This was another game I didn’t expect to be as awesome as it is. It shocked me for reasons different from Heavy Rain’s. What shocked me about FFG wasn’t how it did anything particularly new, but at how Square continually knows how to make games that are seemingly the same thing over and over, but their charm outweighs all else. FFG is like that. It’s developed by the same team that brought you FF III and IV for DS, but this time they have the freedom to create a brand new world that isn’t restricted by 15 year old source material. What they’ve crafted is a beautiful world that will suck you in with just one look.

Screenshots do not do this game justice. When I first saw shots in Famitsu earlier this year, I was intrigued by the art style, but put off by how rough the edges seemed. I was taking into account the fact that 3D DS games never look that great, but it wasn’t doing it for me. But it was the final 40 minutes of TGS and I had few options. I could either see FFG or one of the PSP first-party titles. I hopped into the FFG line and luckily got in just before they cut it off. What I was treated to was the pleasant way to end a somewhat disappointing TGS. 

I really love that the main character’s name is “Brando.”

Just take a look at screenshots and you’ll be struck by the wonderful color pallette being used by FFG. It feels delightfully fresh and clean compared to the dark and brooding stuff that comes from the Nomura school of Final Fantasy games. But you’ll definitely want to watch some videos so you can appreciate how beautiful the game looks in motion. The town I played through in the demo was landscaped with streams and hills, and the people I crossed paths with truly made the world feel alive. And even after leaving the town and heading toward the demo’s dungeon, the rope bridges and lush terrain were meshed well with te established art style. The characters reminded me of Final Fantasy IX character art. Everything is fantastical, without a hint of modernity to it.

The battles were few in the demo, but they flowed quickly and easily. They look great as well. The 3D environments spin as characters take their turns, and the backgrounds come in to view over the course of battle. It seemed like every other minute in the demo, something was wowing me with its simple, yet gorgeous design. 

I’m really looking forward to playing FFG this fall. It releases in Japan on October 29th, and if I can afford it, I’ll be picking it up. The only downside I’m seeing is its price. Square’s charging a whopping ¥6000 for FFG, even more than most PSP games. Unless stores sell it for quite a bit less, I’m afraid this great looking games sales could suffer.