Posted by Shawn M. on Feb 22nd, 2007
It took longer than I wanted it to, but I’m back with the rest of the list of Final Fantasy games and what I think of them. This go-round, we dive into the Playstation era of the series, where we’re treated to beautiful movie-quality cut scenes, epic storylines and music, and heroes of questionable gender!
Final Fantasy VII - This is the first in the series that a lot of you young whippersnappers played, and as such, is held in the highest regards in many gaming circles. Its for-the-time technical achievements aside, the game itself was solid, but started a trend that would plague the F.F. series until this very day: the emo-kid hero. Seriously. Whenever Cloud Strife wasn’t dressing up like a chick so he could seduce another dude (yes, that did happen), he was always sullen and melencholy. What a downer, ‘eh? Anyways, a good — but not great — game, far too angst-ridden hero, and an overrated villian.
Final Fantasy VIII - I have to admit — I didn’t make it all the way through this game because I got fed up with the “junctioning” system. I’d try to explain it in simple terms, but I’m afraid that’s impossible. Needless to say, the junctioning system was never used again. As for our hero, he’s another emo sourpuss, just like The Boss pointed out in this week’s InnerGeek. It also gave slash fiction afficianados (or, 14 year old female anime fans) somebody to pair Cloud up with, because Barret was just too manly.
Final Fantasy IX - Or, as I call it, “Square’s Apology for VIII”. This was the last FF game released for the Playstation, and what a great way to go. Graphically, the game is stunning, even to this day. The gameplay was simple, with no silly junctioning or anything to that extent — in fact, it was a nice little reminder of the earlier FF titles in its simplicity. Best of all, our main hero, Zidane, was likable. No writing goofy poetry in a journal for this monkey-tailed thief! However, being a Square game, sexual ambiguity had to be placed somewhere, and that somewhere was the villain Kuja, as he dressed like a stripper from the Kitty Kat Club. Yeesh. Other than that, it was an awesome game.
Final Fantasy X - Enter the Playstation 2, a gaming device so powerful that it was rumored God Himself built its hardware. With the processing power of Godzilla hopped up on Barry Bonds’ ‘roid stash (what, a sports reference in this blog? Hope I don’t get my geek card revoked!), Square was expected to do wonders when it created its next installment of its signature franchise for the PS2. They did not disappoint, as they delivered a vast, gorgeous game. For the first time, we got voice acting, and it wasn’t half bad (wasn’t half good, either…)! Cut scenes were movie quality, vivid, and full of life. The game also introduced the “sphere grid” system of leveling your characters, which was surprisingly enjoyable. Lastly, the Blitzball sidegame was very enjoyable, and could have very easily been its own game. All in all, it was one of the best of the series, and a very impressive debut on the Playstation 2.
Final Fantasy X-2 - Regular readers of this site have already seen my Plenty For Twenty review of this game, and that I think it’s one of the better entries in the series. But to sum things up, expect an experience similar to that of FFX, but with better gameplay options, slightly improved graphics, and a storyline that’s not so overdramatic. Of all the games in the series, this is the one that has divided fans the most. You either love it or you hate it. I love it, just like I loves me some gun-totin’ Yuna in short-shorts.
Final Fantasy XI - Why this game was included in the numbered series, and not simply called “Final Fantasy Online” is beyond me, but what can you do? I’ve only had very limited exposure to this myself, and from what I can tell, and what I’ve heard, it’s an average MMORPG, or whatever the kids are calling them these days. If that’s your thing and you’re an FF fan, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise, stick to WoW, like the cool kids.
Final Fantasy XII - Ha ha! Tired of listening to me go on and on about this game yet? If you need a refresher course, here’s my in-depth review of the game from last November, and here’s some extra praise from my year-end Video Game Awards article. With that out of the way, just let me say this. Not only is XII the finest Final Fantasy game yet, it’s one of the finest video games ever.
And now, this weird little journey comes to an end. I hope that I taught you something, other than that I’m a total fanboy for Final Fantasy. Til next time, gamers, and remember to keep plenty of Hi-Potions on hand.
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If you liked that, try...
- Final Fantasy: Reflections #1
- Final Fantasy XIII Confirmed For XBox 360
- Final Fantasy XII Day in NYC
- Final Fantasy XII - A Review
- Plenty for Twenty: Final Fantasy X-2
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Devin de Gruyl
February 22, 2007 at 6:13 am
FF7: Plus, let’s not be forgetting about the ever-popular Honey Bee Inn sequence. Cookie-heaving fun for everyone!
FF8: Junctioning, once you get used to it - and you do - isn’t that bad. At least it’s easier to Draw spells from enemies than it is in most other games to replenish MP. Also, boo for not mentioning Triple Triad, the first instance of a storyline-wide minigame in the FF series; Tetra Master, Blitzball, Sphere Break, they all came from this simple* little card game.
(* - Simple, that is, unless you accidentally spread the more esoteric rules…)