:The Final Fantasy Legend

Image:FFlegend1.png

In The Final Fantasy Legend, the player navigates a character throughout the game world with a party of up to four characters, exploring areas and interacting with non-player characters. Most of the game occurs in towns, castles, caves, and similar areas.Square Co. pp. 24-25. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. To aid exploration on the field screen, the game makes use of various signs within towns.Square Co. pp. 22-23. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. The player is initially limited to the World of Continent to explore,Square Co. p. 12. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. and given access to later worlds as his or her party climbs the Tower. Players can save their game anytime and anywhere when not in combat to a save slot for later play.Square Co. p. 32. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

Players can journey between field screen locations via the world map, a downsized representation of Final Fantasy Legend{{'}}s various worlds. Players can freely navigate around the world map screen unless restricted by terrain, such as water or mountains.Square Co. p. 25. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. The goal in each world is to find the entrance to the next level of the Tower.Square Co. p. 24. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Random enemy encounters occasionally interrupt travel across the world map screen and hostile areas, as in other Final Fantasy related games.{{clear|left}}

At the beginning of the game, the player must choose a character class, gender, and name for the group's "party leader".Square Co. p. 7. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. There are three available classes: humans, mutants (espers in the Japanese version),{{cite web |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ (Espers) |language=ja |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/chara/esper.html |publisher=Square Enix. |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308123522/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/chara/esper.html |archive-date=2012-03-08}} and monsters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Character classes cannot be changed once the game has begun. The player may recruit up to three additional party members through a similar process via "Member Guilds" in various towns.Square Co. p. 13. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Characters may also be recruited to replace fallen party members, though the party leader is irreplaceable. Higher-level party members may be recruited at later towns in the game.Square Co. p. 14. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

A character's performance in battle is determined by numerical values ("statistics") for four categories. Each statistic has a range of 1 to 99. The categories are strength, the effectiveness of physical attacks; defense, the ability to reduce damage received; agility, the effectiveness of ranged weapons or skills and at avoiding attacks; and mana, the effectiveness of magical attacks. A character's health is measured in hit points (HP), consisting of a current HP statistic and a maximum HP statistic, ranging from 0 to 999. Character statistics are relative to their class—humans have higher HP levels, strength, and defense,Square Co. p. 8. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. and mutants are physically weaker but enjoy a higher mana statistic.Square Co. p. 9. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Human and mutant statistics can be amplified by worn equipment of different types. Monster-class characters are dependent on their sub-class, and their statistics vary greatly.Square Co. p. 10. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

Humans raise their statistics through items that grant permanent bonuses, such as "STRENGTH" or "HP200". Mutant attributes simply increase by random increments after battles, and new abilities may be gained (or lost) in the process. Monsters change in power by consuming "meat" dropped in battles; depending the monster's current sub-class and the meat's origin, the monster may transform into a stronger or weaker sub-class or fully recover health.Square Co. p. 54. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Later versions of the game released upon the WonderSwan and mobile phones removed the latter effect entirely.

The basic function of equipment in SaGa games is to increase character attributes. Arming a character with a gold helmet increases his or her base defense statistic, for example. The amount of equipment that can be placed on any one character at any time depends on the character's class. Humans can hold eight, mutants four, and monsters none. There are five types of armor: shields, helmets, breastplates, gauntlets, and shoes. Only one of each at a time may be added to one character and cannot be added to monsters.Square Co. p. 31. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Weapons, consisting of swords, hammers, whips, spell books, and guns, utilize either the strength, agility or mana attribute of a character, and can be used only a certain number of times before breaking and being removed from the player's inventory. Shields can be used as items in combat, most with a limited number of uses, and allow the user to evade enemy attacks.Square Co. p. 38. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

Mutants and monsters have different spells and abilities depending on their battle experience and sub-class. These come in one of four categories: attack, non-combative, healing, and resistances/weaknesses. When used in combat, attack spells and abilities will damage a target by an elemental type, while non-combative spells and abilities inflict various status ailments (such as "blindness") or grant benefits upon a target. Healing spells and abilities restore a target's HP and can be used outside of combat. Certain spells and abilities have added traits, like affecting a group of enemies or draining HP from a target.Square Co. pp. 43-45. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Each spell and ability has a finite number of uses, and once depleted the party must visit an inn to recharge them.Square Co. p. 39. Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Resistances and weaknesses are abilities that are active throughout combat. Represented by an "O" or "X" next to the related element or status ailment, they respectively give the user either resistance or weakness to one or more types of attack; status ailments grant immunity against a particular ailment.Square Co. p. 42. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

Curative items can be found or purchased in the game through various means, each with a limited number of uses and able to be activated from a character's inventory or the items sub-menu to restore HP or remove a status ailment in or out of combat from a single target. Like other inventory items, in order to be used during combat these must be placed in a party member's equipment slot prior to battle.Square Co. pp. 40-41. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

Combat is initiated when the player encounters an enemy, which changes the map to the "battle screen". The enemy appears at the top, above the current party characters; each battle uses a menu-driven turn-based system. At the beginning of each turn, the player selects whether to fight or attempt to run.Square Co. p. 18. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. If the fight option is selected, the player selects an action for each party member from his or her equipment or skills to attack, defend, use magic, or use equipped items. Once the player has chosen actions for each player character, the player characters and enemy begin battle.Square Co. pp. 19-20. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Participants move one at a time determined by their agility statistic.Square Co. p. 28. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. If the player tries the "attempt to run" option and it fails, the party skip their turn and the enemy attacks. Combat ends if the party successfully flees, all enemies are defeated, or all player characters are defeated; in the last case, the game ends and must be reloaded from the last save.

Winning battles may award the player money (GP) and items. Enemy monsters occasionally drop meat, which can be consumed by monster-class characters.Square Co. p. 20. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Mutant classes may "evolve" at this point, randomly gaining either increased statistics or a new random magic spell or ability, possibly overwriting an existing one. Party members that lose HP during combat can have them restored via curative items,Square Co. p. 40. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. spells,Square Co. p. 46. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. inns,Square Co. p. 21. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. or elements of the world such as healing fountains.Square Co. p. 76. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. If a party member other than the starting character is defeated in battle, he or she loses a "heart" and must be resurrected in a town via the building with a large heart-shaped symbol on it. Defeated characters with no remaining hearts cannot be revived. An item can be bought at significant expense to restore a heart to a character. Alternatively, a fallen party member can also be replaced completely with a new character recruited from a town guild, regardless of the number of hearts they have remaining.

