Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (SNES)

Pub & Dev: Square | October 1992 | 4 MEGS
Pub & Dev: Square | October 1992 | 4 MEGS

Before there was Final Fantasy III (AKA Final Fantasy VI)… following Final Fantasy II (AKA Final Fantasy IV)… was Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest. It was a sidestep in the beloved franchise, being an entry level based RPG aimed toward a younger crowd (and those new to the genre). It has been deemed by some as the black sheep of the Final Fantasy family; some go as far as to call it an albatross and a waste of cartridge space. But surely, being from Square during their hey day, it can’t be THAT bad, can it?

I wonder if they were fans of Mystic Quest? [Probably not -Ed.]
Were they fans of Mystic Quest? [Probably not -Ed.]
Of course, as it often is the case, with one extreme you have the flip side. There are many Mystic Quest defenders who not only proclaim that this game isn’t bad but rather it’s actually pretty good. As it is with many things in life, there’s only one way you can find out for certain: by experiencing it yourself. And way back 12 years ago, during the Christmas season of 2007, I set out to do just that.

RPG: REAL POOR GAMES?

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Growing up I was a huge fan of any game that granted instant explicit gratification from the moment I pressed start. Fighting and action games were my main go-to genres when it came to video games back in the ’90s. My brother, on the other hand, was obsessed with RPGs. I never could understand why as a kid. Why would anyone want to spend all day conversing with boring townsfolk, or engage in slow, plodding turn-based combat? What the heck is SO appealing about that, my 10 year old brain at the time wondered. I couldn’t figure it out. As far as I was concerned 25 years ago, the acronym “RPG” might as well stand for “Real Poor Games.” But in late 2003, SEGA SATURN MAGAZINE’s constant championing of RPGs slowly but surely opened up my eyes. Suddenly, and for the first time in my life, I began to see RPGs in a new light. It didn’t take me long to procure all the Sega Saturn RPGs, from Albert Odyssey to Panzer Dragoon Saga. Sadly, I never got around to playing any of them thoroughly. Flash forward to January 2006. Upon rediscovering my childhood love, the Super Nintendo, I was determined to finally beat my first RPG. Super Mario RPG perhaps? EarthBound? Chrono Trigger? None of those, actually. I knew in my heart my first RPG could only be… FINAL FANTASY: MYSTIC QUEST.

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Sure I had read some negative opinions on it and heard through the grapevine it wasn’t worth playing, but that didn’t sway me one bit. Ever since I first laid eyes on the Mystic Quest blurb in EGM issue #43 (February 1993), part of me was always a bit curious about it, despite my disdain of RPGs even back then. There was just something about Mystic Quest that appealed to me and stood out from other RPGs. I guess part of it was the whole training wheels approach. I’d decided that if I were to ever play RPGs, Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest would be the very first. Besides, it’s not a bad idea to start at the “bottom” and work your way up. This whole SNES resurgence of mine was another chance at gaming redemption and fulfilling the wavering fantasies of my youth. In December of 2007, I decided it was time to finally quell a near 15 year curiosity. Having experienced the likes of Brandish, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Soul Blazer (and enjoying those adventures immensely), the time had come to ‘level up’ and conquer my very first RPG. All things considered, I can’t think of a more “perfect” RPG to begin with.

THE STORY GOES…

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For centuries the Focus Tower stood at the very heart of the World. It had been a center for trade and knowledge, and the people of the World met there to peacefully settle their differences. But on one warm summer day, the Tower was suddenly transformed into a symbol of the purest evil. For on that day, vile monsters battled their way into the Tower, stole the four Crystals of the Earth, and took off with the magical Coins that had kept the Tower’s doors unlocked.

