Final Fantasy III

This 2006 title is a full 3D remake of the classic 1990 RPG, introducing the story to Western audiences via official localization. You guide four Warriors of Light on a floating continent to restore elemental balance. Its core feature is the highly flexible Job System, allowing characters to switch classes freely outside of battle, retaining mastered skills. While the turn-based combat structure is preserved, the visuals and presentation are entirely modernized from the original.

This 2006 release represents a complete reconstruction of the 1990 role-playing adventure that originally introduced the iconic Job System to the series. Developed by Matrix Software and published by Square Enix, this version brought the classic narrative to a global audience for the very first time through official localization. Set on a floating continent, the story delves into an ancient civilization that attempted to control the fundamental power of the four elemental light crystals, leading to a catastrophic imbalance that required four prophesied warriors to restore harmony using the dark crystals. The atmosphere blends high fantasy with themes of cyclical destruction and prophecy.

Visual and Technical Overhaul

The most immediate change from the 1990 original is the transition to a fully 3D graphical presentation. This remake features entirely new 3D character models and environments, offering a modern visual interpretation of the classic world and its inhabitants. While the core narrative structure and the foundational world lore remain faithful to the source material, the presentation is entirely updated for the Nintendo DS platform.

Core Gameplay Mechanics: The Evolved Job System

What makes this particular entry stand out within the series is its robust and flexible Job System. Players take control of four orphans who are chosen by the mysterious floating crystals to become the Warriors of Light. As the story progresses, these characters gain access to numerous Jobs—classes that dictate their abilities, equipment, and role in combat.

Flexibility in Character Progression

Unlike many traditional RPGs where character classes are permanent, this system allows characters to switch between available Jobs relatively freely outside of battle. Mastering a Job grants permanent stat bonuses and abilities that carry over even when the character switches to a new Job. This mechanic encourages experimentation with party composition, allowing players to tailor their team dynamically to face different challenges.

The remake preserves the turn-based combat structure inherent to the original design but modernizes the pacing and presentation.

What Content Does This Remake Include?

As a direct remake, this 2006 version focuses on presenting the original story and mechanics with enhanced fidelity. There are no downloadable content packs or official expansions associated with this specific release.

Is This a Faithful Adaptation or a New Direction?

This iteration is fundamentally a faithful recreation of the original 1990 game's plot and core mechanics, specifically designed to modernize the experience for a new generation of players. It retains the classic challenges and structure while updating the presentation and streamlining certain gameplay elements that were cumbersome in the 8-bit era.