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{{Short description|1989 video game}}
{{Infobox VG
{{About|the 1989 Game Boy game|the similarly named 2010 mobile game|Final Fantasy Legends: Hikari to Yami no Senshi}}
| title = The Final Fantasy Legend
{{Good article}}{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
| image = ]
{{Infobox video game
| developer = ]
| image = File:Final-fantasy-legend-boxart.png
| publisher = Square<br />{{vgrelease|NA=] (GB re-release)}}
| caption = Box art of the North American Game Boy release, titled ''The Final Fantasy Legend''
| designer = ]
| developer = ]
| engine =
| publisher = '''Game Boy'''<br/> Square <br/>'''WonderSwan'''{{Video game release|JP|Square}}'''Mobile, Switch, Windows'''<br/>]
| released = '''Game Boy'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=], ]}}{{vgrelease|NA=], ]}}{{vgrelease|NA=] (re-release)}}'''Wonderswan Color'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=]}}'''Mobile phone'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=]}}
| genre = ] | director = ]
| designer = Akitoshi Kawazu
| modes = ]
| programmer = {{ubl|Takashi Oki|Naoki Okabe}}
| ratings =
| artist = {{ubl|Ryoko Tanaka|]}}
| platforms = ], ], ]s
| writer = Akitoshi Kawazu
| media = 2 ] ], 32 megabit cartridge (Wonderswan Color)
| composer = ]
| requirements =
| released = '''Game Boy'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|December 15, 1989|NA|September 30, 1990}}'''WonderSwan Color'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|March 20, 2002}}'''i-Mode'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|July 2, 2007}}'''EZweb'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|December 13, 2007}}'''SoftBank 3G'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|March 12, 2008}}'''Nintendo Switch'''<br />{{vgrelease|WW|December 19, 2020}}'''Android''', '''iOS'''<br />{{vgrelease|WW|September 22, 2021}}'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|WW|October 21, 2021}}
| series = '']''<br />'']''
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
| platforms = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| series = '']''{{efn|Rebranded in the West under the '']'' moniker.<ref name="KawazuUSG"/>}}
}} }}


'''''The Final Fantasy Legend''''', originally released in Japan as {{nihongo foot|'''''Makai Toushi Sa・Ga'''''|魔界塔士 サガ||lit. ''Warrior in the Tower of the Spirit World ~ Sa·Ga''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha|<ref name="RetroInfo">{{cite journal|title=The History of SaGa|pages=80–85|journal=]|publisher=]|issue=180|date=2018-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.originalsoundversion.com/the-uematsu-you-never-knew/|title=The Uematsu You Never Knew|last=Gann|first=Patrick|website=Original Sound Version|date=2015-05-04|access-date=2021-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508194321/http://www.originalsoundversion.com/the-uematsu-you-never-knew/|archive-date=2015-05-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} is a ] ] developed and published by ] for the ]. It was originally released in Japan in December 1989 and North America in September 1990. It is the first game in the '']'' series and the first ] for the system. Square translated the game into English for worldwide release and renamed it, linking it with the '']'' series to improve marketing. ] re-released it in North America during 1998; Square followed with a Japan-exclusive ] released for the ] and mobile phones in 2002 and 2007 respectively, it was also ported to the ] in 2020 and later ported to ], ] and ] in 2021.
'''''The Final Fantasy Legend''''', known as '''''Makai Toushi Sa·Ga''''' in ] (''魔界塔士 サ・ガ<sup>]</sup>'', "Warrior(s) of the Demon Realm Tower"), is a ] video game. The first game in a three-part '']'' series on the Game Boy, it was released in ] by ]. It was also ] for the ] and ]s in Japan. The Game Boy version was released worldwide by Square, and its re-release was handed by ]. Other than the name, the game has little to do with the '']'' franchise, and it was so named for marketing reasons.


''Final Fantasy Legend'' operates on a ] ] system, in which the game's characters battle monsters using a variety of weapons. The game follows the story of four heroes that attempt to scale a tower at the center of the world, which supposedly leads to paradise. The four heroes controlled by the player may be one of three character classes, two of which may have different genders and one of which contains many subsets. ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' operates on a ] system similar to that of '']''. The game's characters battle monsters and fiends using a variety of weapons, armor, and skills that develop through the player's actions. The game follows the story of four heroes who attempt to scale a tower at the center of the world that supposedly leads to paradise. The four heroes may belong to one of three character classes, each housing a unique customization path.

''The Final Fantasy Legend'' was conceived by Nobuyuki Hoshino and developed under director ]; renowned composer ] wrote its score. The game is Square's first million seller with 1.37 million units shipped. Though released to mixed reception, it has since been described as one of the Game Boy's greatest games and cited as an influence for series such as the '']'' franchise.


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
]
In ''Final Fantasy Legend'', the player navigates a character throughout the game world with a party of up to four characters, exploring areas and interacting with ]s. Most of the game occurs in towns, castles, caves, and similar areas.<ref name="gbman24-25">Square. pp. 24-25. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> To aid exploration on the field screen, ''Final Fantasy Legend'' makes use of various signs within towns.<ref name="gbman22-23">Square. pp. 22-23. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> In the first act, the player is limited to the World of Continent to explore,<ref name="gbman12">Square. p. 12. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> and given access to later worlds as they climb the Tower. Players can save their game anytime and anywhere when not in combat to the selected save slot for later playing.<ref name="gbman32">Square. p. 32. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref>
In ''The Final Fantasy Legend'', the player navigates a character throughout the game world with a party of up to four characters, exploring areas and interacting with ]s. Most of the game occurs in towns, castles, caves, and similar areas.<ref name="gbman24-25">] pp. 24-25. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> To aid exploration on the field screen, the game makes use of various signs within towns.<ref name="gbman22-23">] pp. 22-23. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> The player is initially limited to the World of Continent to explore,<ref name="gbman12">] p. 12. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> and given access to later worlds as his or her party climbs the Tower. Players can save their game anytime and anywhere when not in combat to a save slot for later play.<ref name="gbman32">] p. 32. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>


Players can journey between field screen locations via the ], a downsized representation of ''Final Fantasy Legend''{{'}}s various worlds. Players can freely navigate around the world map screen unless restricted by terrain, such as water or mountains.<ref name="gbman25">Square. p. 25. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> The goal in each world is to find the entrance to the next level of the Tower.<ref name="gbman24">Square. p. 24. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Like other ''Final Fantasy'' related games, travel across the world map screen and hostile areas is occasionally interrupted by ]s.<ref name="gbman18">Square. p. 18. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Players can journey between field screen locations via the ], a downsized representation of ''Final Fantasy Legend''{{'}}s various worlds. Players can freely navigate around the world map screen unless restricted by terrain, such as water or mountains.<ref name="gbman25">] p. 25. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> The goal in each world is to find the entrance to the next level of the Tower.<ref name="gbman24">] p. 24. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> ] occasionally interrupt travel across the world map screen and hostile areas, as in other ''Final Fantasy'' related games.<ref name = "gbman18"/>{{clear|left}}


===Classes=== ===Classes===
At the beginning of the game, the player must choose a ], gender, and name for the group's "party leader".<ref name="gbman7">Square. p. 7. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> There are three available classes: ''humans'', ''mutants'' (''espers'' in the japanese version),<ref> (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved on ]</ref> and ''monsters'', each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Character classes cannot be changed once the game has begun. Afterwards the player may recruit up to three additional party members through a similar process via "Member Guilds" found in various towns.<ref name="gbman13">Square. p. 13. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Characters may also be recruited to replace fallen party members, save for the party leader. Higher level party members may be recruited at later towns in the game.<ref name="gbman14">Square. p. 14. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> At the beginning of the game, the player must choose a ], gender, and name for the group's "party leader".<ref name="gbman7">] p. 7. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> There are three available classes: ''humans'', ''mutants'' (''espers'' in the Japanese version),<ref name="Ref_">{{cite web |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ (Espers) |language=ja |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/chara/esper.html |publisher=]. |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308123522/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/chara/esper.html |archive-date=2012-03-08}}</ref> and ''monsters'', each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Character classes cannot be changed once the game has begun. The player may recruit up to three additional party members through a similar process via "Member Guilds" in various towns.<ref name="gbman13">] p. 13. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Characters may also be recruited to replace fallen party members, though the party leader is irreplaceable. Higher-level party members may be recruited at later towns in the game.<ref name="gbman14">] p. 14. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>


A character's performance in battle is determined by numerical values ("statistics") for categories such as agility, strength, and mana power.<ref name="gbman28" /> Character statistics are relative to their class. Humans feature higher ] (''HP'') levels, strength, and defense,<ref name="gbman8">Square. p. 8. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> while mutants are physically weaker, but feature a higher mana statistic.<ref name="gbman9" /> Human and mutant statistics can also be amplified by the types of equipment the character is wearing.<ref name="gbman31">Square. p. 31. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Monster-class characters are dependent of its sub-class, and as a result vary greatly.<ref name="gbman10">Square. p. 10. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> A character's performance in battle is determined by numerical values ("statistics") for four categories. Each statistic has a range of 1 to 99. The categories are ''strength'', the effectiveness of physical attacks; ''defense'', the ability to reduce damage received; ''agility'', the effectiveness of ranged weapons or skills and at avoiding attacks; and ''mana'', the effectiveness of magical attacks. A character's health is measured in '']'' (''HP''), consisting of a current HP statistic and a maximum HP statistic, ranging from 0 to 999.<ref name="gbman28" /> Character statistics are relative to their class—humans have higher HP levels, strength, and defense,<ref name="gbman8">] p. 8. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> and mutants are physically weaker but enjoy a higher mana statistic.<ref name="gbman9">] p. 9. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Human and mutant statistics can be amplified by worn equipment of different types.<ref name = "gbman31"/> Monster-class characters are dependent on their sub-class, and their statistics vary greatly.<ref name="gbman10">] p. 10. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>


Humans raise their statistics though items found throughout the game that grant permanent bonuses, such as "STRENGTH" or "HP200".<ref name="gbman8" /> Mutants are driven by experience; when players win a battle by defeating all enemies, they are awarded "]s", which accumulate until characters gain "experience levels". When characters "level up", the statistics for their attributes increase and randomly gain new abilities.<ref name="gbman9">Square. p. 9. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Monsters change in power by consuming "meat" dropped in battles, and depending on the type of monster the meat is from, may transform into stronger or weaker sub-class.<ref name="gbman9" /> Humans raise their statistics through items that grant permanent bonuses, such as "STRENGTH" or "HP200".<ref name="gbman8" /> Mutant attributes simply increase by random increments after battles, and new abilities may be gained (or lost) in the process.<ref name="gbman9" /> Monsters change in power by consuming "meat" dropped in battles; depending the monster's current sub-class and the meat's origin, the monster may transform into a stronger or weaker sub-class<ref name="gbman10" /> or fully recover health.<ref name="gbman54">] p. 54. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Later versions of the game released upon the WonderSwan and mobile phones removed the latter effect entirely.


