Final Fantasy

[Akihiko]

A Final Fantasy game doesn't have to stay the same to be good. Infact, personally, I'd be annoyed if they were still using the same system, even now. Especially considering how dated the older FF's are.

- the angry, silent, serious, troubled teen who half-heartedly gets involved into something bigger than him/her and then gets through a journey in self-discovery (emotions, friendships, etc...). Cloud, Squall and, from the little I've seen, Lightning. Notable thing they're likely to say: "I don't wan't to do this. This is not my war. Why me? Ah, what the hell, I guess I WILL save the world... *sigh*"

Not seen much of Lightning, then, have you?

 

[Remzer]

A Final Fantasy game doesn't have to stay the same to be good. Infact, personally, I'd be annoyed if they were still using the same system, even now. Especially considering how dated the older FF's are.

- the angry, silent, serious, troubled teen who half-heartedly gets involved into something bigger than him/her and then gets through a journey in self-discovery (emotions, friendships, etc...). Cloud, Squall and, from the little I've seen, Lightning. Notable thing they're likely to say: "I don't wan't to do this. This is not my war. Why me? Ah, what the hell, I guess I WILL save the world... *sigh*"

Not seen much of Lightning, then, have you?

Exactly what I said, yes.

I agree with your point about the evolving games.
I enjoyed the job systems, the materia system, the junction system... Pretty much every different system they implemented had something going for it - and against it - so far. Sure, none was absolutely perfect, but they all made sense and added something to the game and allowed for novelty without being too demanding in means of micromanagement.

I've played a few hours of FFIV a couple weeks ago, and I gotto say that although it IS dated, it's not as bad as I would've thought. Sure, it's simple. But it works just fine, and it's entertaining.
(I still don't understand how Rydia could join Cecil moments after he's admitted to killing her mother, though. The "Thanks for protecting me" thing doesn't cut it, in my books...)

 

[michiehoward]

I've only watched FF7 being played all the way through, what I don't like is Cloud god of fuck he's annoying.

I started my FF journey with VIII, the one thing I didn't like is the story get mucked up with the enterence of more Sorceresses, Ellone and Laguna's crap. But I've probably had 10 or more full playthroughs lmao

FF9 I loved everything about this game

FF10 loved everything about this game

FF10-2 loved everything about this game

FF12 the only true two complaint I have with 12 is there is usually shit in treasure jars, and the huge anti-climatic ending, like the writers gave up after the final battle, nevertheless I loved this game and would play it right now if i could

FF13 I FUCKING HATE THIS GAME, SE completely let me down, this game has shit to recommend itself, I was completely ripped off, disappointed http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.189753-Another-FF13-Review-wince explains what I feel

And I adored Tactics, the story get abit out there and the ending is ify but again I've probably have playthrough 10 times

 

[michiehoward]

It was a bracelet people lol

 

[Akihiko]

A Final Fantasy game doesn't have to stay the same to be good. Infact, personally, I'd be annoyed if they were still using the same system, even now. Especially considering how dated the older FF's are.

- the angry, silent, serious, troubled teen who half-heartedly gets involved into something bigger than him/her and then gets through a journey in self-discovery (emotions, friendships, etc...). Cloud, Squall and, from the little I've seen, Lightning. Notable thing they're likely to say: "I don't wan't to do this. This is not my war. Why me? Ah, what the hell, I guess I WILL save the world... *sigh*"

Not seen much of Lightning, then, have you?

Exactly what I said, yes.

I know, my point was that you really must not have seen much of her, because if anything she's quite the opposite.

I agree with your point about the evolving games.
I enjoyed the job systems, the materia system, the junction system... Pretty much every different system they implemented had something going for it - and against it - so far. Sure, none was absolutely perfect, but they all made sense and added something to the game and allowed for novelty without being too demanding in means of micromanagement.

I've played a few hours of FFIV a couple weeks ago, and I gotto say that although it IS dated, it's not as bad as I would've thought. Sure, it's simple. But it works just fine, and it's entertaining.
(I still don't understand how Rydia could join Cecil moments after he's admitted to killing her mother, though. The "Thanks for protecting me" thing doesn't cut it, in my books...)

I think it depends on the person I guess. Was playing Final Fantasy VI the other day for old times sake, and as much as I love the characters and story, I found myself aggravated at the frequency of random battles, and also how slow the battle system was. I can't play Final Fantasy VII past a certain point any more, either. I guess I've become accustomed to the faster battle systems that you have in the most recent games, and the lack of random battles.

