Final Fantasy II is both a step forward and backwards for the franchise. In comparison to FFI, FFII offers a more compelling, less generic story. It’s the first game where a bit of that Final Fantasy Identity begins to spark. Even regarding dungeon and enemy designs, they’re far more unique than the former game’s basic “Element” dungeons and theming.

While the story and worldbuilding is an improvement, I can’t say the same for the combat and progression system. The individual weapon and spell leveling is abhorrent, and almost got me to quit the game. It’s frustrating and grindy. If you were to get a new spell, it starts at level I. This happens even when you’re at the endgame, so it’s really frustrating to have to level up the spell you want to use. Not to mention, the final boss is quite literally unfair. As it one-shots your entire party with a single attack. The only feasible way to beat it is by using a missable weapon at a very specific point in the story that is gone forever if you move past it.

In short, FFII offers a more varied experience with both its story and its combat, but that experimentation with combat falls flat, and detriments the experience wholly.