===Combat=== ===Equipment and abilities===
The basic function of equipment in ''SaGa'' games is to increase character attributes. Arming a character with a gold helmet increases his or her base defense statistic, for example. The amount of equipment that can be placed on any one character at any time depends on the character's class. Humans can hold eight, mutants four, and monsters none. There are five types of armor: ''shields'', ''helmets'', ''breastplates'', ''gauntlets'', and ''shoes''. Only one of each at a time may be added to one character and cannot be added to monsters.<ref name="gbman31">] p. 31. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Weapons, consisting of swords, hammers, whips, spell books, and guns, utilize either the strength, agility or mana attribute of a character, and can be used only a certain number of times before breaking and being removed from the player's inventory. Shields can be used as items in combat, most with a limited number of uses, and allow the user to evade enemy attacks.<ref name="gbman38">] p. 38. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>
Whenever the playable character encounters an enemy, the map changes to the "battle screen". On the battle screen, the enemy appears at the top, above the characters currently in the party; each battle uses a menu-driven ]. At the beginning of each turn, the player selects whether to fight or attempt to run.<ref name="gbman18">Square. p. 18. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> If the fight option is selected, the player selects an action for each player character from their equipment or skills to attack, defend, use magic, or use equipped items. Once the player has chosen actions for each player character, the player characters and enemy begin battle.<ref name="gbman19-20">Square. pp. 19-20. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> Participants move one at a time determined by their agility statistic.<ref name="gbman28">Square. p. 28. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> In the event the player attempts to run and fails, the player characters skip their turn and the enemy attacks.<ref name="gbman18" /> Combat ends if the party successfully flees, all enemies are defeated, or all player characters are defeated. In the last case, the game ends and must be reloaded from the last save.<ref name="gbman32" />


Mutants and monsters have different spells and abilities depending on their battle experience and sub-class. These come in one of four categories: ''attack'', ''non-combative'', ''healing'', and ''resistances/weaknesses''. When used in combat, attack spells and abilities will damage a target by an elemental type, while non-combative spells and abilities inflict various status ailments (such as "blindness") or grant benefits upon a target. Healing spells and abilities restore a target's HP and can be used outside of combat.<ref name="gbman39" /> Certain spells and abilities have added traits, like affecting a group of enemies or draining HP from a target.<ref name="gbman43-45">] pp. 43-45. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Each spell and ability has a finite number of uses, and once depleted the party must visit an inn to recharge them.<ref name="gbman39">] p. 39. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Resistances and weaknesses are abilities that are active throughout combat. Represented by an "O" or "X" next to the related element or status ailment, they respectively give the user either resistance or weakness to one or more types of attack; status ailments grant immunity against a particular ailment.<ref name="gbman42">] p. 42. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>
Winning battles may award the player money ('']'') and items. Enemy monsters will also sometimes drop meat that can be consumed by monster-class characters to change their type<ref name="gbman20">Square. p. 20. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> or recover health, depending on the type of monster the meat is from.<ref name="gbman54">Square. p. 54. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref>


Curative items can be found or purchased in the game through various means, each with a limited number of uses and able to be activated from a character's inventory or the items sub-menu to restore HP or remove a status ailment in or out of combat from a single target. Like other inventory items, in order to be used during combat these must be placed in a party member's equipment slot prior to battle.<ref name="gbman40-41">] pp. 40-41. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>
===Equipment and Abilities===

The basic function of equipment in ''SaGa'' games is to increase character attributes; arming a character with a gold helmet, for example, increases his or her base defense statistic. The amount of equipment that can be placed on any one character at any time depends on their class. humans can hold eight, mutants can hold four, and monsters can equip none.<ref name="gbman31">Square. p. 31. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> There are five types of armor: ''shields'', ''helmets'', ''breastplates'', ''gauntlets'', and ''shoes''. Only one of each may be equipped at any time on one character.<ref name="gbman31">Square. p. 38. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref>
===Combat===
Combat is initiated when the player encounters an enemy, which changes the map to the "battle screen". The enemy appears at the top, above the current party characters; each battle uses a menu-driven ]. At the beginning of each turn, the player selects whether to fight or attempt to run.<ref name="gbman18">] p. 18. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> If the fight option is selected, the player selects an action for each party member from his or her equipment or skills to attack, defend, use magic, or use equipped items. Once the player has chosen actions for each player character, the player characters and enemy begin battle.<ref name="gbman19-20">] pp. 19-20. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Participants move one at a time determined by their agility statistic.<ref name="gbman28">] p. 28. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> If the player tries the "attempt to run" option and it fails, the party skip their turn and the enemy attacks.<ref name="gbman18" /> Combat ends if the party successfully flees, all enemies are defeated, or all player characters are defeated; in the last case, the game ends and must be reloaded from the last save.<ref name="gbman32" />

Winning battles may award the player money ('']'') and items. Enemy monsters occasionally drop meat, which can be consumed by monster-class characters.<ref name="gbman20">] p. 20. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Mutant classes may "evolve" at this point, randomly gaining either increased statistics or a new random magic spell or ability, possibly overwriting an existing one.<ref name="gbman9" /> Party members that lose HP during combat can have them restored via curative items,<ref name="gbman41">] p. 40. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> spells,<ref name="gbman46">] p. 46. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> inns,<ref name="gbman21">] p. 21. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> or elements of the world such as healing fountains.<ref name="gbman76">] p. 76. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> If a party member other than the starting character is defeated in battle, he or she loses a "heart" and must be resurrected in a town via the building with a large heart-shaped symbol on it. Defeated characters with no remaining hearts cannot be revived. An item can be bought at significant expense to restore a heart to a character. Alternatively, a fallen party member can also be replaced completely with a new character recruited from a town guild, regardless of the number of hearts they have remaining.<ref name="gbman22-23" />


==Story== ==Story==
===Setting=== ===Setting===
''The Final Fantasy Legend'' takes place on several worlds centered around a large Tower that spews beasts and monsters onto each world,<ref name="gbman3">Square. p. 3. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> built by God in ancient times to link the worlds together.<ref>. Square Enix. Retrieved on ]</ref> There are five unique major worlds that make up different layers of the Tower: the World of Continent at the base, the World of Ocean on the 5th floor, the World of Sky on the 10th, the World of Ruins on the 16th,<ref name="gbmanm">Square. p. 2. ''Final Fantasy Legend, map insert'', Retrieved on ]</ref> and Paradise at the very top of the Tower;<ref name="gbman3" /> between each time does not flow at a constant pace, causing some to be more advanced than others.<ref>{{cite video game ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' takes place on several worlds centered around a large tower,<ref name="gbman3">] p. 3. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> built by the ] in ancient times (God in the Japanese version)<ref name="patriarch" /> to link worlds.<ref name="Ref_a">{{cite web | url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga/ | title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga | publisher=Square Enix | access-date=2009-06-04 | language=ja | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053157/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga/ | archive-date=2011-08-12}}</ref> There are four unique major worlds that make up different layers of the tower: the World of Continent at the base, the World of Ocean on the 5th floor, the World of Sky on the 10th, and the World of Ruins on the 16th.<ref name="gbmanm">] p. 2. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, map insert'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> Time does not flow at a constant pace between levels of the tower, rendering some worlds more technologically advanced than others.<ref name="Ref_b">{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = Floor 7 | quote = Statue: You will lose track of time while in the tower.}}</ref> Various monsters come forth from the tower into each world;<ref name="gbman2">] p. 2. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> many are hostile, but some of them are friendly to humans and willing to coexist.<ref name="gbman10" /> An offshoot of the human race (named mutants, espers in the Japanese version) also exists in each world; they are the magic-attuned descendants of a union between humans and the World of Continent's older races.<ref name="gbman9" />

| title = Final Fantasy Legend
The World of Continent is a large land mass ruled by three kings in constant war for control of their world.<ref name="gbman55">] p. 55. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref> They each carry an object needed to open the tower's entrance. The World of Ocean consists of various small islands surrounded by water, each connected by small caves.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Ocean | quote = The caves are connected to various islands.}}</ref> Pirates roam the sea of this world, forbidding travel by ship.<ref name="Ref_c">{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Ocean | quote = A voyage by ship is too dangerous because of pirates.}}</ref> The World of Sky contains large land masses suspended in clouds, and is ruled by a powerful dictator from his flying castle.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Sky | quote = Byak-Ko rules the sky from the gigantic flying castle.}}</ref> The World of Ruins is a technologically advanced ], reduced to a post-apocalyptic wasteland by constant monster attacks.<ref name="Ref_d">{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Sky | quote = Ameyoko town is to the northeast, but because of Su-Zaku we are afraid to travel there.}}</ref>
| developer = SQUARE
| publisher = SQUARE
| level = Floor 7
| quote = Statue: You  will      lose  track  of   time  while  in   the  tower.
}}</ref> The World of Continent is a large land mass ruled by three kings that each carry a piece of equipment to open the Tower's entrance, and are in constant war with each other for ].<ref name="gbman55">Square. p. 55. ''Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on ]</ref> The World of Ocean consists of a variety of small islands surrounded by water, each connected by small caves.<ref>{{cite video game
| title = Final Fantasy Legend
| developer = SQUARE
| publisher = SQUARE
| level = World of Ocean
| quote = The  caves  are      connected  to various  islands.
}}</ref> Pirates roam the sea of this world, making travel by ship impossible.<ref>{{cite video game
| title = Final Fantasy Legend
| developer = SQUARE
| publisher = SQUARE
| level = World of Ocean
| quote = A  voyage  by  ship   is  too  dangerous because  of  pirates.
}}</ref> The World of Sky consists of large land masses suspended in clouds, and is ruled by the ] Byak-Ko the   White  Tiger  from his flying castle.<ref>{{cite video game
| title = Final Fantasy Legend
| developer = SQUARE
| publisher = SQUARE
| level = World of Sky
| quote = Byak-Ko  rules  the  sky  from  the gigantic  flying castle.
}}</ref> The World of Ruins is technologically advanced ] reduced to a ] ] from constant attacks by Su-Zaku the Red Bird.<ref>{{cite video game
| title = Final Fantasy Legend
| developer = SQUARE
| publisher = SQUARE
| level = World of Sky
| quote = Ameyoko  town  is  to the  northeast,  but because  of  Su-Zaku we  are  afraid  to travel  there.
}}</ref> The final world of Paradise, while the party's ultimate destination, is never seen.


===Plot=== ===Plot===
Once, there was a tower in the center of the known world that supposedly led to ]. Although many people tried to climb this tower, none were ever heard from again. The player controls a party of adventurers who will attempt to climb this tower. This is the world the hero starts out in. Three kings in this world are fighting for three legendary pieces of equipment, the King Sword, Shield and Armor respectively. First visiting King Armor, the heroes find out he's love sick over a girl. The heroes find out she is a slime-type monster in another village and she loves King Armor, but is afraid of a bandit leader who wishes to marry her. The heroes track down the bandit and demand he give her up. He refuses, but is defeated by the heroes. He begs for mercy, but is given none. King Armor is so overjoyed that he gives his armor to the heroes. King Sword defiantly tries to kill the heroes when they ask for the King Sword, but is killed himself by them. Finally, King Shield is murdered by his own Steward and after a short fight against him, the heroes have all three legendary items. They place these on a statue of a great hero, which causes a Black Sphere to appear. As they take the Sphere, Gen-bu, one of the four fiends (based on the Su Ling) appears to kill them. They vanquish him, however, and use the power of the Sphere to enter the tower. Standing in front of the tower, the hero and party learn that they cannot climb it to paradise without first unsealing its base door. In the base world, three kings named Armor, Sword, and Shield fight for dominance using a piece of legendary equipment corresponding to their names. Visiting King Armor, the party learns that he is in love with a girl who returns his feelings, but cannot marry him, as a bandit holds her village hostage in return for her love. They defeat the bandit, and the king gives them his armor in gratitude. King Sword attacks the heroes, who vanquish him and take the sword. Lastly, King Shield is murdered by his own steward, and after a short fight, the party recovers his shield. Restoring the items to a statue of a great hero, they receive the Black Sphere, but are attacked by ], the first of four fiends controlled by ]. They defeat him and use the power of the Sphere to enter the tower.<ref name="gbman47-74">] pp. 47-74. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-04.</ref>


They climb the tower and come to another door; inside lies a second world surrounded by large bodies of water. By navigating caves, they find a floating island which allows them to travel around the world by air.<ref name="gbman75-78">] pp. 75-78. ''The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual'', Retrieved on 2009-06-05.</ref> They locate an old man, Ryu-O, and solve his riddle to obtain the Airseed, allowing them to breathe underwater and enter the undersea palace. They encounter the second fiend, ]; they defeat him and recover half of the second sphere. Upon returning to Ryu-O, he reveals himself to be the guardian of the other half of the sphere, and the two halves form the Blue Sphere.
The main enemies underneath their leader,
], are four traditional eastern spirits:], ], ] and ].
The tower is a long and perilous journey where the heroes encounter three more worlds, along with a few side quests along the way, including the fates of some of those that ultimately failed to make it to the top of the tower. The first world discovered by the heroes after entering the tower is a tropical ocean. The second, a world situated in the sky, on top of the clouds. The third is a burned-out, seemingly post-apocalyptic city.


