Final Fantasy III (for PC)

Portable Origins and StoryThe Final Fantasy III remake was originally developed for and released on the Nintendo DS, and subsequent rereleases of the game made subtle improvements to the gameplay mechanics and features. Unfortunately, the Steam version is based on the mobile version of Final Fantasy III, which was itself a port of the original Nintendo DS version. This precursor uses the same clunky touch-screen interface and lacks the PSP version's added features.

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Final Fantasy III is a relatively simple game despite its big challenge. You take control of four orphaned children chosen by the magical crystal of wind and shepherd them through their quest to save the world from looming destruction. Many adventures ensue. Characters each have their own unique personalities and backstories, but they are much more simplistic than protagonists from more modern games in the series. From Final Fantasy IV on, each protagonist's backstory has been heavily woven into the overarching narrative. Cecil was brother to villain Golbez, for example, and both were crucial to the plot of the game. Final Fantasy III has its melodramatic moments, but, for the most part, it doesn't develop characters beyond their cookie-cutter personalities.

Breaking Down the MechanicsUnlike recent Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy III does very little in the way of handholding. After the prologue chapter, which acclimates you to the combat and class systems and gives you your party, you're left to your own devices. The game is certainly plot-driven, but the plot only progresses when players look for and find the next story-related dungeon or town. Generally, there is only one path, but players won't know where that is their first time through. Exploration is a delightful portion of the Final Fantasy III experience, and is an element that has been sorely lacking in modern-day Final Fantasy titles.
Final Fantasy III is difficult in an old-school RPG way. It's easy to reach a new area in the game, only to be destroyed by the enemies there. Every new section has a difficulty spike. The counter to these challenges is clever manipulation of the party's formation and abilities, as well as simple level grinding. Yes, sometimes the easiest way to make progress in Final Fantasy III is by hanging back for a bit and earning a few levels before moving on. This challenge is both good and bad. The difficult combat creates demanding scenarios that require a player's utmost attention to overcome. But grinding for experience and gold can become tedious.