FF1 Playstation For Dummies (Japanese Version, not US version)

Last Update: moved this page to its new site.  Working on the translation differences, it is a lot of work and will take time.  Since I use names of all three versions interchangeably, the guide is provided.

Currently the game was released in Japan in October 2002. It has been released in North America as Final Fantasy Origins, which the game is also packaged with Final Fantasy II.  It is a remake of the 1990 NES Classic Final Fantasy 1, but when you play this game for the PSX, there is a few big differences:

• The "auto-aim" feature, and battle support (using LIFE, LIF2, and SOFT in battle) have been enabled (though it can be disabled in the configuration menu).  To compensate for the battle support spells, the bosses are much harder, and the ProRings no longer automatically protect you from instant death attacks -- but rather reduces your chances that a instant death attack on you will be successful  (in other words, prorings aren't 100% effective).
• Spells and weapons in the shops are slightly cheaper in the EASY mode.  For example, CatClaw cost a measly 58000 gil in the PSX version instead of 65,000 gil in the NES version.  In the HARD mode, the prices are the same as the NES game.
• Some shops will sell several weapons and armor, instead of just 4.
• Each character is no longer limited to 4 weapons and 4 different kinds of armor like the NES version
• You must level up earlier and often (read below for the reason)
• Enemies get the first strike more often than you will
• BOSSES ARE HARDER.  Well in the NES version, many thought that the bosses in the game was a joke.  The PSX (and the Wonderswan version for that matter) is a different story.  The first major thing you will notice is that all the bosses (especially the 4 fiends) will have more HPs, and more tricks out of their bag.  Another thing is that they will hit harder if they choose to make a physical attack.  The only exception is Garland and the 9 pirates in the very beginning.  This is the real reason why leveling up early and often is so important. All the fiends have twice the number of hit points than the NES version while fighting them in their respective dungeons (plus they got some new tricks); the fiends you face in the Temple of Fiends still have 200 more hit points than what you see in the dungeons.  Chaos has 4000 hit points -- possibly because of the battle support spells and the fact you can cast more magic than you could in the NES version.  Even if you play this game in the hard mode, the bosses are still harder than the original NES game.
• The addition of FMV's and enhanced graphics, plus the battle screen is improved.
• In the easy mode, mages can cast more spells early and often.  For example, white mages can learn 4th Level White spells as early as get to Level 7.  By the time the white mage is at level 7, it can cast 14 1st level white spells.  The mages may only cast up to 9 spells per level in the HARD mode.
• The mini-ship game provides an reward of up to 10,000 Gil when it is completed.  That is right.  Once you defeated Bikke in Pravoka, you got access to a virtually infinite amount of money for the rest of the quest. Hold O button down while pressing X button 55 times (or vice versa) while you're on the ship.
• Certain enemies will appear earlier in the game than normal.  (For example, the Frost Dragon will appear on the first level of the Ice Cave.)  Some of the enemies will have different attacks.  Sorcerors will rely on their magic more than using their physical attack laced with RUB.  Fighters, Mages, and Sorcerors have FIR3 at their disposal, which can destroy a party in one round unless your party gets AFIR off first.  However, RedGoyles and Gas Dragons don't rely on magic as much as the NES version (though when they do, watch out).  However, an handful of the enemies no longer appear at certain places like they do in the NES version, or they don't appear as often as they once did.
• The Dungeons are harder.  The Ice Cave, a dungeon that everyone thought was hard in the NES version, is one instance.  Once you played the PSX version of the Ice Cave,  you will think that the NES version is easy.  Of course, it depends on the level you're at.
• Beating the game will unlock the classic "NES" (hard) mode of the game.  (The WSC version of FF1 is similar to the NES mode, except for the improvements.)  The first time you play the game in the PSX version, you will be playing the easy mode.  (This is the biggest difference between the Japanese version and the North America/Europe version of the Playstation game.  In the NA/EU version, you can opt which version to play; in the Japanese version you do not get that choice.  In addition, the translations are much better than the NES version.)

