Final Fantasy on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is regarded a collector's item among video game collectors, especially among Final Fantasy franchise lovers. The game is regarded as a classic and important role-playing game (RPG) that contributed to the genre's popularity in the West. It contains an epic tale, compelling characters, and the series' signature deep and rewarding gameplay system. While Final Fantasy was initially distributed in relatively large quantities, its popularity and age have elevated it to the status of a sought-after collector's item. Collectors prize the game's packaging, which includes the original box and manual, because it is frequently lost or destroyed over time. Also, certain copies of the game are more valuable than others, such as the original black box release and the later re-release in a smaller box. Collectors regard the black box release in particular as unique and much sought for.