The Final Fantasy Legend takes place on several worlds centered around a large tower,Square Co. p. 3. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. built by the Creator in ancient times (God in the Japanese version) to link worlds.{{cite web | url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga/ | title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga | publisher=Square Enix | access-date=2009-06-04 | language=ja | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053157/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga/ | archive-date=2011-08-12}} There are four unique major worlds that make up different layers of the tower: the World of Continent at the base, the World of Ocean on the 5th floor, the World of Sky on the 10th, and the World of Ruins on the 16th.Square Co. p. 2. The Final Fantasy Legend, map insert, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. Time does not flow at a constant pace between levels of the tower, rendering some worlds more technologically advanced than others.{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = Floor 7 | quote = Statue: You will lose track of time while in the tower.}} Various monsters come forth from the tower into each world;Square Co. p. 2. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. many are hostile, but some of them are friendly to humans and willing to coexist. An offshoot of the human race (named mutants, espers in the Japanese version) also exists in each world; they are the magic-attuned descendants of a union between humans and the World of Continent's older races.

The World of Continent is a large land mass ruled by three kings in constant war for control of their world.Square Co. p. 55. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04. They each carry an object needed to open the tower's entrance. The World of Ocean consists of various small islands surrounded by water, each connected by small caves.{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Ocean | quote = The caves are connected to various islands.}} Pirates roam the sea of this world, forbidding travel by ship.{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Ocean | quote = A voyage by ship is too dangerous because of pirates.}} The World of Sky contains large land masses suspended in clouds, and is ruled by a powerful dictator from his flying castle.{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Sky | quote = Byak-Ko rules the sky from the gigantic flying castle.}} The World of Ruins is a technologically advanced cityscape, reduced to a post-apocalyptic wasteland by constant monster attacks.{{cite video game | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | developer = Square | publisher = Square | level = World of Sky | quote = Ameyoko town is to the northeast, but because of Su-Zaku we are afraid to travel there.}}

Standing in front of the tower, the hero and party learn that they cannot climb it to paradise without first unsealing its base door. In the base world, three kings named Armor, Sword, and Shield fight for dominance using a piece of legendary equipment corresponding to their names. Visiting King Armor, the party learns that he is in love with a girl who returns his feelings, but cannot marry him, as a bandit holds her village hostage in return for her love. They defeat the bandit, and the king gives them his armor in gratitude. King Sword attacks the heroes, who vanquish him and take the sword. Lastly, King Shield is murdered by his own steward, and after a short fight, the party recovers his shield. Restoring the items to a statue of a great hero, they receive the Black Sphere, but are attacked by Gen-bu, the first of four fiends controlled by Ashura. They defeat him and use the power of the Sphere to enter the tower.Square Co. pp. 47-74. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-04.

They climb the tower and come to another door; inside lies a second world surrounded by large bodies of water. By navigating caves, they find a floating island which allows them to travel around the world by air.Square Co. pp. 75-78. The Final Fantasy Legend, instruction manual, Retrieved on 2009-06-05. They locate an old man, Ryu-O, and solve his riddle to obtain the Airseed, allowing them to breathe underwater and enter the undersea palace. They encounter the second fiend, Sei-ryu; they defeat him and recover half of the second sphere. Upon returning to Ryu-O, he reveals himself to be the guardian of the other half of the sphere, and the two halves form the Blue Sphere.

Using the Blue Sphere to continue up the tower, the party comes to a world of clouds, dominated by Byak-ko and an army of thugs. They learn that Byak-ko recently wiped out an underground resistance movement, except for Millie and Jeanne, the two daughters of its leader. The party temporarily joins Byak-ko's gang to find the girls, and attempt to defend them until Millie betrays Jeanne and the party is captured. Breaking free, they confront the fiend, who tries to kill Millie; Jeanne takes the blow and the party engages the fiend. They defeat him, recover the White Sphere, and continue their journey.

The fourth world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland; Su-Zaku roams the surface defended by an impenetrable forcefield. The party retreats to an abandoned subway for refuge and meets Sayaka, who directs them to the nearest town. There the party is confronted by the leader of a biker gang, So-Cho, but his sister Sayaka intervenes and the two groups agree to work together to defeat Su-Zaku. As they gather the needed parts for a device to deactivate the forcefield, So-Cho sacrifices his life to guide the party through an atomic power plant. Beasts then ambush the town, and Su-Zaku kidnaps Sayaka. The party defeats Su-Zaku, earns the Red Sphere and travels on.