Where can you obtain this game?

If you intend on importing this game, try looking at EBay or some anime gaming store.  If you do find a copy of the Japanese import, be prepared to spend anywhere from $40-100 USD, not including shipping/handling.  You will also need a special boot disc (the game has stealth mode that detects modchips, and it isn't that compatible with Goldfinger) just to play the game on your PSX system.  These boot discs range from $20 to $30.  The import game is in Japanese.  Once you obtain an import, I suggest checking out Final Fantasy Classic's WonderSwan guide .  The WonderSwan and PSX versions are not exactly alike, but it is still very helpful.  The site also has some useful details including a few translations.

There will be a guide book for Final Fantasy Origins coming out in April.  You may preorder it at Amazon.com.

FilePlanet Downloads

• Instruction Booklet In Japanese.  It includes katakana/hiragana charts to help you translate it.
• FF1 Cover Wallpaper for Windows 9X 800x600 resolution.  Your computer must have active desktop to view it.
• Northwest Castle/Castle of Ordeals song (.wav format; part of it cut off).

Suggested Walkthrough

I recently beaten the game in the easy mode at LV 51 with KN/KN/RW/WW.  I'm starting a party on hard mode right now with FI/FI/FI/RM.  Other than the changes noted, the dungeons are exactly the same as the NES version.  Because of the harder bosses and certain monsters appearing earlier than normal (with some of them having more tricks), you will need to level up early and often.  Thus, the suggested levels in the PSX and WSC versions of FF1 is much higher than the NES version.  The FAQ is at GameFAQs and it includes a translation guide.  

• Temple of Chaos (LV 3) -- Unlike the NES version, Ghasts do not exist in this version of Final Fantasy.
• Pravoca (LV 8)
• Elfheim (LV 12-13)
• Marsh Cave (LV 13-15)
• Western Keep -- Astos (LV 16).  watch out for Reaper because it is the very first spell that he will cast.  Later,  after getting the mystic key, there is a nice spot to rack up tons of gold with little risk -- over by the treasure chests guarded by Wraiths and Mummies.
• Melmond (LV 17).  Getting the LIFE spell for White Mage is important, as there is no clinic or item shop in Melmond.  If you don't have a white mage, you better be good because you may be spending part of your time going to Cornelia to revive your party members.  Make sure to leave a spell slot open for your Red Mage because after promotion, make sure it gets the LIFE spell.
• Cresent City (LV 20-21) -- the only goal here is to get the SOFT spell for the White Mage, which cost 13,000 gil.  If you want, you might get some armor for the Fighter and Red Mage while you're here.
• Terra Cavern (LV 19-21) -- Getting the soft spell before going deep into the cave is IMPORTANT.  (If the party does not include a white mage, make sure to have at least 20 gold needles on stock, and 99 of potions and antidotes each.)  You might want to go to the area where Gigas and Lizards attack with every step to level up and get some gold before making a trip to Crescent City.
• Cresent City (LV 22-23) -- Go to Circle of Sages and get the CANOE.
• Ice Cave (LV 26) -- having Fire Armor is important but not required, equip Ice Armor as you get it; always run from Mages and Fighters (but cast AFIR first)!  Mindflayers, Mages, and Fighters do not appear as often in the PSX version as they do in the NES version.  You should also run from enemies that can stun you whenever possible.  You cannot run from Piscodemons and White Dragons.  White Dragons appear in random encounters in Level 1.   LIT2 the Piscodemons, and cast NulIce and Fire2 on the White Dragon.  Ice Gigas and Winter Wolves do not appear as often like they do in the NES version, however.  You will need 99 Potions before entering, and use the quiksave feature often, especially when you get that Floater.
• Citadel of Trials (LV 27) -- the only enemies you must be aware of the Mindflayers and Mages -- just run from the Mages, and hope to kill the Mindflayers before they attempt to RUB one of your characters with their physical attack (or use NulMagic); the other enemies you deal with just kick the crap out of them unless you're beat up badly.  You can also do the Castle of Ordeals before the Ice Cave, as long you have the Canoe and enough guts to do it.  Doing so can get you some key pieces of equipment that is useful for the Mt. Glug and the Ice Cave.  Beware of Horned Devils, as they got FIR2 which is set up by paralyzing everyone, normally attack in groups of 4-6, and they can burn you up if you don't have NulFire cast first (or better yet run from them).
• Promotion (LV 29) -- there is a 1 in 300 chance of getting Zeus Gauntlet in one of the treasure chests.
• Mt. Glug (LV 31) -- before fighting Malilith, beat the Red Dragon for the Fire Armor.  Quiksave before fighting Malilith.  When fighting Malilith, cast NulFire and Haste on Fighters and Red Mages, then use the White Mage and Black Mage just for healing for the rest of the fight. 
• Sunken Shrine (LV 35).  Make sure to be at high levels since Kraken can kill a member with one hit.  Make sure to get the Rosetta Stone on the top floor, and the ribbon as you make your way down.
• Waterfall (LV 37).  Get the Warp Cube and Ribbon and get out!
• Melmond (LV 38)  Talk to the sage located near the armor shop to crack Lufenish.
• Lufenia (LV 38)  Get the Lufenish Bell from one of the people; also go to the secret magic shop through the hole in the wall to get LIF2 and Flare.
• Mirage Tower (LV 39). 
• Flying Fortress (LV 40-41).  Warmech is still around, however, you will no longer be able to run from him, so good luck. There is a 1 in 64 chance in encountering the death machine. While on the bridge, quiksave often.
• Temple of Chaos -- 2000 years back (LV 42-43).  Good luck, if you played the NES version, then you should know what to do.

