Mobius Final Fantasy is the first Final Fantasy game for mobile devices that is not a port or an original title with lower production values than the series’ main games. It is meant to have visual and production parity with the main contemporary titles in the series. In this free-to-play game the player assumes the role of a male protagonist that can be named. He starts in a type of purgatory called Ether where he is informed by a voice from above, called Vox, about the game world called Palamecia. The character is one of many on the same road, fighting for a chance to become a Warrior of Light. Other characters introduced later on are Palamecia’s crown princess Sarah Cornelia, the spirit Echo, the knight Garland, and the moogle Mog.
The game was first released in Japan and only later brought to other countries. The first chapter is free and the others are bought as in-app purchases. The available chapters are:
- Chapter 1: Blank Slate
- Chapter 2: Prophecy and Hope
- Chapter 3: Princess of the Battlefield (two parts)
- Chapter 4 Prologue: A New Radiance
- Chapter 4: Illusion and Doubt (two parts)
- Chapter 5: Warrior of the Beginning (two parts)
Most of the game consists of a long path with many battle sequences in succession, interspersed with cut-scenes that further the game story. Each chapter also adds new types of events and customization items. The turn-based battles take place in self-contained areas, fighting one or more enemies. Attacking is done by tapping and each attack draws element orbs as a resource for more powerful attacks, consuming them. These abilities are mostly acquired through cards, with a deep loadout system, and each ability is based on a selection of one or more types of orbs. Characters also have weapons. The four elements are fire, earth, water and wind, also adding to a system of weaknesses and resistances. Many elements have a separate Break gauge that needs to be targeted before any serious damage can be done. Battle thus require a tactical approach in both equipment and execution.
Each battle is rewarded with a score and rankings are compared worldwide. Experience adds to a player level and Gil is the main currency. Cards, tied to abilities, have their own leveling system. The game has a job system, resembling RPG classes, and it is possible to switch between them. Each job has a unique Ultimate ability. Jobs have a progression system to evolve into new, more rewarding types of jobs. Certain orbs are tied to support abilities, accessed through a ring in the bottom right corner of the screen during battles. Enabling these with the required orbs activates ‘drives’, for instance providing healing or activating resistances. When the main character dies a limited amount of Phoenix Downs are available to revive. The usage of orbs is also tied to a system of skill seeds, where additional elements such as crystals, dark and light, next to the four main ones, provide access to skills and enhancements. Prior to battles a card can be rented from another player. Optionally automatic battles can be activated, with a defensive or offensive approach. Cards can be sold, enhanced and fused. New cards, items, and ability tickets can be acquired by spending a currency called Magicite, obtained from the Magicite Distiller that is filled gradually and needs to be claimed regularly. Magicity is largely the game’s premium currency.
After the initial release a multiplayer functionality was added to take on bosses with up to four players. There is an energy/stamina system with a meter where points are spent for moving to a new area and stamina is recovered gradually.