Climbing the tower, the party discovers the remains of a family that attempted to reach Paradise but failed,{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1990-09-30 |platform=Game Boy |level=before Ashura |quote=Diary: We barely made it to this shelter. We've run out of food and water, so we won't last much longer. Ken and Yuki, forgive me for leaving you. Akira, take care of your brothers. Creator, please look after the children. / Corpse: This child looks dead...}} and a library suggesting Ashura is controlled by someone else.{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1990-09-30 |platform=Game Boy |level=before Ashura |quote=Bookshelves: Ashura... is... controlled... by... the... / PartyMember1: We cannot read this final word. / PartyMember2: Who controls Ashura...?}} They encounter him at the top, guarding the final door; he offers each of them control of one of the worlds, but they refuse and defeat him.{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1990-09-30 |platform=Game Boy |level=vs. Ashura |quote=Ashura: So, you've made it this far. I'll make a deal with you. PartyMember1: A deal? / Ashura: I'll give each of you a piece of the world. How does that sound? / PartyMember1: No way! We'll never work for you. / Ashura: I was just being nice, but now you've pushed your luck.}} Before they can pass through the door, a trap drops them to the bottom floor. Encountering the allies they made along their journey, they decide to rescale the tower. As they climb stairs that wrap outside of the tower, they engage each of the fiends revived and defeat them. They find the Creator at the summit, and learn that the fiends and the tower itself are actually part of a game created by him to see heroes defeat evil; for succeeding they would be granted a wish as a reward. Angry at his manipulation, they reject the reward and challenge the Creator, who insists that because he created everything he was allowed to use them as he saw fit. They then attack and defeat the Creator in a fierce battle.{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1990-09-30 |platform=Game Boy |level=vs. the Creator |quote=Creator: Congratulations! I've been waiting for you. You are the first to finish the game. / PartyMember1: Game? / Creator: Yes, it's a game I created. / PartyMember2: What do you mean? / Creator: People did not know what courage and determination meant. So, I created Ashura to see what people would do. / PartyMember4: You are crazy! / Creator: Ashura tested all of you. / PartyMember3: So, it was a game? / Creator: That's right. I wanted to see a hero defeat this evil. / PartyMember1: We were all piece of your design! / Creator: You understand well. Many have failed the test, but it was refreshing to courage in the face of danger. I want to reward you for your accomplishment. I will grant you a wish. / PartyMember2: We didn't do it for a reward. Besides, you used us! / Creator: What's wrong with that? I created everything. / PartyMember1: We are not things! / Creator: How amusing...You are trying to pick a fight with me! Are you sure? It's the destiny of mortals...Very well. Remember the greatness of my power!}} The heroes then discover a door leading to an unknown location; they consider entering, but decide to return to their own world.{{cite video game|title=The Final Fantasy Legend |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1990-09-30 |platform=Game Boy |level=Epilogue |quote=PartyMember4： It's done. / PartyMember1： ... ... / PartyMember2： What are we to do now? / PartyMember1： ... ... / PartyMember3： Is there another world beyond? / PartyMember1： Shall we go there? / PartyMember2： It doesn't matter to me. / PartyMember4： Well, we didn't do too badly. / PartyMember3： That's right. We defeated all of the evil. / PartyMember1： Let's go! Others： Where? / PartyMember1: To our world!}}

The Final Fantasy Legend was the first installment of the SaGa series in Japan and the first Game Boy game produced by Square. Square president Masafumi Miyamoto requested developers create a Game Boy game after he noticed the success of Tetris and the popularity of the handheld system. Akitoshi Kawazu and partner Koichi Ishii decided that instead of creating a game similar to Tetris, they would produce what they felt customers desired most: a role-playing game.{{cite web |url=http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_157.htm |script-title=ja:クリエイターズ・ファイル：自分の信念を貫く事で『サガ』を作り出した河津秋敏氏 |publisher=Gpara.com |access-date=2009-06-01 |language=ja |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326025425/http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_157.htm |archive-date=2012-03-26}}

Square's concept for the game was a title that could be completed in six to eight hours, based on the duration of an airplane flight between Narita, Japan and Honolulu, Hawaii. Developers sought to optimize the game for short bursts of gameplay, as if played by a train passenger between stations. Square raised random battle encounter rate relative to its other role playing games, ensuring players would have at least one enemy encounter during short playtime to maintain an interesting experience.{{cite web |url=http://wii.com/jp/articles/ffcc-cb/crv/vol/page3.html |script-title=ja:ゲームボーイ初のＲＰＧを開発 |language=ja |work=Wii.com |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=2009-11-18 |page=3 |author=Staff |title=Wii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720130553/http://wii.com/jp/articles/ffcc-cb/crv/vol/page3.html |archive-date=2011-07-20}} The Final Fantasy Legend was designed to be difficult and feature advanced gameplay, described by Kawazu as the main difference between SaGa and Final Fantasy.{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/romancing-saga-minstrel-song/619282p1.html |title=Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=2009-06-05 |author=Nutt, Christian |date=2005-05-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615120519/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/romancing-saga-minstrel-song/619282p1.html |archive-date=2011-06-15}} Square implemented several other ideas to distance the games, notably the "meat" system to allow players to collect enemy abilities, though these proved difficult to portray at first.{{cite web |publisher=Famitsu |language=ja |work=Famitsu.com |author=Staff |access-date=2010-02-02 |date=2001-09-28 |title=【INTERVIEW】スクウェア マスターピース 制作者対談のすべて！ |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/09/27/103,1001592043,1486,0,0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022101806/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/09/27/103,1001592043,1486,0,0.html |archive-date=2012-10-22}}

Kawazu took a direct hand in shaping the game's scenario development,{{cite web |author=Boyes, Emma |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6160463.html?print=1 |title=Q&A: Final Fantasy XII producer Akitoshi Kawazu |website=GameSpot |access-date=2009-06-04 |date=2006-10-25 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305141403/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-final-fantasy-xii-producer-akitoshi-kawazu/1100-6160463/ |url-status=live }} working alongside Ishii, Takashi Tokita, and Hiroyuki Ito, who were involved in other Square projects at the time. Ishii and Ito developed the game's world layout and geography as well; Ryōko Tanaka designed the background graphics. Tokita developed character concept art and handled the in-game sprites.{{cite video game | title = Makai Toushi SaGa | developer = Square | publisher = Square | platform = Game Boy | level = Ending credits sequence}} (in Japanese){{cite web |url=http://www.critiqueofgames.net/data/ros/kai-saga.htm |title=SaGa Staff Credits |language=ja |publisher=CritiqueofGames |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723060900/http://www.critiqueofgames.net/data/ros/kai-saga.htm |archive-date=2011-07-23}} The Japanese cover artwork was designed by Katsutoshi Fujioka.{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/746/1746983/|script-title=ja:『サガ』シリーズ3作品の楽曲を収録したサントラのジャケットが公開。藤岡勝利さん描き下ろしイラストを使用|website=Dengeki Online|language=ja|date=2018-06-19|access-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205170330/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/746/1746983/|archive-date=2019-02-05|url-status=live}} The monochrome screen of the Game Boy proved an obstacle, as some graphics such as fire were more difficult to portray without color. As a result, they had to develop a world that "works in black and white".{{cite video |people=Kawazu Akitoshi, Uematsu Nobuo |date=2009-08-26 |title=SaGa Series 20th Anniversary Original Soundtrack |medium=DVD |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |time=1:04 |id=SQEX-10145~65}} Tanaka later revealed that the 2-megabit capacity of contemporary Game Boy cartridges severely limited their designs; the team removed some elements from the finished game to ensure peak performance.{{cite web |publisher=GameStop |access-date=2009-11-17 |url=http://japan.gamespot.com/topics/story/0,3800076357,20402786,00.htm |script-title=ja:シリーズの開発者が登場！--「サガ20周年キャンペーン プレミアムファンイベント」が開催！|author=Staff |date=2009-11-02 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104133619/http://japan.gamespot.com/topics/story/0,3800076357,20402786,00.htm |archive-date=2009-11-04}}