Suggested Party:  Fighter/Red Mage/White Mage/Black Mage or Fighter/Fighter/Red Mage/White Mage.  These two parties have the best chance of surviving the toughest dungeons.  After promotion, the Red Mage can use LIFE, WARP, and Warp2 -- which is very valuable -- esp. if some mage whips out an auto-kill spell on your White Mage before you get a chance to run.

Optimal Equipment at the end of the game (assuming that you promote your characters):
Knight:  Masamume/Excalibur, Dragon Armor, Protect Ring, Aegis Shield, Ribbon
Red Wizard:  Masamume/Sun Blade, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring, Pro Cape, Ribbon
White Wizard:  Masamume/Thor's Hammer, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring, Pro Cape, Ribbon
Ninja:  Masamume/Katana, Ice Armor, Protect Ring, Ice Shield, Ribbon
Black Wizard:  Masamume/Catclaw, Diamond Armlet, Pro Ring, Protect Cape, Ribbon
SuperMonk:  Fists, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring, Ribbon

General Bosses and must fight enemies (unless otherwise noted, you CANNOT run from them)

Garland HP: 150 Special Attacks: None Weakness:  None Ineffective: none	Pirate HP: 6 Special Attacks: None Weakness:  SLEP Ineffective: none Notes:  This is an attack of 9 pirates.  Spread out the attack, and cure as needed.	Piscodemon HP: 84 Special Attacks: none Weakness: LIT Ineffective: FIR, ICE, SLEP, STUN	Astos HP: 200 Special Attacks: RUB, HASTE, SLO2, FIR2, LIT2, SLOW, DARK, SLEP, STOP Weakness: None Ineffective: None Note:  He always begins the battle casting  RUB.	Vampire HP: 156 Special Attacks: STUN, ICE Weakness:  FIRE, HARM, NUKE Ineffective:  ICE, SLEP, STUN, XXXX, RUB, BANE Note: may run from Vampire but not in Earth Cave.  Vampire recovers 9 HP per round.	Red Dragon HP: 248 Special Attacks:  FIR2, FIR3, BLAZE Weakness: ICE, BANE, BRAK Ineffective: FIRE, QAKE
White Dragon HP: 200 Special Attack:  ICE2, ICE3, BLIZZARD Weakness: FIRE Ineffective: ICE, QAKE, BANE, BRAK	Dragon Zombie HP: 268 Special Attack: Poison, Stun Weakness: FIRE, HARM, NUKE Ineffective:  ICE, QAKE, STUN, SLEP, RUB, BANE, XXXX	Blue Dragon HP: 454 Special Attack: LIT3, TUNDER Weakness: none Ineffective: QAKE, RUB, BANE, BRAK, STUN, SLEP	Warmech HP: 2000 Special Attack: Nuclear (FIR3) Weakness: None Ineffective: virtually everything except LIT3 and FADE Note: It can hit for well over 250 points of damage with a physical attack. AFIR and INS2 can be a big help.  If you can manage to get FAST off on your fighters, your chances of winning the battle improves. Warmech recovers 100 HP/ round.	