Welcome to the new and improved Final Fantasy thread, now streamlined for pitiful, inferior 56k users.
This thread is to primarily discuss the FF series and its spin-offs, which include Kingdom Hearts (since, you know, it features FF characters). Any discussions on other Square Enix games is prohibited, or at least kept in brief.
Remember, do
NOT engage in any "my favorite FF vs your piece of shit FF" debates. It's your right to like whichever entries you like, so it's only fair that you respect other fans' preferences.
Also, as these threads tend to introduce newcomers to the series,
I urge you to spoiler tag all major plot points regardless of the game (including whatever iteration it takes). I'm not enforcing this rule, but try to be courteous. Yes, that includes the spoilers everyone should know about by now.
Compilation of Final Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy VII: Advent Children: Completehttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/47515.html
NA Release Date: Out Now
What is it? Nomura and company's (alleged) final cut of the movie, which according to importers adds numerous improvements to the original movie's fast-paced, somewhat confusing plot, along with some new dialog and more violent fight scenes.
Episode: DenzelWhat is it? A 30 minute anime feature that adapts the "Case of Denzel" short story (see further down). The same animation studio behind the Valkyria Chronicles TV series is behind this, and it will be included with the NA version of AC:C. Cloud, Tifa, Reeve, Johnny, and even some Chocobos make brief appearances in this feature. I will continue to hope and pray that "Case of Tifa" gets an adaption someday.
Want to read my review of both features?
Check it out here.
Final Fantasy VII: The Remakehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv8cYrGG220
As long as FFVII remains popular, you aren't going to stop hearing false rumors and fan pleadings for this to be made. The unanimous belief is that Square will one day make this, but as to when remains a mystery at this point. Regardless, it is a case of when, not if.
Final Fantasy VII Novellas: On The Way To A SmileWhat is it? Created during Advent Children's production, these official short stories expand a bit on the two year span between the end of the original game and Advent Children. "Case of Denzel" is the ony one to get an anime adaption so far, but it is still highly recommend that fans read the other stories, as they offer some touching, character-driven moments. It also helps to establish Cloud's emotional state of mind during Advent Children.
Three more novellas are planned to be released soon, including Case of Yuffie (woo!), Case of The Turks (eh), and Case of Red XIII (eh?)
Case of DenzelCase of TifaCase of BarretThe Maiden Who Travels The PlanetFFVII Fan Projects
Let's Play Final Fantasy VII: By AdusFinal Fantasy VII PC: Re-ImaginedWhat is it? Using a text editor, I have decided to rewrite the entire script of FFVII, creating a more consistent translation along with some personal touches to greater expand the characters and setting. The script is done with serious intentions, but I've balanced things out with humor, both referential and personal. I don't have a promised release date on when this will be finished, since in truth I would rather devote all my attention to a more important project....
Final Fantasy VII Comic: ExGenesisWhat is it? When I had learned that DeviantArt member
DarkChildx2k had the aspiration to create an FFVII comic, I decided to send him an E-mail to see if he would like my assistance in writing and planning the dialog. After several online interactions, it turned out that DarkChild is in fact a professional freelancer, who is attending this year's San Diego comic-con to promote his official book Shadowlaw. In addition, however, he also plans to have a one-on-one meeting with
Udon, who will be attending the convention, and whom its founders are good friends of his. With a completed portfolio in hand, he hopes to convince Udon to officially license our project, turning it into an official series.
And to top it off, I have full writing and directing duties. I have submitted scripts and concepts to him and his editor on a weekly basis, and he's approved every single idea so far. Sketches are sent to me almost daily, which you can view on the following
Photobucket account. He hopes to have colored illustrations and storyboards sent to me as well, along with an official website. You guys are the only forum that I've shown this stuff too, so any input or contributions you would like to share would be greatly appreciated. In addition to the portfolio, he and I are also scouring for talented fan-artists out there to submit their talents, as an effort to show Udon that there's already a community out there that wants this comic to take off.
Even if the book doesn't get approved, or if I'm taken off the project due to my inexperience, it's still worth working with this artist, as he has several connections in both the comic and animated community, and promises to share those contacts with me should an opportunity come up. Regardless, I'll shoot high and show Udon and Square Enix what I can do, and will work to deliver the best adaption of the beloved FFVII series that I possibly can.