The Final Fantasy Legend{{'}}s soundtrack was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and consists of sixteen tracks. Uematsu struggled with composition at first, as the Game Boy's sound hardware was different from the Famicom's, featuring a new stereo option, unique waveforms, and only three musical notes. Kawazu wanted the game's music to resemble that of Square's two preceding Final Fantasy titles, but Uematsu chose to develop new waveforms.Square Brand. All Sounds of SaGa, Line Notes. p. 1. Retrieved on 2008-06-28. The music was severely limited by the Game Boy's technical specifications, having only three note types available.{{cite web | author=Staff | title=The Final Fantasy IX Team Spills All | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/085/085276p1.html | publisher=IGN Entertainment | work=IGN | date=2000-09-20 | access-date=2009-05-24 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606102422/http://psx.ign.com/articles/085/085276p1.html | archive-date=2011-06-06}}

Square has reused several songs from the game (notably the "Battle" theme) in later titles and released them on compilation soundtracks.{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=1210 |title=Square Enix Battle Tracks Vol. 1 |publisher=VGM World |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719115651/http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=1210 |archive-date=2011-07-19}} The introductory music, titled "Prologue", appeared remixed as the opening for the next two SaGa games. "Heartful Tears" (also known as "Wipe Your Tears Away"){{cite web |url=http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=424 |title=Sa·Ga All Sounds Soundtrack |publisher=VGM World |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717195211/http://www.vgmworld.com/catalog/index.php?table=cocoebiz_music&item_num=424 |archive-date=2011-07-17}} became a staple for later SaGa titles, used in five of the games and arranged differently each time.{{cite web |author=Gann, Patrick |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/saga-aso/index.html |title=All Sounds of SaGa review |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809083600/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/saga-aso/index.html |archive-date=2011-08-09}} Fifteen tracks were later included in the 1991 two-disc All Sounds of SaGa soundtrack, encompassing the Game Boy SaGa series and re-released by Square Enix in December 2004 as SaGa Zenkyoku Shu.{{cite web |url=http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8l-77-7-49-en-70-rnt-43-n9.html |title=Video Game Soundtrack - SaGa Zenkyoku Shu |publisher=Play-Asia |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615135300/http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8l-77-7-49-en-70-rnt-43-n9.html |archive-date=2011-06-15}} The final track of the set, "Journey's End", is a synthesizer-arranged version of six of the game's tracks combined into one by Uematsu. In the liner notes for All Sounds of SaGa, Uematsu states he enjoys listening to the track while remembering scenes from the game. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra played the song in the Press Start 2008 -Symphony of Games- concert as part of the "When Nobuo Uematsu Was Young" medley,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1218410_1124.html |title=Press Start 2008-Symphony of GamesS の詳細リポートをお届け！|publisher=Enterbrain |magazine=Famitsu |access-date=2009-06-01 |author=Staff |date=2008-08-29 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825024243/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1218410_1124.html |archive-date=2011-08-25}} while the "Main Theme" was played alongside "Save the World" from Final Fantasy Legend II on July 9, 2011, at the Symphonic Odysseys concert.{{cite web |title=Symphonic Odysseys Program |url=http://symphonicodysseys.com/SymphonicOdysseys_ProgrammOnlineSheet.pdf |publisher=Symphonic Odysseys |access-date=2011-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722183013/http://www.symphonicodysseys.com/SymphonicOdysseys_ProgrammOnlineSheet.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-22 |url-status=live}}

Several items of merchandise have been released for the game, including books and telephone cards.{{cite book |publisher=JICC出版局 | date=August 1992 |author=Staff |script-title=ja:ファイナルファンタジー竜騎士団 |pages=76–79, 120 |trans-title=Final Fantasy Ryūkishi Dan - Knights |isbn=4-7966-0435-9|language=ja}} Futabasha Publishers Ltd. released a book in February 1990 titled Makai Toushi Sa·Ga—Boukenshatachi no Rekuiemu ({{lang|ja|冒険者たちのレクイエム}}^?, Requiem of the Adventurers). Written by Misa Ikeda, the 287-page book was part of Futabasha's Game Boy Adventure series for children, and detailed a hero's trek to the top of the tower to reach Paradise.{{cite book |title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga—冒険者たちのレクイエム |trans-title=Makai Toushi Sa·Ga—Requiem of their Adventures |series=双葉文庫—ゲームボーイ冒険ゲームブックシリーズ |last=Ikeda |first=Misa | date=February 1990 |publisher=Futabasha Publishers Ltd. |language=ja |isbn=4-575-76138-9}} In August, Square featured the game in Final Fantasy Ryūkishi Dan - Knights (={{lang|ja|ファイナルファンタジー竜騎士団}}^?, Final Fantasy Dragon Knights), a fan book which consisting of reactions and artworks to the series. The game was one of four titles featured in October 1992 by Game Players magazine on a video tape named Game Player's Gametape for Game Boy Games, which demonstrated the game and offered a gameplay tutorial.{{cite video |date=October 1992 |title=Game Player's Gametape for Game Boy Games |url=http://content.cdlib.org/view?docId=kt529018f2&chunk.id=c01-1.8.5.5&brand=oac |medium=Videotape |publisher=Game Players / Signal Research, Inc. |location=Greensboro, North Carlonia |access-date=2009-06-03}}