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With the Tower doors sealed behind them, the monsters relaxed their guard and turned their attention to the Crystals. As they basked in the radiant glow of the Crystals, the monsters grew stronger and even more wicked than they already were. The more light the monsters consumed, the more the World was drained of its warmth and color. Tremors soon shook the land. The sky grew cloudy and dark. The seasons went berserk. Monsters then appeared everywhere and terrorized the people. The World was thrown into total chaos. Something had to be done. A hero was much needed…

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Enter Benjamin, the most normal youngster you could imagine. Like most responsible villagers his age, he arose at the crack of dawn to lead his family’s livestock to the upper meadow to graze. Other kids teased him because he read while tending his herd, and because a village Elder had taken him in as a promising student. Although he seemed mature beyond his years, he still dreamed of being more than he was: faster, stronger and more daring.

Ask and ye shall receive
Ask and ye shall receive
[FINAL MY ASS -Ed.]
[FINAL MY ASS -Ed.]

USE YOUR HEAD, SON

RPGs require a little extra thought than other genres
RPGs require a little extra thought than other genres

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In battle mode you can attack with your weapon or by conjuring a variety of magic spells. Spells are usually stronger but eat up magic points. Also, some enemies are immune to certain spells, further adding to the strategy. Gotta use your noggin’ a little bit!

Resident Evil item management this ain't
Resident Evil item management this ain’t
Well you don't hafta, but I like knowing my stats
Well you don’t have to, but I like knowing my stats
Very nice. You're given every chance to succeed
Very nice. You’re given every chance to succeed

MAP QUEST

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Starting out at the Focus Tower, before all is said and done you’ll travel to 29 regions, ranging from ice pyramids to volcano mines. Unoriginal but hey, all the classic themes are represented.

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Having the novice RPG player in mind, your movement on the overworld map has been simplified. You’re quite restricted but at least you’ll never get lost.

THE CAST

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Your party can only contain two members at any one time, and not by your choice. Along the journey various characters will join you for different reasons. Discover many items, weapons, magic spells and armor. It’s nowhere as extensive as other RPGs, but again, this was made with the novice in mind. Let the journey begin!

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

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In the words of Van Halen...
In the words of Van Halen… JUMP!

Follow the old geezer and leap safely to the other mountain before the one you’re on crumbles. Unlike many other RPGs, you can jump in Mystic Quest. Jumping serves a very handy purpose.

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“Look over there. That’s the Focus Tower, once the heart of the World. An old Prophecy says, “The vile four will steal the Power, and divide the World behind four doors. At that time the Knight will appear!” The Prophecy has now come true. Four monsters have locked the doors of the Focus Tower and escaped with the keys. They’re draining the light from the 4 Crystals of the Earth, and the World is in chaos. The people are in extreme desperate need of help. STEVE, only you can save the Crystals and the World, AND ONLY YOU.”

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But before the Old Man and Steve can chat some more, BEHEMOTH shows up! The screen shakes and roars. It’s time for Steve to prove his worth…

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You have the option to attack, use an item or spell, or defend yourself.

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After your choice of command is selected, a big yellow square appears on-screen. Place it over any enemy, yourself or your traveling companion, in case of using the Cure spell, f’rinstance.

Behemoth strikes first with Atrocious Morning Breath!
Behemoth strikes first with Atrocious Morning Breath!
The Swift Sword takes off 25 health points
The Swift Sword takes off 25 health points

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Occasionally, a critical hit occurs, accompanied by a flash. Triple damage!

BEHEMOTH vanishes after that final critical blow.
BEHEMOTH vanishes after that final critical blow
Well, actually it was more of a guess... -Old Man
Well, actually it was more of a guess… -Old Man
Like a true Millennial
Like a true Millennial

Ah, the infamous heroic shrug of our main chap! It adds an enjoyable and quirky touch to the festivities. Any time that Steve is confused [Oh boy -Ed.], he’ll look at you and give a stumped shrug of the shoulders.

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“That depends. What do I get out of it, gramps?”

“… Something more valuable than your eyes will ever believe!”

“Soooo, nothing.”

“Precisely. No! I mean uhhh… something beyond your wildest dreams!”

“I’m just fuckin’ with ya. My pleasure! Step aside.”

"I'm a man of my word. Here ya go, TAKE THIS!"
“I’m a man of my word. Here ya go, TAKE THIS!”

