The second game in the redesigned series

Final Fantasy II is a re-release of the classic role-playing game. The object is to battle monsters, grab treasures, and equip your heroes with all the weapons and armor that they need. Whether you choose swords or spells, you will need to battle monstrous hordes.

An early installment in the series that includes Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy XIIi, the game gets a new look in this enhanced version. With new graphics and the same core gameplay, this release mixes old and new elements.

The second entry in the series

This re-release adds a host of graphical enhancements to the game but keeps both gameplay and story. An evil emperor has made a deal with the forces of hell, and a band of heroes must rise up to thwart him. Doing so involves traveling into hazardous regions and fighting various monsters.

An unusual gameplay mechanic

Final Fantasy II is noted for introducing a certain mechanic that subsequent games avoided re-using. This mechanic affects the leveling-up system and essentially requires characters to sustain damage so that they can gain strength. This makes the game something of an oddity in the series, as the system divides opinions amongst players.

A new look for Final Fantasy II

While the original Final Fantasy II was designed for 8-bit systems, this souped-up version brings it in line with the 16-bit releases. Although nowhere near as sophisticated as later 3D Final Fantasy titles, it successfully mixes retro stylings with a more polished aesthetic.

Good for nostalgia and curiosity

Because of its changes to the series’ gameplay, Final Fantasy II remains controversial among fans, and this enhanced version is unlikely to change opinions. That said, it should appeal to people who enjoyed the game and would like to revisit it, as well as new players who are simply curious.