The State of Final Fantasy

[Knuckles]

Since I'm sure many of you here are familiar with Final Fantasy, and since I looked and didn't find any thread that was devoted to it, I figured I'd start one, as the series has always been one of my favorites, and since I'm in the middle of making an improved version of the first game. However, I have noticed, (in my opinion) a definite decline in FF in the past few years. My first experience with FF was the very first game, albeit years after it came out, but a few years before the series became really mainstream. I liked it a lot, but it was a very basic RPG, yet still very good for its time. The following two games, which were released only in Japan until recently, were also basic, but each improved certain aspects of the game in different ways. Namely, FF2 made the story and characters more interesting, and FF3 made the gameplay more complex and fun. Then there came FF4, (FF2 in the states) which was, and is, a phenomenal game and the first of the "modern" Final Fantasies. FF5, another game that went unreleased in the US until more recent years, was another game that, while not as great story or character-wise, greatly improved gameplay. FF6 was a fine example of an RPG, and one of the most impressive games ever to grace a 16-bit system. It was very good in terms of character development, story, and gameplay as well. Then after a few years of technological advancement in video games, we got FF7, the game that made FF mainstream by introducing it to a wider audience, and of course providing a remarkable gaming experience that was, (and still almost is) unmatched. I believe that FF7 was the peak of the series. FF Tactics, (a game I dearly love) was another great title, which although not a standard RPG, (it's a strategy RPG) which integrated a lot of FF-isms into a game of this interesting genre. It also had a lot of little touches that sort of linked the other FF games together, as the series is notorious for having each new game unrelated to any other in the series. Now, FF8 is probably the most disliked of all Final Fantasies, and I can see why. The scenarios are a little too contemporary, the gameplay is a little foreign and confusing to those unwilling to learn it, and the theme is much different. It's my least favorite of the games that I've played too, (I've played 1-9 and Tactics--I won't count the Game Boy titles in this, as they're really just average portable RPGs that don't really mesh with the "real" FF series--the same goes for SNES's Mystic Quest, which was just a beginner's RPG). But I do like FF8's main character, Squall, the best--mostly because he's the most similar FF character to me . FF9 was a return to FF's roots, and a good one at that. It was very reminiscent of the first game, yet still retained the advances made by it's predecessors. That's when I sort of got out of the series, and there are reasons. One is a personal reason--I just didn't feel like always having to get the newest game console when it came out, and developed a better appreciation for the classics. The other reasons, and why I think the series is on the decline, are as follows. I absolutely HATED the FF movie. Why call it Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, if it has no connection at all to the Final Fantasy series? It was terrible--not ONE SINGLE FF reference in the whole thing, besides one character named "Sid," and that's not even the way that recurring FF name is spelled! It's suppose to be "Cid." The movie, even if it hadn't been called "Final Fantasy," would still have been awful. The movie sickens me to this day. It's just it would have been so much easier to have made a movie reminiscent of any FF game, and it would have been much better. How could Square flub up that? If they were counting on the FF audience, they lost it because it was nothing like FF, and the only way anybody else would have seen it is because of the CGI, which although impressive, was not nearly as good as they made it out to be. Anyway, that was the first sign. Then comes FF10, which I will admit I have not played, but from what I've heard, seen, and read, I don't think I will anytime soon. It didn't look good to begin with--it looked more like FF8--again, the most hated FF--but the character designs looked worse, and the plot and features looked too unlike FF as well. Also, this game even further broke the very cardinal FF rule of not having any other game be like it. Come on, "Final Fantasy 10 2"? Last time I checked, that should be 11, and besides--the game shouldn't have been made, simply because that's not what FF is supposed to be. I don't believe FF Online should have been made either, which yes, is also my opinion, (because I'm not into mulitplayer games other than fighting games usually, especially not massively multiplayer ones online) but I have always thought that FF were really solitary gaming adventures. Basically, I'm really a fan of FF up to 9, but I'd like to hear others peoples' opinions regarding anything FF.

[Voltron]

Seven was the best, in my opinion.

[cqb101]

Definately 7.

[Dane E5R]

Final Fantasy VII is one of my all time favorite video games, period. I've become pretty infatuated with Kingdom Hearts recently as well. Anyone know about this FFVII sequel I've heard about?