File:Makaisagaw.PNG

Square released the game December 1989 in Japan as Makai Toushi Sa·Ga and included a map for the four major worlds in the game; a revised version followed shortly after.{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square Co. |platform=Game Boy |version=DMG-SAJ-1 |language=ja}} Square translated it to English in March 1990, and planned to release it in North America with new artwork as The Great Warrior Saga.{{cite book |title=Video Game Quest: The Complete Guide to Home Video Game Systems, Video Games, and Accessories |last=Dekeles |first=Jon |year=1990 |publisher=DMS |isbn=0-9625057-2-2}} Square retitled it The Final Fantasy Legend before releasing it on September 30, 1990, to tie into the popularity of the Final Fantasy video game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kawazu-interview|title=Catching Up With Kawazu: The Legendary RPG Developer Talks SaGa and Why We Shouldn't Call Everything an RPG|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=2019-12-04|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=2019-12-05|archive-date=2019-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204214727/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kawazu-interview|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine |author1=Kennedy, Sam |author2=Steinman, Gary |name-list-style=amp |date= August 2001 |title=Milking The Final Fantasy Franchise |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |issue= 44 |page=99}} Developers made slight modifications for this version, such as removing the game's credits and adjusting the longevity of certain weapons.{{cite book |title=いまだ誰も踏破したことのない"楽園へ通じる塔"を、完全マップと詳細チャートでパーフェクト攻略。|year=2002 |publisher=デジキューブ |isbn=4-88787-032-9}} Changes to the text were also made, including the omission of some of Ryu-O's riddles,{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Blue orb retrieval |language=ja |quote=Ryu-O: {{lang|ja|げんきなひとは いたくて つかれたひとは きもちいいもの なんだ?}} / {{lang|ja|うみにちかいと ちいさくて やまにちかいと おおきいもの なんだ?}}}} removal of mention about self-sacrifice and a hint of the Tower's true purpose.{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Before Ashura |language=ja |quote=Diary: {{lang|ja|てちょうがおちている ‥‥なんとか このシェルタ－に にげこめた。かぎられた みずと しょくりょうを ながもちさせるため わたしは ほとんど てをつけずに こどもたちに あたえてきた。だが もう げんかいだ‥‥ ケン ユキ おまえたちを おいていく とうさんを ゆるしておくれ。アキラ ふたりのことを たのむぞ。かみよ わたしのいのちとひきかえに このこたちを おまもりください! わたし‥は‥‥}}}}{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=Before Ashura |language=ja |quote=Bookshelves: {{lang|ja|ア－サ－‥‥11かい 19-3-21 / くろう‥‥13かい 50-2-18 / ハ－ン‥‥19かい 72-6-14 / ジ－ク‥‥6かい 24-2-12 / リズ‥‥12かい 80-1-28}}　/ PartyMember1: {{lang|ja|「なんだ このきろくは? いったいだれが‥‥}} / Bookshelves: PartyMember1{{lang|ja|‥‥}} / PartyMember2: {{lang|ja|「こいつらみたいに とちゅうでやられてたまるか! みてろよ}}}} Notably, the exchange between the player's party and the Creator, where the latter reveals that he created Asura simply out of boredom, is altered.{{cite video game|title=Makai Toushi SaGa |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square Co |date=1989-12-15 |platform=Game Boy |level=vs. Creator |language=ja |quote=Creator: {{lang|ja|やっときましたね。おめでとう! このゲームを かちぬいたのは きみたちが はじめてです}} / PartyMember1: {{lang|ja|ゲーム?}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|わたしが つくった そうだいな ストーリーの ゲームです!}} / PartyMember2: {{lang|ja|どういうことだ?}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|わたしは へいわなせかいに あきあきしていました。そこでアシュラをよびだしたのです}} / PartyMember4: {{lang|ja|なに かんがえてんだ!}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|アシュラは せかいを みだし おもしろくしてくれました。だが それもつかのまのこと かれにもたいくつしてきました}} / PartyMember3: {{lang|ja|そこで　ゲーム‥か?}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|そう! そのとうり!! わたしは あくまを うちたおす ヒーローが ほしかったのです!}} / PartyMember1: {{lang|ja|なにもかも あんたがかいた すじがきだったわけだ}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|なかなか りかいが はやい。おおくの モノたちが ヒーローに なれずに きえていきました。しすべき うんめいをせおった ちっぽけなそんざいが ひっしに いきぬいていく すがたは わたしさえも かんどうさせるものが ありました。わたしは このかんどうを あたえてくれた きみたちに おれいがしたい! どんなのぞみでも かなえてあげましょう}} / PartyMember2: {{lang|ja|おまえのために ここまで きたんじゃねえ! よくも おれたちを みんなを おもちゃにしてくれたな!}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|それが どうかしましたか? すべては わたしが つくった モノなのです}} / PartyMember1: {{lang|ja|おれたちは モノじゃない!}} / Creator: {{lang|ja|かみに ケンカをうるとは‥‥ どこまでも たのしい ひとたちだ! どうしても やる つもりですね これも いきもののサガか‥‥ よろしい しぬまえに かみのちから とくと めに やきつけておけ!!}}}} In 1998, Sunsoft acquired the license to the Game Boy "Final Fantasy" games, re-releasing them in North America the same year. Despite advertising compatibility with Nintendo's Game Boy Color handheld, the re-released version featured no enhancements.{{cite web | url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/158/158021p1.html | title = The Final Fantasy Legend | website = IGN | author = Sy, Dexter | date = 2000-06-12 | access-date = 2008-04-09 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110613205235/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/158/158021p1.html | archive-date = 2011-06-13}}

Square re-released of The Final Fantasy Legend for Bandai's WonderSwan Color unit;{{cite web |author=Staff |date=2001-09-21 |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2001/09/20/104,1000986276,1393,0,0.html |title=【WS】『サ・ガ』シリーズの原点 『魔界塔士 サ・ガ』 |language=ja |publisher=Famitsu |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520081759/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2001/09/20/104,1000986276,1393,0,0.html |archive-date=2011-05-20}} the Japan-exclusive port debuted in March 2002 under the Japanese title.{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/ms_ws/ |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053255/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/ms_ws/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}} Toshiyuki Itahana redrew the concept art and graphics, and Square added animated cutscenes. Developers also enabled players to see in advance what a monster would transform into before eating meat left behind after battle. The port allowed playthrough of the intact original Game Boy version.{{cite web |url=http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/partner_title/title/saga/ |title=魔界塔士 Sa・Ga |language=ja |publisher=Bandai Games |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728092321/http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/partner_title/title/saga/ |archive-date=2011-07-28}} Among other changes and additions were gameplay tweaks, a bestiary, and an added feature that allowed players to automatically target an enemy for attack in combat.Square Enix. Makai Toushi SaGa, instruction manual (WonderSwan) (in Japanese), Retrieved on 2008-06-24

