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Final Fantasy V Advance Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Nov 6, 2006
Metascore
83 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. GameCube Advanced
    95
    While "Final Fantasy IV Advance" has always been a favorite of mine from the SNES era as I grew up with it and enjoyed the shorter game with the emotional plot, this game really knocks the bar up a notch with quality gameplay and a more involving and ever evolving plot.
  2. AceGamez
    90
    A mandatory purchase for any RPG lover or video game connoisseur.
  3. 1UP
    90
    The conversion from Super NES to GBA is rock-solid, and American gamers who are only familiar with this "lost" classic from its shoddy PlayStation repackaging will be pleasantly surprised at how incredibly fast this game is.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    88
    FFV Advance may seem the least of the trio, but don't be put off by its simple graphics or the fact that it's on the GBA--it's one of the series' best, and this is a better-than-perfect port. [Jan. 2007, p.111]
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  5. RPG Fan
    87
    All of the additions to the "Advance" port of Final Fantasy V are worthwhile, but it is a shame that the new jobs and bonus dungeon are only available right at the end of the game.
  6. GameBrink
    86
    A really well presented game with entertaining scenarios despite being a port from over a decade ago. RPG players and anyone else who has to yet to play these classics should have a fun time watching the story being played out. However, if you're looking for an RPG with a thorough challenge and interesting battle system, you should probably look else where. [JPN Import]
  7. IGN
    85
    It says a lot that after all these years, the class-changing system and its ATB mechanics still go toe-to-toe with just about everything that RPG manufacturers put out today. It's addictive, deep, and easy to pick up and play. What else do you need?
  8. GameSpot
    85
    Many English-speaking Final Fantasy fans may now experience what they've missed out on for years in this relatively obscure but thoroughly excellent installment of the classic role-playing series.
  9. Nintendo Power
    85
    Well I was wrong, FINAL FANTASY V not only lives up to its namesake, but also delivers the definitive version of what is now apparent as one of the best titles in the series. [Dec. 2006, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Armchair Empire
    85
    There is a lot to do and you'll get every penny's worth.
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    The definitive version of an already great game, and in the shadow of other Final Fantasy releases, should not be missed.
  12. eToychest
    85
    Not the best RPG of the year, nor is it even the most rewarding role-playing title on the Game Boy Advance. However, the game is without question one of the most polished portable RPGs to come to retail in recent months.
  13. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    84
    One of the better Final Fantasy games, FFV improves upon the Job system but doesn't match the storyline "FFIV" or "FFVI". It's still one hell of a handheld adventure though. [Apr 2007, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Games Radar
    80
    Learning and mastering new jobs while mixing and matching new abilities is such a deep and entertaining experience that the narrative becomes secondary. You can easily spend dozens and dozens of hours leveling up jobs and experimenting with them.
  15. Eurogamer
    80
    This is more than just a museum piece for today's JRPG fan. The speed of the gameplay is in stark contrast to today's lumbering epics, something that suits and shines on the GBA.
  16. Pocket Gamer UK
    80
    While not for those lacking experience points, Final Fantasy V Advance offers a highly customisable adventure for anyone seeking a role-playing challenge.
  17. Game Informer
    80
    Without question, this is the best way to experience Final Fantasy V. However, if you're the kind of RPG fan who needs a strong story to keep you playing, even this definitive version won't be satisfying. On the other hand, if you usually skip through dialogue just to get to the next battle, you'll love this game's unique blend of character-building and combat.
  18. Worth Playing
    80
    With a robust and varied Job system that adds countless customization options, new dungeons and Jobs, and the portability of a handheld, Final Fantasy V is sure to keep even series veterans busy.
  19. PALGN
    80
    Its age is starting to show, but the new additions added to this GBA remake make the trip back much more rewarding. An essential purchase for what is ideally a dead console.
  20. GameSpy
    80
    Ultimately, if you have plenty of time to sink into it and enjoy building characters as much as uncovering storyline, this is one of the best games available today.
  21. Modojo
    80
    The new additions aren't anything mind-boggling, but the new jobs and the bonus dungeon certainly add some extra playtime, and the result is a lovingly ported game that can really pass the time.
  22. Nintendo Gamer
    74
    For the completist, a must-have. For the rest of us, an entertaining history lesson that's just about weathered the passage of years. [Apr 2007, p.49]
    All this publication's reviews
  23. Gamestyle
    70
    Whilst plotting strategic job changes remains as fresh and engrossing today as it ever did, the grinding and sometimes repetitive combat can't help but detract from the overall enjoyment of the title.
  24. GameDaily
    70
    Unfortunately, it also requires a lot of battling to keep characters learning new abilities, and the frequent encounters are often tedious in their simplicity.
  25. netjak
    68
    In terms of a remake compared to the original, Final Fantasy V Advance manages to faithfully reproduce the experience of the original game. The biggest problem with that is that Final Fantasy V was never a great game in the first place.
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. red16mage
    9
    Final Fantasy V stands out from most in that you have the ability to completely customize, mix and match your characters' classes, or "jobs", similar to Final Fantasy III. You can have a Ninja, a Black Mage, a Knight, and a White Mage in your party, or you could just go quadruple Ninja. The choice is really yours. With every job, you also have the option to add an "ability" from another class. For example, if you unlock the White Magic ability from leveling up your White Mage, then you can use that ability with, say, a Samurai. So you now have a Samurai that can also cast White Magic. This creates a huge diversity to combat, with tons of different job/ability combinations, so you can really make your party unique. The combat is the highlight of the game, in my opinion. The story itself is a little cliché, but it's entertaining enough. One of my main gripes is that no major character development is really present, this is something that Final Fantasy IV handled so well. Overall, the story isn't bad by any means. The rest of the Final Fantasy series just rose the bar so high, this entry just can't quite reach it. The musical score is on par with the rest of the series, that is to say, it's fantastic. There are many memorable tracks. I never got sick of hearing the overworld theme, which is important, because you'll be spending a large amount of time there. If you consider yourself a Final Fantasy fan, or even just an RPG fan, I would highly recommend trying this one out. If you are looking for an epic story to immerse yourself in, then, while this game doesn't fail to deliver, there are other Final Fantasies that excel more in that area. 9/10. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  2. dustinlull
    9
    The joy of this game is in the economics of character development. You essentially start with four blank slates that you can grow and develop however you please. The only minor quibble I have is that, depending on how many skills you want your characters to learn, you may find yourself doing a lot of grinding. But that's entirely up to you. Plan your team out well, and you can significantly reduce the need to grind.… Full Review »
  3. DaveW.
    8
    FFV is a strange FF. It somehow feels simpler than those games that immediately surround it, yet it is somehow superior. It feels much more solid than either IV or VI. The gameplay is solid, perhaps the most solid RPG gameplay I have experienced. The story is not the most original nor epic, but is too is solid. I think it's the solidity of this entry in the series that raises it above the other FF titles originally released on the Super Famicom.… Full Review »
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