《太空戰士3》（Final Fantasy III）是由史克威爾（Squaresoft）於1990年為任天堂紅白機（Famicom / NES）平台推出的角色扮演遊戲（RPG），是該系列的第三部作品。延續前兩部作品的基礎，並在遊戲機制和劇情方面進行重大創新，為RPG遊戲的發展做出重要貢獻，並且開創該系列的一些經典元素。移植的主機有Java ME、DS、PSP、、PSN、手機、Steam，Virtual Console平台的有Wii、Wii U跟3DS。

隨著故事的進行，會發現水晶的力量與世界的命運息息相關，黑暗力量的背後隱藏著一個更大的陰謀。這些年輕的冒險者在不斷的挑戰和考驗中逐漸成長，並與許多其他角色互動，發現自己過去的秘密，最終決定如何面對即將來臨的災難。與前兩部作品相比，在劇情上更加複雜，並且更加注重角色的成長與情感變化。遊戲的劇情不僅是單純的拯救世界的冒險，它還涉及到愛情、犧牲、選擇和背叛等主題，讓人更加投入到每個角色的命運中。

在機制上引入許多創新，使其與前作相比顯得更加豐富和多樣。最為顯著的改進是角色職業系統的引入。是該系列中首度實現「職業系統」的遊戲，根據角色的需求選擇各種不同的職業，例如戰士、騎士、獵人、武僧、龍騎士、盜賊、黑魔道士、白魔道士、風水師等職業等。不同職業擁有不同的技能和屬性，使得戰鬥變得更加多樣化。職業系統的引入不僅提升戰鬥的策略性，也增強角色成長的自由度，根據自己的遊玩風格來定制每個角色的能力。此外，延續回合制戰鬥系統，指揮角色在戰鬥中進行攻擊、防禦、使用魔法或道具等操作。魔法系統十分豐富，除傳統的攻擊性魔法，還有治療、增益、減益等多種效果，根據敵人的不同狀態和戰鬥需求選擇最合適的魔法。

角色不僅有固定的職業，還可以根據不同的情境進行職業轉換。每個角色最多可以學會兩個職業的技能，這樣的設計讓玩家在遊戲中能夠靈活運用不同的策略來應對各種敵人和挑戰。

關卡設計以探索和解謎為主要特色。世界地圖由不同的區域構成，每個區域都有自己獨特的地理特徵和敵人。在這些區域中進行探索，尋找隱藏的寶藏、解開謎題、打敗強敵，並逐步推進劇情。地城和迷宮是重要的遊玩內容，這些地點通常擁有複雜的布局和多層次的挑戰。在探索過程中，會發現許多秘密區域、隱藏物品和秘密敵人，這些發現不僅能幫助提升角色，也能豐富遊戲體驗。

除常規的戰鬥和探索，還提供許多支線任務，可以選擇是否參與這些任務，從而獲得額外的獎勳和物品。這些支線任務的內容涵蓋多種主題，有些任務需要解開謎題，有些則要求進行特殊的戰鬥。

發售後在當時的市場反響相當熱烈，雖然最初只在日本發行，但它在玩家和評論界中都受到高度讚譽。職業系統、豐富的劇情和多樣的戰鬥策略，使其成為許多RPG愛好者的最愛。評論家讚揚遊戲的創新性，特別是對角色職業系統的設計，以及關卡和世界的豐富多樣性。

儘管在當時的商業銷量未達到與後來作品相同的高度，但它為該系列的後續發展奠定重要基礎，並為玩家留下深刻的印象。遊戲的成功也促使更多的開發商開始採用職業系統，這系統後來成為RPG遊戲中不可或缺的一部分。

Final Fantasy III, developed by Squaresoft (now Square Enix), was released in 1990 for the Famicom/NES as the third entry in the Final Fantasy series. Building on the foundations of the previous two games, it introduced major innovations in gameplay and story, significantly contributing to the evolution of RPGs and establishing several iconic elements of the series. The game was later ported to platforms including Java ME, Nintendo DS, PSP, PSN, mobile devices, and Steam. On Virtual Console, it became available for the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS.