Using the Blue Sphere to continue up the tower, the party comes to a world of clouds, dominated by ] and an army of thugs. They learn that Byak-ko recently wiped out an underground resistance movement, except for Millie and Jeanne, the two daughters of its leader. The party temporarily joins Byak-ko's gang to find the girls, and attempt to defend them until Millie betrays Jeanne and the party is captured. Breaking free, they confront the fiend, who tries to kill Millie; Jeanne takes the blow and the party engages the fiend. They defeat him, recover the White Sphere, and continue their journey.
Eventually, they learn that the fiends of the world are controlled by the evil Ashura. Ashura offers them the opportunity to rule over the world with him. They refuse, leading to a fight with him. After beating Ashura, they fall into a pit which takes them back to the starting world. They climb the tower once more, fighting each of the demons once again. Reaching the top, they learn that this was all a test by the ] himself. The Creator is the final boss of the game. After defeating the Creator, the heroes discover a door leading to an unknown location. They debate about going through it before deciding it doesn't matter and go back home instead.

The fourth world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland; ] roams the surface defended by an impenetrable forcefield. The party retreats to an abandoned subway for refuge and meets Sayaka, who directs them to the nearest town. There the party is confronted by the leader of a biker gang, So-Cho, but his sister Sayaka intervenes and the two groups agree to work together to defeat Su-Zaku. As they gather the needed parts for a device to deactivate the forcefield, So-Cho sacrifices his life to guide the party through an atomic power plant. Beasts then ambush the town, and Su-Zaku kidnaps Sayaka. The party defeats Su-Zaku, earns the Red Sphere and travels on.

Climbing the tower, the party discovers the remains of a family that attempted to reach Paradise but failed,<ref name="Ref_e">{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1990-09-30 |platform=] |level=before Ashura |quote='''Diary:''' We barely made it to this shelter. We've run out of food and water, so we won't last much longer. Ken and Yuki, forgive me for leaving you. Akira, take care of your brothers. Creator, please look after the children. / '''Corpse:''' This child looks dead...}}</ref> and a library suggesting Ashura is controlled by someone else.<ref name="Ref_f">{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1990-09-30 |platform=] |level=before Ashura |quote='''Bookshelves:''' Ashura... is... controlled... by... the... / '''PartyMember1:''' We cannot read this final word. / '''PartyMember2:''' Who controls Ashura...?}}</ref> They encounter him at the top, guarding the final door; he offers each of them control of one of the worlds, but they refuse and defeat him.<ref name="Ref_g">{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1990-09-30 |platform=] |level=vs. Ashura |quote='''Ashura:''' So, you've made it this far. I'll make a deal with you. '''PartyMember1:''' A deal? / '''Ashura:''' I'll give each of you a piece of the world. How does that sound? / '''PartyMember1:''' No way! We'll never work for you. / '''Ashura:''' I was just being nice, but now you've pushed your luck.}}</ref> Before they can pass through the door, a trap drops them to the bottom floor. Encountering the allies they made along their journey, they decide to rescale the tower. As they climb stairs that wrap outside of the tower, they engage each of the fiends revived and defeat them. They find the Creator at the summit, and learn that the fiends and the tower itself are actually part of a game created by him to see heroes defeat evil; for succeeding they would be granted a wish as a reward. Angry at his manipulation, they reject the reward and challenge the Creator, who insists that because he created everything he was allowed to use them as he saw fit. They then attack and defeat the Creator in a fierce battle.<ref name="Ref_h">{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1990-09-30 |platform=] |level=vs. the Creator |quote='''Creator:''' Congratulations! I've been waiting for you. You are the first to finish the game. / '''PartyMember1:''' Game? / '''Creator:''' Yes, it's a game I created. / '''PartyMember2:''' What do you mean? / '''Creator:''' People did not know what courage and determination meant. So, I created Ashura to see what people would do. / '''PartyMember4:''' You are crazy! / '''Creator:''' Ashura tested all of you. / '''PartyMember3:''' So, it was a game? / '''Creator:''' That's right. I wanted to see a hero defeat this evil. / '''PartyMember1:''' We were all piece of your design! / '''Creator:''' You understand well. Many have failed the test, but it was refreshing to courage in the face of danger. I want to reward you for your accomplishment. I will grant you a wish. / '''PartyMember2:''' We didn't do it for a reward. Besides, you used us! / '''Creator:''' What's wrong with that? I created everything. / '''PartyMember1:''' We are not things! / '''Creator:''' How amusing...You are trying to pick a fight with me! Are you sure? It's the destiny of mortals...Very well. Remember the greatness of my power!}}</ref> The heroes then discover a door leading to an unknown location; they consider entering, but decide to return to their own world.<ref name="Ref_i">{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1990-09-30 |platform=] |level=Epilogue |quote='''PartyMember4:''' It's done. / '''PartyMember1:''' ... ... / '''PartyMember2:''' What are we to do now? / '''PartyMember1:''' ... ... / '''PartyMember3:''' Is there another world beyond? / '''PartyMember1:''' Shall we go there? / '''PartyMember2:''' It doesn't matter to me. / '''PartyMember4:''' Well, we didn't do too badly. / '''PartyMember3:''' That's right. We defeated all of the evil. / '''PartyMember1:''' Let's go! '''Others:''' Where? / '''PartyMember1:''' To our world!}}</ref>


==Development== ==Development==
''The Final Fantasy Legend'' was the first installment of the ''SaGa'' series in Japan and the first Game Boy game produced by Square.<ref name="assl1" /> Square president ] requested developers create a Game Boy game after he noticed the success of '']'' and the popularity of the handheld system. ] and partner ] decided that instead of creating a game similar to ''Tetris'', they would produce what they felt customers desired most: a role-playing game.<ref name="gpara">{{cite web |url=http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_157.htm |script-title=ja:クリエイターズ・ファイル:自分の信念を貫く事で『サガ』を作り出した河津秋敏氏 |publisher=Gpara.com |access-date=2009-06-01 |language=ja |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326025425/http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_157.htm |archive-date=2012-03-26}}</ref>
The first installment of the SaGa series in Japan and first Game Boy game by Square,<ref name="assl1" /> it was conceived by Nobuyuki Hoshino, and developed under director ], two years after '']'' was released. During development, Kawazu took a direct hand in shaping ''Final Fantasy Legened''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s scenario development,<ref>Boyes, Emma. . ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> working alongside ], ], and ]; Kōichi and Hiroyuki additionally developed the game's world layout and ], with ] designing the background graphics. Concept art for characters was developed by Tokita, who also handled the in-game ].<ref>{{cite video game

| title = Makai Toushi SaGa
Square's concept for the game was a title that could be completed in six to eight hours, based on the duration of an airplane flight between ], Japan and ], Hawaii.<ref name="IGNinterview" /> Developers sought to optimize the game for short bursts of gameplay, as if played by a train passenger between stations. Square raised random battle encounter rate relative to its other role playing games, ensuring players would have at least one enemy encounter during short playtime to maintain an interesting experience.<ref name="Staffa">{{cite web |url=http://wii.com/jp/articles/ffcc-cb/crv/vol/page3.html |script-title=ja:ゲームボーイ初のRPGを開発 |language=ja |work=Wii.com |publisher=] |access-date=2009-11-18 |page=3 |author=Staff |title=Wii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720130553/http://wii.com/jp/articles/ffcc-cb/crv/vol/page3.html |archive-date=2011-07-20}}</ref> ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' was designed to be difficult and feature advanced gameplay, described by Kawazu as the main difference between ''SaGa'' and ''Final Fantasy''.<ref name="Nutt2005">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/romancing-saga-minstrel-song/619282p1.html |title=Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-05 |author=Nutt, Christian |date=2005-05-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615120519/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/romancing-saga-minstrel-song/619282p1.html |archive-date=2011-06-15}}</ref> Square implemented several other ideas to distance the games, notably the "meat" system to allow players to collect enemy abilities, though these proved difficult to portray at first.<ref name="Staff2001">{{cite web |publisher=] |language=ja |work=Famitsu.com |author=Staff |access-date=2010-02-02 |date=2001-09-28 |title=【INTERVIEW】スクウェア マスターピース 制作者対談のすべて! |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/09/27/103,1001592043,1486,0,0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022101806/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/09/27/103,1001592043,1486,0,0.html |archive-date=2012-10-22}}</ref>
| developer = SQUARE

| publisher = SQUARE
Kawazu took a direct hand in shaping the game's scenario development,<ref name="Boyes2006">{{cite web |author=Boyes, Emma |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6160463.html?print=1 |title=Q&A: Final Fantasy XII producer Akitoshi Kawazu |website=] |access-date=2009-06-04 |date=2006-10-25 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305141403/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-final-fantasy-xii-producer-akitoshi-kawazu/1100-6160463/ |url-status=live }}</ref> working alongside Ishii, ], and ],<ref name="staff" /> who were involved in other Square projects at the time.<ref name="gpara" /> Ishii and Ito developed the game's world layout and geography as well; ] designed the background graphics. Tokita developed character concept art and handled the in-game ].<ref name="staff">{{cite video game | title = Makai Toushi SaGa | developer = Square | publisher = Square | platform = ] | level = Ending credits sequence}} (in Japanese)</ref><ref name="Ref_j">{{cite web |url=http://www.critiqueofgames.net/data/ros/kai-saga.htm |title=SaGa Staff Credits |language=ja |publisher=CritiqueofGames |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723060900/http://www.critiqueofgames.net/data/ros/kai-saga.htm |archive-date=2011-07-23}}</ref> The Japanese cover artwork was designed by Katsutoshi Fujioka.<ref name="SagaCover">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/746/1746983/|script-title=ja:『サガ』シリーズ3作品の楽曲を収録したサントラのジャケットが公開。藤岡勝利さん描き下ろしイラストを使用|website=]|language=ja|date=2018-06-19|access-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205170330/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/746/1746983/|archive-date=2019-02-05|url-status=live}}</ref> The monochrome screen of the Game Boy proved an obstacle, as some graphics such as fire were more difficult to portray without color. As a result, they had to develop a world that "works in black and white".<ref name="Kawazu2009">{{cite video |people=Kawazu Akitoshi, Uematsu Nobuo |date=2009-08-26 |title=SaGa Series 20th Anniversary Original Soundtrack |medium=DVD |language=ja |publisher=] |time=1:04 |id=SQEX-10145~65}}</ref> Tanaka later revealed that the 2-] capacity of contemporary Game Boy cartridges severely limited their designs; the team removed some elements from the finished game to ensure peak performance.<ref name="Staff2009">{{cite web |publisher=] |access-date=2009-11-17 |url=http://japan.gamespot.com/topics/story/0,3800076357,20402786,00.htm |script-title=ja:シリーズの開発者が登場!--「サガ20周年キャンペーン プレミアムファンイベント」が開催!|author=Staff |date=2009-11-02 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104133619/http://japan.gamespot.com/topics/story/0,3800076357,20402786,00.htm |archive-date=2009-11-04}}</ref>
| platform = ]
| level = Ending credits sequence
}} (in Japanese)</ref><ref> (in Japanese). CritiqueofGames. Retrieved on ]</ref>


===Audio=== ===Audio===
''The Final Fantasy Legend''{{'}}s soundtrack was composed by ] and consists of sixteen tracks. Uematsu struggled with composition at first, as the Game Boy's sound hardware was different from the ], featuring a new stereo option, unique ], and only three musical notes. Kawazu wanted the game's music to resemble that of Square's two preceding ''Final Fantasy'' titles, but Uematsu chose to develop new waveforms.<ref name="assl1">Square Brand. ''All Sounds of SaGa, Line Notes''. p. 1. Retrieved on 2008-06-28.</ref> The music was severely limited by the Game Boy's technical specifications, having only three note types available.<ref name="IGNinterview">{{cite web | author=Staff | title=The Final Fantasy IX Team Spills All | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/085/085276p1.html | publisher=] | work=] | date=2000-09-20 | access-date=2009-05-24 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606102422/http://psx.ign.com/articles/085/085276p1.html | archive-date=2011-06-06}}</ref>
The game's soundtrack was composed by ]<ref>. Square Enix USA. Retrieved on ]</ref> and consists of sixteen tracks. Uematsu stated the music was only comprised of three notes, but that the Game Boy was a system he would like to make something for. He added that ''Final Fantasy Legend''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s music was created to complete the game in six to eight hours, based on the time for "an average flight from Narita to Hawaii". Uematsu also pointed out while the game's music could be made of better quality, the emphasis was on the fact the game was fun, and not appearance or sound.<ref>. www.nobuouematsu.com. Retrieved on ].</ref> The Game Boy's sound hardware was different than the ]'s, with new ] and ]; he struggled with deciding how to work with these, while Akitoshi wanted to carry on in the same vein as the previous ''Final Fantasy'' titles.<ref name="assl1">Square Brand. ''All Sounds of SaGa, Line Notes''. p. 1. Retrieved on ].</ref>


