Today Square Enix has just announced that Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, another re-release of the classic pixel Final Fantasy series will launch for PC via Steam, iOS, and Android on July 28. Priced at $11.99 each with a 20% off pre-order discount, the company is releasing Final Fantasy, II, and III first. The second batch containing Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI will follow at a later, unannounced date.
According to the newly opened Steam page, these remasters feature updated 2D pixel graphics, rearranged soundtrack, improved gameplay elements including modernized UI and auto-battle options, and supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery, and music player. However despite the visual and audio retouch as well as the quality of life updates, there is a catch: each game in Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster seems to be based on the original Japanese releases, which means new features and/or content added in later ports (or changes for North American versions) might be absent in this re-release. Also, is it just me or the menu text in the picture above is really small?
Debuted for the NES in 1987 in Japan, the first Final Fantasy has gotten around eight re-releases over the years that added new features as well as necessary bug fixes from previous versions. For example, the PlayStation port added Easy Mode and extra save slots up to fifteen game saves. While the Game Boy Advance re-release introduced new items (that became series staples) like Phoenix Down and Hi-Potions, and four new optional dungeons called Soul of Chaos. The same goes for subsequent titles. The Game Boy Advance version of Final Fantasy II, in particular, removes the annoying “stat decrease” mechanics and added Soul of Rebirth post-game dungeon. The list goes on for each game, you get the idea. Square Enix also hasn’t confirmed whether the mobile versions support wireless controllers or not.