A thousand years before the game's events, a highly advanced civilization on a floating continent attempted to control the four Crystals of Light. However, their lack of power to counterbalance the Dark Crystals led to catastrophe, shattering the balance of the world. Four warriors who obtained the power of the Dark Crystals eventually restored harmony, but the civilization on the floating continent was destroyed. Prophets foretold that a similar tragedy would occur again. In a world where land, sea, and sky overlap, the Crystals of Light are drawn underground, monsters begin invading, and darkness quietly returns.

The four chosen Warriors of Light are:

Luneth – representing courage

Arc – representing kindness

Refia – representing compassion

Ingus – symbolizing trust

Together, they form a team and embark on a journey to save humanity once more.

The game begins with a great earthquake, which opens the Altar Cave near the village of Ur. The protagonist, Luneth, accidentally encounters the Crystal of Light, which grants him the mission of saving the world. Upon returning to the village, Luneth learns he is an orphan, adopted by the villagers. He also discovers the existence of a greater world beyond the floating continent. As the adventure unfolds, the party must stop the dark wizard Xande from controlling the Crystals of Light and restore the balance of the four elemental crystals.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Final Fantasy III abandoned the job systems from the previous two games, introducing a more expansive Job System that became one of the game's defining features. By acquiring Crystals of Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth, players could unlock and develop up to 22 different jobs throughout the game.

The game also introduced the Summoning System for the first time in the series, featuring eight iconic summons:

Chocobo – Allows the party to escape battles.

Shiva – Inflicts ice damage or puts enemies to sleep.

Ramuh – Paralyzes enemies or strikes with lightning.

Ifrit – Restores HP or deals fire damage.

Titan – Attacks with punches or kicks.

Odin – Grants group defense or executes instant death attacks.

Leviathan – Petrifies or unleashes tornado attacks.

Bahamut – Enhances party attacks or instantly defeats an enemy.

As the story progresses, the connection between the Crystals and the world's fate becomes more apparent, revealing a deeper conspiracy behind the darkness. The young adventurers grow through constant trials and form bonds with other characters. As they uncover their pasts, they must ultimately decide how to face the looming disaster.

The narrative of Final Fantasy III is more complex than its predecessors, placing greater emphasis on character growth and emotional development. Themes such as love, sacrifice, choice, and betrayal enrich the story, drawing players further into the characters' destinies.

Innovations and Features

Compared to Final Fantasy I and II, the game introduced numerous innovations:

Job System: Final Fantasy III was the first game in the series to implement a dynamic job system. Players could switch between various jobs based on their needs, such as:

Warrior, Knight, Monk, Thief, Dragoon, Ranger, Black Mage, White Mage, Summoner, Geomancer, and more.
Each job had unique skills and attributes, adding strategic depth to battles. The job system allowed players to customize character growth and combat styles, providing freedom to shape the party according to their playstyle.

Turn-based Combat: Battles retained the turn-based format, with players commanding characters to attack, defend, cast spells, or use items. The magic system was diverse, offering offensive, healing, buffing, and debuffing spells. Selecting the right magic for each situation was key to overcoming enemies.

Dual-job Skills: Characters could learn skills from two different jobs, encouraging flexibility and strategic planning. This allowed for a wide range of tactical options in battles.

Exploration and Dungeon Design

The game's world map featured various regions, each with unique environments and enemies. Exploration and puzzle-solving were central to gameplay. Players traversed dungeons, fortresses, and hidden locations, uncovering treasures and defeating powerful foes.

Dungeons and labyrinths were crucial components of the experience, often designed with complex layouts and multi-level challenges. Hidden areas, secret items, and rare enemies rewarded thorough exploration, enhancing both character progression and gameplay depth.

Side quests were also introduced, offering optional content that provided additional rewards and lore. These quests varied in nature—some involved puzzles, while others required players to engage in special battles.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Final Fantasy III received critical acclaim in Japan, despite initially being exclusive to the region. Its job system, rich story, and strategic combat made it a favorite among RPG enthusiasts. Critics praised the game's innovation, particularly the job system's design and the expansive, diverse world.

Although Final Fantasy III did not achieve the same commercial success as later titles, it laid a crucial foundation for the series' evolution. The game's influence extended beyond Final Fantasy, inspiring other developers to adopt job systems, which became a staple of the RPG genre.

Final Fantasy III remains an essential part of the franchise’s history, remembered for its contributions to gameplay mechanics and narrative depth.