From the game's music, the "Prologue" theme would be arranged as the opening for the next two ''SaGa'' games,<ref name="Gann"/> while "Heartful Tears" (also known as "Wipe Your Tears Away")<ref name="sem">. Square Enix Music Online. Retrieved on ].</ref> would become a staple for later ''SaGa'' titles, used in five of the games and arranged differently each time.<ref name="Gann">Gann, Patrick. . RPGFan. Retrieved on ].</ref><ref name="sem" /> Fifteen of the tracks were later included in the 1991 two-disc '']'' ], which encompassed the Game Boy ''SaGa'' series, and was re-released by Square Enix in December 2004 as ''SaGa Zenkyoku Shu''.<ref>. Play-Asia.com. Retrieved on ].</ref> The final track of the set, "Journey's End", is an arranged version of six of ''Final Fantasy Legend''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s tracks via a ]<ref name="assl1" /> combined into one by Uematsu;<ref name="soundtrack" /> he stated he enjoys listening to it while remembering scenes from the game.<ref name="assl1" /> The game's "Battle" theme was later included as part of Square Enix's ''Battle Tracks Vol. 1: Square 1987-1996'' compilation, released in May 2007.<ref>Gann, Patrick. . RPGFan. Retrieved on ].</ref> Square has reused several songs from the game (notably the "Battle" theme) in later titles and released them on compilation soundtracks.<ref name="Ref_k">{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=1210 |title=Square Enix Battle Tracks Vol. 1 |publisher=VGM World |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719115651/http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=1210 |archive-date=2011-07-19}}</ref> The introductory music, titled "Prologue", appeared ]ed as the opening for the next two ''SaGa'' games.<ref name="Gann"/> "Heartful Tears" (also known as "Wipe Your Tears Away")<ref name="soundtrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=424 |title=Sa·Ga All Sounds Soundtrack |publisher=VGM World |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717195211/http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=424 |archive-date=2011-07-17}}</ref> became a staple for later ''SaGa'' titles, used in five of the games and arranged differently each time.<ref name="Gann">{{cite web |author=Gann, Patrick |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/saga-aso/index.html |title=All Sounds of SaGa review |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809083600/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/saga-aso/index.html |archive-date=2011-08-09}}</ref> Fifteen tracks were later included in the 1991 two-disc '']'' soundtrack, encompassing the Game Boy ''SaGa'' series and re-released by Square Enix in December 2004 as ''SaGa Zenkyoku Shu''.<ref name="Ref_l">{{cite web |url=http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8l-77-7-49-en-70-rnt-43-n9.html |title=Video Game Soundtrack - SaGa Zenkyoku Shu |publisher=Play-Asia |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615135300/http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8l-77-7-49-en-70-rnt-43-n9.html |archive-date=2011-06-15}}</ref> The final track of the set, "Journey's End", is a synthesizer-arranged version of six of the game's tracks combined into one by Uematsu.<ref name="soundtrack" /><ref name="assl1" /> In the liner notes for ''All Sounds of SaGa'', Uematsu states he enjoys listening to the track while remembering scenes from the game.<ref name="assl1" /> The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra played the song in the '']'' concert as part of the "When Nobuo Uematsu Was Young" medley,<ref name="Staff2008">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1218410_1124.html |title=Press Start 2008-Symphony of GamesS の詳細リポートをお届け!|publisher=] |magazine=] |access-date=2009-06-01 |author=Staff |date=2008-08-29 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825024243/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1218410_1124.html |archive-date=2011-08-25}}</ref> while the "Main Theme" was played alongside "Save the World" from ''Final Fantasy Legend II'' on July 9, 2011, at the '']'' concert.<ref name="SympOdprogram">{{cite web |title=Symphonic Odysseys Program |url=http://symphonicodysseys.com/SymphonicOdysseys_ProgrammOnlineSheet.pdf |publisher=Symphonic Odysseys |access-date=2011-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722183013/http://www.symphonicodysseys.com/SymphonicOdysseys_ProgrammOnlineSheet.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-22 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Releases== ===Merchandise===
Several items of merchandise have been released for the game, including books and ].<ref name="ffknights">{{cite book |publisher=JICC出版局 | date=August 1992 |author=Staff |script-title=ja:ファイナルファンタジー竜騎士団 |pages=76–79, 120 |trans-title=Final Fantasy Ryūkishi Dan - Knights |isbn=4-7966-0435-9|language=ja}}</ref> ] released a book in February 1990 titled ''Makai Toushi Sa·Ga—Boukenshatachi no Rekuiemu'' ({{lang|ja|冒険者たちのレクイエム}}<sup>]</sup>, Requiem of the Adventurers). Written by Misa Ikeda, the 287-page book was part of Futabasha's Game Boy Adventure series for children, and detailed a hero's trek to the top of the tower to reach Paradise.<ref name="Ikeda1990">{{cite book |title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga—冒険者たちのレクイエム |trans-title=Makai Toushi Sa·Ga—Requiem of their Adventures |series=双葉文庫—ゲームボーイ冒険ゲームブックシリーズ |last=Ikeda |first=Misa | date=February 1990 |publisher=] |language=ja |isbn=4-575-76138-9}}</ref> In August, Square featured the game in ''Final Fantasy Ryūkishi Dan - Knights'' (={{lang|ja|ファイナルファンタジー竜騎士団}}<sup>]</sup>, Final Fantasy Dragon Knights), a fan book which consisting of reactions and artworks to the series.<ref name="ffknights"/> The game was one of four titles featured in October 1992 by '']'' magazine on a video tape named ''Game Player's Gametape for Game Boy Games'', which demonstrated the game and offered a gameplay tutorial.<ref name="Ref_1992">{{cite video |date=October 1992 |title=Game Player's Gametape for Game Boy Games |url=http://content.cdlib.org/view?docId=kt529018f2&chunk.id=c01-1.8.5.5&brand=oac |medium=Videotape |publisher=] / Signal Research, Inc. |location=Greensboro, North Carlonia |access-date=2009-06-03}}</ref>
The game was released in Japan in ]<ref name="releaseinfo" /> as ''Makai Toushi Sa·Ga'' and included along with the game's instruction manual a map for the four major worlds in the game. A revised version was later released, fixing bugs in the original.<ref>Dorando, Joe. . Dorando. Retrieved on ]</ref><ref>]. Retroden. Retrieved on ]</ref>


==Versions and re-releases==
In ] it was translated by Square and released in ],<ref name="releaseinfo" /> with new artwork and renamed ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' in order to tie into the popularity of the ''Final Fantasy'' brand.<ref>Kennedy, Sam and Steinman, Gary (August 2001). "Milking The Final Fantasy Franchise" ''Official U.S. Playstation Magazine.'' p. 99.</ref> Some parts of the game's text were left untranslated or removed however, including the game's credits.<ref>. Pledge of BAHAMUT. p. 2. Retrieved on ]</ref><ref>. Pledge of BAHAMUT. p. 6. Retrieved on ]</ref> Modifications were also made to gameplay, such as the single use Glass Sword now having multiple uses.<ref>. Pledge of BAHAMUT. p. 5. Retrieved on ]</ref> In 1998, ] acquired the license to the Game Boy "''Final Fantasy''" games, re-releasing them in North America the same year.<ref name="IGN" />
]
Square released the game December 1989 in Japan as ''Makai Toushi Sa·Ga'' and included a map for the four major worlds in the game; a revised version followed shortly after.<ref name="Ref_m">{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=] |publisher=] |platform=Game Boy |version=DMG-SAJ-1 |language=ja}}</ref> Square translated it to English in March 1990, and planned to release it in North America with new artwork as ''The Great Warrior Saga''.<ref name="Dekeles1990">{{cite book |title=Video Game Quest: The Complete Guide to Home Video Game Systems, Video Games, and Accessories |last=Dekeles |first=Jon |year=1990 |publisher=DMS |isbn=0-9625057-2-2}}</ref> Square retitled it ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' before releasing it on September 30, 1990, to tie into the popularity of the ''Final Fantasy'' video game.<ref name="KawazuUSG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kawazu-interview|title=Catching Up With Kawazu: The Legendary RPG Developer Talks SaGa and Why We Shouldn't Call Everything an RPG|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=2019-12-04|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=2019-12-05|archive-date=2019-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204214727/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kawazu-interview|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Kennedy2001">{{cite magazine |author1=Kennedy, Sam |author2=Steinman, Gary |name-list-style=amp |date= August 2001 |title=Milking The Final Fantasy Franchise |magazine=] |issue= 44 |page=99}}</ref> Developers made slight modifications for this version, such as removing the game's credits and adjusting the longevity of certain weapons.<ref name="Ref_2002">{{cite book |title=いまだ誰も踏破したことのない"楽園へ通じる塔"を、完全マップと詳細チャートでパーフェクト攻略。|year=2002 |publisher=デジキューブ |isbn=4-88787-032-9}}</ref> Changes to the text were also made, including the omission of some of Ryu-O's riddles,<ref name="Ref_n">{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Blue orb retrieval |language=ja |quote='''Ryu-O''': {{lang|ja|げんきなひとは いたくて つかれたひとは きもちいいもの なんだ?}} / {{lang|ja|うみにちかいと ちいさくて やまにちかいと おおきいもの なんだ?}}}}</ref> removal of mention about self-sacrifice and a hint of the Tower's true purpose.<ref name="patriarch">{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Before Ashura |language=ja |quote='''Diary''': {{lang|ja|てちょうがおちている ‥‥なんとか このシェルタ-に にげこめた。かぎられた みずと しょくりょうを ながもちさせるため わたしは ほとんど てをつけずに こどもたちに あたえてきた。だが もう げんかいだ‥‥ ケン ユキ おまえたちを おいていく とうさんを ゆるしておくれ。アキラ ふたりのことを たのむぞ。かみよ わたしのいのちとひきかえに このこたちを おまもりください! わたし‥は‥‥}}}}</ref><ref name="Ref_o">{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Before Ashura |language=ja |quote='''Bookshelves:''' {{lang|ja|ア-サ-‥‥11かい 19-3-21 / くろう‥‥13かい 50-2-18 / ハ-ン‥‥19かい 72-6-14 / ジ-ク‥‥6かい 24-2-12 / リズ‥‥12かい 80-1-28}} / '''PartyMember1:''' {{lang|ja|「なんだ このきろくは? いったいだれが‥‥}} / '''Bookshelves:''' PartyMember1{{lang|ja|‥‥}} / '''PartyMember2:''' {{lang|ja|「こいつらみたいに とちゅうでやられてたまるか! みてろよ}}}}</ref> Notably, the exchange between the player's party and the Creator, where the latter reveals that he created Asura simply out of boredom, is altered.<ref name="Ref_p">{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=] |publisher=] |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=vs. Creator |language=ja |quote='''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|やっときましたね。おめでとう! このゲームを かちぬいたのは きみたちが はじめてです}} / '''PartyMember1:''' {{lang|ja|ゲーム?}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|わたしが つくった そうだいな ストーリーの ゲームです!}} / '''PartyMember2:''' {{lang|ja|どういうことだ?}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|わたしは へいわなせかいに あきあきしていました。そこでアシュラをよびだしたのです}} / '''PartyMember4:''' {{lang|ja|なに かんがえてんだ!}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|アシュラは せかいを みだし おもしろくしてくれました。だが それもつかのまのこと かれにもたいくつしてきました}} / '''PartyMember3:''' {{lang|ja|そこで ゲーム‥か?}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|そう! そのとうり!! わたしは あくまを うちたおす ヒーローが ほしかったのです!}} / '''PartyMember1:''' {{lang|ja|なにもかも あんたがかいた すじがきだったわけだ}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|なかなか りかいが はやい。おおくの モノたちが ヒーローに なれずに きえていきました。しすべき うんめいをせおった ちっぽけなそんざいが ひっしに いきぬいていく すがたは わたしさえも かんどうさせるものが ありました。わたしは このかんどうを あたえてくれた きみたちに おれいがしたい! どんなのぞみでも かなえてあげましょう}} / '''PartyMember2:''' {{lang|ja|おまえのために ここまで きたんじゃねえ! よくも おれたちを みんなを おもちゃにしてくれたな!}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|それが どうかしましたか? すべては わたしが つくった モノなのです}} / '''PartyMember1:''' {{lang|ja|おれたちは モノじゃない!}} / '''Creator:''' {{lang|ja|かみに ケンカをうるとは‥‥ どこまでも たのしい ひとたちだ! どうしても やる つもりですね これも いきもののサガか‥‥ よろしい しぬまえに かみのちから とくと めに やきつけておけ!!}}}}</ref> In 1998, ] acquired the license to the Game Boy "''Final Fantasy''" games, re-releasing them in North America the same year. Despite advertising compatibility with Nintendo's ] handheld, the re-released version featured no enhancements.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/158/158021p1.html | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | website = ] | author = Sy, Dexter | date = 2000-06-12 | access-date = 2008-04-09 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110613205235/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/158/158021p1.html | archive-date = 2011-06-13}}</ref>