[Raven]

even though its not here in america and I havent played it, I think ff 11 is gonna be the best
other than that 7

[The Bossanova]

10 is by far the best...and if not that then 7

[Knuckles]

Oh yeah, Kingdom Hearts, I forgot to mention that. I was amazingly baffled by that whole thing--especially when the commercials for it were just starting. FF and...Disney? Seemed vomit-inducing to me, quite frankly. I always thought that the "final" Final Fantasy should combine the best characters and aspects of all the FF games, (I know I said no two games should be connected, but in this case, it would tie them all together nicely), and that until that time, they shouldn't go messing with combinations. But with Kingdom Hearts, they not only threw in some old FF characters, they added Disney to the mix to create one unholy combo. I may be overjudging and unqualified to make that assumption, having not played it, but just the idea seems...odd.

[Peanut]

Why couldn't you put a "I don't like FF" option in your poll?

[Raven]

I thinks thats what other is used for

[Loolaa]

I love Final Fantasy!
But I only got into it about a year and a half ago when FF10 came out over here. Before that I only really played Mario and Sonic.
Then after chatting to some one on *these* forums who recommened the other FF games I got totally hooked and I've bought the whole lot. Though I've still got to work my way through the first five.
My favourite is FF7, for the story,and I love those characters (except Yuffie, who got on my nerves)but I like all the FF games for different reasons and because of certain characters.
I personally have don't anything against FF8, I had no idea it was the most disliked FF game . You learn something everyday.

[Storm Wolf]

FF7 ....most definatly.....loved the plot and it's charcters. I also liked the way it was set up....much more simple than the other FF games i have played, of coarse i haven't played the most recent FF game.....looks like I'll have to give that a try as well.

[Knuckles]

Hmm... just as I expected, most people are picking 7. No objections here, that's what I picked. If I had to rank them though, from best to worst based on what I've played, I'd say:

1. FFVII (overall best--almost unrivaled gameplay, and a great story with great characters)
2. FFIV (best SNES FF--epic storyline, innovative and sophisticated gameplay for its time, very memorable and complex characters)
3. FFVI (incredibly solid RPG--very good characters, cool storyline, nifty gameplay concepts)
4. FFIX (very nice return to the norm--great example of what FF is, solid gameplay, likeable characters, decent story)
5. FFV (fun game--neat gameplay ideas, very customizable character building and exploration for its time, decent humor)
6. FFVIII (innovative and unusual FF--good characters, very unique and original gameplay system, also very customizable, excellent graphics and CGI usage, nice usage of summon monsters)
7. FFI (where the series got its start--sophisticated gameplay for its time, enjoyable gaming experience, still fun to play after all these years)
8. FFII (ahead of its time FF--surprisingly good character development and story, but simple gameplay--it may technically be ahead of FFI, but my experience with it is less)
9. FFIII (good gameplay for its time--innovative and complex job class system, but simplistic plot and characters)

[malignant]

FF 7..

not only the best final fantasy game...but close to one of the best games ever....period.

[Dane E5R]

Oh man, don't cheat yourself. I know it may look weird, but Kingdom Hearts is one monster of a game. The story isn't kiddy at all. Check it out and I'm sure you'll be pleasently surprised.

[Taloniss]

I liked nine the best.

[Karpo_007]

I have played every Final Fantasy after number 4, and best of them is Final Fantasy X. Second would be Final Fantasy VI probably. Most people say that VII is best because it's the first Final Fantasy they have played, in some cases even the first rpg. But it's still one best RPG's out there, it gets 3rd place from me.

There is nothing wrong with Final Fantasy X, The Story is far better than in any other Playstaion Final Fantasy, altough the Snes FF's are still unbeatable in that area. Also the character development system is much better than in previous FF games, there is so much freedom. Graphics are very beautifull, only department the game really lacks on is music. It's ok, but nothing you would remember months after finishing it.

[GK Punk]

Oh man I hated FF7... That was a sorry excuse for a game... -_-;;;
(Sorry to all those who liked it, but I had to say it)

[Loolaa]

I liked 7 the best because out of all the other main characters the games are centered around, Cloud's the one with a proper flaw. He lied right through the beginning of the game and then went mad for a short time. He rocked.
After 7, my favourite is 9. Simply because I love Vivi to death.

[That Matt Guy]

I bet I'm the only person here who has never touched a FF game.

[GK Punk]

Originally Posted by Loolaa

I liked 7 the best because out of all the other main characters the games are centered around, Cloud's the one with a proper flaw. He lied right through the beginning of the game and then went mad for a short time. He rocked.
After 7, my favourite is 9. Simply because I love Vivi to death.

Yeah, I'm sure 7 had it's merits I was just incredibly dissapointed in it. After 6 came out I thought all Final Fantasy games would be that good, starting with 7 they became like reading novels in which you could occasionally interact. I think 8 and 10 were the best "next gen" FF games, simply for character designs.

...I admit though, even though the style the characters were designed in was a knock off of that over rated Akira Toriyama's style, Clould was pretty cool looking.