[Kyuzo]

After purchasing FFIII for my niece, I ended up playing the game more than she. While the emphasis on using the Mognet to unlock secret areas and jobs irked me considerably, I liked the layout and overall well thought-out arrangement of the game.

I know that there are other FF versions for DS, but from screenshots they appear quite different from the FIII game. Does anyone here know if any of the other Final Fantasy DS games are laid out as well as FFIII?

I would sincerely appreciate your opinions.

Sincerely, Kyuzo.

[Loaf]

FF DS? I only know of FFIII, FFIV and FFTactics Advanced 2. Other then that, only one with a job type system would be Tactics Advanced, for GBA or PS1 there is FFV which also has the job system, and same with FFT for PS1 or the remake for PSP.

[Kyuzo]

Thank you, Lowlf. I may have a look-see and determine if Tactics would be to my liking.

My thanks, Kyuzo.

[Silver]

If you liked FFIII in particular there'd be a good chance you'd like FFV I believe. Probably the most similar in terms of the system used. And there's a GBA version which is playable on your DS too, unless you somehow managed to get a new DSi around now.

[Kyuzo]

Thank you Silver! That was exactly what I wanted to know. This game is one of the few I've played, and seems greatly superior to the Naruto and Inuyasha games I purchased for my niece (she abandoned both after a little while). I've seen pros and cons on FFIII, but find I like its layout very much.

My sincerest thanks, Kyuzo.

[espritduo]

If you enjoyed FFIII for the way it looked and felt, then you'll definitely like FFIV DS. The same people that remade FFIII for the DS remade FFIV, and the look and layout of the game is almost indentical to FFIII DS. If you enjoyed FFIII for the battle system, though, you may find FFIV much more restrictive, sine you can't change job classes in FFIV like you can in FFIII. Lke was mentioned before, FFV would be the best choice if you liked the game for its battle system.

Of course if you just enjoyed the game's high-quality presentation, you'll probably enjoy most of the other FF's, since there's one thing they all have in common, and that's high quality and a lot of effort put into making the games the best of their kind. If the only experience you have with RPG's are Naruto and Inuyasha themed games...you're in a for a pleasant surprise.

[Kyuzo]

Thank you, Espritduo. Your post was very informative. I liked the FFIII game because it allowed me the variation of different jobs and the corresponding accumulation of weapons and equipment which I thought made the game interesting. The combat system was entertaining for the little thoughts Enix put into it like the ability to switch weapons mid-battle (the "equipment" choice in the battle menu). I know this particular game has a turn-based system, and I don't know how the other type handles yet as this is the first quality RPG game I've played (fortunately, my niece has abandoned the DS for her Wii ). The unlockables are a bit annoying (I live in an area where Wi-Fi is only recently becoming common and have yet to meet another person who plays this game locally!).

Thanks again for your help, Kyuzo.

[Cain Highwind]

I'd definitely like to add another FFV recommendation to the pile. I thought FFIII was annoyingly restrictive since there were parts where you HAD to have a Black/Red Mage to pass certain parts. FF5 doesn't have that problem and is far more open ended, but it won't feel like a wholly different experience. Of course I was spoiled by FF5's Job System since I played that first. You're NOT restricted to one job at a time (you can use all the benefits of one class, but attach abilities of other classes you've levelled up in) Plus dont worry, there's a bonus dungeon but no Online-only features.

And since we're talking GBA games here, FFI+II Dawn of Souls (two games in one) is worth checking out for FFI. I haven't played the GBA version. I've heard the difficulty was toned down significantly compared to the originals. But it has the Job System at it's core, and it's always fun to run through the game with various combinations. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

[Kyuzo]

I'm grateful for your comments, CH. I understand that FFV is due out for DS (it may already be out-I haven't checked). I may check it out. I'm planning on getting by a Starbuck's or McDonald's with Wi-Fi and seeing if I can get to the Iron Giant or perhaps score an Onion Knight or two.

I need to check my local game shops and see exactly what's available for DS in the way of FF.

Regards and thanks, Kyuzo.