Square re-released of ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' for ]'s ] unit;<ref name="Staff2001a">{{cite web |author=Staff |date=2001-09-21 |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2001/09/20/104,1000986276,1393,0,0.html |title=【WS】『サ・ガ』シリーズの原点 『魔界塔士 サ・ガ』 |language=ja |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520081759/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2001/09/20/104,1000986276,1393,0,0.html |archive-date=2011-05-20}}</ref> the Japan-exclusive ] debuted in March 2002 under the Japanese title.<ref name="Ref_q">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/ms_ws/ |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053255/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/ms_ws/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}}</ref> Toshiyuki Itahana redrew the concept art and graphics, and Square added animated ]. Developers also enabled players to see in advance what a monster would transform into before eating meat left behind after battle. The port allowed playthrough of the intact original Game Boy version.<ref name="Ref_r">{{cite web |url=http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/partner_title/title/saga/ |title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga |language=ja |publisher=Bandai Games |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728092321/http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/partner_title/title/saga/ |archive-date=2011-07-28}}</ref> Among other changes and additions were gameplay tweaks, a ], and an added feature that allowed players to automatically target an enemy for attack in combat.<ref name="wonman">]. ''Makai Toushi SaGa, instruction manual (WonderSwan)'' (in Japanese), Retrieved on 2008-06-24</ref>
===WonderSwan and mobile phone===
]
In ]<ref>Famitsu Staff (]). (in Japanese). Famitsu.com. Retrieved on ]</ref> Square announced a re-release of ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' for ]'s ] unit, and in ]<ref name="releaseinfo">. MobyGames. Retrieved on ]</ref> a Japan-only port was released under the Japanese title.<ref>. Square Enix. Retrieved on ]</ref> The concept art and graphics were redrawn by ], and cutscenes were added. Players could also now see in advance what a monster would transform into before eating meat left behind after battle. The port also included the option to play through the original Game Boy version intact on the handheld.<ref> (in Japanese). Bandai Games. Retrieved on ]</ref> Other changes an additions were made, such as item usage tweaks, monster names, a ], and an auto-target option.<ref name="wonman">Square. ''Makai Toushi SaGa, instruction manual (WonderSwan)'' (in Japanese), Retrieved on ]</ref>


As of ], ], Square Enix had renewed their trademark on the Japanese name for the game.<ref>Riley, Adam (]). . Cubed<sup>3</sup>. Retrieved on ]</ref> At Square Enix's 2007 Tokyo Game Show in September, a ] port of the Wonderswan version of the game was made available for play,<ref>Gantayat, Anoop (]). . IGN. Retrieved on ]</ref> and made available for download later that year for Japanese ], ] compatible phones, and ] compatible phones in 2008.<ref> (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved on ]</ref> The port lacks the bestiary, Game Boy version of the game, and has a few condensed cutscenes, but adds Chinese language support and new shops with new equipment.<ref> (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved on ]</ref> As of January 2007, Square Enix had renewed their trademark on the Japanese name for the game, and at Square Enix's 2007 Tokyo Game Show in September made a mobile phone port of the WonderSwan version available for play.<ref name="Gantayat2007">{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=2007-09-03 |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/817/817463p1.html |title=Square Enix TGS 2007 Lineup |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522191504/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/817/817463p1.html |archive-date=2011-05-22}}</ref> Square released the game for download in late 2008 for Japanese ], ] compatible phones, and ] compatible phones.<ref name="Ref_s">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/ |script-title=ja:魔界塔士 サ・ガ |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302031544/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/ |archive-date=2012-03-02}}</ref> The port removed the bestiary mode and original Game Boy version of the game, and condensed some of the in-game cutscenes. It added Japanese ] support and extra shops with new equipment throughout the quest.<ref name="Ref_t">{{cite web |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ (About) |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/about/ |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308140050/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/about/ |archive-date=2012-03-08}}</ref>


In 2020, the original version was re-released alongside the other two Game Boy ''SaGa'' titles for the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/collection_of_saga_final_fantasy_legend|title = Review: Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend - A Nostalgic Curiosity, but That's About It|date = 27 December 2020|access-date = December 25, 2021|archive-date = December 31, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201231085053/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/collection_of_saga_final_fantasy_legend|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.siliconera.com/review-collection-of-saga-is-good-but-not-quite-legendary/|title = Review: Collection of SaGa is Good, but Not Quite Legendary|date = 23 December 2020|access-date = December 25, 2021|archive-date = December 23, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211223030325/https://www.siliconera.com/review-collection-of-saga-is-good-but-not-quite-legendary/|url-status = live}}</ref> The collection was published worldwide by ] on December 19 under the title ''Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend''.{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|''The Saga Collection''|サ・ガ コレクション|Saga Korekushon}}.}}<ref name="SaGaCollection"/><ref name="SQEXsaga"/> It was a digital exclusive release, and included English and Japanese text options worldwide.<ref name="SagaEurope">{{cite web|url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/games/collection-saga-final-fantasy-legend|title=Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend|website=]|access-date=2021-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214200116/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/games/collection-saga-final-fantasy-legend|archive-date=2020-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Production began at Square Enix so players could enjoy the original ''SaGa'' trilogy on modern hardware. While Kawazu had earlier plans to bring the originals onto newer hardware, the series' 30th anniversary provided a good opportunity to fulfil his wish.<ref name="PrimaSaga">{{cite web|url=https://primagames.com/feature/interview-talkin-saga-shop-square-enix-saga-leaders-akitoshi-kawazu-hiroyuki-miura-and-masanori-ichikawa|title=Interview: Talkin' SaGa Shop with Square Enix SaGa leaders Akitoshi Kawazu, Hiroyuki Miura and Masanori Ichikawa|last=White|first=Lucas|website=]|date=2021-02-12|access-date=2021-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217011948/https://primagames.com/feature/interview-talkin-saga-shop-square-enix-saga-leaders-akitoshi-kawazu-hiroyuki-miura-and-masanori-ichikawa|archive-date=2021-02-17|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception==

{{VG Reviews
The port included color and resolution options, higher speed options during gameplay, control options that emulated the Game Boy console, a commemorative track created by later composer ], and new artwork by Fujioka.<ref name="SaGaCollection">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/26204678.html|script-title=ja:【サガ30周年】スイッチ『サ・ガ コレクション』12月15日に発売!ゲームボーイ版3作品を1つに集約、高速モードも搭載【Nintendo Direct Mini】|language=ja|magazine=]|date=2020-08-26|access-date=2021-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125060553/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/26204678.html|archive-date=2020-11-25|url-status=live}}</ref> The minor adjustments were done to reflect modern gaming tastes, but otherwise the games were unaltered. The WonderSwan port of the first ''SaGa'' was considered for release, but it was decided to leave it out to focus on the originals.<ref name="PrimaSaga"/> While the titles were rebranded as part of the ''SaGa'' series, their original ''Final Fantasy'' branding was retained as a subtitle to avoid undue confusion for original players.<ref name="SQEXsaga">{{cite web|url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/whats-great-collection-of-saga-final-fantasy-legend|title=What's great about Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend?|author=Heaney, Duncan|website=]|date=2020-12-16|access-date=2021-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217203136/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/whats-great-collection-of-saga-final-fantasy-legend|archive-date=2020-12-17|url-status=live}}</ref> This edition was the first time the Game Boy titles officially released in Europe.<ref name="SagaEurope"/>
|1UP = A-<ref name="1up">{{cite web| url = http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3149444| title = Final Fantasy Legend (Game Boy)| publisher = ]| accessdate = 2008-06-23}}</ref>

|IGN = 6.0 of 10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web| url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/158/158021p1.html| title = Final Fantasy Legend| publisher = ]| author = Sy, Dexter| date = ]| accessdate = 2008-04-09}}</ref>
==Reception and legacy==
|rev1 =]
{{Video game reviews
|rev1Score =80%<ref name="RPGFanr">{{cite web| url = http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasylegend/Final_Fantasy_Legend.html| author=Patrick Gann|title = The Final Fantasy Legend| publisher = ]| date = ]| accessdate = 2008-04-09}}</ref>
| GR = 49% (retrospective)<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/563273-the-final-fantasy-legend/index.html |title=The Final Fantasy Legend for Game Boy |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2018-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011150/https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/563273-the-final-fantasy-legend/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''Power Play''
| Allgame = 3.5/5<ref name="allgame">{{cite web |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=1050&tab=review |title=The Final Fantasy Legend - Review |work=] |author=Mauser, Evan A. |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114124646/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1050&tab=review |archive-date=2014-11-14}}</ref>
|rev2Score =78%<ref name="mobyrank" />
| Fam = 35/40<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite web|title=Squaresoft |url=http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/companies.asp?cid=184 |publisher=Famitsu Scores Archive |access-date=2014-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221092259/http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/companies.asp?cid=184 |archive-date=February 21, 2009}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''Svenska Hemdatornytt''
| Gen4 = 10/10<ref>{{citation|title=Tests Game-Boy: The Final Fantasy Legend|magazine=]|issue=29|page=120|date=January 1991|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero029/generation4%20-%20N029%20-%20janvier%201991%20-%20page120%20et%20page121.jpg|access-date=2014-12-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201122418/http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero029/generation4%20-%20N029%20-%20janvier%201991%20-%20page120%20et%20page121.jpg|archive-date=2014-02-01}}</ref>
|rev3Score =100%<ref name="mobyrank" />
| IGN = 6/10<ref name="IGN" />
|compilation = yes
| NP = 3.7/5.0<ref name="Staff1991">{{cite magazine |magazine=Game Boy: Nintendo Player's Guide |title=The Final Fantasy Legend |publisher=] |year=1991 |page=173}}</ref>
|
| rev1 = '']''
|GR = 51%<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/563273.asp?q=final%20fantasy%20legend| title = Final Fantasy Legend - GB| publisher = ]| date = ]| accessdate = 2008-04-09}}</ref>
| rev1Score = 15/20<ref name="Johnathan1991"/>
| rev2 = '']''
| rev2Score = 78%<ref name="mobyrank">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/final-fantasy-legend/mobyrank |title=The Final Fantasy Legend - MobyRank |publisher=MobyGames |access-date=2008-06-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010330/http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/final-fantasy-legend/mobyrank |archive-date=2012-09-08}}</ref>
| award1Pub = '']''
| award1 = 3rd Best Game Boy Game of 1990,<ref name="NP 1990"/><br />70th Best Nintendo Game<ref name="NP Top 200"/>
| award2Pub = ''Pocket Games''
| award2 = 8th Best Game Boy Game<ref name="Pocket"/>
| award3Pub = '']''
| award3 = 6th Best Game Boy Game<ref name="gameinformer"/>
}} }}
The Game Boy game received mostly negative reviews from its North American release. ] called ''Final Fantasy Legend'' a "compelling ] with a complex gameplay system and a solid soundtrack", though complained about the game's difficulty and dated graphical look.<ref name="IGN"/> RPGFan gave the game a score of 80%, stating "Overall, this game is okay, but is definitely the worst of the ENTIRE SaGa series", but at the same time praised the game's potential and cited the final battle theme as "one of the best last battle themes ever".<ref name="RPGFanr" /> European reviews of the title received it more positively. German gaming magazine ''Power Play'' praised the game as showing potential for the Game Boy, giving the game a score of 78%.<ref name="mobyrank" /> Norwegian magazine ''Svenska Hemdatornytt'' gave ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' a perfect score, with the reviewer exclaiming praise for the title.<ref name="mobyrank">. MobyGames. Retrieved on ]</ref>


