Final Fantasy II

Game Details:

"Final Fantasy II" continues the fantasy world view of the first installment, but made bold innovations in its mechanics. Unlike the traditional "leveling up + class" system, this game adopts a proficiency growth system: the more frequently a character uses a certain type of weapon or magic, the faster the corresponding ability will improve. For example, using swords more often will improve sword skills, and getting hit more often will increase HP. This system was quite avant-garde at the time and is considered the prototype of the "training system".

In terms of the plot, it revolves around the "Rebel Army vs. Empire" storyline, incorporating a large number of tragic elements, such as character sacrifices and inner transformations, which greatly enhance the story's tension. The game's keyword dialogue system allows players to obtain keywords from NPCs and use them for further communication and puzzle-solving, enhancing the depth of the plot and the sense of exploration.

FF II was initially only released in Japan, and has been remade multiple times, released on multiple platforms such as PS, GBA, PSP, iOS/Android, and Pixel Remaster. The graphics and system have been optimized, but the original settings and difficulty style have been retained.

Editor's Recommendation:

As the earliest work of the FF series with the most experimental spirit, "Final Fantasy II" not only challenges the traditional RPG template with its "non-level-based growth system", but also moves towards a more mature and tragic direction in its plot. Although the system settings may seem a bit complex at first experience, it laid the foundation for the training and plot structure of many subsequent works. It is recommended that players who like training, challenges, and are interested in the history of the FF series give it a try. Especially the remake has made appropriate adjustments to the system, making it more suitable for modern players to experience.

Game Guide:

I. Proficiency System Explanation

• Each ability, such as weapons, magic, HP, and MP, will improve with use.
• Frequently using sword-type weapons will increase "Sword" proficiency;
• Getting hit more often will increase HP;
• Using magic more often can improve magic level and MP.
• You can quickly improve HP and physical defense by "self-harm" (attacking your own teammates), but it is recommended to use it moderately to avoid disrupting the game's rhythm.

II. Team Cultivation Suggestions

• Protagonist Firion: It is recommended to specialize in physical attacks + MP recovery;
• Maria: It is recommended to major in black magic + bow;
• Guy: High HP, suitable for being a front-row tank;
• The fourth team member is a plot character, and you can choose to allocate appropriately based on the individual.

III. Magic Usage Skills

• Each type of magic can increase its level, but the more MP it consumes.
• In the early stages, it is recommended to prioritize practicing Cure (recovery) and Fire (attack) magic, and cultivating high-level magic will be more advantageous in the later stages.
• Resting in the village or stocking up on items is an important means of maintaining MP.

IV. Economic and Item Management

• The game's economy is tight, and it is recommended to control the number of magic purchases and the frequency of equipment updates.
• Early leveling spots such as the "wild plains" can be used to fight low-level monsters to stably farm gold coins.

V. Recommended Farming Spots and Training Methods

• Train sword skills and HP on the plains outside the city;
• Practice magic by repeatedly casting spells with low MP consumption;
• High-level areas such as Mysidia Tower serve as late-game leveling locations.

VI. Plot Progression Tips

• Talk to NPCs frequently and remember keywords;
• Keywords will affect event triggering and progression, so manually write down keywords when necessary;
• Map areas cannot be entered before the keywords are triggered.