After nearly 40 years, a classic NES role-playing game from the late 1980s is now available to play for free with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. The good news is you don’t need the most expensive Game Pass Ultimate plan – it works with PC Game Pass and Game Pass Premium too. It’s not included with the basic Xbox Game Pass Essential plan (formerly Xbox Live Gold), but all other tiers provide access.
The very first Final Fantasy game, a landmark title from Square Enix, is now available to play with an Xbox Game Pass subscription as part of January 2026’s new games. While it’s unclear how long it will stay on the service, Game Pass subscribers can buy the game at a 20% discount while it’s available. Games added to Xbox Game Pass usually remain for 12 to 24 months.
A Milestone RPG From Square Enix
The Final Fantasy series is Square Enix’s flagship title and a cornerstone of the gaming world. It’s considered one of the greatest RPG series ever made, and even one of the most important game series of all time, regardless of genre. While the original Final Fantasy received positive reviews upon release, it wasn’t a smash hit and feels dated today. However, it played a significant role in bringing RPGs to a wider audience.
I remember when the very first Final Fantasy came out in 1987, it was only available in Japan for a few years! For a long time, you could only play it on the NES. It wasn’t until 2003 that people in North America and Europe finally got to experience it on the PlayStation 1. It was a huge deal!
Not in its Original Form
This isn’t the classic Final Fantasy from the NES, but the 2021 Pixel Remaster. While the core game remains the same, it’s been updated with modern improvements and a visual refresh.
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2026-01-08 15:43