Final Fantasy II is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) in 1988. It is the second installment in the Final Fantasy series and was initially released for the Famicom in Japan. The game features a unique leveling system that allows players to improve their characters' abilities based on usage rather than traditional experience points. The story follows four characters—Firion, Maria, Gus, and Leon—as they fight against the oppressive Palamecian Empire. Players explore various towns, dungeons, and battle enemies while uncovering the narrative. The game introduced several mechanics that would influence future titles in the series.