 

[Mercurius507]

I have to say my favorite is VIII, I know the story doesn't make sense sometimes and the characters have about 3 emotions each but I really love the battle system and despite its flaws the story had a way of really making me care about the characters and the events surrounding them. IX stands out as well because its so traditional, everything just fits in seamlessly. Also I love VI because I love the characters, the story was so much simpler but just as emotional and there was an APOCALYPSE half way through, AWESOME! So I would say that while IX is the best Final Fantasy my favorite has to be VIII. I also want to say that VII is massively overrated, I don't know what Sephiroth's appeal is because I think he was just a whiny mommy's boy with no personality.

 

[reg42]

I'm not sure if it was the writing or the translations that were bas but either way the idea of Rinoa tricking the fucking SORCERESS to wear a ring that strips her powers is beyond me.

It was Rinoa that was planning it because she felt trapped and useless. I shouldn't remember but I do.

The sniper, who shoots people in the face for a living, suddenly hesitating to shoot a clearly evil woman whose death would save who knows how many innocent lives because he would be "changing history" was pretty special too.

There was a reason he didn't shoot her. I'm not saying he's not still an idiot, but there is a reason beyond "choking up".

 

[busterkeatonrules]

The series has always had its ups and downs, but from what I hear about XIII, it looks to me like the series is taking a nose dive that's never going to stop. All this focus on renewing every aspect of the series seems to have escalated to the point where, because the series used to be diverse, accessible and fun, with plenty of things to do and places to discover, it is now time to start making repetitive, linear grind-fests.

My favorite aspect of any RPG is to explore the world. This is why I enjoyed XII - it takes exploration to a whole new level! You can (and pretty much have to) explore every nook and cranny in the ENTIRE WORLD, and the world map isn't complete until you do!

My main problem with XIII is the fact that it completely ignores this element. The world is made up entirely of narrow corridors - there's NOWHERE to go but dead ahead.

I own every Final Fantasy game ever, but I've decided to stop buying any new ones for the time being.

In other words: Time to replay good old IX again!

 

[I_B_Ready]

I'm not sure if it was the writing or the translations that were bas but either way the idea of Rinoa tricking the fucking SORCERESS to wear a ring that strips her powers is beyond me.

It was Rinoa that was planning it because she felt trapped and useless. I shouldn't remember but I do.

The sniper, who shoots people in the face for a living, suddenly hesitating to shoot a clearly evil woman whose death would save who knows how many innocent lives because he would be "changing history" was pretty special too.

well, in Irvine's defense, he was the only one who knew who Edea was. and I think it'd be pretty hard to shoot the person who ran the orphanage you grew up in.

that said, FF8 doesn't sit well in my memory. the story was really really bad. and the second it lost all credibility was when they all realized that they grew up together and forgot because they used Guardian forces. especially since THEY KEPT USING THEM.

I've played all the FF's except for 9 and 12, and while each game is different, there was definately a jump in gamestyle from VII on. it seemed that with better technology FF because enamored with the cutscene, to where in XIII you're basically playing the entire movie. it's not a completely bad thing, but there times when playing the more recent games, where if you didn't have a dude named Cid, or a chocobo, you wouldn't even know you were playing Final Fantasy.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

I was never fully into the Final Fantasy games (mostly the turn-based combat) but now thanks to XIII i'm slowly easing myself into them which i think i'm better for it because i'm getting on strategizing in my other games more fluently.

 

[WorkerMurphey]

I love Final Fantasy but I do think it is going downhill. At what point this happened? Who knows

Some say it was when Hironobu Sakaguchi left. Some say it was when Squaresoft became Square Enix. Some say it was when Nomura took over the franchise. Me? I'm inclined to think they've all had a detrimental effect on Final Fantasy. I've not been hugely involved with Final Fantasy post-IX, but from what I've seen, the games have nowhere near the same amount of heart and soul as the Sakaguchi era games.

Playing IX recently (for the umpteenth time), I was completely bowled over by the amount of sheer emotion that was present in the game, as well as the monumental effort that must have gone into rendering each and every background. Reading an interview with Sakaguchi from the game's release period, it seems that the folks at Square were as much concerned with addressing themes of death, loss and destiny as they were with making a game that was fun to play. That is what Square have lost. They've lost the passion, love and craft that drove their older games. Instead of telling stories with memorable characters and fantastic narrative choices, they choose to simply bombard players with spiel in the hope it amounts to backstory. I don't have a fucking clue what a Fa'Ciel or a Focus is, but I know damn well that if you kill my woman, I'm going to hunt you down and destroy you. Preferably with the biggest sword I can possible find.

