15 Most Ridiculously Difficult Challenges In Final Fantasy History

Square originally deemed Final Fantasy II too difficult for Western audiences, meaning that it was only released in Japan before North American and European players were finally offered it in 2003. They certainly had a valid point, as the game was a punishing experience even for seasoned veterans of the original.

Firstly, almost the entire world map could be accessed from the outset. There were no barriers, meaning that intrepid explorers and those that simply strayed from the beaten path by accident alike would be massacred by enemies that they weren't mean to encounter until much later.

Secondly, progression was no longer tied to experience points. To increase their party's stats players had to repeat the necessary actions over and over (taking damage would increase HP, attacking would increase Strength, etc).

Merely doing this against enemies was not sufficient to keep ahead of the steep difficult curve, however, meaning that much of the game had to be spent constantly attacking yourself. Magic spells (which were learnt from items that were often obtainable just once) also had to be levelled this way to be useful.

It was a hugely unenjoyable system (that has thankfully never been reused) and II is rarely recalled with fondness as a result.