Dead Fantasyhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/26450.htmlhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/32364.htmlhttp://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/dead-fantasy-iii-preview/318814http://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/dead-fantasy-iv-preview/318831http://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/dead-fantasy-v-preview-fanime/318836What is it? A series of fan-made vids by the one-man team of Monty Oum, Dead Fantasy is, simply put, a nonstop orgy of action involving the ladies of Final Fantasy and Dead or Alive. Don't get turned on just yet, though, because these ladies are using their various skills to pummel each other into the pavement (now you can get turned on). Essentially a fanfiction come to life, Dead Fantasy is an entertaining series requiring no brain power to enjoy the over-the-top action and skilled choreography. Personally I find the DOA inclusion unnecessary as a simple FF vs FF brawl would have been just as entertaining (plus there isn't anyone outside of Ryu Hayabusa who would prove to be a match for anyone from FF), but it's good fun nonetheless.
Preview vids for the next parts show the inclusion of more characters, as well as a "shocking" cliffhanger that seems to be a response to criticisms regarding a lack of blood and injury. Watching Tifa do her best Kill Bill impersonation sounds cool in theory, but getting impaled with a dozen arrows is kind of pushing it a bit.
I'm curious how it ends, though.
Fabula Nova CrystalisFinal Fantasy XIIIhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/50338.htmlRelease Date: Winter 2009 (Japan)
NA: Spring 2010
What is it?The first truly next-gen JRPG. You know it, I know it. The buzz on this game has been highly positive, especially with the release of the recent demo (no word yet if NA will get it as well). To top it off, that demo's only a 50% build, with the final version poised to rock our socks off.
Gamersyde has posted 720p videos of the entire demo, along with its trailers. Currently this the highest quality vids available, so it's well worth the download.
The game's localization is working quite closely with the Japanese development, although NA fans will still have to wait until Spring 2010 while Japan gets to have a Merry Christmas with their Winter 2009 release. On the upside, the English version will feature re-synched lips, ala Kingdom Hearts.
Final Fantasy Versus XIIIhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/48154.htmlWhat is it? Nomura's debut as director for an FF game, and one that he promises will be the darkest entry in the series, possibly even garnering an M rating. It's still quite a ways off, as the clip above doesn't even feature voice acting. However, the way it's looking now, it could even surpass FFXIII in visuals, as the clothing details (made by
Roen) are quite superb.
Final Fantasy Agito XIIIhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/48159.htmlWhat is it?A seemingly multiplayer game where players can take their custom characters and perform various missions. The game was originally going to be on the cellphones, which had me all ":|". But now it's coming for the PSP, so now I'm ":)". I can only hope that this basically plays out like an online version of FFVIII's high school setting.
Final Fantasy Online
Final Fantasy XIV: Onlinehttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/50330.html
Release Date: 2010 (Worldwide)
One of E3's biggest surprise announcements, Final Fantasy XIV has been unveiled, to the surprise of everyone attending. Then it was revealed to be another online title in the vein of Final Fantasy XI, which killed the anticipation somewhat. I, on the other hand, am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a next-gen sequel to FFXI, and I'm optimistic that Square can iron out the criticisms of their first online game and make their next attempt something stellar.
Kingdom Hearts SeriesKingdom Hearts: 358 Days/2http://www.gametrailers.com/player/50213.htmlRelease Date: May 30th (Japan)
NA: September 29What is it? A DS game centering on Roxas' time as a member of Organization XIII. The entire Organization is playable, and the game features a four-player multiplayer mode. Hopefully this will have an online component as well as ad hoc. It's almost certain that NA will receive this game this year.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleephttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/43758.htmlWhat is it? Set 14 years before "Sora's journey", this prequel features three new characters (including one that bears an intentional resemblance to Roxas) as they traverse previously unseen Disney Worlds such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Final Fantasy Spin-OffsDissidia: Final Fantasyhttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/50692.htmlRelease Date: August 25 (NA)
What is it? The first (and certainly not the last) crossover FF fighting game. The NA version is supposedly very close to being wrapped up, though no word if there will be any additions such as new characters. It's a shame if there aren't, since I have
quite a few people I'd like to see show up to lighten up the near sausage-fest of male heroes.
