Although lacking as much personality as many of the characters present in the latest installments into the Final Fantasy series, FF III’s characters are just as mysterious as those in other stories. Conveniently, the party of three that accompany Luneth throughout the game join early, so each is relatively at the same level and skill as the others. This story may not have as much dialogue (perhaps because you have to READ it….) as others, but it is still interesting enough to keep players interested throughout the whole of the game.
I mentioned “loved and hated” elements of a classic RPG…. I’m guessing that all of you readers already know what I’m talking about. The endless random battles and leveling up can get old fast. Going into a cave only to find that the monsters in it are too bad ass for you to beat is unfortunate, especially when you die before you can escape. Wandering through dungeons without a map and with many dead-ends is also difficult when you’ve accomplished your mission and are just trying to get out of there as fast as possible. There are no ropes to save you! Wandering around trying to find bad guys to beat is tiring, yet a system like FF XII’s can get hard when you try to avoid the bad guys too. I guess there’s just no way to win here….
Although not as linear as some games in the series, FF III still gives players a good idea of where they should be going. That is, IF you’ve taken the time to speak with people in the town and discover what you should do next. Without talking to Cid, players would not be able to find his airship and borrow it to get to the cave across the river. The instruction booklet wisely advises players to speak to everyone they can, and I promote that advice as well. Without it, you will be hopelessly lost and frusterated until you find a walkthrough.
It is nice that FF III allows Luneth and his friends to wander the earth in search of their next destination, but wandering without a map in before-mentioned dungeons can be like finding a needle in a haystack. I’m used to dungeons with maps somewhere in them, or having to buy them from one of the locals. No such luck here partner.
