There are few words that could actually express my excitement over being able to write this, and most and curses, so let’s just say that I’m extremely excited to finally be able to state that yes, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series is finally coming to consoles. Most importantly, it’s coming to Nintendo Switch, which instantly became my preferred console when I purchased one six months ago. Ever since, I’ve been whining that I can’t play the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, usually on Twitter but also often to my spouse. Either way, everyone is probably happy they won’t have to hear my whinging anymore.
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series is comprised of six titles, Final Fantasy I through VI. The games originally launched last year (and early this year, despite it being one of our games of Christmas last year) for PC and mobile devices; the first launch was of the first three title, and the next three were the preceding individual titles. The Pixel Remaster series will have games available digitally or physically. The physical releases are being held captive by the Square Enix store, so if you’re interested get on the wait list now. By that, I mean they’re extremely limited and, when I first saw the announcement about three hours after the fact, apparently already gone. You can only purchased them via Square Enix too, which means an insane shipping cost versus other retailers. I’m hoping they rethink this one.
There are two physical versions available for both PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch: regular and Anniversary. Here’s a look at the Anniversary Edition:
The Anniversary Edition includes a physical copy of all six games (on one disc/cartridge, it seems), an anniversary box, a lenticular sleeve for the game, a 2-disc vinyl record set with newly arranged game music, an artbook showcasing character pixel art, and eight stylized pixel art character figures in window packaging (whatever that means).
Developed and published by Square Enix, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series will be released for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in “spring” 2023, so likely Q2. The games will be available individually or as a bundle. The series is currently available for iOS/Android and PC via Steam.
Here are game descriptions for each title, from Square Enix:
Final Fantasy
This is the ironically named game that started it all. You take control of the Warriors of Light, off on a journey to defeat four fiends and restore peace to the world.
So many of the elements of the series that we’ve come to know and love make their debut right here in this very first entry: a massive world full of mystery, some iconic monster designs and that incredible music.
Final Fantasy II
The second game in the series introduces a new world, new characters and something that would become a trademark of the series: innovation.
The story focuses on the conflict between the hostile Empire of Palamecia and the rebel resistance. A small group of heroes is all that stands between the world and ruin.
Final Fantasy II demonstrates the developers’ willingness to push their boundaries and try new things. For example, rather than sticking to the predictable, the game features a proficiency system in which characters skill with weapons and abilities increase the more they used them.
Fun fact: this is the Final Fantasy game that introduced the world to chocobos! Now that’s a legacy.
Final Fantasy III
When darkness falls and the land is robbed of light, four young heroes are chosen by the crystals to head off an exciting journey across a vast and hostile land.
This critically-acclaimed entry in the series innovated with a flexible job system, which lets characters change their roles in combat at any time. Many of the most famous elements of FINAL FANTASY started here too – for example, it was the first to introduce summons, including series mainstays Bahamut and Shiva!
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV delivers one of the richest and most powerful stories in the series. It’s filled with characters and scenarios that fans continue to love to this day.
It focuses on the dark knight Cecil, who finds himself stripped of his position and rank when he questions his king’s increasingly troubling orders. When he’s sent on a simple delivery mission with his friend Kain, the shocking events that follow send him and a group of allies on an incredible journey of betrayal, love and redemption.
This is the first game to feature the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which combines turn-based and real-time elements to create fast-paced and strategic combat.
Final Fantasy V
The world of Final Fantasy V is on the verge of destruction because the elemental crystals that bring life and prosperity to the lands have lost their power.
The only hope lies in four heroes: Bartz, Princess Lenna of Castle Tycoon, pirate Faris and the mysterious Galuf. Driven together by fate, they set off on a quest that to save the planet itself.
As well as refining the ATB system, Final Fantasy V expands your strategic options massively through a greatly expanded job system, which let you customize your characters with 22 different jobs.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI is a game that’s beloved by fans and critics alike.
That’s partly thanks to its incredible setting and story. It’s set in a land where magic has disappeared, and humanity has instead turned to iron, gunpowder, steam and other technology.
Actually, it would be more accurate to say that magic is mostly gone – a young woman enslaved by the evil Empire still has the power. When she encounters a powerful ancient being called an Esper, she sets off a chain of events that will have epic and terrible consequences.
Finally, the good Final Fantasy game will be on Switch.