According to our own AP Zonerunner, the NA version of Dissidia will feature some noticeable improvements, including new levels and "character cameos".
Crystal Defendershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEft6qKt0t4
Release Date: Spring 2009 (PSN). XBLA and WW versions out now.
What is it?A pixeljunk monster-type game centered around the FFTA universe. It looks cute, but I wonder how addictive the gameplay is. I'm also not sure which version is the best one to get.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Timehttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/47006.htmlWhat is it? Another installment of the Crystal Chronicles series, although this time featuring an online mode, which has me slightly interested. It's quite telling how the Wii version actually looks worse than the DS version, though.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USngu5D70iQRelease Date: Late 2009What is it? It's hard to say, really. It looks like another Crystal Chronicles knockoff, but it seems a lot more action oriented than anything ever seen in Final Fantasy. The main character has some pretty cool powers that might make wiimote play amusing, but it remains to be seen. This game has had a long development time, so I hope it's paid off.
Final Fantasy IV: The After Yearshttp://www.gametrailers.com/player/50210.htmlRelease Date: Fall 2009 (NA)
What is it? Once a Japanese cellphone exclusive, the sequel to FFIV is now set to hit the WiiWare this year. Taking place 10 years after the original game, you take control of Cecil and Rosa's son Ceodore, as well as other returning party members such as Rydia, Rydia, and Oh God Yes Rydia I love you so.
This game plays it up oldschool-style, featuring the tried and true ATB system, which has me quite excited.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A Dark Lordhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FcpaSPAeFQWhat is it? A counter spin-off to My Life as a King, this WW game places you in charge of the Dark Lord's apprentice, as you must set up traps and monsters to fend off warriors from invading your castle and beheading your master.
I enjoyed King for its simple, easy to pick up gameplay, and I'm also a big fan of Disgaea, so I've got an eye on this one. It certainly looks quite charming.
Dawn: The Worlds of Final FantasyWhat is it? For the first time, NA fans have a chance to own a localized artbook, containing Amano's illustrations of the first four FF games, along with developer notes and other information. I plan to purchase this book soon, and I hope the majority of you do the same, in the hopes that Dark Horse will release more books like this in the future.
Finally, for a look at the various anime adaptions regarding Final Fantasy, take a look at my
comprehensive blog post.
Posts
Square Enix will hire a separate studio to develop the FFVII remake. And you know who it'll be?
Mistwalker.
The Gooch and Uematsu. Come on.
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Holy shit
So much awesome
But I can't imagine SE hiring any other development studio to remake as huge a game as FFVII
I just can't see it happening, they'd def keep it in house
Well, if they ever considered it, I couldn't think of a more suitable studio. Oldschool minds using newschool technology. It could potentially be quite wonderful.
I just hope they sort out their multi-disc issues by then, but in this case it could prove quite nostalgic (same portraits too!).
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Or it could be Matrix after they finish FF VI DS...
Ho, ho, ho.
Blue Dragon 2...Ugh...and Lost Odyssey 2 (Yay!)
Both of those are yay for me.
Also, Holy shit at that KH 358/2 trailer. DO WANT.
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Agreed. BD was pretty much DQ without the DQ baggage, and LO was pretty much FF without the FF baggage (even though I still love both series), so I enjoyed both of them.
I do hope an LO sequel gets rid of the random encounters, and that a BD sequel tones down the ridiculously overpowered job system.
Which Final Fantasy is the best?
But the Job system was what made the game so much fun. It was like an FFV-2
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Oh, I *liked* the job system, I just think it could be set up in a way that made it less game-breaking. I didn't even go out of my way to exploit it, but by the time I was maybe halfway through the game, combat had completely ceased to be a challenge, and the auto-kill thing combined with whatever job point boost made mastering jobs and getting stupidly strong a basic consequence of merely playing the game.
This is the first time I'd seen that Kingdom Hearts DS trailer. Looks good.
LO is a lot like older FF games, only the story goes to pot after disk one and it becomes a chore to play.