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“A withered piece of wood… gee… thanks…”

“Silly kid. Open your eyes, and open your heart. Then find the young girl in Foresta. The rest is up to you, son…”

*vanishes*

“Okaaaaay. That was not creepy at all.”

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Treasure chests are littered across the land. Items actually regenerate, so you can abuse the system if you so desire. Cures are invaluable [You don’t say -Ed.]

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Speaking of cures, there’s a certain bed in a certain town that won’t cost you a dime and will fully recuperate our hero. Judging by the look of ecstasy on his face, I think he did more than take a nap, if ya know what I mean.

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Well, you heard the old fart — off to Foresta with the Tree Wither in hand.

"Right sure, now listen. Where can I find a cheesesteak?"
“Right sure, now listen. Where can I find a pizza?”
No cryptic clues in Mystic Quest
No cryptic clues in Mystic Quest
"Sure thing granny, that's what they all say..."
“Sure thing granny, that’s what they all say…”

Some folks give you a valuable clue to progress the story while others simply add to the atmosphere of the town, and ultimately, the game itself.

You'll meet up with Kaeli here
You’ll meet up with Kaeli here

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“KAELI! Don’t you dare storm off with this stranger! You DO remember what happened last time, don’t you?”

“Awww, mom. Look, I have to do this. I hope you’ll understand some day.”

Your first traveling companion
Woot woot
"OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH!"
“OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH!”

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“Yes yes, down a little more, Steve. You’re doing very well my son!”

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“No, up some more now. Up up, THERE ya go.”

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“On second thought, it’d look real nice to the right…”

"MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND! ARRRRRRGH!!!!"
“MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND! ARRRRRRGH!!!!”
Hard work always pays off
Hard work always pays off
Go ahead an' jump!
Go ahead and jump!

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One thing I hated about RPGs as a kid whenever I watched my brother play were the insane amount of random enemy encounters. Sometimes it seems like you can’t take 3 steps without the screen flashing into battle. In Mystic Quest however, there are no surprises since all enemies are shown on-screen. In the words of Borat, “IZZ NICE!!”

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Speaking of cool touches, here’s another one. This is a typical enemy screen in any RPG, no? Sure but…

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Wait, what’s that? Yep, enemies show wear and tear as the battle progresses. Some of the weakened states are rather amusing to behold, such as the band-aid this goof sports. What a git!

[Oh... where to even begin?  -Ed.]
[Oh… where to even begin? -Ed.]
One of the most vital Man Laws to live by, folks
One of the most vital Man Laws to live by, folks

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Unfortunately for our diplomatic hero and lovely heroine, their moment is shattered by the appearance of a most vile creature.

The gradual deterioration is a thing of beauty, folks
The gradual deterioration is a thing of beauty
After a brutal battle with the Minotaur, Kaeli faints
After a brutal battle with the Minotaur, Kaeli faints
Much like jumping, it's another cool feature
Much like jumping, it’s another cool feature
Though optional, it's wise to clear all battlefields
Though optional, it’s wise to clear all battlefields
Adventurers never return from these hellholes...
Adventurers never return from these hellholes…

Scattered across the land are battlefields. These regions host monsters dwelling deep below the surface. Not only do you gain experience points from killing the monsters, but you may win key items as well. You don’t have to fight them all at once, so make sure you heal up when your health runs low before reengaging in battle.

Hey who's that new guy? Find out soon
Hey who’s that new guy…

See the importance of clearing out the battlefields? Here you’ve won the Charm Necklace, which protects you against *drum roll* charm attacks. Don’t be a sorry wimp, kill ‘em all — courage and bravado pays off!

Tell me about it. Where have I seen this before?
Tell me about it. Where have I seen this before?

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“I just wish I knew what was inside that temple…”

“YOU ARE INSIDE IT! IT IS THE PLACE OF LOST SOULS. ALL NEW SPIRITS MUST PASS THROUGH THERE…”

“But we’re not dead!”

