Considered by many as one of the greatest games in the series, Final Fantasy 6 captivates players with its incredible RPG experience. The combination of a diverse cast and a significant plot twist in the middle of the game creates a sense of enchantment. Moreover, the sight of the protagonists' failures and the world descending into eternal ruin evokes a genuine sense of dread.
With its open-ended nature and abundance of hidden features, Final Fantasy 6 stands as one of the premier JRPGs available. However, the variety of versions available for this title can create confusion for players seeking to obtain it.
5 Final Fantasy 6 (Mobile)
The fanbase has engaged in a heated debate over determining the superior version of Final Fantasy 6. While opinions differ, there is one unanimous consensus: the mobile adaptation of this game is abysmal, completely stripping away its charm and appeal.
The quality of the sprites and user interface falls short, resulting in a sub-par gaming experience for a title that deserves to be enjoyed in its optimal form. To exacerbate matters, the touch-optimized UI was transferred to the PC version without any necessary revisions, causing it to appear even more unforgivable on a player's computer.
4 Final Fantasy 6 (PlayStation)
The PlayStation console was a hub for a plethora of JRPGs released by Squaresoft, with the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 revolutionizing the genre and becoming a sought-after experience on this platform. The inclusion of classic titles from this franchise on the console delighted players, showcasing the reason behind their elation.
Nevertheless, despite the PlayStation version of this game featuring noteworthy enhancements and rectifications, enriching the overall gameplay experience, there was a significant drawback that transformed the game into an exasperating ordeal - lengthy load times. Players were subjected to notable waiting periods on loading screens, which was deemed unacceptable for a game that ran more efficiently on inferior hardware. Adding to the frustration, battles suffered from considerable lag, further contributing to the arduous nature of moment-to-moment gameplay.
3 Final Fantasy 6 (GBA)
Opinions on the Game Boy Advance Port of Final Fantasy 6 are divided, mainly due to the downgraded music compared to the original SNES version. The GBA's sound chip was not as advanced, resulting in compromised music quality.
However, the abundance of new content added to this release outweighs this drawback. The inclusion of two new dungeons, additional espers, improved localization, and enhanced visuals contribute to an overall enjoyable experience. It is worth noting that the GBA version does suffer from overly bright visuals, which slightly affects the game's atmospheric mood, but this issue is not significant enough to be a dealbreaker.
2 Final Fantasy 3 (SNES)
The original release of Final Fantasy 6 in the West had a different title, as Final Fantasy 2, 3, and 5 were not available outside of Japan at the time. To avoid confusion, this game was named Final Fantasy 3 upon release. However, it holds its own charm and is cherished by fans as the best version, albeit partially due to nostalgia.
The amusing Woolseyisms found in the game provide entertainment, although some believe that important story details were lost in the rough translation. Additionally, the game was censored to some extent, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane, even though it may not offer the optimal way to experience this incredible JRPG.
1 Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster
The Pixel Remasters, while not flawless, are beloved by fans for their faithfulness to the original release and inclusion of much-needed quality of life improvements. The visual overhaul is also commendable, although some may argue that the graphics appear excessively polished. Nonetheless, the updated animations, effects, sprites, and portraits demonstrate Square Enix's dedication to modernizing this timeless game. A standout example of this is the famous opera sequence, now presented in HD-2D with a captivating vocal performance. Players seeking a frustration-free experience of the enchanting journey in Final Fantasy 6 will greatly appreciate the enhancements offered by the Pixel Remaster.