Green Dragon HP: 352 Special Attack: POISON GAS Weakness: ICE Ineffective: FIRE, LIT, QAKE, BANE Note:  The Poison Gas spell is very potent, more potent than the one that Tiamat/Eye has.  Even with the ribbon equipped, it can do well over 100 points of damage per party member.	Evil Eye HP: 162 Special Attack: RUB, XXXX, BRAK, LIT2, HOLD, LAMP, SLOW, SLEP, BIO (weaker version of POISON GAS) Weakness:  FIRE, HARM Ineffective: QAKE, ICE, RUB, XXXX, ZAP! Note: you may run from Eye but not in Ice Cave
Gnoma HP: 288 Special Attack: none Weakness: FIRE Ineffective: QAKE, BANE, RUB, BRAK, STUN, SLEP, DARK, ICE	Pyros HP: 276 Special Attack: FIR2 Weakness: ICE Ineffective: FIRE, QAKE, BANE, RUB, BRAK, STUN, SLEP, DARK	Aquos HP: 300 Special Attack: NONE Weakness: LIT, ICE Ineffective: FIRE, QAKE, RUB, BANE, BRAK, STUN, SLEP, DARK	Aeros HP: 358 Special Attack: NONE Weakness: none Ineffective: QAKE, RUB, BANE, BRAK, STUN, SLEP, DARK	Death Eye HP: 360 Special Attack: RUB, XXXX, BANE, STOP, ZAP!, HOLD, GLARE, MUTE, SLOW, XFER Weakness: FIRE, HARM, NUKE, FADE Ineffective: ICE, QAKE, STUN, SLEP, BANE, RUB, XXXX, DARK

LICH HP: 800/1000 Special Attack: ICE2, ICE3, XXXX, SLP2, LIT2, LIT3, HOLD, FIR2, FIR3, SLOW, SLEP, XXXX!, ZAP!, QAKE, NUKE Weakness: FIRE, HARM, NUKE, FADE Ineffective: ICE, RUB, BANE, SLOW, SLEP, XXXX, ZAP!, BRAK, STUN Notes:  Cast Haste on your fighters, White mage should cast AICE, your fighters should attack; your Red Mage should attack or use FIR3, your black mage should use FIR3.  The White Mage should be curing or using HRM3. While in the Earth Cave, Lich mostly uses ICE2, ICE3, LIT2, LIT3, HOLD, SLOW, and SLEP.  You have to be more concerned about his powerful magic when fighting him in the Temple of Fiends.  If your party is properly equipped, the only spell you would have to worry about Lich casting in the Temple of Fiends is NUKE.

Malilith HP:  1200/1400 Special Attack: FIR2, FIR3, DARK, HOLD Weakness:  STUN, SLEP Ineffective: LIT, ICE, FIRE, NUKE, FADE, BANE, BRAK Note:  Malilith is the Japanese name for Kary. Just cast Haste on your fighters and AFIR on the party, and proceed to beat the crap out of Malilith.  Don't waste your magic on it, as it will only do 50 points of damage to Marlilith if you're lucky.  The White Mage should cure every round if possible.  Having Fire/Ice Armor on the fighters is a big help in this battle.  In the Temple of Fiends, the only attack you need to be concerned with is the physical attack, so INS2 is very useful.