“OOPS. WELL, NOBODY’S PERFECT YA KNOW. OH, AND BY THE WAY, NO ONE STILL ALIVE HAS EVER COME OUTTA THERE IN ONE PIECE!”

Ah, Ghostbusters. What a big fun part of my childhood you were.

Not looking so tough now ARE YA?! Hmph
Not looking so tough now ARE YA?!  Hmph

TRISTAM TEAMS UP!

What a powerful ally, that Tristam!
What a powerful ally, that Tristam!

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As Steve is confused and perplexed [what else is new -Ed.], a strange fella appears seemingly out of nowhere. Who is he, and what are his motives?

"I'll sell you some for, say, 90,000 GP. Well?"
“I’ll sell you some for, say, 90,000 GP. Well?”
"But my allowance is only 2 GP a month!"
“But my allowance is only 2 GP a month!”

[HA! I smell what that guy's cooking, and I like it! -Ed.]
[HA! I smell what that guy’s cooking, and I like it! -Ed.]
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It would be loads of fun if you could hack the enemies there, but an action RPG this ain’t! If you’re in the mood for one of those, might I recommend any of the following: Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, Terranigma, Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3 (AKA Secret of Mana 2) or the criminally underrated Gunman’s Proof.

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Personally, I enjoy taking my time and not rushing to the exit or end of a game. Taking side trips to stock up on items and such makes the game easier not to mention more enjoyable for me. I like taking my time and exploring the game’s world!

Plus you could use the EXP points before the first boss
Plus ya could use the EXP points before the first boss

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This ugly Sand Worm (Beetlejuice, anybody?) is basic yet effective at conveying the kind of nasties you’ll be up against. Just wait until you see some of the boss characters. The graphics won’t blow anyone away, but they get the job done.

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Loading up on Tristam’s ninja stars is your reward for taking this little road trip. I find it most gratifying to take your time and really feel the ‘pulse’ of a game rather than rushing for the exit.

Bone Dungeon has some memorable moments
Bone Dungeon has some memorable moments

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You’ll come to an entrance blocked by a ton of rocks. Never fear, for Tristam shows off his handy bomb attack. He will then offer to sell you 50 bombs for 30 GP. Buy it!

Let's check out the bomb in action
Let’s check out the bomb in action
Connects on all and is quite powerful to boot. Nice!
Connects on all and is quite powerful to boot. Nice!
HE-MAAAN! [Don't EVEN start -Ed.]
HE-MAAAN!  [Don’t EVEN start -Ed.]
"IMPOSTER! DOWN WITH YOU, YOU VILE SWINE!"
“IMPOSTOR! DOWN WITH YOU, YOU VILE SWINE!”
Use your bombs to blast that rib cage to pieces
Use your bombs to reveal the open path
"Sounds like a good pla -- HEY WAIT A SECOND!"
“Sounds like a good pla — HEY WAIT A SECOND!”

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Aw bummer, I thought you meant the first person shooter.

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At the far northern region of the Bone Dungeon lies the final skull cage. What horrible creatures lurk beyond these realms?

"I HAVE THE POWER OF THE CRYSTAL OF EARTH!"
“I HAVE THE POWER OF THE CRYSTAL OF EARTH!”
Defeating Rex earns you the Sand Coin
Defeating Rex earns you the Sand Coin
Easier said than done. Naw, it's easy :P
Easier said than done. Naw, it’s easy :P

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The best thing about ol’ Rex is seeing his sorry sack of bones deteriorate bit by bit. Mystic Quest is no visual tour de force, but this is a great touch you don’t see in many other RPGs.

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“I’LL NEVER DIE!”

“Well, I hate to break it to ya bud but you’re breaking up.”

“WE SHALL SEE ABOUT THAT!”

Rex battles to his grave. You gotta admire that about him.

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Slaying my first RPG boss. I know it sounds corny but you never forget your first time.

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“WHOA, take a look at this, kid!”

“!!”

“NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ABOUT!”

