It has been said that most of the fun in Final Fantasy V comes from the way it doesn't take itself too seriously. This doesn't mean the cheery tone can be taken for granted. After Final Fantasy IV's utter horrors and after its After Years, this is the next step into the darkest depths of the ass-stabbingly popular pants-shittingly scary Final Fantasy series. The fact it's a short walk compared to the rest of the series barely reflects the game's nature as a Breather Episode for the series - just as the sequel will quickly tell you.