As of January 2007, Square Enix had renewed their trademark on the Japanese name for the game, and at Square Enix's 2007 Tokyo Game Show in September made a mobile phone port of the WonderSwan version available for play.{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=2007-09-03 |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/817/817463p1.html |title=Square Enix TGS 2007 Lineup |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522191504/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/817/817463p1.html |archive-date=2011-05-22}} Square released the game for download in 2007 and 2008 for Japanese i-mode, EZweb and SoftBank Mobile compatible phones.{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/ |script-title=ja:魔界塔士 サ・ガ |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302031544/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/ |archive-date=2012-03-02}} The port removed the bestiary mode and the original Game Boy version of the game, and condensed some of the in-game cutscenes. It added Japanese kanji support and extra shops with new equipment throughout the quest.{{cite web |title=魔界塔士 サ・ガ (About) |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/about/ |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308140050/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/about/ |archive-date=2012-03-08}}

In 2020, the original version was re-released alongside the other two Game Boy SaGa titles for the Nintendo Switch.{{Cite web|url = https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/collection_of_saga_final_fantasy_legend|title = Review: Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend - A Nostalgic Curiosity, but That's About It|date = 27 December 2020|access-date = December 25, 2021|archive-date = December 31, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201231085053/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/collection_of_saga_final_fantasy_legend|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.siliconera.com/review-collection-of-saga-is-good-but-not-quite-legendary/|title = Review: Collection of SaGa is Good, but Not Quite Legendary|date = 23 December 2020|access-date = December 25, 2021|archive-date = December 23, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211223030325/https://www.siliconera.com/review-collection-of-saga-is-good-but-not-quite-legendary/|url-status = live}} The collection was published worldwide by Square Enix on December 19 under the title Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend.{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|The Saga Collection|サ・ガ コレクション|Saga Korekushon}}.}} It was a digital exclusive release, and included English and Japanese text options worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/games/collection-saga-final-fantasy-legend|title=Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend|website=Square Enix|access-date=2021-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214200116/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/games/collection-saga-final-fantasy-legend|archive-date=2020-12-14|url-status=live}} Production began at Square Enix so players could enjoy the original SaGa trilogy on modern hardware. While Kawazu had earlier plans to bring the originals onto newer hardware, the series' 30th anniversary provided a good opportunity to fulfil his wish.{{cite web|url=https://primagames.com/feature/interview-talkin-saga-shop-square-enix-saga-leaders-akitoshi-kawazu-hiroyuki-miura-and-masanori-ichikawa|title=Interview: Talkin' SaGa Shop with Square Enix SaGa leaders Akitoshi Kawazu, Hiroyuki Miura and Masanori Ichikawa|last=White|first=Lucas|website=Prima Games|date=2021-02-12|access-date=2021-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217011948/https://primagames.com/feature/interview-talkin-saga-shop-square-enix-saga-leaders-akitoshi-kawazu-hiroyuki-miura-and-masanori-ichikawa|archive-date=2021-02-17|url-status=live}}

The port included color and resolution options, higher speed options during gameplay, control options that emulated the Game Boy console, a commemorative track created by later composer Kenji Ito, and new artwork by Fujioka.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/26204678.html|script-title=ja:【サガ30周年】スイッチ『サ・ガ コレクション』12月15日に発売！ゲームボーイ版3作品を1つに集約、高速モードも搭載【Nintendo Direct Mini】|language=ja|magazine=Famitsu|date=2020-08-26|access-date=2021-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125060553/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/26204678.html|archive-date=2020-11-25|url-status=live}} The minor adjustments were done to reflect modern gaming tastes, but otherwise the games were unaltered. The WonderSwan port of the first SaGa was considered for release, but it was decided to leave it out to focus on the originals. While the titles were rebranded as part of the SaGa series, their original Final Fantasy branding was retained as a subtitle to avoid undue confusion for original players.{{cite web|url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/whats-great-collection-of-saga-final-fantasy-legend|title=What's great about Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend?|author=Heaney, Duncan|website=Square Enix|date=2020-12-16|access-date=2021-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217203136/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/whats-great-collection-of-saga-final-fantasy-legend|archive-date=2020-12-17|url-status=live}} This edition was the first time the Game Boy titles officially released in Europe.

{{Video game reviews

| GR = 49% (retrospective){{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/563273-the-final-fantasy-legend/index.html |title=The Final Fantasy Legend for Game Boy |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2018-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011150/https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/563273-the-final-fantasy-legend/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09 |url-status=dead}}

| Allgame = 3.5/5{{cite web |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=1050&tab=review |title=The Final Fantasy Legend [1998] - Review |work=Allgame |author=Mauser, Evan A. |publisher=All Media Guide |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114124646/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1050&tab=review |archive-date=2014-11-14}}

| Fam = 35/40{{cite web|title=Squaresoft |url=http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/companies.asp?cid=184 |publisher=Famitsu Scores Archive |access-date=2014-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221092259/http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/companies.asp?cid=184 |archive-date=February 21, 2009}}

| Gen4 = 10/10{{citation|title=Tests Game-Boy: The Final Fantasy Legend|magazine=Génération 4|issue=29|page=120|date=January 1991|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero029/generation4%20-%20N029%20-%20janvier%201991%20-%20page120%20et%20page121.jpg|access-date=2014-12-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201122418/http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero029/generation4%20-%20N029%20-%20janvier%201991%20-%20page120%20et%20page121.jpg|archive-date=2014-02-01}}

| IGN = 6/10

| NP = 3.7/5.0{{cite magazine |magazine=Game Boy: Nintendo Player's Guide |title=The Final Fantasy Legend |publisher=Nintendo |year=1991 |page=173}}