''The Final Fantasy Legend'' is Square's first game to sell over a million copies;<ref name="Staff2009a">{{cite web |url=http://release.square-enix.com/news/j/2009/05/okooygzqf.html |title=「サガ2秘宝伝説 GODDESS OF DESTINY」タイトルロゴ、発売時期決定、公式サイト正式オープンのお知らせ |author=Staff |publisher=Square Enix |date=2009-05-11 |access-date=2009-06-01 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726151202/http://release.square-enix.com/news/j/2009/05/okooygzqf.html |archive-date=2011-07-26}}</ref> the Game Boy version alone shipped 1.37 million copies worldwide (1.15 million in Japan) as of March 2003.<ref name="Ref_2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |title=February 2, 2004 - February 4, 2004 |date=2004-02-09 |access-date=2008-03-01 |format=] |publisher=] |page=27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213144948/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |archive-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref> Square quickly released two sequels for the Game Boy,<ref name="Ref_u">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga2/ |title=Sa・Ga2 秘宝伝説 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053241/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga2/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}}</ref><ref name="Ref_v">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga3/ |title=時空の覇者 Sa・Ga3 [完結編] |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053329/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga3/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}}</ref> and marketed subsequent ''SaGa'' games on other video game consoles. The one-eyed monster featured on the Japanese box art later became the series' mascot, appearing in the sequel as a character named "Mr. S".<ref name="Parish2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8988525&publicUserId=5379721 |author=Parish, Jeremy |title=Looking at SaGa 2 Again |work=] |publisher=] |date=2009-05-11 |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629154146/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8988525&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=2011-06-29}}</ref><ref name="Ref_w">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/saga20th/index.html |title=SAGA生誕 20周年 |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-04 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909051210/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/saga20th/index.html |archive-date=2011-09-09}}</ref> ] founder ] cited the game's influence behind the Game Boy '']'' series, stating it gave him the idea that the system could handle more than action games.<ref name="Ref_x">{{cite web |language=ja |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/taidan1/page02.html |title=Pokémon interview |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425173442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/taidan1/page02.html |archive-date=2009-04-25}}</ref>
Japan on the other hand received the game notably better.. As of ]], the Game Boy version had shipped 1.37 million copies worldwide, with 1.15 million of those copies being shipped in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |title= February 2, 2004 - February 4, 2004|date=2004-02-09 |accessdate=2008-03-01 |publisher=] |pages=p. 27}}</ref> Promotional items beyond the soundtrack were also released, including several player's guides and a calling card.<ref> (in Japanese). Rinko. Retrieved on ]</ref> A book was also released in Japan as part of a the Game Boy Adventure series, written by Misa Ikeda.<ref>Ikeda, Misa (1990), 魔界塔士Sa・Ga(サガ)―冒険者たちのレクイエム (双葉文庫―ゲームボーイ冒険ゲームブックシリーズ) (文庫) (in Japanese). ISBN 4-575-76138-9</ref>

Upon release, ''Makai Toushi Sa·Ga'' was acclaimed by Japanese critics. '']'' awarded the game an overall score of 35 out of 40.<ref name="Famitsu"/> Among its panel of four reviewers, three gave it 9 out of 10, while one gave it 8 out of 10. This made it one of their two highest-rated games of 1989, along with '']''. It entered the ''Famitsu'' Platinum Hall of Fame, being one only seven games up until 1989 to have received a score of at least 35 or above from ''Famitsu''.<ref name="geimin">{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/cross_review/|title=週刊ファミ通クロスレビュープラチナ殿堂入りソフト一覧|publisher=Geimin|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204020438/http://geimin.net/da/db/cross_review|archive-date=2010-02-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

Western critics gave mostly positive reviews upon its initial release. Author ] heavily praised the title in the book ''How to Win at Game Boy Games'', citing the thorough manual and considering the game a "masterful achievement for the Game Boy unit, and a superlative game of kind", though not as complex as '']''.<ref name="Rovin1991">{{cite book |title=How to Win at Game Boy Games |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Rovin |year=1991 |publisher=] |isbn=0-451-17446-1 |page=101}}</ref> In May 1991, '']'' named the game the third all-around best Game Boy game of the previous year,<ref name="NP 1990">{{cite magazine |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=May 1991 |issue=24 |page=33 |title=Nintendo Power Awards}}</ref> and in September 1997 they ranked it 70th on their list of the "Top 100" games to appear on a Nintendo system, stating that it had "stayed true to the Square Soft tradition".<ref name="NP Top 200">{{cite magazine |date=September 1997 |title=Nintendo Power's 100 Best Nintendo Games of All Time |magazine=] |issue=100 |page=98}}</ref> The '']'' in 1991 called the game "a little slow in spots, but, like ''Final Fantasy'', worth your patience", and a "good quest". The newspaper gave the game ratings of 8 out of 10 and 7 out of 10.<ref name="Johnathan1991">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/06/28/getting-there-may-be-most-of-the-fun-with-game-boys/ |title=Getting There May Be Most Of The Fun With Game Boys |access-date=2010-06-06 |date=1991-06-28 |page=73 |newspaper=] |publisher=Tony W. Hunter |author1=Johnathan, Carter |author2=Chip Carter |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708000026/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-06-28/entertainment/9102270016_1_nastiest-places-magnification-screen-action-shooter/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> German gaming magazine '']'' gave the game a score of 78%, and praised it for showing potential for the Game Boy as the first role-playing game on the platform.<ref name="mobyrank"/>

The Game Boy version of the game received mixed reviews in retrospective.<ref name="GR"/> ] called ''The Final Fantasy Legend'' a "compelling RPG with a complex gameplay system and a solid soundtrack", but complained about the game's difficulty and "dated" graphics.<ref name="IGN"/> ] praised the title on its merits as a role-playing game, but criticized its high difficulty and lack of a sense of direction.<ref name="allgame" /> ]'s ] described its gameplay as a successor to '']''{{'}}s, though added that the systems involved were not properly refined until its sequel; they further stated that the randomness of the mutant and monster character classes made the game very difficult.<ref name="Ref_y">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3156908 |title=Retronauts |website=] |host=Jeremy Parish |date=2009-05-14 |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919024351/http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3156908 |archive-date=2011-09-19}}</ref> Spencer Yip of Siliconera named it as a game he was thankful for playing, citing it as opening his mind to story-based games more so than titles like '']'', and in part led to the creation of the website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/24/siliconera-thanksgiving-special/ |title=Siliconera Thanksgiving Special |date=2011-11-24 |work=Siliconera |author=Staff |access-date=2011-11-25 |publisher=CraveOnline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127013809/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/24/siliconera-thanksgiving-special/ |archive-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>

TechnoBuffalo's Ron Duwell said that, while it was regarded less favorably than its sequels, its flaws could be worked around and added that there was no such other title to compete like ''The Final Fantasy Legend''.<ref name="TechnoBuffalo">{{cite web |url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/23/game-boy-25th-anniversary-final-fantasy-in-your-hands/ |publisher=TechnoBuffalo |access-date=2015-07-09 |date=2014-04-23 |author=Duwell, Ron |title=Game Boy's 25th Anniversary: Final Fantasy In Your Hands… Sort Of |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714100539/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/23/game-boy-25th-anniversary-final-fantasy-in-your-hands/ |archive-date=2015-07-14}}</ref> 1UP.com's Jeremy Parish called it one of the "essential" games for the Game Boy as well as one of the best of 1989, noting its introduction of new ideas that contrasted the ''Final Fantasy'' series and calling it "a pretty decent portable RPG in its own right".<ref name="Parish2009a">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8987032&publicUserId=5379721 |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=2009-11-17 |date=2009-04-28 |author=Parish, Jeremy |title=8-Bit Cafe: Game Boy Essentials, 1989 Edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629041346/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8987032&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=2011-06-29}}</ref> ] named it a definite game for Game Boy alongside the related ''Final Fantasy'' titles, describing it as providing "hours of role-playing excitement".<ref name="Workman2008">{{cite web |author=Workman, Robert |date=2008-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228020505/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/retro-rewind-game-boy/189/?page=6 |archive-date=2008-02-28 |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/retro-rewind-game-boy/189/?page=6 |title=Retro Rewind: Game Boy |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-01}}</ref> Andrew Vanden Bossche described the game as "unusual" amongst Japanese roleplaying games, describing its narrative as "loosely connected experiences rather than the sort of epic narrative the RPG genre is commonly thought of". As a result, the off-screen deaths of non-player characters felt more "poignant" and an example of ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Vanden Bossche|date=May 19, 2010|title=Design Diversions: Memento Mori|publisher=GameSetWatch|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/05/columndesign_diversions_moment.php|access-date=2011-03-12|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072230/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/05/columndesign_diversions_moment.php|archive-date=July 11, 2011}}</ref> However, he also felt the monster class system as counter-intuitive, as frequently said classes emphasized the point of enemies as "designed to pose challenges, not overcome them".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/06/design_diversions_bad_monster.php |date=2009-06-25 |access-date=2011-09-30 |title=Design Diversions: 'Bad Monster, No Biscuit' |author=Andrew Vanden Bossche |publisher=GameSetWatch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820003429/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/06/design_diversions_bad_monster.php |archive-date=2010-08-20}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', ''Game Informer'', ''Pocket Games'', and ] shared this sentiment; the latter three named it one of the top fifty games for the Game Boy.<ref name="Pocket">{{cite magazine |date=Summer–Fall 1999 |title=Top 50 Games |magazine=Pocket Games |issue=1 |page=32}}</ref><ref name="gameinformer">{{cite magazine |date=March 1998 |page=16 |title=The Top 25 Game Boy Games of All-Time |magazine=] |issue=59}}</ref><ref name="Staff1999">{{cite magazine |year=1999 |title=Game Boy Pocket |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly Buyer's Guide |issue=7 |page=55}}</ref><ref name="Davis">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/gameboy50/sec3.html |title=VideoGames.com Presents the Top 50 Game Boy Games |author=Davis, Cameron |website=] |access-date=2009-11-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720031240/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/gameboy50/sec3.html |archive-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>

The difficulty and significance of the game's final ], the Creator, has elicited several mentions. '']'' named him one of the "47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time", placing him 37th on the list and adding "You gotta wonder... how many ] did the developers give God?"<ref name="Staff2008a">{{cite magazine |magazine=GamePro |access-date=2009-06-01 |date=2008-02-04 |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time?pp=1 |title=The 47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time |author=Staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814062225/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time/?pp=1 |archive-date=2011-08-14}}</ref> ] described the battle as "epic", considering it part of a recurring theme of Japanese role-playing games in which characters band together to kill God.<ref name="Kalata2007">{{cite web |title=Clash of the Cultures |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=7&cId=3155815 |date=2007-01-08 |author=Kalata, Kurt |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=2009-06-01 |page=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629152523/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=7&cId=3155815 |archive-date=2011-06-29}}</ref> Comedian Jackie Kashian referenced the Creator on '']'', describing the game's final battle as "the worst premise ever of any video game", and recalling how she still tried for eight months to defeat the boss.<ref name="Ref_z">{{cite episode |title=Comedy Central Presents: Jackie Kashian |series=] |credits=Presenters: Jackie Kashian |network=] |airdate=2003-02-28 |season=7 |number=4}}</ref> Despite the final boss' difficulty, it can be killed easily by the instant-death "chainsaw" weapon. In 2009, Square Enix battle planner Nobuyuki Matsuoka paid homage to the fact in the game '']'', by deliberately giving the title's final boss a similar vulnerability.<ref name="Square2010">{{cite book |title=ファイナルファンタジーXIII シナリオアルティマニア |trans-title=Final Fantasy XIII Scenario Ultimania |publisher=Square Enix |author=Square Enix |language=ja |isbn=978-4-7575-2775-1 |date=January 2010}}</ref> Square brought back the character as a boss in later SaGa games ''Imperial SaGa Eclipse'' and ''Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe'', the former of which included a line referencing his weakness to the chainsaw.<ref>{{cite web |website=inside-games.jp |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/08/28/140056.html |script-title=ja:バラバラにしてスカっとさわやか!初代『サガ』の神は体を張ったエンターテイナーだった |date=2022-08-28 |accessdate=2024-04-07 |language=ja}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|3}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/final-fantasy-legend}}
* official site (WonderSwan version) * {{in lang|ja}}
* official site (mobile phone version) * {{in lang|ja}}
* , analysis and simulator of the game's battle system
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{{SaGa series}} {{SaGa series}}
{{Final Fantasy series}}
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Latest revision as of 13:55, 13 January 2025

1989 video game This article is about the 1989 Game Boy game. For the similarly named 2010 mobile game, see Final Fantasy Legends: Hikari to Yami no Senshi.

