How Many Hours is the First Final Fantasy?
The first Final Fantasy game, released in 1987 for the NES, is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of gamers around the world. While the game may seem simplistic compared to modern RPGs, it still packs a punch and is worth playing through to experience the magic of the Final Fantasy series.
Main Story Completion Time
According to various sources, including gamers who have completed the game, the main story of the first Final Fantasy takes approximately 17.5 hours to complete. This time includes exploring the game’s four continents, fighting against iconic enemies like Chaos and Golbez, and defeating the game’s final boss, Garland.
Completionist Time
However, if you’re looking to complete every character’s storyline, obtain all the equipment, and master the game’s magic system, be prepared to invest more time. A 36-hour playthrough is recommended to achieve completionist status.
The Game’s Length in Historical Context
When the game was first released, it was considered a long and challenging game. The 17.5-hour main story completion time was comparable to modern RPGs of the time, and the game’s length was praised by gamers and critics alike.
A Brief Comparison to Other Classic RPGs
For comparison, the main story completion time of other classic RPGs is as follows:
- The Legend of Zelda (1986) – 8-12 hours
- Dragon Quest (1986) – 20-25 hours
- Phantasy Star (1987) – 20-25 hours
As you can see, the first Final Fantasy game is comparable in length to other classic RPGs of the time.
Is the First Final Fantasy Game Too Short?
Some gamers may be disappointed by the game’s relatively short length. However, it’s important to remember that the game’s brevity was likely a result of the limitations of the NES hardware. The game’s developers had to carefully balance gameplay and story to fit within the available storage space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first Final Fantasy game takes approximately 17.5 hours to complete the main story, while completionist playthroughs can take up to 36 hours. While the game may seem short by modern standards, it’s important to remember the context in which it was released. The game’s length is a testament to the ingenuity of its developers and the magic of the Final Fantasy series.
Comparison Table
| Game | Main Story Completion Time |
|---|---|
| First Final Fantasy | 17.5 hours |
| Legend of Zelda (1986) | 8-12 hours |
| Dragon Quest (1986) | 20-25 hours |
| Phantasy Star (1987) | 20-25 hours |
Note: The table is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a rough comparison of the game’s length to other classic RPGs.