All I can say is WOW.
I did order this from Amazon.co.uk on pre order, but was very let down when I got an email from them saying it was delayed for 1 month!
I looked at Amazon Market place, where it is cheaper and also in stock. I received mine very promptly.
I never played any of the early Final Fantasy games. I started at FF7. But when the old games were released on the PS1, some years back I did start and play some.
This game on the DS is great. The game has been redone lovingly tight to the old one. The graphics are fab for this little DS and the relationships between the characters are believable, and the bond between them is strong.
The story line is fantastic, and also there are some tear jerker moments in the game.
I have just gotten an airship from Cid, and so at the moment I am leveling up my characters and getting as much HP as possible to face a very hard boss between the dark elf!
The castles and the villages are great where there is an inn, a pub, shops ext. I couldn't stop laughing when I was turned into a toad by the Black Madge in Mysidia!
The music is also stunning, and the world map music is one of the best world map scores to date.
There are Chocobo Forests, and you get to catch a Black Chocobo and fly it! You can also summon monsters in this game. Summoner is Rydia.
Your party has set roles. Dark Night, White Madge, Black Mage, Summoner, Bard etc. Each character is vital in the battles. You learn abilities after you've battled, as well as get gil, more hp/mp points etc.
The battle system is easy, and slick.
There are save points in the dungeons, near to the boss, and you can use tent and cottage to heal your party, as well as save.
Get this game. You wont be disappointed.