Square Enix is once again giving fans of the Final Fantasy series a reason to celebrate with the upcoming release of the Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition. This collection compiles the first six games in the iconic series, remastered and packaged with exclusive goodies, making it a must-have for both newcomers and long-time fans. Set to launch on October 8, 2024, for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, the collection is now available for pre-order through the Square Enix website at a price of $74.99.

A Nostalgic Journey: From Disjointed Ports to the Pixel Remasters

The Final Fantasy series has been a cornerstone of RPG gaming since its inception, but for many years, these classic titles were scattered across various platforms, available only through a patchwork of ports and remasters. This changed in 2022 when Square Enix released the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series on Steam, bringing these beloved games together in a cohesive, modernized package. These remasters were later ported to the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch as digital-only releases, with a limited physical run on the Switch.

The Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition builds on the success of the Pixel Remasters, offering fans a chance to own these classics in a physical format, complete with additional content. Square Enix announced the collection on Twitter, sharing a preview of the games along with images of the physical game case and a bonus sticker sheet that will be included with the collection. The announcement sparked excitement among fans, particularly those eager to secure a physical copy of these games. However, the lack of an Xbox port remains a point of contention for some players.

What’s Included in the Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition?

When the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters were first released, they brought significant enhancements to the original six games. The remasters feature updated, retro-inspired graphics that stay true to the original art style while incorporating modern touches. Additionally, the soundtracks were completely reworked, offering players the option to switch between the new and original scores. Quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to disable random encounters, an auto-battle mechanic, and a character model gallery, were also introduced, making the games more accessible and enjoyable for a contemporary audience.

The Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition includes all these enhancements and packages them in a single collection for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. For fans who prefer physical media, this edition provides an opportunity to own a piece of gaming history, complete with exclusive bonuses that add to its collectible appeal.

The Ongoing Call for an Xbox Port

Despite the widespread excitement surrounding the Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition, there is a vocal segment of the community disappointed by the continued absence of an Xbox port for these remasters. While the success of Final Fantasy 14 on the Xbox Series X/S suggests a strong market for the series on Microsoft’s platform, Square Enix has yet to confirm any plans to bring the Pixel Remasters to Xbox.

Additionally, fans are still hoping for re-releases of other classic Final Fantasy titles, particularly the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy, which remains locked on older platforms like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, or available digitally on Steam. The demand for these games highlights the enduring popularity of the Final Fantasy series and the desire among players to have access to the complete catalog on modern platforms.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Collection for Final Fantasy Enthusiasts

The Final Fantasy 1-6 Collection Edition is shaping up to be a definitive release for fans of the series, offering a beautifully remastered version of the first six games along with physical bonuses that will appeal to collectors. As the release date approaches, the excitement continues to build for what is sure to be a nostalgic journey through the early days of Final Fantasy. While the question of an Xbox port lingers, this collection remains a highly anticipated release for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch owners, providing yet another opportunity to experience—or re-experience—these timeless classics.

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