Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters Get PC Update

Square Enix has released its version 1.1.0 update for its Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection on PC. The update is available for all six titles — Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy V, and Final Fantasy VI — and adds in many of the features added into the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch releases. These include being able to choose between rearranged and original soundtracks, a new pixel-based font, and new gameplay boost features. The full update notes can be viewed below.

The Final Fantasy series originated on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 with Final Fantasy. The next two installments, Final Fantasy II and Final Fantasy III, released in Japan, but did not come out in western markets until later ports. Final Fantasy IV released on the Super Nintendo in North America as Final Fantasy II, and Final Fantasy VI came over as Final Fantasy III. Final Fantasy V released in 1992 on the Super Famicom, but did not release in the west until 1999 as part of Final Fantasy Anthology.

Update Notes

Major new features

• Assistance features have been added to the config. menu. These new features open up a wide variety of gameplay possibilities. They offer options such as applying a x0 to x4 modifier to the amount of EXP or gil obtained or turning enemy encounters off.
  [FFII: Modifiers apply to the ratios by which status or skill levels increase by, or to the amount of gil obtained.]
  [FFV: Modifiers also include ABP.]
  [FFVI: Modifiers also include Magic AP.]
• It is now possible to use holding down the right stick or the F3 key as a shortcut command for switching between encounters
• A “BGM source” option has been added to the config screen. This allows you to select between the special “arrangement” BGM made for this version of the game or the “original” versions in the style of the original game. In addition, both versions of the music can be listened to from the sound player.
• A “Font type” option has been added to the config screen. This allows you to select between the “modern” font made for this version of the game or the “classic” font in the style of the original game.

Additions and alterations to game menus

• It is now possible to load saved data from the menu screen.
• It is now possible to open the pause menu while travelling or during battle. You can also return to the title screen or check control settings from the pause menu.
• An option to switch movement speeds has been added to the config. screen. This allows you to switch the default movement speed from walking to running. Holding down the cancel button while moving will move characters at the other speed not set as the default.
• It is also possible to switch between movements speeds using the F1 key or holding down the left stick as a short cut.
• It is now possible to view the monster bestiary from the in-game config menu
• It is now possible to select to fight against a monster of your choice from the monster bestiary on the title screen. The game progress from the most recent save data will be applied to decide what monsters the player can select. (It is not possible to select to fight monsters from the monster bestiary on the config. screen)
• A “config.” option has been added to the title menu. Most of the same settings that can be changed in-game can also be changed from here.
• [FFII only] The characteristic Magic Interference has been added to characters status. This characteristic can be altered by changing equipment. The lower the value is, the higher the chance of magic hitting or succeeding will be.
• [FFV only] It has been made easier to check which spells you have already learned from the “Magic” menu. Spells are also arranged by level on this menu.
• [FFV only] It has been changed so the current status of ABP obtained for each job is now displayed on the “Job” menu.
• [FFVI only] Improvements have been made to the “Espers” menu screen layout.
• [FFVI only] Improvements have been made to the layout of the party member selection screen shown at specific times during the game.

Other changes and adjustments

• The “auto” icon is no longer shown on the battle screen as standard.
• It is now possible to skip scenes during the ending.
• Some changes and adjustments have been made to game graphics.
• Some changes and adjustments have been made to sound effects.
• Several bugs have been fixed.
• [FFIV, FFV, and FFVI] The controls for the battle commands “Defend” and “Row” have been changed. It is now possible to select “Defend” by pushing the right direction or “Row” by pushing the left direction while selecting commands.
• [FFVI only] The following improvements have been made to adjust the overall balancing of magicite and the bonuses that improve specific statuses when levelling up while magicite is equipped.
  Raiden: Str +2 ⇒ Speed +2
  Alexander: None ⇒ Str +2
• [FFVI only] The presentation of the opening section of the game has been partially changed.
• [FFVI only] It is now possible to skip scenes during the game’s opening.