Best Version for a First Timer

[Mirage]

Well, to be fair, I forgot to mention the retranslated script. It is generally better than the original SNES script. I'd say that this is about the only thing that is more polished on GBA than on SNES, though. SNES has slightly better graphics, and noticably better music and sound effects.

The censored part is when Celes is interrogated by soldiers. Instead of beating up their traitor general, they're standing still and saying really mean words to her. Man, that sure would make me crack like a nut if I was an imperial general.

Oh yeah, if you wonder why I didn't mention the PS1 (or PSN version, as those two are the same) version in my first post, let's just say that it wasn't because I forgot.

If you really want to know, it's because the PS1 version has absolutely no improvements over the SNES version, other than not being optimized for being on a CD rather than a cartridge, which leads annoying hiccups even when loading something as simple as the main menu. Also, saving your game is slower, and you don't even get all that many more save slots. It's still just something like 3 per memory card.

[blackmage_nuke]

The PS1 version is the least censored english version you can get visual wise since they put back the original battle sprites for some of the more scantily clad enemies and i think one or two of the espers. However dialogue wise its equal to the snes version. (eg. the "leap of faith")

What we really need is a SNES hack with GBA dialogue, and original Japanese sprites.

I orignally played it on the PS1 but that was when I was a child and had all day to play games so the load times didnt bother me.

Also this might sound crazy but there were moments when I actually prefered the less straightforward Snes translation. While Im not a fan of mistranslations (eg the thing with setzer's opinion of the empire) I did like some of the quirkier usages of english.

[Quindiana Jones]

I'm playing the SNES version and it's great. I've not played the other versions, but I can't imagine there'd be any significant difference. The great bits will still be great.

[Evastio]

In order from most to least recommended version, it'd have to be GBA, SNES, then PS.

The GBA version fixed a lot of glitches from the SNES version and added new content like extra espers and a bonus dungeon. The PS version is the least recommended due to load times.

[Lone Wolf Leonhart]

I'm surprised there have been so many complaints about the playstation 1 load time.

For me personally, the version I started with was the Final Fantasy Anthology bundle for PS1, and I haven't played any other version of it, so maybe that's why I have no point of reference for how slow it is. The same goes for Chrono Trigger, as someone else mentioned. No complaints on my end.

(SPOILER)On a side note, for anyone who has ever played Breath of Fire 3 or anyone who has ever wanted to play it, for the love of god do NOT pick up the PSP version. The load times for that port are unbearable, to the point where you say "Did my game freeze up?" before and after every single battle. Go for the PS1 version. / side rant

I would say the best version of the game to play for a first timer is whichever version is the cheapest and easiest to get, while still maintaining its quality, of course.

Despite all of the dings and bells of differences between the different releases, they really aren't that different.

[Jinx]

Does the PS1 version work on the PS2?

[Bubba]

Aye, it will.

[Flying Mullet]

The FF5 PS1 disk has compatibility issues with the PS2 but the FF6 disk runs fine.

[Night Fury]

I have never played this game, I started with 7 and 8
I think I have a copy of this at my parents house though so I might pick it up and play it one day.

For a first timer to the series though I would say 7 because it's definitely definitive to the series as a whole.

[NorthernChaosGod]

I'd say the SNES version. It still has all the fun glitches if I remember correctly like Wind God Gau and Psycho Cyan. Also the music is better.

[Quindiana Jones]

Wait, what's Wind God Gau and Psycho Cyan? I WANT.

[Gamblet]

Wait, what's Wind God Gau and Psycho Cyan? I WANT.

They are the "finish a battle with pressing a few buttons" moves. Check Youtube.

[Mirage]

It's not very exciting, really, and not even needed. All you need to facerape everything is offering and genji glove and some cool swords.

[Jowy]

psycho cyan works and slot-rigging with echo screens work in the GBA version if i recall correctly. they did drop the nerf-bat on wind god though, but hey Io and Stray Cat are good enough rages as is to be pretty unbalanced.

[WildRaubtier]

Wait, what's Wind God Gau and Psycho Cyan? I WANT.

They are the "finish a battle with pressing a few buttons" moves. Check Youtube.

That basically describes every battle though?