Final Fantasy V Advance (Pre-E3 2006)

Continuing their lineup of games that are so addictive they should be referred to as “handheld crack,” Square-Enix is readying yet another re-release of their popular Final Fantasy series on the Game Boy Advance. Since we have already had the majority of 8 and 16 bit titles, it only makes sense that the fifth installment would also appear on the GBA.

Never released in America on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Square has finally got around to re-releasing the game on the PlayStation. But instead of being trapped in front of your television, you now have the freedom to take FF5 wherever your go. Need to go to the bathroom? FF5 is there to pass by the time. Flying on an airplane? FF5 will make getting from point A to point B seem fast. Can’t sleep at night? Square-Enix has built in a special drug that will put you to sleep. I could go on and on but I think you get the point.

Final Fantasy V will closely follow the plot of the original game. So if you are wanting a ton of new content, you will be disappointed in this release. Once again, you control a group of five characters who are trying to save the world from an evil sorcerer. It is your job to fight, level up, gain new equipment, and save the world. Along the way, you will have the ability to upgrade your stats by changing your job classes. Each job class gives special abilities and you have the ability to train in two different job classes at once. FF5 was the first time a system like this was ever utilized.

Of the new additions we can expect in Final Fantasy V, players will get updated graphics, brand new job classes, new dungeons, and tweaks to the gameplay. Again, it won’t really alter the experience that much but will be welcome changes to those of you who played through, and enjoyed, the previous FF5 release on the PSone.

While no firm release date is known at this time, we expect this one to be released before the end of the year. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on it!