| rev1 = Chicago Tribune

| rev1Score = 15/20

| rev2 = Power Play

| rev2Score = 78%{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/final-fantasy-legend/mobyrank |title=The Final Fantasy Legend - MobyRank |publisher=MobyGames |access-date=2008-06-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010330/http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/final-fantasy-legend/mobyrank |archive-date=2012-09-08}}

| award1Pub = Nintendo Power

| award1 = 3rd Best Game Boy Game of 1990,
70th Best Nintendo Game

| award2Pub = Pocket Games

| award2 = 8th Best Game Boy Game

| award3Pub = Game Informer

| award3 = 6th Best Game Boy Game

}}

The Final Fantasy Legend is Square's first game to sell over a million copies;{{cite web |url=http://release.square-enix.com/news/j/2009/05/okooygzqf.html |title=「サガ2秘宝伝説 GODDESS OF DESTINY」タイトルロゴ、発売時期決定、公式サイト正式オープンのお知らせ |author=Staff |publisher=Square Enix |date=2009-05-11 |access-date=2009-06-01 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726151202/http://release.square-enix.com/news/j/2009/05/okooygzqf.html |archive-date=2011-07-26}} the Game Boy version alone shipped 1.37 million copies worldwide (1.15 million in Japan) as of March 2003.{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |title=February 2, 2004 - February 4, 2004 |date=2004-02-09 |access-date=2008-03-01 |format=PDF |publisher=Square Enix |page=27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213144948/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |archive-date=February 13, 2012}} Square quickly released two sequels for the Game Boy,{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga2/ |title=Sa・Ga2 秘宝伝説 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053241/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga2/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}}{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga3/ |title=時空の覇者 Sa・Ga3 ［完結編］ |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812053329/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga3/ |archive-date=2011-08-12}} and marketed subsequent SaGa games on other video game consoles. The one-eyed monster featured on the Japanese box art later became the series' mascot, appearing in the sequel as a character named "Mr. S".{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8988525&publicUserId=5379721 |author=Parish, Jeremy |title=Looking at SaGa 2 Again |work=1UP.com |publisher=UGO Networks |date=2009-05-11 |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629154146/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8988525&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=2011-06-29}}{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/saga20th/index.html |title=SAGA生誕 20周年 |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2009-06-04 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909051210/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/saga20th/index.html |archive-date=2011-09-09}} Game Freak founder Satoshi Tajiri cited the game's influence behind the Game Boy Pokémon series, stating it gave him the idea that the system could handle more than action games.{{cite web |language=ja |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/taidan1/page02.html |title=Pokémon interview |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=2009-06-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425173442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/taidan1/page02.html |archive-date=2009-04-25}}

Upon release, Makai Toushi Sa·Ga was acclaimed by Japanese critics. Famitsu awarded the game an overall score of 35 out of 40. Among its panel of four reviewers, three gave it 9 out of 10, while one gave it 8 out of 10. This made it one of their two highest-rated games of 1989, along with Ys I & II. It entered the Famitsu Platinum Hall of Fame, being one only seven games up until 1989 to have received a score of at least 35 or above from Famitsu.{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/cross_review/|title=週刊ファミ通クロスレビュープラチナ殿堂入りソフト一覧|publisher=Geimin|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204020438/http://geimin.net/da/db/cross_review|archive-date=2010-02-04|url-status=live}}

Western critics gave mostly positive reviews upon its initial release. Author Jeff Rovin heavily praised the title in the book How to Win at Game Boy Games, citing the thorough manual and considering the game a "masterful achievement for the Game Boy unit, and a superlative game of [its] kind", though not as complex as The Legend of Zelda.{{cite book |title=How to Win at Game Boy Games |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Rovin |year=1991 |publisher=Signet Books |isbn=0-451-17446-1 |page=101}} In May 1991, Nintendo Power named the game the third all-around best Game Boy game of the previous year,{{cite magazine |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo |date=May 1991 |issue=24 |page=33 |title=Nintendo Power Awards}} and in September 1997 they ranked it 70th on their list of the "Top 100" games to appear on a Nintendo system, stating that it had "stayed true to the Square Soft tradition".{{cite magazine |date=September 1997 |title=Nintendo Power's 100 Best Nintendo Games of All Time |magazine=Nintendo Power |issue=100 |page=98}} The Chicago Tribune in 1991 called the game "a little slow in spots, but, like Final Fantasy, worth your patience", and a "good quest". The newspaper gave the game ratings of 8 out of 10 and 7 out of 10.{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/06/28/getting-there-may-be-most-of-the-fun-with-game-boys/ |title=Getting There May Be Most Of The Fun With Game Boys |access-date=2010-06-06 |date=1991-06-28 |page=73 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tony W. Hunter |author1=Johnathan, Carter |author2=Chip Carter |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708000026/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-06-28/entertainment/9102270016_1_nastiest-places-magnification-screen-action-shooter/2 |url-status=live }} German gaming magazine Power Play gave the game a score of 78%, and praised it for showing potential for the Game Boy as the first role-playing game on the platform.

The Game Boy version of the game received mixed reviews in retrospective. IGN called The Final Fantasy Legend a "compelling RPG with a complex gameplay system and a solid soundtrack", but complained about the game's difficulty and "dated" graphics. Allgame praised the title on its merits as a role-playing game, but criticized its high difficulty and lack of a sense of direction. 1UP's Retronauts described its gameplay as a successor to Final Fantasy II{{'}}s, though added that the systems involved were not properly refined until its sequel; they further stated that the randomness of the mutant and monster character classes made the game very difficult.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3156908 |title=Retronauts |website=1UP.com |host=Jeremy Parish |date=2009-05-14 |access-date=2009-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919024351/http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3156908 |archive-date=2011-09-19}} Spencer Yip of Siliconera named it as a game he was thankful for playing, citing it as opening his mind to story-based games more so than titles like Dragon Quest, and in part led to the creation of the website.{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/24/siliconera-thanksgiving-special/ |title=Siliconera Thanksgiving Special |date=2011-11-24 |work=Siliconera |author=Staff |access-date=2011-11-25 |publisher=CraveOnline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127013809/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/24/siliconera-thanksgiving-special/ |archive-date=2011-11-27}}