"Uh Tristam, I think you better look at this instead"
“Uh Tristam, I think you better look at this instead!”
"I've already seen the Kingdom of Crystal Skull, kid!"
“I’ve already seen the Kingdom of Crystal Skull, kid!”

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“Now this Dragon Claw on the other hand… now THIS is something to gawk at! Check out the reach on this baby!”

“Yeah, that’s pretty good.”

“Oh yeah kid, don’t forget our deal now ya hear.”

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“I know I know. I keep everything. Well thanks… for everything!”

“HA HA HA, nice try, kid!”

*SHRUG*

“Here ya go. Your very own bottle of Elixir. But the Dragon Claw, I KEEP.”

“Aw gee, THANKS. I’m overwhelmed by your generosity, really I am.”

Back to a party of one  [Story of your life -Ed.]
Back to a party of one [Story of your life -Ed.]
What else to do but shrug
What else to do but shrug
Oooh, things are back to being alive and lush
Oooh, things are back to being alive and lush
"Hard to believe this but I've been called strange!"
“Hard to believe but I too have been called strange!”
[OH PUH-LEEEEASE -Ed.]
[OH PUH-LEEEEASE -Ed.]
Give her a sip of your magic juice -- the elixir that is!
Give her a sip of your magic juice — the elixir that is!
But you WANT to, right? ... Hello? Hello?
But you WANT to, right? … Hello? Hello?
"Sorry, I swung it by AXE-cident..."
“Sorry, I swung it by AXE-cident…”
Time for funny business is over
Time for funny business is over
That Phoebe lass comes in super handy
That Phoebe lass comes in super handy
The non-battle scenes are much appreciated
The non-battle scenes are much appreciated

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Before you go charging into battle, be sure to switch out the Cat Claw to your bombs — bombs are far more effective. Don’t take my word for it, just look at the difference in the ATTACK ratings above. Also, because you can see enemies on the map, you’ll know when to switch. You can also switch on the main screen without having to flip to this menu.

"You can't start a fire without a spark..."
“You can’t start a fire without a spark…”

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I get up in the evening, and I ain’t got nothing to say.
I come home in the morning.
I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain’t nothing but tired.
Man I’m just tired and bored with myself.
Hey there baby, I could use just a little help.

You can’t start a fire.
You can’t start a fire without a spark.
This gun’s for hire.
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark. Even if we’re just dancing in the dark. DAAAAANCIN —

[Ahem. THIS boss says you’re fired, again -Ed.]

Actually, the Centaur is on fire, hahaha…. ahem, I’ll go pack my bags now.

Work your way through. At the end, Squidite awaits
Work your way through. Squidite awaits at the end
"THAT WORKS FOR ME!"
“THAT WORKS FOR ME!”

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An eyeful of arrows is not a fun way to spend a Tuesday night, or any other night for that matter. Quite a strong mini boss this one is. Well, looks like squid soup for dinner!

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You gotta use your head a little bit, knowing when to attack and when to heal.

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“Well STEVE-O, let’s see what we win for slaying that stupid squid, shall we?”

“I wonder what’s inside that chest?”

“Only one way to find out…”

“Uhhh, you first, Phoebe. After all, ladies first!”

“Alright, just stay behind me….. !! STEVE!”

“Yes?”

“That better be a flashlight!”

Can you revive the frozen town of Aquaria?
Can you revive the frozen town of Aquaria?
Ice Golem is one bad mofo
Ice Golem is one bad mofo
Be sure to keep your cool. Sorry
Be sure to keep your cool. Sorry

But before traveling to the Ice Pyramid you must pass Falls Basin. Push ice pillars to solve puzzles and slay the evildoers that stand in your way.

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The enemies get bigger, badder and a whole lot uglier!

