Episode 4: The Forgotten Cornerstone – Final Fantasy III

This week on Tea With Bahamut, we turn our attention to Final Fantasy III—the game that many fans skipped, but one that quietly shaped the DNA of the series moving forward.

We start with the game’s development, how the team at Square returned to a more traditional fantasy setting after the darker tone of FFII, and how they pushed the limits of the Famicom to deliver their most ambitious entry yet. Though it was long unreleased outside Japan, FFIII was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the franchise.

At the heart of our discussion is the story: four orphans chosen by the Crystals to bring balance to a world falling into chaos. Simple on the surface, but layered with themes of growth, destiny, and the delicate balance between light and dark.

We explore how Final Fantasy III introduced the Job System, a deep and flexible mechanic that gave players unprecedented control over their party’s evolution. We talk about how this system encouraged experimentation and replayability, and how it laid the foundation for classics like FFV, Tactics, and beyond.

Whether you’ve played FFIII or only heard whispers of its influence, this episode is your invitation to rediscover a game that deserves more credit than it gets. So grab your tea—and maybe a scholar hat—and join us!
If you wish to talk with us, make suggestion or ask us questions you are welcome to join our discord server dedicated to our podcast!!
https://discord.gg/GMfvdYsRDg
Ailiroy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RetroGamesCouple/featured