KRAKEN HP: 1600/1800 Special Attack: DARK, LIT2, LIT3 Weakness: LIT Ineffective: ICE, FIRE, QAKE, NUKE, FADE Notes:  NUKE and FADE surprisingly don't work on Kraken if you try it in the Temple of Fiends. Just cast ALIT and Haste on the party, and beat the crap out of him.  You will only need 2-3 LIT3 in this battle.  Cure as needed.  Keep in mind that Kraken can attack for well over 600 points of damage when you fight him in the Temple of Fiends, so make sure each member of the party has at least 700 HP before the fight.

TIAMAT HP: 2000/2200 Special Attack: ICE3, LIT3, BIO, BANE Weakness:  BANE, BRAK Ineffective: FIRE, QAKE, ICE, LIT Notes:  ICE3 and LIT3 works surprisingly well against Tiamat, but FIRE is useless.  However, you will have better luck just casting Haste on the Knight, casting AICE and ALIT, and just beating the crap out of Tiamat.  The Red Mage should attack or cure if needed.  The White Mage should be curing every round.  All others should attack.  The poison gas spell that tiamat casts is nowhere as potent as the similar spell cast by Green Dragons.

CHAOS HP: 4000 Special Attack: TORNADO, ICE3, LIT3, FIR3, NUKE, FAST, CUR4, CUR3, SLO2, CRACK, INFERNO, SWIRL, XXXX!, QAKE, ZAP!, RUB, BANE, NUKE Ineffective: FIRE, HARM, ICE, LIT, QAKE, RUB, ZAP!, XXXX, BANE, BRAK Weakness:  NUKE, FADE Notes:  Quiksave right before you speak to Chaos.  NUKE and FADE are the only offensive magic spells that will work against Chaos.  Before starting any attack, cast AFIR, AICE, ALIT, INS2, and WALL on the party, and Haste on your Knight, Red Wizard , Grand Master, and Ninja. When casting WALL, it should be cast on the White Wizard first, then the Red Wizard, Fighter, and Black Wizard. The Black Wizard should use NUKE and FAST about every other round.  The White Mage should cast CUR4 whenever possible.  If the White Wizard gets slain, the Red Wizard should cast LIFE.  The White Wizard should cast CUR4 on itself ASAP.  If you are really daring, try to cast MUTE on Chaos, in an attempt to keep it from casting CUR4.  If he cast CUR4 in a point where you are really beat up, just reset and try again.  (Otherwise, use this as a chance to CURE yourself.)  If Chaos cast Haste on itself, cast SLO2 on it ASAP (it isn't 100% effective, but it will undo the effects of FAST), or just cast another Haste spell on your fighters and race him.  If he cast SLO2 on your party, cast Haste ASAP. If you come into this battle at high levels and fully optimized, most of Chaos's spells except for TORNADO (wind elemental) and SWIRL (water elemental) will do less than 50 points of damage.  the AFIR/WALL spell should take care of his NUKE and INFERNO spells, the ProRing/Ribbon should protect you from just about all his death or status effect spells.  The only other thing you must be concerned with Chaos is that he can hit for well over 500 with his physical attack.  His CRACK spell is just another cheap kill spell very similar to QAKE but stronger.  Even with all of this, I still dispatched him in 4 rounds with a LV 51 KN/KN/RW/WW party, and the only ones that actually attacked Chaos were the 2 Knights that both had Haste cast on them.

Credits:  The image sprites come from Final Fantasy Classic .  Some of the details come from actually playing the game.  The rest of it comes from various RPG news sites, including RPGPlanet .  For the latest Final Fantasy news, go to FFInsider .


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