Final Fantasy III, "the real" one, should be differentiated from Final Fantasy VI, which was released in North America as Final Fantasy III for the SNES. This review is about Final Fantasy III as it was released in Japan, played on the NES platform.

Before I begin, this was my very first RPG, and so I am likely biased towards it, as it shaped what I think a "good" RPG should be. But here it goes. I have since replayed it.

Graphics: 9/10

Very adequate. I didn't notice them being unbelievably good for the NES, but they we certainly not bad. Also, the character detail was very well done, where little 8-bit sprites where very recognizable from one another.

One thing I loved about this game is the use of the side view and not a first person perspective. It really helped you understand what was going on. Another great features was the fact that with every attack you could actually see the designed specific weapon swung at the enemy; impressive for such an old game with so many weapons.

Sound: 8/10

Very adequate again. The sound effects were right on, letting you know what was going on with no trouble. The music was as expected from a Final Fantasy title, very good. At a few times, I did find the music a little annoying; as such it did not get a 9/10.

Addictiveness: 10/10

Here is where I may be a little biased. As it was my first RPG, I thought it was the best thing I had ever played. However, objectively speaking: this game requires lot's of grinding, which many find addicting. There are always new baddies, and always new and interesting bosses.

Story: 8/10

The story was ALMOST amazing. It had a lot of potential, and I think with a few more paragraphs of script could really have made a perfect score. I will not summarize the story here as to avoid any spoilers, but suffice to say it was a good fantasy story.

Depth: 10/10

The world map in this game was awesome. You play several hours into the game thinking you're explored most of the map, when you realize you have only seen a tiny fractions of it. The point when you receive ability to see the rest of the map is expertly timed as well.

There are many little caves, and secret corners of the world to explore, thus expanding the total gaming time.

The job system in this game was also very advance. There were a multitude of jobs, and they would effect your players stats and the way they leveled up, meaning switching a Dark Knight over to a Monk may not be the best idea. These jobs were available to you increments, so when you had the surprise of receiving a bunch of new jobs, it was like opening a present you had been waiting all year for.

The were a vast multitude of items, Swords, Staffs, Nunchucks, Ninja Stars, Knives, you name it. So playing the game 4 times over with very different characters is very possible.

Mages are also able to multi-target, which was (and sometimes is) lacking from many many PRGs.

Difficulty: 8/10

This is one of the more challenging Final Fantasy titles made. Most are quite easy, but Final Fantasy III require a lot of grinding to beat most bosses. And I mean a lot.

Also, the variety of items, weapons, and magic available made it necessary to think before acting, and not simply press "attack-attack-attack".

Bosses are hard, and enemies are abundant.

Conclusion

This game is not for the casual RPGers; if you want a long, challenging RPG, with lots of time to spend, definitely play this often overlooked, fantastic game.

Light Knight : I enjoyed reading your review of Final Fantasy III.  I haven't played this game, so it sounds like a good one to try out!  Thanks for your detailed review