The Dark Side of Nostalgia: How Square Enix’s Desperate Attempt to Cash in on Retro Games Will Leave You Wanting More (But Not as Much as You’ll Pay)
For those who are still clinging to their childhood memories of the Final Fantasy series, it’s time to face the harsh reality: Square Enix’s latest cash-grab effort is a soulless, polished-to-a-shine monument to nostalgia. The Final Fantasy 1-6 Pixel Remaster bundle, priced at a “steal” of $60, is nothing more than a cynical attempt to milk the classic games for every last penny they’re worth.
The “remastered” versions of the original games are nothing more than pixelated facsimiles, carefully crafted to look like they could have been created in the 16-bit era, but with enough modern tweaks to justify the hefty price tag. But don’t be fooled – the “flexible” gameplay and “rearranged orchestral soundtracks” are little more than thinly veiled attempts to pander to the nostalgia crowd. And if you’re still under the illusion that these games are somehow still “seminal” or “landmark” in any way, then you need to take a hard look at what you’re getting yourself into.
Meanwhile, those who prefer a physical copy (because who needs digital convenience, am I right?) can shell out a whopping $74.99 for the Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition. Congratulations, you’re basically buying the exact same content, but with the added “benefit” of wasting valuable storage space on your Switch or PS4.
And don’t even get me started on the preorder exclusives. What’s the point of having a “unique” edition if it’s just a glorified repackaging of the same content? It’s clear that Square Enix is trying to sucker you into buying the same games over and over again, each time promising something “new” and “exclusive”, but ultimately delivering the same tired, stale experience.
So, are you willing to pay top dollar for a soulless cash-grab attempt to cash in on retro gaming nostalgia? Or will you take the hint and remember that true gaming nostalgia is about the experiences, not the prices we’re willing to pay for them?