Compare their games roster now to that of ten years ago. Now we've got umpteen Final Fantasy titles, even more FF spin-offs, and a couple of sub-par JRPGs that have generally recieved lukewarm reviews. Ten years ago? Every other game they were making was an out and out classic, Final Fantasy or not! I'm still emulating discovering titles from that period that are bowling me over. Now excuse me, but I'm going to boot up Legend Of Mana again.

FF9 was really the only one I could get into. Something about the setting and style just really worked for me. Vivi's self discovery and struggle with identity managed to come across in a way that blows away modern graphical innovations in facial movements and voice acting that try to convey emotion.

 

[Songbird-O]

I think they take themselves too seriously now. They are unnecessarily complex and try too hard to be epic and profound.

My favorite games in the series are III DS and IV. III was the most charming game ever, and IV has Cecil, who I just love to watch grow and change, even if it suffered from many of the same pitfalls most SNES RPGs fell into.

I am very thankful to the series for introducing me to Yoshitaka Amano, though. He is now one of my favorite artists of all time.

I liked the whole series when I was younger and at the peak of my anime phase. I am now an 19 year old Dragon Quest fan who doesn't pay attention to the series anymore. I like simple stories that let you think for yourself. I like stories that know when to be serious and when to be lighthearted. I like stories that can say a lot with a little. Final Fantasy just doesn't do that for me anymore.

 

[Remzer]

I think they take themselves too seriously now. They are unnecessarily complex and try too hard to be epic and profound.

My favorite games in the series are III DS and IV. III was the most charming game ever, and IV has Cecil, who I just love to watch grow and change, even if it suffered from many of the same pitfalls most SNES RPGs fell into.

I am very thankful to the series for introducing me to Yoshitaka Amano, though. He is now one of my favorite artists of all time.

I liked the whole series when I was younger and at the peak of my anime phase. I am now an 19 year old Dragon Quest fan who doesn't pay attention to the series anymore. I like simple stories that let you think for yourself. I like stories that know when to be serious and when to be lighthearted. I like stories that can say a lot with a little. Final Fantasy just doesn't do that for me anymore.

Cecil was indeed an interesting character to see grow. Too bad the translation was often weird in FFIV... I also liked the fact that so many people actually sacrificed themselves for the sake of, well, saving the world. Palom, Porom, Tellah, even Cid (although he doesn't die). It was a very good FF.

Speaking of Yoshitaka Amano, have you read Neil Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel that was illustrated by Amano? "Sandman: Dream Hunters", if I remember correctly. It's absolutely stunning. If I have but one thing to thank my fiancée for, it's for introducing me to this book (that and carrying my daughter, but that's off-topic).

 

[Songbird-O]

I think they take themselves too seriously now. They are unnecessarily complex and try too hard to be epic and profound.

My favorite games in the series are III DS and IV. III was the most charming game ever, and IV has Cecil, who I just love to watch grow and change, even if it suffered from many of the same pitfalls most SNES RPGs fell into.

I am very thankful to the series for introducing me to Yoshitaka Amano, though. He is now one of my favorite artists of all time.

I liked the whole series when I was younger and at the peak of my anime phase. I am now an 19 year old Dragon Quest fan who doesn't pay attention to the series anymore. I like simple stories that let you think for yourself. I like stories that know when to be serious and when to be lighthearted. I like stories that can say a lot with a little. Final Fantasy just doesn't do that for me anymore.

Cecil was indeed an interesting character to see grow. Too bad the translation was often weird in FFIV... I also liked the fact that so many people actually sacrificed themselves for the sake of, well, saving the world. Palom, Porom, Tellah, even Cid (although he doesn't die). It was a very good FF.

Speaking of Yoshitaka Amano, have you read Neil Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel that was illustrated by Amano? "Sandman: Dream Hunters", if I remember correctly. It's absolutely stunning. If I have but one thing to thank my fiancée for, it's for introducing me to this book (that and carrying my daughter, but that's off-topic).

I love Cecil so much, that I actually feel like the second half of FFIV wasn't as strong as the first half. After the Paladin Trial, the Climax of Cecil's development, everything else seemed like a step down. The dynamic growth element was gone, and it actually felt like something was missing. Golbez had a little bit of development towards the end, and that helped a bit. But it feels like someone took a huge bite out of the middle of the game.

...I've gotta check out that book. That sounds awesome.

