Games
Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo
Other Platforms
Upcoming &
Recent Releases
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Final Fantasy V Advance

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 25 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 10 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Genre(s): Role-Playing Game
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 6, 2006
Summary
This title are more than a simple port of the SNES classic — every aspect of the games has been reviewed and enhanced. Additionally, a host of brand-new elements has been seamlessly merged with the original game, providing unexpected surprises for longtime fans. With new dungeons, new job classes, and other exciting features, both old-school players and newcomers can enjoy this genre-defining FINAL FANTASY title in a portable format. [Square Enix]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls Final Fantasy IV Advance
Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GameCube Advanced
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.
Read Full Review >1UP
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.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
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]
RPG Fan
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.
Read Full Review >GameBrink
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]
Read Full Review >GameSpot
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.
Read Full Review >NintendoWorldReport
The definitive version of an already great game, and in the shadow of other Final Fantasy releases, should not be missed.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
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]
eToychest
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.
Read Full Review >IGN
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?
Read Full Review >Official Nintendo Magazine UK
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]
PALGN
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.
Read Full Review >Modojo
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.
Read Full Review >Pocket Gamer UK
While not for those lacking experience points, Final Fantasy V Advance offers a highly customisable adventure for anyone seeking a role-playing challenge.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
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.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
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.
Read Full Review >Worth Playing
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.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
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.
Read Full Review >Games Radar
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.
Read Full Review >NGamer UK
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]
Gamestyle
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.
Read Full Review >GameDaily
Unfortunately, it also requires a lot of battling to keep characters learning new abilities, and the frequent encounters are often tedious in their simplicity.
Read Full Review >netjak
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.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.6 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Dave W. gave it an8:
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.
