The NES version is pretty torturous, but this version seems pretty okay so far. Granted, it's still an NES-era RPG, so you can have the plot bulletpointed for you and not really miss much.
If Gordon's going to be forced into my party again I'm going to use some of my extra tomes to teach him a couple of spells so he won't be complete deadweight.
And let's just assume the timing of this wasn't a coincidence and put on that Protect Ring before we go to see the Emperor about a contest.
On the way I wander into the swamp with the bombs that killed me before, and... won. I'm powerful enough to go wherever I want now? Before my hubris grows too great I'm ambushed by some imps with partywide Confuse VII, which is... less good.
Nonetheless, a little midgame sequence break doesn't seem all that impractical.
Black Mage: This is Mysidia, town of mages. You've certainly come a long way to be here.
White Mage: I believe it is as you say. The time to break the tower's seal is upon us.
Oh hey, is Minwu here then?
Red Mage: We've many ancient texts in our town. Please browse them at your leisure.
Blue Mage: Three artifacts protect the seal on the tower.
Green Mage: Some time ago, a wizard named Minwu passed through town on his way to the tower. You'd best hurry after him.
Purple Mage: A statue of a goddess is enshrined beneath the city. She watches over the
crystal rods.
Yellow Mage: So you want to break the seal on the tower? Yes, I agree this is the time... We will do nothing to stop you. You must first collect the two masks, then travel to a cave you will find somewhere on this continent. Within you should find a
crystal rod, an artifact you will need if you are to enter the tower.
Thanks for spelling that out for me! It also explains why I have this Black Mask.
Orange Mage: A very small island lies in the middle of the sea. There you'll find the Black Mask, the White Mask's counterpart.
I totally know! So where's the White Mask?