1989 video game
The Final Fantasy Legend
Box art of the North American Game Boy release, titled The Final Fantasy Legend
Developer(s)Square
Publisher(s)Game Boy
Square
WonderSwan
  • JP: Square
Mobile, Switch, Windows
Square Enix
Director(s)Akitoshi Kawazu
Designer(s)Akitoshi Kawazu
Programmer(s)
  • Takashi Oki
  • Naoki Okabe
Artist(s)
Writer(s)Akitoshi Kawazu
Composer(s)Nobuo Uematsu
SeriesSaGa
Platform(s)Game Boy, WonderSwan Color, i-mode, EZweb, SoftBank Mobile, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows
ReleaseGame Boy
  • JP: December 15, 1989
  • NA: September 30, 1990
WonderSwan Color
  • JP: March 20, 2002
i-Mode
  • JP: July 2, 2007
EZweb
  • JP: December 13, 2007
SoftBank 3G
  • JP: March 12, 2008
Nintendo Switch
  • WW: December 19, 2020
Android, iOS
  • WW: September 22, 2021
Microsoft Windows
  • WW: October 21, 2021
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

The Final Fantasy Legend, originally released in Japan as Makai Toushi Sa・Ga is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the Game Boy. It was originally released in Japan in December 1989 and North America in September 1990. It is the first game in the SaGa series and the first role-playing video game for the system. Square translated the game into English for worldwide release and renamed it, linking it with the Final Fantasy series to improve marketing. Sunsoft re-released it in North America during 1998; Square followed with a Japan-exclusive remake released for the WonderSwan Color and mobile phones in 2002 and 2007 respectively, it was also ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2020 and later ported to Android, iOS and Microsoft Windows in 2021.

The Final Fantasy Legend operates on a turn-based system similar to that of Final Fantasy II. The game's characters battle monsters and fiends using a variety of weapons, armor, and skills that develop through the player's actions. The game follows the story of four heroes who attempt to scale a tower at the center of the world that supposedly leads to paradise. The four heroes may belong to one of three character classes, each housing a unique customization path.

The Final Fantasy Legend was conceived by Nobuyuki Hoshino and developed under director Akitoshi Kawazu; renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu wrote its score. The game is Square's first million seller with 1.37 million units shipped. Though released to mixed reception, it has since been described as one of the Game Boy's greatest games and cited as an influence for series such as the Pokémon franchise.

Gameplay

The protagonist in a town, standing in front of an inn and guild hall

In The Final Fantasy Legend, the player navigates a character throughout the game world with a party of up to four characters, exploring areas and interacting with non-player characters. Most of the game occurs in towns, castles, caves, and similar areas. To aid exploration on the field screen, the game makes use of various signs within towns. The player is initially limited to the World of Continent to explore, and given access to later worlds as his or her party climbs the Tower. Players can save their game anytime and anywhere when not in combat to a save slot for later play.

Players can journey between field screen locations via the world map, a downsized representation of Final Fantasy Legend's various worlds. Players can freely navigate around the world map screen unless restricted by terrain, such as water or mountains. The goal in each world is to find the entrance to the next level of the Tower. Random enemy encounters occasionally interrupt travel across the world map screen and hostile areas, as in other Final Fantasy related games.

Classes

At the beginning of the game, the player must choose a character class, gender, and name for the group's "party leader". There are three available classes: humans, mutants (espers in the Japanese version), and monsters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Character classes cannot be changed once the game has begun. The player may recruit up to three additional party members through a similar process via "Member Guilds" in various towns. Characters may also be recruited to replace fallen party members, though the party leader is irreplaceable. Higher-level party members may be recruited at later towns in the game.

A character's performance in battle is determined by numerical values ("statistics") for four categories. Each statistic has a range of 1 to 99. The categories are strength, the effectiveness of physical attacks; defense, the ability to reduce damage received; agility, the effectiveness of ranged weapons or skills and at avoiding attacks; and mana, the effectiveness of magical attacks. A character's health is measured in hit points (HP), consisting of a current HP statistic and a maximum HP statistic, ranging from 0 to 999. Character statistics are relative to their class—humans have higher HP levels, strength, and defense, and mutants are physically weaker but enjoy a higher mana statistic. Human and mutant statistics can be amplified by worn equipment of different types. Monster-class characters are dependent on their sub-class, and their statistics vary greatly.

Humans raise their statistics through items that grant permanent bonuses, such as "STRENGTH" or "HP200". Mutant attributes simply increase by random increments after battles, and new abilities may be gained (or lost) in the process. Monsters change in power by consuming "meat" dropped in battles; depending the monster's current sub-class and the meat's origin, the monster may transform into a stronger or weaker sub-class or fully recover health. Later versions of the game released upon the WonderSwan and mobile phones removed the latter effect entirely.

Equipment and abilities

The basic function of equipment in SaGa games is to increase character attributes. Arming a character with a gold helmet increases his or her base defense statistic, for example. The amount of equipment that can be placed on any one character at any time depends on the character's class. Humans can hold eight, mutants four, and monsters none. There are five types of armor: shields, helmets, breastplates, gauntlets, and shoes. Only one of each at a time may be added to one character and cannot be added to monsters. Weapons, consisting of swords, hammers, whips, spell books, and guns, utilize either the strength, agility or mana attribute of a character, and can be used only a certain number of times before breaking and being removed from the player's inventory. Shields can be used as items in combat, most with a limited number of uses, and allow the user to evade enemy attacks.

Mutants and monsters have different spells and abilities depending on their battle experience and sub-class. These come in one of four categories: attack, non-combative, healing, and resistances/weaknesses. When used in combat, attack spells and abilities will damage a target by an elemental type, while non-combative spells and abilities inflict various status ailments (such as "blindness") or grant benefits upon a target. Healing spells and abilities restore a target's HP and can be used outside of combat. Certain spells and abilities have added traits, like affecting a group of enemies or draining HP from a target. Each spell and ability has a finite number of uses, and once depleted the party must visit an inn to recharge them. Resistances and weaknesses are abilities that are active throughout combat. Represented by an "O" or "X" next to the related element or status ailment, they respectively give the user either resistance or weakness to one or more types of attack; status ailments grant immunity against a particular ailment.

Curative items can be found or purchased in the game through various means, each with a limited number of uses and able to be activated from a character's inventory or the items sub-menu to restore HP or remove a status ailment in or out of combat from a single target. Like other inventory items, in order to be used during combat these must be placed in a party member's equipment slot prior to battle.

Combat

Combat is initiated when the player encounters an enemy, which changes the map to the "battle screen". The enemy appears at the top, above the current party characters; each battle uses a menu-driven turn-based system. At the beginning of each turn, the player selects whether to fight or attempt to run. If the fight option is selected, the player selects an action for each party member from his or her equipment or skills to attack, defend, use magic, or use equipped items. Once the player has chosen actions for each player character, the player characters and enemy begin battle. Participants move one at a time determined by their agility statistic. If the player tries the "attempt to run" option and it fails, the party skip their turn and the enemy attacks. Combat ends if the party successfully flees, all enemies are defeated, or all player characters are defeated; in the last case, the game ends and must be reloaded from the last save.

Winning battles may award the player money (GP) and items. Enemy monsters occasionally drop meat, which can be consumed by monster-class characters. Mutant classes may "evolve" at this point, randomly gaining either increased statistics or a new random magic spell or ability, possibly overwriting an existing one. Party members that lose HP during combat can have them restored via curative items, spells, inns, or elements of the world such as healing fountains. If a party member other than the starting character is defeated in battle, he or she loses a "heart" and must be resurrected in a town via the building with a large heart-shaped symbol on it. Defeated characters with no remaining hearts cannot be revived. An item can be bought at significant expense to restore a heart to a character. Alternatively, a fallen party member can also be replaced completely with a new character recruited from a town guild, regardless of the number of hearts they have remaining.

Story

Setting

The Final Fantasy Legend takes place on several worlds centered around a large tower, built by the Creator in ancient times (God in the Japanese version) to link worlds. There are four unique major worlds that make up different layers of the tower: the World of Continent at the base, the World of Ocean on the 5th floor, the World of Sky on the 10th, and the World of Ruins on the 16th. Time does not flow at a constant pace between levels of the tower, rendering some worlds more technologically advanced than others. Various monsters come forth from the tower into each world; many are hostile, but some of them are friendly to humans and willing to coexist. An offshoot of the human race (named mutants, espers in the Japanese version) also exists in each world; they are the magic-attuned descendants of a union between humans and the World of Continent's older races.

The World of Continent is a large land mass ruled by three kings in constant war for control of their world. They each carry an object needed to open the tower's entrance. The World of Ocean consists of various small islands surrounded by water, each connected by small caves. Pirates roam the sea of this world, forbidding travel by ship. The World of Sky contains large land masses suspended in clouds, and is ruled by a powerful dictator from his flying castle. The World of Ruins is a technologically advanced cityscape, reduced to a post-apocalyptic wasteland by constant monster attacks.

Plot

Standing in front of the tower, the hero and party learn that they cannot climb it to paradise without first unsealing its base door. In the base world, three kings named Armor, Sword, and Shield fight for dominance using a piece of legendary equipment corresponding to their names. Visiting King Armor, the party learns that he is in love with a girl who returns his feelings, but cannot marry him, as a bandit holds her village hostage in return for her love. They defeat the bandit, and the king gives them his armor in gratitude. King Sword attacks the heroes, who vanquish him and take the sword. Lastly, King Shield is murdered by his own steward, and after a short fight, the party recovers his shield. Restoring the items to a statue of a great hero, they receive the Black Sphere, but are attacked by Gen-bu, the first of four fiends controlled by Ashura. They defeat him and use the power of the Sphere to enter the tower.

They climb the tower and come to another door; inside lies a second world surrounded by large bodies of water. By navigating caves, they find a floating island which allows them to travel around the world by air. They locate an old man, Ryu-O, and solve his riddle to obtain the Airseed, allowing them to breathe underwater and enter the undersea palace. They encounter the second fiend, Sei-ryu; they defeat him and recover half of the second sphere. Upon returning to Ryu-O, he reveals himself to be the guardian of the other half of the sphere, and the two halves form the Blue Sphere.

Using the Blue Sphere to continue up the tower, the party comes to a world of clouds, dominated by Byak-ko and an army of thugs. They learn that Byak-ko recently wiped out an underground resistance movement, except for Millie and Jeanne, the two daughters of its leader. The party temporarily joins Byak-ko's gang to find the girls, and attempt to defend them until Millie betrays Jeanne and the party is captured. Breaking free, they confront the fiend, who tries to kill Millie; Jeanne takes the blow and the party engages the fiend. They defeat him, recover the White Sphere, and continue their journey.

The fourth world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland; Su-Zaku roams the surface defended by an impenetrable forcefield. The party retreats to an abandoned subway for refuge and meets Sayaka, who directs them to the nearest town. There the party is confronted by the leader of a biker gang, So-Cho, but his sister Sayaka intervenes and the two groups agree to work together to defeat Su-Zaku. As they gather the needed parts for a device to deactivate the forcefield, So-Cho sacrifices his life to guide the party through an atomic power plant. Beasts then ambush the town, and Su-Zaku kidnaps Sayaka. The party defeats Su-Zaku, earns the Red Sphere and travels on.

Climbing the tower, the party discovers the remains of a family that attempted to reach Paradise but failed, and a library suggesting Ashura is controlled by someone else. They encounter him at the top, guarding the final door; he offers each of them control of one of the worlds, but they refuse and defeat him. Before they can pass through the door, a trap drops them to the bottom floor. Encountering the allies they made along their journey, they decide to rescale the tower. As they climb stairs that wrap outside of the tower, they engage each of the fiends revived and defeat them. They find the Creator at the summit, and learn that the fiends and the tower itself are actually part of a game created by him to see heroes defeat evil; for succeeding they would be granted a wish as a reward. Angry at his manipulation, they reject the reward and challenge the Creator, who insists that because he created everything he was allowed to use them as he saw fit. They then attack and defeat the Creator in a fierce battle. The heroes then discover a door leading to an unknown location; they consider entering, but decide to return to their own world.

