New Final Fantasy WonderSwan details

[12.12.00] » Portable remake features improved interface, new music.

   The WonderSwan Color remake of Final Fantasy I has been released in Japan, and with its arrival comes news of some of the changes to game. The most significant difference in the WonderSwan Color version is the addition of some new dialogue that expands some key story scenes. Characters also boast more animation frames, allowing for more elaborate motion.

   Many interface changes also make the game easier to play without tweaking its balance. A Final Fantasy Anthology-style Quick Save option has been added, as well as a run button to speed the party's movement in the field. The shop interface has also been overhauled -- not only can items now be sold at equipment shops and vice versa, the characters that can equip a particular item are displayed before you purchase it.

   A few changes, however, will make the game somewhat easier. Attacks aimed at an enemy that has already been killed now default to a new target rather than miss. (Purists will be happy to note that this feature can be turned off.) Also, solving the hidden sliding tiles puzzle in under two minutes earns your party 10,000 gil. The puzzle can be solved over and over for additional gil.

   Finally, Final Fantasy WSC incorporates improved graphics and sound. New music tracks, such a separate battle theme for boss battles, are included. The graphics have also been improved, especially during battles. Enemies are larger, spells are flashier, and the interface is smaller. (In the NES version of FF I, damage was reported in text boxes; now, it appears as bouncing numbers as in the modern FFs.)

   Final Fantasy for WonderSwan Color has not been announced for North American release, nor has the WonderSwan Color itself.