (*coughs* GAU) and never use them. Come on, it's still Final Fantasy VI... but portable! If you love this game back in the day, there's no reason not to have it. If you haven't played it before, give it a try! Graphics - 3.75/5 Sound - 4/5 Control - 4.5/5 Overall - 4.5/5