But luckily this is the FF thread, not the games that wished they were better games thread.
So let's hear it. Ignoring characters, story, setting, music, even ATB/CTB, all that stuff...which FF has your favorite system of improving characters?
For me, I think it is probably either FFIX or FFX. I like that both allow for incremental advancement, learning abilities in an order which is essentially laid out, but with the ability to customize, and with rarely more than a battle or two going by before you get at least some improvement in your character (whether it's a new ability, or just a small stat gain).
The other thing I like about both is that you're generally still learning new stuff into the end game, as opposed to many of the other titles where outside of "secret" stuff, you've stopped gaining new abilities and levels are largely meaningless past 50 or so. I like the idea of not really hitting a point where combat is just in the way of the next goal, rather than allowing for new abilities to be learned.
FFXII's was kinda cool until you got Golden Amulets, then it was basically END GAME CONTENT AHOY for everyone
Also, Technicks should be automatically learned
Fuck that scroll bullshit
FFVI's is getting kinda deep now what with unique abilities per character. I'm kinda digging FFVI's, aside from the "use everyone's special ability, and only their special ability, in battle"
Also, Gau is a fucking cool dude with a cool way to learn his abilities why do people dislike him
If they incorporate this in FFXIII, happy times are here again.
He takes too much work to learn end-level abilities, while everyone else simply powers up by levels or bonus quests.
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Either make it an action RPG (allowing me to move around) or make it like FFX's (you can take all the time in the world to plan each attack)
This bullshit about having to basically use a command as soon as I get one ASAP or I WILL BE HURT A LOT BY THE ENEMY is bullshit, imo
I did forget about X-2's, which was pretty cool as far as earning abilities went, although I kinda wished there was more permanency in the stats, rather than them being dependent solely on level and current job.
Err, no.
People don't like Gau because they don't understand him. Most of his really useful crap comes pretty early, but if you don't know the elements/resists of monsters off the top of your head you could end up healing the opponent every round.
Gau can also be broken as fuck in FFVI. Wind God Gau+Snow Muffler? Yeah.
My AC:C FINALLY came today. I ripped through that package like it was Christmas morning!
I'd also like to say that AC looks jaw-droppingly stunning in 1080p on a big tv. My jaw was literally open for almost the entire movie. The changes they made all get thumbs up from me too.
Weaboo List
I haven't watched the whole thing because I didn't have time...but goddamn, the changes to the Sephiroth fight were awesome as fuck.
Is that a baby Chocobo nesting in his 'fro?
Yes. And it is awesome.
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It is Boo with feathers.
I thought LO was pretty good though.
I hope this ends up in FF's first interracial romance, we need more color in the FF series people
Yea, definitely the best part of the whole movie.
And that baby chocobo in the 'fro during the XIII demo was so awesome, hahaha. But why does Square reduce their black characters to comedic relief all the time (besides Kiros).
Weaboo List
I still say Barrett was not comic relief. He was a very serious character, even if the things he said were often laughable. Sazh's actions in the demo at least seem tailor-made for him to be the comic relief character in the game, which is fine with me. It's better than him being a Mr T knock-off.
I'm unsure if Japanese people are just unaware of the US' history of racism against black people or they just don't care or what, but it's a bit...irritating
No control at all after the first round. Just rages, dancing and a Yeti throwing people at monsters.
Yea I guess that's true. I do love Barrett's English dub in AC though; totally how I imagined him when I played VII for the first time.
Weaboo List
EDIT: There was more to this post but fuck it. Spoilers and poor grammar and all that.
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Anyway, playing through III reminded me I never finished the Ds version of IV. since this is the FF thread, I thought I migt as well ask here rather then to necro old threads. Will IV continue to swap party members on me?
So far I keep getting different party members thrown at me. Every time I get the hang of a nice strategy with the group I have some event happens and I lose some people and get others in their place. I really hate this, especially since in the last swap I got stuck with a bunch of characters that are either incompetent or that simply don't suit my playstyle (probably the latter).
If the party will eventually stabilise and stay with the same people I might struggle on where I left off (after I finish III), else I might take advantage of the current Gamestop offer to trade the game in for 30 euro and grab LIttle King's story for the Wii instead.