Few can argue that Final Fantasy is the most famous RPG series of all
time.
However, this claim only reeked of accuracy when Final Fantasy VII broke Europe and became a
phenomenon in 1997.
By the time asses were leisurely revved to release the
original hexalogy on a variety of popular platforms, we’d already worn out
several pairs of 3D slippers.
For the sake of sanity, in-depth
analysis has been sensibly declined, so you might call this parsimonious indoctrination.
Can you taste it?
Well if not, I suggest you scroll on.
For reference, please observe their original Japanese release.
Final
Fantasy (1987) *
Final
Fantasy II (1988) *
Final
Fantasy III (1990) *
Final
Fantasy IV (1991) **
Final
Fantasy V (1992) **
Final
Fantasy VI (1994) **
* -
Famicom only
**
– Super Famicom only
To
spoil things, the original was remade for the MSX2 in 1989 and was also the
only entry to boast a North American NES release in 1990.
Apart from introducing ATB, Final Fantasy II gave
the experience system its marching orders as weapons and abilities are beefed
up on usage.
Although the concept was revolutionary, random battles
practically became a necessity.
Originally
appearing in 1994, Legend of the Crystals served inconveniently as a sequel to
Final Fantasy V but instead of pixels, was split into four episodes of OVA
(original video animation).
Simple pimples so far, right?
Well yes, but I fear a fly is about to enter our Super
Nintendo ointment.
Final Fantasy II was released in 1991 but to avoid confusing
North America , we were playing Final Fantasy IV.
Similarly, Final Fantasy III appeared in the same territory
in 1994 but was really Final Fantasy VI.
The reality is that the first, second, third and fifth game never appeared on the SNES, not in any shape,
fashion or form.
If only they‘d showed balls and just called them Final
Fantasy IV and VI, then at least nobody could accuse them of misleading the
shit out of people.
Equally, the whispers of ‘what the fuck happened to the
others’ would be unavoidable so it’s one of those ‘lose lose’ situations.
Ignoring updates and compilations, Darkstalkers (Vampire
Savior in Japan )
succeeded in annoying rather than confusing PS1 and more so, Saturn owners.
Darkstalkers and Darkstalkers’ Revenge were released for PS1
and Saturn respectively but while Darkstalkers 3 enjoyed an international stab
on PS1, it stayed in Japan
for Sega’s machine which (unlike the sequel), a 4MB RAM cart to assist
with animation and load times wasn't a necessity.
RAM carts weren't uncommon for high-end 2D sprite mayhem as
Neo Geo ports of Metal Slug and King of Fighters demanded extra memory.
Whatever they say, it suggests that Capcom knew the PS1
didn't possess enough tools and the third was ultimately a technically less
impressive game.
Despite a ton of animation missing, it held up well.
Spin-offs
The Final Fantasy Legend on Game Boy in 1989 kicked off the successful SaGa
brand.
Even
if you've never played it, Romancing SaGa on Super Famicom should at least ring
the loudest of bells.
Curiously, this wasn't even a Final
Fantasy game so what the sprite?
When
released outside of Japan
Lucio Fulci’s 1979 undead classic Zombie, aka Zombie Flesh
Eaters, was also subject to identical tactics.
When
Romero’s Dawn of the Dead ate pasta and went shopping in Italy
32 bit boots were filled on PS1 but as the original SaGa Frontier selfishly wasn't our
PAL, most and many jumped straight through sequel hoops.
In 1991, Final Fantasy Adventure (again unique to
Game Boy), was the first actual spin-off and gave birth to the Mana series.
The PAL version was called Mystic Quest so in retrospect, doesn't
mean fucking anything to man or beast.
3P simultaneous monster Secret of Mana was strictly sublime
on SNES.
A year later, we span out of control with an exclusive and
direct spin-off on Nintendo’s 16 bits.
In other words, it wasn't responsible for the creation of
another series.
On a global scale:
Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (North America )
Final Fantasy USA :
Mystic Quest (Japan )
Mystic Quest Legend (Europe )
Marketed as a ‘beginners’ RPG, exploration, bosses and
regular monsters were still trademark and for the truly lazy, you could even
have the CPU control your ally.
The Japanese name makes relative sense but once again, why
did they remove ‘Final Fantasy’ for the European contingent?
Arrrrggghhhhh!
Remakes
Although a right royal pain in the corpulent behind, it was
possible to own the first six games on multiple formats and/or device.
Unlike the SNES, this is a WYSIWYG situation.
Final Fantasy
The formula remained identical, but Bandai’s Wonderswan
Colour boasted new scenarios and cut scenes in year 2000.
Like the Neo Geo Pocket, there was an earlier b/w system.
What do Nokia’s N-Gage and Tiger’s Game.Com have in common?
They both flopped quicker than a Viagra shy pensioner.
Bandai itself combined a good few years ago with Namco to
become, er, Bandai Namco.
Rightly or wrongly and because I’m old school, I still call
them Namco.
Am I alone? Probably
not.
Many years later, the PSP was host to an update in 2008 with
redrawn graphics and improved sound. Almost
inevitably, we could delve inside an art gallery, be treated with fabulous CGI and
explore new dungeons.