Such a smooth cat, that Steve [In his dreams -Ed.]
Such a smooth cat, that Steve [… in his dreams -Ed.]
"I got the ugly one!" "Er, which one is that?"
“I got the ugly one!”
“Er, which one is that?”
Watch yo step!
Watch yo step!
Always equip yourself properly before a boss fight
Always equip yourself properly before a boss fight
Beat him and earn the River Coin for your troubles
Beat him and earn the River Coin for your troubles
[No worries, Steve knows a thing or two about weird -Ed.]
[All good, Steve knows a thing or two about weird -Ed.]
"Yeah, that's him. Said his names Barry or something..."
“Yeah, that’s him. Said his name’s Barry or something…”
"IVE GOT ANOTHER CONFESSION TO MAKE!"
“I’VE GOT ANOTHER CONFESSION TO MAKE!”

“Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, THE BEST OF YOU?”

This is the mine [How much am I paying you again? -Ed.]
It’s the mine [How much am I paying you again? -Ed.]
BEWARE OF DOG JINN
BEWARE OF DOG JINN
"Great, look who let the Jinnie out of the bottle!"
Great, who let the Jinnie out of the bottle?

Jinn is actually nothing to make fun of. Jinn refers to a form of demon. Back during my college days, I met a pretty interesting friend who knew a lot about the supernatural. He emailed me about the Jinn once. Here’s what he wrote:

  • So who are the jinns?

The jinns have long accompanied the fantasy and magical world of the human imagination for centuries. They compromise the world of fairies, genies, wish masters, aliens, ghosts, demons, and other supernatural beings. Humanity has long been interested with the jinn and has placed them into films, stories, legends, and even beliefs. We have all seen Aladdin with his genie that would spring out of the lamp, we have all seen Alice and her dreamy “wonderland,” and other such tales. In Christianity, when they warn against doing salvation or having trust in SPIRITS besides THE HOLY SPIRIT, they are talking about these dudes.

Ultimately, the jinns are mortal, carnal, lower spirits that dwell in the lower heavens and on earth amongst mankind. Rather than regarding them solely as demons, Islam regards them as a race or life form that dwells in a world parallel or maybe even perpendicular to that of mankind. This world called “The World of the Jinn” is also referred to as the SUPERNATURAL WORLD.

The word jinn in Arabic means “the unseen.” Therefore, we cannot see the jinn. The light that illuminates off their forms have different wavelengths from visible light (they’re either infrared or ultraviolet).

When a jinn possesses the living, it can make them ill both physically and mentally. That’s why possessed people act crazy. They can also tempt or convince them to do things to other people or themselves that may be bad for them.

Because they are mortal, jinns like humans copulate, consume and drink. They need to survive just like human beings.

They have their own customs, languages, rules, and beliefs. Their ways are different, however they can learn and follow our customs, languages, rules, and beliefs. They can follow our ways because they can see, hear and sense our presences, but we can’t do the same to them. HOWEVER, they can make their presences known to us by taking on the forms, voices and smells of things familiar to us. Never do they ever show their true faces; nevertheless, so forever they remain the UNSEEN [I see, or not, rather -Ed.]

Because they can hear, they can learn and speak our languages and religions. Jinns that dwell in England can speak English, those that live in China can speak Chinese, etc. There are jinn families, boyfriend and girlfriend jinn, young and old fart jinn, nerd and jock jinn, etc.

These spirits are also associated with curses. They dwell in places that are filthy, old, dark and abandoned (public baths, public bathrooms, caverns, deserts, historic ruins, sewers, garbage disposals, shit tanks, etc.). People should avoid entering such places where they dwell for it can harm their well being. In fact, most jinns don’t like it when humans enter their dwellings and can hurt or even kill those folks who trespass into their lairs! People in the past especially archeologists have died soon after picking up cursed ancient artifacts.

[Who is this guy?! Your friend huh? ‘SPLAINS A LOT! -Ed.]

At any rate, when I fought Jinn in Mystic Quest I immediately thought back to that email my college buddy sent me so many years ago. Pretty cool to see folklore make its way into the enemy roster.

Speaking of folklore, up this hill awaits Medusa
Speaking of folklore, up this hill awaits Medusa

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This is a good time to stock up, refill, take a leak, do whatever you gotta do. Being able to see where enemies and bosses are on the map is extremely helpful to RPG virgins who detest random battles. So before tackling Medusa or any other (sub)boss, make sure you’re at maximum power.

