Uh? An intelligent discussion upon which FFT is superior? I guess you skipped the choice of "I like both games". On my particular condition, I have played and finished both games. And I have gotten almost everything on both games. But, putting aside many aspects, and only focusing in two of them, I do prefer FFT to FFT:A.
I'm not so much into graphics, and neither into music. On difficulty, I consider FFT:A much difficult because of the Law factor and the Orlandu factor. And, if you placed the Law system and Orlandu in the same game, Orlandu outbeats the Law system (well, maye Target Area may make the battle a bit difficult, but he still has Night Sword). Both games had a similar battle system, and both games prized more mages than fighters (notice the effectiveness of FFT's mages in comparison to the fighters). FFT uncompensed by making all but two of the NPCs fighters, and giving them uber-powers, while making the mage NPCs difficult to use. FFT:A balanced more the Fighter<->Mage difference. But, then came the Tactics Ogre guys, with their MP regeneration, Anyways, even fighters have 5MP regeneration, and Doublecast and Turbo MP and Summons still ate MP like popcorn!!
Which leads to the aspects I care: storyline and the PC skills system. FFT, granted, has the best storyline. Even with the plagued translation, the story was rich. A battle for power that escalates in a war? Man, that must be like the most used, yet still favorite story. FFT:A went more on a kid's story, which, while having its liking, it still can't compare to FFT. And the job system on both games. Both were equally well done, but FFT:A slightly breaks the balance. Sure, Strikeback is real nasty, but only Humans and Bangaa can use it. A-skills follow the same suit. But, when you really go deeper and customize your team, you see FFT:A has more chances than FFT. Since, when you get all NPC, you only have team for 2 extra PCs and Ramza.
But, because of a bit of nostalgia, and the inmense storyline, I choose FFT. However...I can't play FFT while on a 2-hour trip, and well, not all cars have PS2s and TVs integrated. And FFT:A is just the game for it.
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