Final Fantasy II
Following on from the above, Bandai’s
modestly colourful machine exploited matters in 2001 and the PSP equivalent came shortly
after the updated original.
Final Fantasy III
Seventeen years later, Europe could finally taste the third outing on DS.
New side quests, touch screen interaction and a graphical
overhaul complete enhancements not worth waiting for.
Just to make things more ridiculous, the PSP became host in 2011/2012 but was only available on Japanese import.
The meat of which looks to be based on the DS remake.
Final Fantasy IV
The final instalment for Wonderswan appeared in 2002.
Up next was the Game Boy Advance in 2006 which had new side
quests, overworld and underworld areas.
The 2008 DS version wasn't just a port, but a turbocharged
remake as 3D graphics kicked more ass than the CGI contained. It also made the effort to include voiced cut
scenes.
That’s the way to do it.
Capcom may have magnificently reimagined Resident Evil on
Gamecube but it remains a cardinal sin that the same
courtesy wasn't extended to Resident Evil 2 and Dreamcast powerhouse Veronica.
Getting straight ports of Nemesis and cut-scene
extended Veronica X was a boring consolation, especially since the latter
was already ancient on PS2.
Picking up my dummy in frustration…
Final Fantasy V
The Game Boy Advance benefited in 2007 with Android
achieving the same principle in 2013.
Final Fantasy VI
This was remade to a certain extent for PS1 in 1999 with
exclusive CGI.
To prep PS2 owners for a potentially exciting 3D playing
field, the demo disc of Final Fantasy X couldn't fail to disappoint.
The Game Boy Advance and Android created a similar experience in 2007 and
2014 respectively.
Compilations
Final Fantasy
Anthology (NTSC) made its way to PS1 in 1999.
Why not PAL? Hmmm.
This contained Final Fantasy V (never previously released in
North America ), and VI, boasting CGI, improved graphics
and an exclusive music CD.
Get ready to be baffled.
In 2001, Final Fantasy
Chronicles was made unique for the NTSC PS1 market.
We got Final Fantasy IV from the as yet unmentioned European
Anthology and SNES classic Chrono Trigger.
Yeah that’s right - Chrono Trigger.
Discarding wholly unnecessary animated cut scenes, the core still accompanied wine better than cheese.
It’s crazier than a shithouse rat that such a sprinkling of
genius from 1995 wasn't standalone until 2009 on DS and perversely, is probably what most have played.
Anyway, why are they fucking with our minds?
It would be like if Konami released Ultimate Contra, consisting of Contra III: The Alien Wars and Tiny Toons Adventures: Buster Busts Loose!
It would be like if Konami released Ultimate Contra, consisting of Contra III: The Alien Wars and Tiny Toons Adventures: Buster Busts Loose!
Brought for PSN and Xbox Live in 2010, Final Fight Double
Impact suggests a pick and choose double hit combo from those available.
We did get the original Final Fight but the decision to include Magic Sword dumbfounded.
Ha ha ha! It’s fabulous.
Final Fantasy Anthology: European
Edition came to PS1 in 2002.
This
banquet dished out IV and V so marked a milestone PAL debut for V.
Holy
shit. Was it really necessary to release
two slightly different anthologies, for two different regions, on the SAME bastard system?
Let
me think. FUCK NO!
Comprising of I and II, Final
Fantasy Origins entertained PS1 owners in 2003.
We got some nice art cards and the expected coat of new graphics and CGI paint.
Appearing on Game Boy Advance in 2004, Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls did exactly what is
presumed on the tin.
To dangle a practically pointless carrot, II included an
unlockable new story once the normal game was completed.
Why not for the first game? I guess they couldn't be bothered.
After a considerable hiatus and to coincide with 20th
anniversary, Final Fantasy IV: The
Complete Collection exploded onto PSP in 2011.
Shenanigans from IV, and its sequel The After
Years were fused together for the first time, with all-new scenario Interlude bridging the gap between the two.
Enhanced visuals is a given but Gallery brought sumptuous CG
sequences and a variety of stylish illustrations.
Forget Interlude, when the fuck did The After Years come
about?
Well it was a 2008 Japanese only mobile game.
Sure it’s eccentric to release a sequel for something 17
years young, but at least cancels out the suggestion of any interquel or prequel bullshit.
Like 2010 mobile effort Dimensions, the adventure took an
episodic route as completing a tale paved the way for another.
To reward progress, new chars are introduced and a total of ten chapters await the brave.
Appropriately,
the same side-on battle approach of IV is taken.
Building upon seventh heaven
The PSP took the plunge with prequel Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII in 2009.
Set seven years before, the emergence of and how Shinra
Corporation came to power is the integral part of its overall flavour.
Things don’t go so swimmingly for Soldier Unit member Zack,
who is deployed by Shinra to investigate the chaos involving missing associates.
What makes this sauce taste slightly different is opting for mission-based mayhem.
Apart from meeting Sephiroth and other chars we know so
well, the gimmick of D.M.W (Digital Mind Wave) goes some way to improve the
intense hum of real-time battle.
