Hironobu Sakaguchi created the first Final Fantasy role-playing game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in an effort to save developer Square from bankruptcyhence the name. That was back in 1987. Over twenty years later, the Final Fantasy series has become one of the most beloved franchises in video game history, with fourteen main titles and at least an equal number of spin-offs. PSP gamers in particular have their pick of the litter when it comes to delving into this iconic series.If you’ve never experienced the original games before, but are a fan of long quests, expansive exploration, and engaging stories, check out the PSP remakes of Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II. These special 20th anniversary editions include remixed graphics and soundtracks, along with full-motion-video scenes. The first title includes dungeons that first appeared in the Dawn of Souls port for the Game Boy Advance. In addition, hardcore gamers will appreciate the new Labyrinth of Time dungeon, which is a timed area full of brutally powerful enemies in which your characters’ health is constantly drained.Final Fantasy II, the first sequel to the original, was originally unreleased in America, and the later Japanese game Final Fantasy IV was originally released as FF2 on the North American continent. It first appeared in America on the Playstation, but it’s still worth a look for PSP players, as it introduces many characters that recur throughout the franchise, including the chocobo mounts and the airship pilot Cid. This game again features never-before-seen dungeons with new equipment and enemies.The PSP is also home to an entirely new sub-franchise in the Final Fantasy series, which started with 2009′s Dissidia: Final Fantasy. This game contains elements of fighting and action-RPG gamesno taking turns here. However, players can also use special skills and utilize traps around the battlefield to get the upper hand on their opponent. Players in Western countries have the option of choosing to remove all RPG features and playing the game as a pure fighting title. Dissidia is available both on UMD and on the Playstation Network for download via wireless internet service. The title has proven so popular that a sequel, Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy, is set for release in 2011. Read the rest of this entry »