Development

The Final Fantasy Legend was the first installment of the SaGa series in Japan and the first Game Boy game produced by Square. Square president Masafumi Miyamoto requested developers create a Game Boy game after he noticed the success of Tetris and the popularity of the handheld system. Akitoshi Kawazu and partner Koichi Ishii decided that instead of creating a game similar to Tetris, they would produce what they felt customers desired most: a role-playing game.

Square's concept for the game was a title that could be completed in six to eight hours, based on the duration of an airplane flight between Narita, Japan and Honolulu, Hawaii. Developers sought to optimize the game for short bursts of gameplay, as if played by a train passenger between stations. Square raised random battle encounter rate relative to its other role playing games, ensuring players would have at least one enemy encounter during short playtime to maintain an interesting experience. The Final Fantasy Legend was designed to be difficult and feature advanced gameplay, described by Kawazu as the main difference between SaGa and Final Fantasy. Square implemented several other ideas to distance the games, notably the "meat" system to allow players to collect enemy abilities, though these proved difficult to portray at first.

Kawazu took a direct hand in shaping the game's scenario development, working alongside Ishii, Takashi Tokita, and Hiroyuki Ito, who were involved in other Square projects at the time. Ishii and Ito developed the game's world layout and geography as well; Ryōko Tanaka designed the background graphics. Tokita developed character concept art and handled the in-game sprites. The Japanese cover artwork was designed by Katsutoshi Fujioka. The monochrome screen of the Game Boy proved an obstacle, as some graphics such as fire were more difficult to portray without color. As a result, they had to develop a world that "works in black and white". Tanaka later revealed that the 2-megabit capacity of contemporary Game Boy cartridges severely limited their designs; the team removed some elements from the finished game to ensure peak performance.

Audio

The Final Fantasy Legend's soundtrack was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and consists of sixteen tracks. Uematsu struggled with composition at first, as the Game Boy's sound hardware was different from the Famicom's, featuring a new stereo option, unique waveforms, and only three musical notes. Kawazu wanted the game's music to resemble that of Square's two preceding Final Fantasy titles, but Uematsu chose to develop new waveforms. The music was severely limited by the Game Boy's technical specifications, having only three note types available.

Square has reused several songs from the game (notably the "Battle" theme) in later titles and released them on compilation soundtracks. The introductory music, titled "Prologue", appeared remixed as the opening for the next two SaGa games. "Heartful Tears" (also known as "Wipe Your Tears Away") became a staple for later SaGa titles, used in five of the games and arranged differently each time. Fifteen tracks were later included in the 1991 two-disc All Sounds of SaGa soundtrack, encompassing the Game Boy SaGa series and re-released by Square Enix in December 2004 as SaGa Zenkyoku Shu. The final track of the set, "Journey's End", is a synthesizer-arranged version of six of the game's tracks combined into one by Uematsu. In the liner notes for All Sounds of SaGa, Uematsu states he enjoys listening to the track while remembering scenes from the game. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra played the song in the Press Start 2008 -Symphony of Games- concert as part of the "When Nobuo Uematsu Was Young" medley, while the "Main Theme" was played alongside "Save the World" from Final Fantasy Legend II on July 9, 2011, at the Symphonic Odysseys concert.

Merchandise

Several items of merchandise have been released for the game, including books and telephone cards. Futabasha Publishers Ltd. released a book in February 1990 titled Makai Toushi Sa·Ga—Boukenshatachi no Rekuiemu (冒険者たちのレクイエム, Requiem of the Adventurers). Written by Misa Ikeda, the 287-page book was part of Futabasha's Game Boy Adventure series for children, and detailed a hero's trek to the top of the tower to reach Paradise. In August, Square featured the game in Final Fantasy Ryūkishi Dan - Knights (=ファイナルファンタジー竜騎士団, Final Fantasy Dragon Knights), a fan book which consisting of reactions and artworks to the series. The game was one of four titles featured in October 1992 by Game Player's magazine on a video tape named Game Player's Gametape for Game Boy Games, which demonstrated the game and offered a gameplay tutorial.

Versions and re-releases

The WonderSwan version features different graphics and new prompts for aiding in party maintenance.

Square released the game December 1989 in Japan as Makai Toushi Sa·Ga and included a map for the four major worlds in the game; a revised version followed shortly after. Square translated it to English in March 1990, and planned to release it in North America with new artwork as The Great Warrior Saga. Square retitled it The Final Fantasy Legend before releasing it on September 30, 1990, to tie into the popularity of the Final Fantasy video game. Developers made slight modifications for this version, such as removing the game's credits and adjusting the longevity of certain weapons. Changes to the text were also made, including the omission of some of Ryu-O's riddles, removal of mention about self-sacrifice and a hint of the Tower's true purpose. Notably, the exchange between the player's party and the Creator, where the latter reveals that he created Asura simply out of boredom, is altered. In 1998, Sunsoft acquired the license to the Game Boy "Final Fantasy" games, re-releasing them in North America the same year. Despite advertising compatibility with Nintendo's Game Boy Color handheld, the re-released version featured no enhancements.

Square re-released of The Final Fantasy Legend for Bandai's WonderSwan Color unit; the Japan-exclusive port debuted in March 2002 under the Japanese title. Toshiyuki Itahana redrew the concept art and graphics, and Square added animated cutscenes. Developers also enabled players to see in advance what a monster would transform into before eating meat left behind after battle. The port allowed playthrough of the intact original Game Boy version. Among other changes and additions were gameplay tweaks, a bestiary, and an added feature that allowed players to automatically target an enemy for attack in combat.

As of January 2007, Square Enix had renewed their trademark on the Japanese name for the game, and at Square Enix's 2007 Tokyo Game Show in September made a mobile phone port of the WonderSwan version available for play. Square released the game for download in late 2008 for Japanese i-mode, EZweb compatible phones, and Yahoo! Mobile compatible phones. The port removed the bestiary mode and original Game Boy version of the game, and condensed some of the in-game cutscenes. It added Japanese kanji support and extra shops with new equipment throughout the quest.

In 2020, the original version was re-released alongside the other two Game Boy SaGa titles for the Nintendo Switch. The collection was published worldwide by Square Enix on December 19 under the title Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend. It was a digital exclusive release, and included English and Japanese text options worldwide. Production began at Square Enix so players could enjoy the original SaGa trilogy on modern hardware. While Kawazu had earlier plans to bring the originals onto newer hardware, the series' 30th anniversary provided a good opportunity to fulfil his wish.

The port included color and resolution options, higher speed options during gameplay, control options that emulated the Game Boy console, a commemorative track created by later composer Kenji Ito, and new artwork by Fujioka. The minor adjustments were done to reflect modern gaming tastes, but otherwise the games were unaltered. The WonderSwan port of the first SaGa was considered for release, but it was decided to leave it out to focus on the originals. While the titles were rebranded as part of the SaGa series, their original Final Fantasy branding was retained as a subtitle to avoid undue confusion for original players. This edition was the first time the Game Boy titles officially released in Europe.

Reception and legacy

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
GameRankings49% (retrospective)
Review scores
PublicationScore
AllGame3.5/5
Famitsu35/40
Génération 410/10
IGN6/10
Nintendo Power3.7/5.0
Chicago Tribune15/20
Power Play78%
Awards
PublicationAward
Nintendo Power3rd Best Game Boy Game of 1990,
70th Best Nintendo Game
Pocket Games8th Best Game Boy Game
Game Informer6th Best Game Boy Game

The Final Fantasy Legend is Square's first game to sell over a million copies; the Game Boy version alone shipped 1.37 million copies worldwide (1.15 million in Japan) as of March 2003. Square quickly released two sequels for the Game Boy, and marketed subsequent SaGa games on other video game consoles. The one-eyed monster featured on the Japanese box art later became the series' mascot, appearing in the sequel as a character named "Mr. S". Game Freak founder Satoshi Tajiri cited the game's influence behind the Game Boy Pokémon series, stating it gave him the idea that the system could handle more than action games.

Upon release, Makai Toushi Sa·Ga was acclaimed by Japanese critics. Famitsu awarded the game an overall score of 35 out of 40. Among its panel of four reviewers, three gave it 9 out of 10, while one gave it 8 out of 10. This made it one of their two highest-rated games of 1989, along with Ys I & II. It entered the Famitsu Platinum Hall of Fame, being one only seven games up until 1989 to have received a score of at least 35 or above from Famitsu.

Western critics gave mostly positive reviews upon its initial release. Author Jeff Rovin heavily praised the title in the book How to Win at Game Boy Games, citing the thorough manual and considering the game a "masterful achievement for the Game Boy unit, and a superlative game of kind", though not as complex as The Legend of Zelda. In May 1991, Nintendo Power named the game the third all-around best Game Boy game of the previous year, and in September 1997 they ranked it 70th on their list of the "Top 100" games to appear on a Nintendo system, stating that it had "stayed true to the Square Soft tradition". The Chicago Tribune in 1991 called the game "a little slow in spots, but, like Final Fantasy, worth your patience", and a "good quest". The newspaper gave the game ratings of 8 out of 10 and 7 out of 10. German gaming magazine Power Play gave the game a score of 78%, and praised it for showing potential for the Game Boy as the first role-playing game on the platform.

The Game Boy version of the game received mixed reviews in retrospective. IGN called The Final Fantasy Legend a "compelling RPG with a complex gameplay system and a solid soundtrack", but complained about the game's difficulty and "dated" graphics. Allgame praised the title on its merits as a role-playing game, but criticized its high difficulty and lack of a sense of direction. 1UP's Retronauts described its gameplay as a successor to Final Fantasy II's, though added that the systems involved were not properly refined until its sequel; they further stated that the randomness of the mutant and monster character classes made the game very difficult. Spencer Yip of Siliconera named it as a game he was thankful for playing, citing it as opening his mind to story-based games more so than titles like Dragon Quest, and in part led to the creation of the website.

TechnoBuffalo's Ron Duwell said that, while it was regarded less favorably than its sequels, its flaws could be worked around and added that there was no such other title to compete like The Final Fantasy Legend. 1UP.com's Jeremy Parish called it one of the "essential" games for the Game Boy as well as one of the best of 1989, noting its introduction of new ideas that contrasted the Final Fantasy series and calling it "a pretty decent portable RPG in its own right". GameDaily named it a definite game for Game Boy alongside the related Final Fantasy titles, describing it as providing "hours of role-playing excitement". Andrew Vanden Bossche described the game as "unusual" amongst Japanese roleplaying games, describing its narrative as "loosely connected experiences rather than the sort of epic narrative the RPG genre is commonly thought of". As a result, the off-screen deaths of non-player characters felt more "poignant" and an example of memento mori. However, he also felt the monster class system as counter-intuitive, as frequently said classes emphasized the point of enemies as "designed to pose challenges, not overcome them". Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, Pocket Games, and GameSpot shared this sentiment; the latter three named it one of the top fifty games for the Game Boy.

The difficulty and significance of the game's final boss, the Creator, has elicited several mentions. GamePro named him one of the "47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time", placing him 37th on the list and adding "You gotta wonder... how many hit points did the developers give God?" 1UP.com described the battle as "epic", considering it part of a recurring theme of Japanese role-playing games in which characters band together to kill God. Comedian Jackie Kashian referenced the Creator on Comedy Central Presents, describing the game's final battle as "the worst premise ever of any video game", and recalling how she still tried for eight months to defeat the boss. Despite the final boss' difficulty, it can be killed easily by the instant-death "chainsaw" weapon. In 2009, Square Enix battle planner Nobuyuki Matsuoka paid homage to the fact in the game Final Fantasy XIII, by deliberately giving the title's final boss a similar vulnerability. Square brought back the character as a boss in later SaGa games Imperial SaGa Eclipse and Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, the former of which included a line referencing his weakness to the chainsaw.

Notes

  1. Rebranded in the West under the Final Fantasy moniker.
  2. Japanese: 魔界塔士 サガ, lit. Warrior in the Tower of the Spirit World ~ Sa·Ga
  3. Known in Japan as The Saga Collection (サ・ガ コレクション, Saga Korekushon).

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