 

[wkim564]

I've played a good deal of them (IV, VII, VIII, IX, X, X-2,XIII, Tactics, Tactics Advance, Tactics Advance 2, Crisis Core) but my favorites are X and Tactics. Tactics gets points right of the back for the wonderful plot involving a church and ongoing war. Also, the major strategic element and the overall writing was wonderfull. X is my favorite because of the characters. Contrary to the majority of people I have heard talk about FFX about whiny characters, the all have good reasons to,

Spoiler: reasons why

i.e. Tidus with his father, but still manages to put up a somewaht cheerful front, Wakka and his dead brother and then running into someone who looks similar to him, Yuna with dead father and having to eventually make a sacrifice for the people

But it also has the coolest final fantasy character of all time Auron. The plot is also quite interesting as is the character devolpment for the other side characters. Many people dislike the lack of world map, but that doesn't really bother me as you only need to go to so many places, and just one area can take hours.

 

[CakeDragon]

Huh? What is this "X-2" you speak of? I'm sorry, I don't think that game exists.

 

[Woffles]

I used to be really opposed to the idea of playing any game with "Final Fantasy" in the title, my only experience with the series being Final Fantasy X shortly after its release. I did beat the game, but looking back I didn't really enjoy the experience and assumed this was going to be the case for all Final Fantasy titles and most RPGs as a whole.

Flash forward to now where I'm giving Final Fantasy, and RPGs as a whole, more of a fair shot thanks to a lovely game called Chrono Trigger. This was my first jRPG since playing FFX and it was a night and day difference. A game with a group of good characters, a good story with a decent amount of humor, a fantastic soundtrack, and a really well done battle system.

Having finished that game some time last year, I became a lot more open to try other RPGs, and with some continued harassment from a good friend of mine I've recently started playing FFVI for the first time. So far I can only say I'm a little over 7 hours in and I'm already loving the game. The characters seem remarkably well-written, the story has been gripping and intense, the villain is one that I can't help but love to hate, and the music has been actually pretty catchy. I would complain about the high encounter rate for enemies, but the battle system makes that a very minor annoyance as most battles don't seem to last long.

I definitely plan to branch into other FF titles after VI and I'm thinking now I can actually enjoy this series despite a bad first impression.

Now, since I'm still new to the series I don't know where the series started to go "downhill", but I'm imagining it was some time before FFX was released.

 

[FinalHeart95]

I really enjoy the series. IV, VII and XIII are great, I, VIII, and XII are okay, and I have yet to play the rest.

I just started VI though, which I have high hopes for.

 

[tahrey]

I'm with Yahtzee on this one, and it's by no means rabid ZP fanboyism because the opinion was formed before i even knew about the series (or he started filming, probably)

FF1,2,3... meh
FF4 OK. Generic RPG with some interesting mistranslations.
FF5 pretty good, nice story, the class system was very flexible and not too hard to figure out.
FF6 is the classic. The reason that myself and a few others I knew could hardly wait for SNES emulators to improve to the point where the graphics and sound were properly rendered just to drink all of it in as intended (I think I may be dating myself with that revelation, but not by as much as the sudden memory that I've got a "borrowed" anime monthly magazine somewhere with an actual first-play report of the english translation). Great story and characters, artwork about as good as it got for snes rpgs - at least until Chrono Trigger came along - awesome music and actually enjoyable battles. Plus the esper summon system was nowhere near as complicated or mind-shattering as the materia/etc ability systems of later games. Plus no CGI, everything had to be told and exposed in-game.
FF7 was pretty neat, a complete gearchange by going to 3D but still with some of the sprite stylings carried over. It also had some rather dippy stuff and was a touch too long, making the whole story IMHO a little harder to follow. But it could still be completed without too much grind, and the CG sections sort of fitted and were a nice scene-change break as they were all quite short. It also damn near killed our PC with its requirements, but that's a different story.
FF8 is where it all went off the rails a bit and I lost interest. Things got a bit too ludicrous (even against the concepts in the previous games), too many dispirate threads and time periods, Eyes On bleedin' Me, general soppiness and stupid scripting/plotting, and the PSX just didn't have the resolution to render some of the scenes all too well (we had a playstation by that point, and the PC release got so delayed...). Lost interest TBH, though my brother completing it meant I still got to see the end sequence.
FF9 was a bit of a return to form but it just became so hard to be bothered by it any more; 10 and onwards therefore fell completely off my radar. I couldn't even name anyone from 11,12,13...

Totally skipped Tactics, would rather forget about Ergheiz, and simply can't see what my bro does in the gameboy ones - they're dire awful. Would far rather play Links Awakening which they somewhat resemble and shows off the handheld in a far better light.

 

[sjarri]

-snip-