Closing Fantasy V might be probably the most neglected instalment within the mainline sequence. It did not come West till years after its authentic launch, and by the point that it lastly bought a PlayStation port, it had been left within the mud by its genre-defining successors. What’s extra, V by no means actually acquired the retroactive consideration that was granted to the likes of Closing Fantasy III or Closing Fantasy IV.
However Closing Fantasy V deserves one other likelihood. It combines a extra concerned gameplay loop with a storytelling focus, making for a reasonably robust-feeling RPG. That mentioned, the story and the characters are literally a step again in contrast these of its speedy predecessor. The sport’s crystal-based plot will be barely plodding and predictable, whereas get together members lack depth by way of persona and motivations.
Nonetheless, the sport as a complete retains the sense of journey that is so key to retro Closing Fantasy — and that is one other world that is pleasing to discover. There are additionally extra light-hearted moments sprinkled all through V, which supplies it a singular form of allure when in comparison with its darker, moodier siblings.
Closing Fantasy V’s gameplay programs are what makes it value taking part in at this time. It takes the job system from Closing Fantasy III and runs with it, letting you tweak your heroes to a powerful extent. As an alternative of simply assigning lessons to your crew, you’ll be able to grasp particular talents from completely different jobs and apply them to others. This principally means that you could create hybrid character lessons, permitting for an addictive degree of get together customisation.
This does, nonetheless, push a must grind if you wish to unlock a variety of job talents. Fortunately, the Pixel Remaster makes the method simpler than ever, as a brand new ‘Enhance’ can multiply the quantity of Capacity Factors that you just purchase from battles. Helpful!
With an honest story, okay characters, and fairly normal turn-based fight, Closing Fantasy V does really feel a bit too secure at instances, however the expanded job system actually ties lots of the expertise collectively. A forgotten Closing Fantasy for a lot of, however one which’s nonetheless enjoyable to play by way of.