Is the GBA Version of Final Fantasy VI the Best? A Deep Dive

As an avid retro gamer and content creator focused on classic RPGs, few questions ignite as much passionate debate as this one. Final Fantasy VI stands out not just as one of the greatest 16-bit RPGs ever made, but one of the best video games period. So which of its many ports should devoted fans play to experience FF6 at its finest? Does the Game Boy Advance edition surpass even the beloved Super Nintendo original?

I‘ve explored the highs and lows of the GBA port extensively to provide a comprehensive verdict. While this controversial version makes some welcome additions, its technical shortcomings ultimately prevent it from claiming the title of the definitive FF6 edition.

The Monumental Legacy of Final Fantasy VI

Before assessing any port, it’s essential to understand what made FF6 so special in the first place. This masterpiece represented the pinnacle of the 16-bit JRPG era, setting new benchmarks for epic storytelling, impactful characters, and thrilling gameplay.

Some stats on FF6‘s critical success:

• 94% average critic score on Metacritic
• Sold over 3.48 million copies by March 2003

For myself and countless other fans, FF6 was a genre-defining experience that remains etched in our memories decades later. From the rich cast of 14 playable characters to the operatic showdowns against the maniacal Kefka, it achieved a scope and emotional resonance most 16-bit titles could only dream of.

So how could Square possibly improve on this masterwork? And do the upgrades justify the tradeoffs? Let‘s analyze the GBA version in detail to find out!

Revisiting FF6‘s Brilliance in the SNES Original

Before we scrutinize the port, it’s worth highlighting some of the SNES original‘s most acclaimed elements that any remake should preserve:

1. Beautifully Detailed 16-Bit Graphics

While later Final Fantasies shifted more toward 3D visuals, FF6 perfected the distinct look and feel of high quality 2D sprites. Vibrant colors, fluid animation, and lavish background details immersed players in a visionary steampunk fantasy realm.

2. One of the Greatest Video Game Soundtracks Ever

The iconic music by longtime series composer Nobuo Uematsu has appeared in countless best game soundtrack lists. From the heartrending theme of Terra to the showstopping Opera House aria, it’s the pinnacle of 16-bit composition.

3. An Unforgettable Cast of Complex Characters

FF6 eschewed the typical lone hero narrative in favor of an ensemble cast with intricate backstories intertwined with the game’s central conflict. Unusual protagonists like amnesiac witch Terra and feral child Gau left an indelible impact.

4. An Unpredictable Story Full of Shocking Moments

While the early hours stick to genre tropes, the second half takes astonishing turns few saw coming. Villain Kefka becoming godlike and shattering the very world remains one of gaming’s most chilling twists.

Those core strengths earned FF6 widespread critical acclaim and resonate through the years. But could the Game Boy Advance update improve on this formula without compromising it?

What the GBA Port Changed and Added to FF6

When Square Enix announced they would be re-releasing FF6 on Game Boy Advance in 2007, fans had mixed reactions.

On one hand, the opportunity to replay this classic on a portable device with bonus features seemed appealing. But releasing such an acclaimed console game on the underpowered GBA did raise concerns. Let’s analyze the major changes and content additions:

New Translation

One of the most praised changes was the new translation by Tom Slattery. The SNES script had noticeable flaws, so addressing these was welcome.

Extra Espers and Areas

Four extra espers were added along with two new dungeons to obtain them. This provided fun new side content for veterans.

Upgrades Like Quick Save

The GBA added some modern quality of life upgrades like quick saving anywhere on the world map.

Restored Missing Content

Certain bits removed from North American/Europe FF6 were restored, like the vision of General Leo’s past.

Additional Items and Gear

The GBA version features some new character customization like shields, relics, weapons, and armor sets previously only found via cheating.

So in terms of new content and restored bits cut from overseas SNES cartridges, the GBA port seemed quite promising! However, retrieving data from old SNES/SFC game code isn’t as simple as copying files from one disk to another. The compromises required to get FF6 running on GBA hardware would prove substantial…

The Technical Shortcomings Holding the GBA Port Back

While the above changes sounded excellent on paper, the stark hardware gap between Super Nintendo and Game Boy Advance made seamlessly porting FF6’s extensive code and assets nearly impossible. This forced Square Enix to make painful compromises and technical cutbacks revealed as soon as players booted up the game.

Downgraded Audio & Music

Likely the most immediately noticeable downgrade – FF6’s beautiful soundtrack was butchered by compression into a tinny, muffled mess lacking the crisp quality of the SNES original. For a game so acclaimed for its music, this was a tragic sacrifice.

Muddier, Less Detailed Graphics

Similarly, the graphical downgrade was quite noticeable the moment players entered the rich 3D modeled towns and environments of FF6. Detailed 2D sprites and backgrounds were replaced with far muddier graphics with posterization issues.

More Bugs/Glitches

Ironically, additional bugs and glitches not present in the original game slipped into the GBA port. Speedrunning leaderboards had to separate GBA times due to these new issues.

Removed/Censored Scenes

Certain iconic moments like Ultros’ attempt to grab Celes during the opera were removed or censored due to questionable cultural standards for Nintendo handhelds.

These compromises resulted in major fan criticism towards the GBA version of FF6:

This table summarizes the stark difference in reception between FF6‘s ports. Players were much harsher on the GBA edition for understandable reasons despite its bonus content.

So how do other modern ports compare? Could they achieve the definitive edition vision fans hoped for from the GBA?

Modern Ports Like Pixel Remaster Fix Compromises

Fans demanded Square Enix try again at the perfect FF6 remake after the GBA‘s technical issues and censorship. While the mobile/Steam ports had their own problems, the recent Pixel Remaster represents their most successful attempt yet.

The Pixel Remaster adds everything fans loved from the GBA version like extra content and modern quality upgrades without the painful graphical or audio downgrades.

Key improvements over GBA include:

• Beautiful HD sprite graphics capturing charm of 2D Final Fantasies
• Fully remastered sound and music reproduction
• Uncensored scenes restored
• Even more bonus content additions
• Widescreen support
• Quality backgrounds recreated versus muddy GBA

For many fans, this represents the new definitive edition – and the one I personally recommend as both a FF6 veteran and critic.

The GBA Port‘s Merits, But Ultimate Shortcomings

Despite the negative feedback, I don‘t want to dismiss improvements the GBA version brought to FF6. The new translation and extras do enhance the experience for those who accept the graphical compromises required.

However, most fans agree the audiovisual downgrades and censorship ultimately undermine the strengths that made FF6 age so gracefully in the first place – namely its incredible pixel art and musical masterpiece soundtrack.

As a critic focused on evaluating retro games, I advise most players choose Pixel Remaster HD-2D instead as the current definitive edition. But the GBA version still offers a unique way to replay the classic for devoted fans, if you don‘t mind some retro jank and can play via actual GBA hardware.

While future ports could still improve, for now Pixel Remaster represents the perfect balance of preserving FF6‘s essence while carefully enhancing it. But no matter where you play, Kefka‘s nihilistic quest to destroy life itself remains one of gaming’s most memorable and emotionally impactful stories ever told through this interactive art form I love.

Let me know your own thoughts on the best FF6 port! I‘m always happy to chat more about one of my favorite games ever made.