The Final Fantasy Legend

aka: Makai Toushi SaGa
Moby ID: 5936
Game Boy Specs
Buy on Game Boy
$28.94 used on Amazon
Note: We may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made via eBay or Amazon links (prices updated 3/27 10:44 PM )

Description official descriptions

The first 'Final Fantasy' title on the Game Boy, Legend allows you to choose from 8 different characters, from the usual human male or female to zombie, wererat, redbull (not the drink), clipper or mutant male or female. No matter which you choose, the goal stays the same: Increase your experience points and abilities by defeating many varied enemies through-out the land.

Much like the FF series of old (and new), you can choose members to join your party and the quest that lies ahead (either warriors, mutants or creatures). Every character has a limit to the amount of moves available during every battle and experience points are gained after each fight, increasing stamina, power, etc.

Spellings

  • 魔界塔士 Sa・Ga - Japanese spelling
  • 魔界塔士 サ・ガ - Japanese spelling (katakana)

Groups +

Screenshots

Promos

Credits (Game Boy version)

12 People

Concept
Game Design
Game Development
Game Program
System Program
Battle System
Battle Program
Scenario Staff
Card Graphics
Background Graphics
Sprite Graphics
Character Design
Sound Director
Sound Program
Sound Effects
Composer
Director
Scenario
Produced by
  • Square

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 69% (based on 14 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.3 out of 5 (based on 21 ratings with 1 reviews)

A classic first for Square on the original Game Boy.

The Good
The mysterious storyline and layout of the worlds presented in FFL create a unique atmosphere. The graphics and sound were superlative in 1989 and stand out as some of the best on the original Game Boy. Character flexibility is paramount, with three entirely different methods of advancement for the three different character types (Human, Mutant and Monster). While challenging, the game is not insanely difficult; the challenge level can be manipulated easily by such methods as using less characters, not developing the characters well, or using improper equipment. Overall FFL presents a satisfying gaming experience and can be a welcome diversion even today.

The Bad
FFL makes great use of one particular item trait -- limited uses. While this is to be expected with missile and magic weapons, it seems out of place with such things as swords, axes and shields. This adds to the challenge and strategy aspects of the game, however, and indeed can change from a negative to a positive in the player's mind very quickly once the player becomes used to it. The characters in FFL are exceedingly flat, but as this was 1989 and there wasn't much space on the cart, Square can't really be blamed. The story's resolution is a bit of an anticlimax, and the game could have been longer; those are the only two negative traits that really stick out.

The Bottom Line
FFL is not truly a Final Fantasy. It is, as the Japanese title indicates, part of the SaGa series. (Modern gamers might be familiar with other titles in the series such as SaGa Frontier.) Customary FF elements do have analogues, including the three-element attack magic system (Fire, Ice and Lightning) and a warmech-type boss in one of the later worlds, but overall the feel is quite different. FFL's main strengths come in its eminently customizable characters and its solid visual and audio presentation -- and the surprising final enemy.

The trek up the universe-spanning Tower in search of the secrets of Paradise crosses four major Worlds, each suffering under the domination of a fiend from ancient Asian mythology. As the player advances through each world, hints are given of something greater, more sinister at work, leaving the player with a desire to move higher and higher through the worlds -- as if the quest for Paradise wasn't enough! For such an old and little package, FFL manages to deliver quite a hook. Hardcore FF fans will need to adjust a bit to FFL's SaGa-born quirks, but the game's charm and fun will make that a breeze.

Game Boy · by Kane Locke (5) · 2003

Trivia

Universe

Despite bearing the name of Final Fantasy, the game, whose original name is Makai Toushi SaGa, is considered in Japan a part of the SaGa universe. The game is indeed much closer to SaGa games than to Final Fantasy ones, featuring separate stories of different characters and focusing on gameplay more than on plot line.

Analytics

MobyPro Early Access

Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings!

Related Games

Final Fantasy Legend II
Released 1990 on Game Boy
Final Fantasy Legend III
Released 1991 on Game Boy
Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend
Released 2020 on Nintendo Switch
Romancing SaGa
Released 1992 on SNES, 2001 on WonderSwan Color, 2009 on Wii...
Romancing SaGa 3
Released 1995 on SNES, 2010 on Wii, 2014 on Wii U
Final Fantasy Dimensions
Released 2012 on iPhone, iPad, Android
Legend of Makai
Released 1988 on Arcade, PlayStation 4, 2021 on Nintendo Switch
Girls of The Tower
Released 2024 on Windows
Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts
Released 1991 on SNES, Game Boy Advance, 2007 on Wii...

Related Sites +

  • FF-Fan
    A fansite that offers all kinds of information on the entire Final Fantasy franchise, including walkthroughs, game media, discussion boards and fan art.
  • RPG Classic FFL Shrine
    Shrine for FFL with detailed lists of enemies or weapons or anything else

Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 5936
  • [ Please login / register to view all identifiers ]

Contribute

Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.

Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Kartanym.

WonderSwan Color added by Unicorn Lynx.

Additional contributors: Unicorn Lynx, Exodia85, Freeman, —-, vicrabb, Patrick Bregger.

Game added March 13, 2002. Last modified February 19, 2024.