Final Fantasy: A Look Back: 1990 - 1991

April 27, 1990 - The Japanese version of Final Fantasy III for the NES is released. The North America version never came about until 2006. In this game, Four young warriors are given the task of fighting to restore the four Elemental Crystals and defeat the evil Xande. Summon spells made their debut, as part of a 22 job system, where characters could change jobs at any time. They were split into two types.

The Warrior types are Onion Knight, Fighter, Monk, Hunter, Knight, Thief, Dragoon, Viking, Krateka, Mystic Knight and Ninja

The Mage types are White Wizard, Black Wizard, Red Wizard, Scholar, Geomancer, Conjurer, Bard, Shaman, Warlock, Summoner and Sage.

October 10, 1990 - Final Fantasy I finally comes to North America. The following year saw a shorter time between Japanese and American versions with the release of Final Fantasy IV.

July 19, 1991 - Final Fantasy IV for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is released in Japan. Today, it's known as FF4 HardType. When Square was considering the North America release, they considered it too difficult for the younger audience, so they released an easier version. It was known as Final Fantasy IV EasyType in Japan and Final Fantasy II in North America. (The original Final Fantasy II never saw a release in North America until 2003, when Final Fantasy Origins (I & II was released.)

In this game, you play Cecil Harvey, an air squadron captain, who faces many inner struggles in a fight against the evil Golbez and Zemus. The game is riddled with plot twists. The system goes back to FF I's fixed-class system and introduces Active Time Battle and a five-character party.

October 19, 1991 - Final Fantasy IV is released as Final Fantasy II in North America.

October 29, 1991 - Final Fantasy IV EasyType is released in Japan