Boost Mode decides how much easier you want the remaster to make your life
Before starting, it's worth opening the Boost menu and looking at what you can tweak: thirteen different parameters, including experience gain, Gald, damage dealt/taken, combat and cooking skills, and the frequency of random encounters. The damage multiplier works both ways—it applies to both party and enemies, so raising it too high makes even a single mistake much more punishing.
Mania is available immediately, Unknown is not
In the original version, Mania difficulty only unlocked on the second playthrough. In the remaster, it's selectable from the very first playthrough. The new Unknown difficulty, added specifically for this edition, remains reserved for those who have already completed the game at least once.
Nereid's Labyrinth no longer requires waiting
Nereid's Labyrinth, the high-difficulty dungeon that in the original required a save of a previously completed run, here unlocks on the first playthrough, as soon as you reach the interior of Balir Castle. Those who want to test themselves with the game's most punishing content no longer have to finish the game a first time to access it.
Map markers that weren't there before
A yellow icon with an exclamation point always marks the destination of the main quest, with the distance indicated next to it. A yellow star marks the location of valuable items such as encyclopedias and maps. A blue exclamation point indicates events related to learning new techniques and skills - useful for not missing an important skill while only following the story.
Run Mode and Battle Fast Mode, for those who want a faster classic JRPG
Run Mode speeds up movement across the Eternia map, while Battle Fast Mode does the same for combat. You can also switch between the updated and original graphics at any time, and the same goes for the sound effects - useful if you want to replay it with the exact feel of the 2000 PSP version.
Auto-battle in High-Speed Mode does not replace strategy
The remaster adds a High-Speed Mode that automates combat and allows you to immediately repeat a lost battle without having to reload a save. It's handy for repetitive casual fights, but for tougher boss fights it's still worth regaining manual control - the enemy damage boost, if you've raised it, hits hard there too.
