PSP version >>>> Original version?

[Vivisteiner]

Im wondering if this is true. I have only played the PSP version, and I must say that some of the cutscenes are absolutely phenomenally well done. They bring the story to life. As you can see, I changed the writing in my sig to show that. Although it sounds so much better than it reads of course.


And then you also get Balthier, my favourite fighter in the game. And the retranslation is really good. I saw a clip of the old translation and it looked pretty messy tbh.

Overall, it seems to show that small improvements can make a big difference.


Stuff like the cutscene in the Church and blades of grass are just so powerful...

[Momiji]

I really want to see how the PSP version is. I enjoyed the Playstation game quite a bit, and I've heard nothing but good reviews for the PSP port. I don't have a PSP though.

However, you can't just go and say one version is so much better than the other, hands down, because you have to remember, there is almost a 10-year gap in between where FFT was released for the Playstation and the re-release last year-- of course there will be obvious improvements, or the gamers of today who expect flawless beautiful graphics and extra stuff won't play it.

[Dreddz]

Its not significantly better but it has quicker load times, great cutscenes and a much crisper look due to the PSP's smaller screen. So definitely superior but your not losing out if you buy the PS1 version.

[BG-57]

Generally I find that tweaking an established game will improve rather than diminish the experience. Certainly I approve of most of the changes including the jobs classes, dialogue, new characters, expanded party limits, new dungeons, and cooperative gameplay.

I do have some reservations about the PSP version including the way some items have to be acquired cooperatively and that teaching Zodiac is actually harder. So in a few ways the PSX version is still better.

[Zeromus_X]

The only irk I have about the PSP version is how the game chokes whenever it has to go through a spell or even item animation, which really slows down the battles. But other than that small flaw, I'd have to say the new localization and content clearly make it the superior version.

[Necronopticous]

The translation and exclusive animated cutscenes are beautiful. Unfortunately, the port itself is utter trash. Many throw off the technical shortcomings of The War of the Lions as minor issues, but I personally find them to be completely unacceptable, and I was not able to bear them for more than a few hours before ejecting the game and watching the additional cutscenes on YouTube.

Like the PSX ports of Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger before it, The War of the Lions is a game that is essentially ruined by careless conversion. There is absolutely no excuse for the technical issues plaguing literally every grueling minute of this port, especially from a developer as capable as Square-Enix--and especially when NIS America/Nippon Ichi can put out a PSP port of their Playstation 2 tactical RPG, Disgaea, that is formatted to take advantage of the PSP's hardware and screen, and runs absolutely perfect in every way.

[Dreddz]

What exactly was unacceptable about this port? I noticed no technical problems with this game at all.

[Vivisteiner]

I didnt notice any either. Then I read a review that mentioned slowdown. I played the game and I was like...'Oooh yeah!'. Still, it doesn't bother me at all. Its just a split second of delay.


Another great thing about the PSP version is that it is portable! (duh). So I can play it on a plain and watch the marvellous cutscenes as I step fresh off the boat.

[Necronopticous]

The game is not formatted for the PSP at all. It lags immensely on every single battle action in the entire game, in a kind of game that is nothing but a huge series of battle actions, it's blurry as hell, and not even reformatted to take advantage of the PSP's nice screen and accompanying aspect ratio. Play the Disgaea port, and it will become very obvious to you just how terrible The War of the Lions is. As I said, there is absolutely no excuse.

[Wolf Kanno]

There is noticeable slowdown in War of the Lions but I wouldn't say its as bad as you're making it out to be Necro. I mean the original had a bit for some of the more extravagant attacks but overall, I would say its acceptable. I mean to compare it the PSX port of Chrono Trigger is blowing this out of proportion a little imo. I agree its shoddy programming on SE's part but I feel the overall package outweighs the problems.

Overall, I felt it was fantastic, the cutscenes, the new translation, the extra missions and hidden secrets and props overall quality in terms of story, game mechanics, and presentation.

My only complaints are minor: The slowdown issue which has been addressed already, the attainment of certain high level gear being restricted exclusively to online play, and the removal of the spell/special technique chants in-battle. I really loved these little nuances and having it removed was a bit of a let down, but overall I still feel the overall package is quite good.

[Vivisteiner]

The game is not formatted for the PSP at all. It lags immensely on every single battle action in the entire game, in a kind of game that is nothing but a huge series of battle actions, it's blurry as hell, and not even reformatted to take advantage of the PSP's nice screen and accompanying aspect ratio. Play the Disgaea port, and it will become very obvious to you just how terrible The War of the Lions is. As I said, there is absolutely no excuse.

How comes all the reviewers gave it really high marks then? I personally thought it was very minor indeed, and most people agree. Then again, Im not very sensitive to this kind of thing whereas you must be. Well, we're all different.

[Ziekfried]

I actually hate what they did to the sound the most. Maybe other people are fine with crappy sound but some of the effects are just plain ridiculous. Really it doesn't make since to me that the sound is worse but it is. the slow down was disappointing but not ruining. And since the game failed to improve it's performance in any way but actually is worse I'd say overall it isn't a better game but about equal with the original.

[Asch]

I don't quite think there's much to compare to the old version of the game besides having more stuff, much more graphical cutscenes, voiceovers, etc.

You get to play as Delita a few times (nothing big, just for a few literal minutes) and find out stuff that wasn't revealed in the original, but other than the aforementioned elements, it's really no different than the original besides the Excalibur and AP cheat being removed.

Though, I'd have to say I do prefer the PSP version to the PSX version. I loved finally being able to see my favourite characters from my favourite game in animation.

The scripting was also changed to fit a more Shakespeare type of feel as well, but it didn't bother me much.

[Yar]

I pirated borrowed the PSP version last night.

I do enjoy the 16:9 presentation, along with the cutscenes, and the retranslation. But the lag in battles is really starting to get to me.

(Just a sidenote: The PSP versions of I & II aren't even worth "borrowing." Trust me.)

[BG-57]

I found the Origins version of FFI-II on PSX enjoyable to play.