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Sure, she doesn’t look too hideous here, but wait ’til you see her second and third forms — ugh!

Aw see, that Tristam cat ain't all bad
Aw see, that Tristam cat ain’t all bad
Dare you find out what lies behind that door?
Dare you find out what lies behind that door?
Not exactly a brand new Corvette is it?
Not exactly a brand new Corvette is it?
HAIL HYDRA!
“HAIL HYDRA!”
Talk about a hoss! Good luck
Talk about a hoss! Good luck
Reminds me of King Ghidorah. Well, minus a head
Reminds me of King Ghidorah. Well, minus a head
Boy, video games used to be so subtle
Boy, video games used to be so subtle

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“So Steve, you want my magic potion do ya?”

“Of course!”

“Well… you can’t have it.”

“What? Why not?”

“My tree friends, you’ve chopped them down!”

“Oh THAAAAT… haha… yeah my bad.”

Doesn't the head on the far left remind you a lot of...
Doesn’t the head on the far left remind you a lot of…
King Ghidorah? Yes, again)
King Ghidorah? (Yes, again)
Nice to see a game not take itself too seriously
Nice to see a game not take itself too seriously
Looks like the time has come...
Looks like the time has come…
Not a bad statue, if youre going for that Duplex look
Not a bad statue, if you’re going for that Duplex look
So cute and cuddly...
So cute and cuddly…
Play times over. Youre in the Dark Kings backyard
Play time’s over. Welcome to the Dark King’s backyard

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The Dark King is easily the strongest foe in Mystic Quest and it’ll take much healing to get through this one. Oh and fair warning… if you hate spiders, you’ll love his later forms…

A guy can get used to this captain business, cant he?
A guy can get used to this captain business

M*AD*NESS

They don't make 'em like they used to
They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to

Who could forget these strange Mystic Quest ads back in late 1992? It caught my eye back then and has stuck with me ever since!

Fun looking back on vintage stuff like this
Fun looking back on vintage stuff like this

USA VS. JAPAN

Speaks for itself...
Speaks for itself…

FINAL FANTASY: LINK TO THE MYSTIC PAST?

The manual art for Mystic Quest is impressive
The manual art for Mystic Quest is impressive
In fact, its highly reminiscent of Link to the Past
In fact, it’s highly reminiscent of Link to the Past
Link uncovers a treasure chest...
Link uncovers a treasure chest…
DEJA VU!
DEJA VU!
Prepare for battle, Link!
Prepare for battle, Link!
Hey, wait a minute here
Hey, wait a minute here

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID

Mystic Quest fared well with the critics. EGM gave it scores of 8, 7, 7 and 7 while Super Play rated it 79%.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

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Final Fantasy Mystic Quest is one of those divisive games that has as many supporters as it does detractors. Myself, I quite enjoyed it. I’ll always remember it my first official RPG playthrough. And as an RPG starter kit sort of game, it does its job rather well. Enemies can be seen on screen. There aren’t a load of characters or items to tinker with. It’s about as bare bones as a 16-bit RPG can be, and for me at least there’s a certain amount of charm to that. Mystic Quest isn’t your typical epic RPG… if you want something along those lines then try Final Fantasy III, Chrono Trigger or EarthBound. But for those seeking a basic beginner’s RPG, look no further. Mystic Quest is a good “gateway” game for those new or unfamiliar to the genre.

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Graphically, it won’t blow anyone away. Yet the visuals get the job done. Our protagonists are small but adequately detailed, and things such as the !! bubble and shrug add a nice touch. The monsters are well detailed, particularly the giant bosses. I was in awe the first time I laid eyes on the first boss, Flamerus Rex. Speaking of bad guys, you can see the physical deterioration on them as battles progress. Some bosses display as many as four different health status stances, and some of them are very cool. A perfect example being the Ice Golem, who almost melts but hangs on by a feeble grasp of what remains of his once giant hand. It’s a superb touch that adds to the fun of dismantling all the nasties found within. The game’s music is flat out terrific. Battle themes are appropriately intense while towns have a more subdued theme, adding to the adventurous atmosphere of the game.