TechnoBuffalo's Ron Duwell said that, while it was regarded less favorably than its sequels, its flaws could be worked around and added that there was no such other title to compete like The Final Fantasy Legend.{{cite web |url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/23/game-boy-25th-anniversary-final-fantasy-in-your-hands/ |publisher=TechnoBuffalo |access-date=2015-07-09 |date=2014-04-23 |author=Duwell, Ron |title=Game Boy's 25th Anniversary: Final Fantasy In Your Hands… Sort Of |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714100539/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/04/23/game-boy-25th-anniversary-final-fantasy-in-your-hands/ |archive-date=2015-07-14}} 1UP.com's Jeremy Parish called it one of the "essential" games for the Game Boy as well as one of the best of 1989, noting its introduction of new ideas that contrasted the Final Fantasy series and calling it "a pretty decent portable RPG in its own right".{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8987032&publicUserId=5379721 |publisher=UGO Networks |work=1UP.com |access-date=2009-11-17 |date=2009-04-28 |author=Parish, Jeremy |title=8-Bit Cafe: Game Boy Essentials, 1989 Edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629041346/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8987032&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=2011-06-29}} GameDaily named it a definite game for Game Boy alongside the related Final Fantasy titles, describing it as providing "hours of role-playing excitement".{{cite web |author=Workman, Robert |date=2008-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228020505/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/retro-rewind-game-boy/189/?page=6 |archive-date=2008-02-28 |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/retro-rewind-game-boy/189/?page=6 |title=Retro Rewind: Game Boy |work=GameDaily |publisher=AOL |access-date=2009-06-01}} Andrew Vanden Bossche described the game as "unusual" amongst Japanese roleplaying games, describing its narrative as "loosely connected experiences rather than the sort of epic narrative the RPG genre is commonly thought of". As a result, the off-screen deaths of non-player characters felt more "poignant" and an example of memento mori.{{cite web|author=Andrew Vanden Bossche|date=May 19, 2010|title=Design Diversions: Memento Mori|publisher=GameSetWatch|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/05/columndesign_diversions_moment.php|access-date=2011-03-12|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072230/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/05/columndesign_diversions_moment.php|archive-date=July 11, 2011}} However, he also felt the monster class system as counter-intuitive, as frequently said classes emphasized the point of enemies as "designed to pose challenges, not overcome them".{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/06/design_diversions_bad_monster.php |date=2009-06-25 |access-date=2011-09-30 |title=Design Diversions: 'Bad Monster, No Biscuit' |author=Andrew Vanden Bossche |publisher=GameSetWatch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820003429/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/06/design_diversions_bad_monster.php |archive-date=2010-08-20}} Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, Pocket Games, and GameSpot shared this sentiment; the latter three named it one of the top fifty games for the Game Boy.{{cite magazine |date=Summer–Fall 1999 |title=Top 50 Games |magazine=Pocket Games |issue=1 |page=32}}{{cite magazine |date=March 1998 |page=16 |title=The Top 25 Game Boy Games of All-Time |magazine=Game Informer |issue=59}}{{cite magazine |year=1999 |title=Game Boy Pocket |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly Buyer's Guide |issue=7 |page=55}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/gameboy50/sec3.html |title=VideoGames.com Presents the Top 50 Game Boy Games |author=Davis, Cameron |website=GameSpot |access-date=2009-11-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720031240/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/gameboy50/sec3.html |archive-date=2010-07-20}}

The difficulty and significance of the game's final boss, the Creator, has elicited several mentions. GamePro named him one of the "47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time", placing him 37th on the list and adding "You gotta wonder... how many hit points did the developers give God?"{{cite magazine |magazine=GamePro |access-date=2009-06-01 |date=2008-02-04 |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time?pp=1 |title=The 47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time |author=Staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814062225/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time/?pp=1 |archive-date=2011-08-14}} 1UP.com described the battle as "epic", considering it part of a recurring theme of Japanese role-playing games in which characters band together to kill God.{{cite web |title=Clash of the Cultures |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=7&cId=3155815 |date=2007-01-08 |author=Kalata, Kurt |work=1UP.com |publisher=UGO Networks |access-date=2009-06-01 |page=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629152523/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=7&cId=3155815 |archive-date=2011-06-29}} Comedian Jackie Kashian referenced the Creator on Comedy Central Presents, describing the game's final battle as "the worst premise ever of any video game", and recalling how she still tried for eight months to defeat the boss.{{cite episode |title=Comedy Central Presents: Jackie Kashian |series=Comedy Central Presents |credits=Presenters: Jackie Kashian |network=Comedy Central |airdate=2003-02-28 |season=7 |number=4}} Despite the final boss' difficulty, it can be killed easily by the instant-death "chainsaw" weapon. In 2009, Square Enix battle planner Nobuyuki Matsuoka paid homage to the fact in the game Final Fantasy XIII, by deliberately giving the title's final boss a similar vulnerability.{{cite book |title=ファイナルファンタジーXIII シナリオアルティマニア |trans-title=Final Fantasy XIII Scenario Ultimania |publisher=Square Enix |author=Square Enix |language=ja |isbn=978-4-7575-2775-1 |date=January 2010}} Square brought back the character as a boss in later SaGa games Imperial SaGa Eclipse and Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, the former of which included a line referencing his weakness to the chainsaw.{{cite web |website=inside-games.jp |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/08/28/140056.html |script-title=ja:バラバラにしてスカっとさわやか！初代『サガ』の神は体を張ったエンターテイナーだった |date=2022-08-28 |accessdate=2024-04-07 |language=ja}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/saga/ Official Game Boy version info page] {{in lang|ja}}
• [http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/partner_title/title/saga/ Official WonderSwan Color version website] {{in lang|ja}}
• [http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/sem/saga/ Official mobile phone version website] {{in lang|ja}}
• [http://towerreversed.org/index.html Tower Reversed], analysis and simulator of the game's battle system

{{SaGa series}}

{{Final Fantasy series}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Final Fantasy Legend 01}}

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