Dirge of Cerberus:
Final Fantasy VII was another spin-off and starred Vincent Valentine.
This PS2 exclusive was staged after VII and second 2006 CG
film Advent Children.
Owners of non-interactive animation will know Advent
Children had a cool featurette that recapped the Final Fantasy story so far.
The first CG laden effort, The Spirits Within was completely
standalone in terms of story and chars.
Do yer’ know what? Spin-offs can kiss my ripe ass…
Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring boldly guzzled from the poisoned chalice
of one on one 3D fighting, as Cloud and Sephiroth et al settled up arcade scores in 1998.
The PS1 was the only system to wave its console wand in 1999.
Thankfully, it was far better than Star Wars: Masters of
Teras Kasi - a brilliant descent into putrescence.
Let’s face it, how the fuck could it not?
How the other half lived
Also for PS1, Chocobo
Racing was one of the many Mario Kart clones.
Flapping its wings
further, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo
Tales on DS saw our feathered friend leave the ranch and set about rescuing
his chums who have been sealed in pages of a picture book by Darkmaster
Bebuzzu.
Participating in
so-called pop-up duels, card battles and Wario Ware style micro games, it made
for something worth touching up.
Before moving to DS
and Wii, Crystal Chronicles began on Gamecube and allowed up to four
players to take part.
Using a GBA link cable,
player data could be managed with consummate ease.
To get the most out
of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, the need to purchase four GBA systems and
four link cables was practically forced upon the consumer.
For whatever
reason, Nintendo had a huge problem with us using actual controllers.
The Game Boy
version of SNES classic A Link to the Past included an interpretation of Four
Swords as a multi-player bonus, but I'm sure the snag of requiring a cart per player put many off.
Did many really go
through with financial bankruptcy in order to play Four Swords ‘properly’?
I remain sceptical.
Come on, Nintendo
did us up like several angry kippers.
Amalgamating 3D fighting, EX gauge and elements of RPG, Dissidia
Final Fantasy and prequel Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy were released
on PSP in 2002 and 2011 respectively.
Many chars (past and the then present) were selectable to be
involved in a right old palaver.
The prequel’s main addition was a new scenario based story
mode.
Taking place a year
after XII, DS entry Final
Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings made for a succulent touch-screen romp.
Much like The Spirits Within, 2010 DS entry Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light was related to nothing apart
from name.
Instead of CG heavy sequences and/or polygonal overkill,
picture book visuals injected freshness
into a franchise well past its sell by date.
Menu, information and main game screen are separated without suffocation that serve up several
slices of juicy entertainment.
Music can enthral or appal but in the case of Square’s
omnipotent franchise, it generally provides an onslaught of unearthly charm and
wonderment.
Distant Worlds: Music
from Final Fantasy and its ‘sequel’, Distant
Worlds II: More Music from Final Fantasy should interest as the Royal Stockholm
Philharmonic Orchestra unleashes a plethora of aural excitement with their own
audacious interpretations of Nobuo Uematsu’s incredible compositions.
The influence of pixels largely pollutes the big screen but in
regards to capturing environment and atmosphere, I've always said Silent Hill
is probably the best example.
Resident Evil is a guilty pleasure, DOA, Street Fighter and The King of Fighters were humorously awful but what about Uwe Boll’s Alone in the Dark?
Err, yeah.
However, that was genius compared to…The House of the Dead.
Please read the words that I write, wasting 90 minutes or so
on that FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT will
ruin your life.
It’s quite amazing that both atrocities excreted sequels.
What will become of The Last of Us?
A budget of millions will be powerless to prevent an
absolute train wreck.
My gut feeling is Gerard Butler (Joel) and Chloe Grace
Moretz (Ellie) will fight the mutated strain of Cordyceps.
The final game to chew
over, or more appropriately, tap over is 3DS effort Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy.
In the style of Rhythm Heaven, Elite Beat Agents or even PS2
obscurity Gitaroo Man, it’s basically a musical celebration to commemorate 25
years of levelling up, random battles, chatting shit, quirky chars and aimless
wandering.
Nostalgic
bleeps or fantastic cheeps are seamlessly integrated with the chime of success.
As per usual, your focus gradually shifts from background to
solely concentrate on the bombardment of directional symbol.
Magic can be used and chars do level up so the RPG element
is virtually but not completely binned.
Very briefly, three modes of play exist.
Field Music Sequence (FMS) – critical hits and a faultless
chain.
Event Music Sequence (EMS ) – a
solitary situation set against CG cinema from a specific game.
This smelt initially rotten but persevering escalates
beyond a cheap gimmick and generates the aura of satisfying addiction.
Summoning up
I could delve deeper
with Tactics and ‘subscription required’ but the buck stops here.
Personally, I fell
out of love with the series ever since it made the transition to HD.
Final Fantasy was
great in its heyday but after VII climbed the highest peak, personality disappeared
like water down a plughole.
Lightning Returns
and A Realm Reborn may have run their PS3 relay, but the upcoming XV ensures
the baton has already been passed to PS4/Xbox One.
The only way this greedy cow will ever have its udders milked dry is for Gil to be withdrawn as legal tender.
Yeah, don't hold your breath.