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In terms of difficulty, Mystic Quest is a cake walk. The plot is simple and moves along at a brisk pace. Sure, it doesn’t have the most elaborate plot in the world and granted, the character development isn’t as in-depth as what’s found in other RPGs, but I ask you this… what other 16-bit RPG allows you to see all your enemies on screen, jump, move pillars, or chop down trees as you’re walking about town? Don’t forget about the ability to hook on to platforms high above with the grappling hook either. There’s plenty to do in the short time the game lasts, which is roughly 8-12 hours depending on your play style. If you can ignore the lofty Final Fantasy label and take the game for what it intended to be, you just might enjoy it as well.

Graphics: 6.5
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 7
Longevity: 6.5

Overall: 7.0

FINAL STATS

Level 37
HP: 1480
Attack: 230
Defense: 128
Speed: 90
Magic: 51
Accuracy: 93
Evade: 46
GP: 22,288
EXP: 762,582
Time: 17 hours, 5 minutes*

*Most people finished it a lot faster, but I typically enjoy taking my sweet time ;)

2 thoughts on “Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (SNES)”

  1. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, that one turn-based RPG that is progressively getting less and less favorable reception and reviews over time sometimes to the point of outright hating on it for certain people simply for…… existing? 8( For being made with good intentions on SquareSoft’s behalf as a starter kit to the genre during a point in time when American gamers shied away from the genre for difficulty-related reasons? For coming out after Final Fantasy IV (at the time as Final Fantasy II) and bearing the “Final Fantasy” moniker even though it’s not its namesake in the grand scheme of things? I mean, I don’t consider it a great game or the best SquareSoft had to offer (arguably that would be Seiken Densetsu 3) but it’s harmless and well-made and endearingly solid fun in its own right.

    I liked that during battle you could choose to have your partner operate automatically or you could choose to forgo that for a more manual approach, I love that you can jump and leap over gaps and people if need be (it’s a very nice touch and I kinda wish more turn-based RPG with square-pattern character movements had those), Benjamin’s shrug animation is memorable and funny, it’s got charm, Ted Woolsey’s translation–based on the story by Chihiro Fujioka and Yoshihiko Maekawa (both of whom would go on to direct Super Mario RPG)–is well-written with rarely a grammatical error and his translation work is great anyway, I like that you can toggle between weapons on the fly whenever the situation called for it (like the axe to cut down the trees and the grappling hook to hook on to the other end of the gap), the soundtrack by Ryuji Sasai (who also did music for Micro Cabin’s Xak: The Art of Visual Stage, Xak II: The Rising of the Red Moon, and spin-off Fray in Magical Adventure, as well as SquareSoft’s Final Fantasy Legend III) and Yasuhiro Kawakami is excellent and does a good job setting the tone (the battle themes rock, literally, and when you get out of battle the overworld or dungeon theme picks up where it left off instead of starting from the beginning, YAY) and is very engaging to listen to, the bright pastel-toned visuals are appealing and like that each area is diverse in terms of design and décor, and I also like how the enemies and bosses slowly deteriorate externally depending on how much health they’ve got remaining which is a good touch.

    It’s nice that you can save during any time of the game a la Nihon Falcom’s Ys franchise, and yeah, it’s true that it lacks the depth and longevity and sense of challenge like other games from the genre and can for the most part be rather easy, but overall I think it’s pleasantly decent while it lasts and I think the hatred it gets in some circles is blown way out of proportion and highly undeserved =)

    To each their own

    1. I think you and I are on the same page with regards to Mystic Quest. There’s a lot I like about it too, and the save anywhere feature is very inviting and generous, particularly to novice RPG players. It does get a lot of undeserved hatred in retro gaming circles but to quote a wise man: “To each their own.” ;)

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