Final Fantasy III

The only Final Fantasy that was never localized—the third installment of the original series—will finally reach North American shores! Lauded as...
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8.2

very good

CRITICS SCORE

7.7

(50 ratings)

GAMER SCORE

8.6

(5463 ratings)

Game Overview

The only Final Fantasy that was never localized—the third installment of the original series—will finally reach North American shores! Lauded as "legendary" by the Japanese fan base, Final Fantasy III has been reborn, incorporating the latest in portable gaming technology. Using the features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest, Final Fantasy III features graphics that have been reworked and remodeled in 3D, while maintaining the mythical Final Fantasy look and feel.

The Good

Great-looking fully 3D visuals breathe new life and personality into an old game, job system helps add variety and depth to all of the combat, lengthy quest will keep you busy for hours and hours.

The Bad

3D visuals could have been smoother, and the DS's top screen is barely used, game can feel punishing at times, partly due to the lack of save points.

The Bottom Line

Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world's fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost—but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world...

Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness…

Game Screenshots

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Expert Reviews

79/100

score

Not only is this a nicely done remake of an influential, little-seen early chapter from this long-running role-playing series, it's also an all-around solid RPG.

80/100

score

While it is a brutally challenging game that might turn off the more casual gamer, it stands as one of the best portable RPGs available for the DS this year.

78/100

score

Even though we personally had a blast with Final Fantasy III, this one is going to be a serious judgment call on a gamer-by-gamers basis. For any unassuming casual gamer out there, be warned, as Final Fantasy III hits hard and plays like the demanding day

Game Features

The missing link in the evolution of FINAL FANTASY is unveiled—North American gamers experience a legend reborn

A dynamic job-changing system brings a nearly infinite number of party variations

The touch screen interface takes full advantage of the DS capabilities—explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells by using the stylus

A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic—colorful 3D graphics bring FINAL FANTASY III into the new millennium

The Legend Unveiled: Final Fantasy III Ships to Retailers Discover 279,841 Ways to Save the World

Game Specs

Modes
Full Mission Single-Player, Story

Wireless
DS Multi-Card Play (1-2)

Game Info

Platform:	Nintendo DS
Release Date:	11/15/2006
Publisher:	Square Enix
Developer:	Matrix Software (Japan)
Genre:	RPG
ESRB Rating:	--
Gamesite:	--

Game Quality Ratings

Overall

Gameplay

Graphics

Sound

9.2

Concept

8.5

Difficulty: Hard

OVERALL

8/10

Recent Customer Reviews

Final Fantasy III is a much-welcomed remake

Final Fantasy III is one of the better RPG offerings for the DS and is worth checking out by fans of... the genre.
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Published 1385 days ago by madcap_taco

I Was With You Till That Last Bit...

A must-play for Final Fantasy fans, may be a challenge to those new to the genre. Redesigned with...
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Published 1593 days ago by airatic

Final Fantasy 3 for Ds is awesome

If you love rpgs, especially classic rpgs, get it now. This is a remake that actually doesn't... ruin the game.
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Published 1596 days ago by cloudine

Final Fantasy III

Overall it is a really great game, and I would would really recommend this game for any Final... Fantasy fan.
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Published 1935 days ago by alicia9n26

At last, the franchise is complete

Not a true videogame remake, but still worth buying.
Published 1953 days ago by cyrusviedra