When the words “traditional turn-based RPG” are uttered, almost everyone will conjure the images of heroes embarking on epic journeys with a ragtag group of companions, each with their own personal quests, or revenge, or redemption. The series being talked about, of course, is Dragon Quest. As they are mostly all available elsewhere, though, in this pack is the always excellent Final Fantasy series. The Pixel Remaster compilation has been a long time coming to consoles and thankfully very worth the wait. 
This little bundle of joy contains Final Fantasy I through VI, the 8- and 16-bit entries in the series, with a lot of them being considered some of the best. As a player who first dived in at Final Fantasy VII, originally it seemed like nothing could top the tale of Yuffie and company. Having now dabbled in all that is included here, it’s hard to argue with anybody that lists one of these as their gaming nirvana.
Each has been available for many a year in some shape or form, and the PC hardcore scoffed at the mobile and text-enhanced versions for their supposed improvements. This criticism was justified and Square Enix listened well, ensuring that these original changes have been tidied up, but can also be taken off completely if required, providing visuals looking close to as if playing on original hardware, warts and all. Most of this reviewer’s playthrough was completed in this manner, with visual charm emanating from the screen at all times.
As well as the visual improvements, much like the digital releases of the later titles, boosts can also be implemented with a quick jump into the menu. This can range from invincibility to experience points or currency boosts. It’s a very smart move that makes everything included here very accessible to a newcomer or someone just looking to revisit the epic stories told.
With such quick options also, everyone has the choice to play their own way. For example, there is nothing stopping a player attempting completion with no help, but as with all RPGs, the inevitable levelling-up grind will slow things down. If so, they can whack on the EXP and get prepped quickly for the next burst. It is easily one of the most welcome additions and means that no momentum is lost and interest is maintained. There has never been a doubt of how seminal each Final Fantasy title is, in its own way, but being able to avoid grinding is a godsend.
The big question, then: is it worth the price tag? It very much feels like any gamer worth their salt should experience at least one of these Final Fantasy games at some point, and presented here is easily the most enjoyable way to experience them. It’s a brave new world where convenience is a massive factor, and that ethos is front and centre here. These titles may not have invented the genre, but they most certainly ensured its popularity in mainstream media. The real question is: where to start?
If unfamiliar, very rarely do titles follow on from one another, with each being their own unique quest and cast of characters. Some games are a lot harder to get to grips with than others, with mechanics that feel more of a hindrance than a help. Notoriously, Final Fantasy II held onto a bizarre text and job mechanic, ensuring frustration from the outset, even with boosts turned on. For a veteran some of these mechanics can be exploited shamelessly to great effect, but for newcomers it’s a mighty sticking point.
In this reviewer’s opinion, try Final Fantasy III, IV and VI first, then dragoon leap into the others at your leisure. Whatever option is taken, the stories that play out through the hundreds of hours included will captivate and fascinate regardless. It is worth noting that if the bundle isn’t tempting, all of these titles are available by themselves.
