Final Fantasy 101

By Dave Kozicki

The Final Fantasy juggernaut is a bit of an enigma. Many of you are “scared” of the traditional RPG and only road test the sleekest of the newer action hybrids, and we feel that’s a damn shame. The core of any decent piece of interactive entertainment is the strength of its characters and depth of storyline. The franchise has proved this point time and time again, striking a chord that resonates deep within the heart of even the most cynical of you out there. Who ever would have thought that gamers worldwide would be caught dumbstruck with emotion by the death of a main character in the seventh (which many still consider the best) chapter of this sprawling epic?

Rarely do you ever get so invested in the fate of fictional characters, yet it’s hardly surprising. Most books, films or other genres of games only give you, on average, 10-20 hours to get to know your heroes. A Final Fantasy RPG can last anywhere from 35 hours for the streamline player, to over 100 for the Curious George that needs to scour every centimetre, climb every mountain, venture into each cavern and defeat every beastie that inhabits the realm. You spend that much time with anyone or anything, overcoming obstacles, sharing experiences, winning desperate battles side by side, no doubt, you’re going to get attached, whether it’s a mate or just a bunch of pixels.

Now under normal circumstances the release of a Final Fantasy title is cause for celebration, but this year we’re getting not one, or two, or even three, but six doses of RPG goodness. Whatever format you favour, there’s a little something for everyone. So where to first? Don’t be afraid, as we’re about to give you a crash course on new and upcoming release titles and how they fit into the scheme of things in the Final Fantasy universe. It’s a little thing we like to call Final Fantasy 101. Class is now in session.

THE PAST
Final Fantasy I Anniversary Edition – PSP

What better place to start than the beginning. Four young heroes have been called to Coneria to use the crystals they have in their possession to restore the elemental balance. They embark on an adventure to save the world as they attempt to discover who is behind this evil, and eventually defeat it. This remastered edition of the Granddaddy of the series boasts enhanced visuals, new dungeons to explore, newly composed score, and an improved camera system all set in anamorphic wide-screen format. If you’ve got a PSP, this is the perfect jump off point to get to know Final Fantasy. The straightforward gameplay with tonnes of enemies to defeat, one random battle at a time, became a staple for the early versions of the series.

Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition – PSP

Containing all the technical upgrades of the First Anniversary Edition, this is the second bite of the apple. Many flaws from the original have been corrected and you set off on a new journey. After many years of peace, demonic entities begin flooding the land in an attempt to take over the world. Thousands die in battle, yet from the ashes four survivors emerge to combat this new threat, to both stop the harbinger of this new evil, and avenge the deaths of their families. Final Fantasy II was a substantial aesthetic upgrade from its predecessor and by having main characters on a quest for revenge and retribution; it set a decidedly different tone. One of the most interesting features was the battle system. If you favoured swordplay over magics your physical attributes would rise, as your intellect and experience in the arcane arts dropped.

THE PRESENT  
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings – NDS

From the most humble of beginnings, we jump to the latest greatest. Set a year before the events of Final Fantasy XII, this tale follows the exploits of two main characters from Ivalice, mainly Vaan and Panelo. Made exclusively for the DS, Revenant Wings was embraced by fans worldwide. With glorious visuals (a staple for the franchise, as well as scantily clad babes and effeminate male leads) and its RTS styling, it was a departure from the more traditional turn based party combat. Instead of individuals, you had armies at your disposal and preparation before each battle was paramount. It was a refreshing change and reaffirmed that Final Fantasy was not a one trick pony, and could indeed flourish in any format, on any console.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Expanding on the themes of quests fraught with peril, powerful magic crystals, and cutesy anime aesthetics, Ring of Fates took a little jump to the left by incorporating co-operative and multiplayer mechanics to an RPG. Developing this particular new storyline solely for the NDS, it has embraced 3D graphics as opposed to the standard flat graphics, more suitable for this action RPG and gives it a style of it’s own. The battles are looking hard and fast, and you can combine and chain attacks together with your AI controlled partners, or lay the smack down with a few buddies. Don’t let the adorable graphics fool you into thinking this bad boy is just for kids, sure it’s targeting young-uns, but never condescending or irritating enough to discourage adult enthusiasts. The storyline is a rich tapestry expertly woven together, boss battles come in all shapes and sizes and there are the mini side games and racers that always come bundled into a Final Fantasy experience. Hitting shelves shortly, this is a must own title if you’ve got a DS.

THE FUTURE
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers

Why stop with developing for the DS alone when you can also do it for the Wii? You’re getting the best of both worlds here. This sequel will be very much in the vein of its daddy, but the focus will be directed towards the single player campaign. In fact, one reoccurring theme in the Final Fantasy universe is that you mould a character from humble beginnings into a hero through your trial and tribulations, however this is not the case. You are already a well-established champion of the realm. This is just another feather in your cap. You will, as usual, be encouraged to level up your character, and Square Enix has hinted this could have an impact on the multi-player aspects. The look itself has evolved. Gone is the over the top anime cuteness, replaced with a more battle hardened gruff hero, which is an attempt to bridge the gap and to appeal to mature gamers. It’s one we feel will pay off big time. Details are scant on the Wii interactivity as well as the online game play, but considering the pedigree, we’re extremely confident this puppy will win “Best in Show’ on release.

Final Fantasy XIII

Welcome to the jewel in Square Enix’s crown. This is one of the most highly anticipated RPGs ever, and with good reason. One part of three titles (coupled with the more action oriented Versus XIII on PS3 and fully 3D rendered Agito XIII on mobile phones no less!) called Fabula Nova Crystallis; Final Fantasy XIII is looking to blur the line between cut scene and game play. Sure, Gears of War and other titles get close, but Square Enix has always been in the forefront of CGI, as anyone who has seen any title sequence in one of its recent releases could testify. First impressions have literally knocked our socks off; with an impossibly gorgeous female lead (a nice change of pace) facing off against a monstrous beast, then some stormtrooper-esque goons, with ridiculous grace and oozing sexuality. An unexpected, and sweet game play tweak occurs where the action slows down Matrix style, as you toggle through picking your next command, and it looks freaking awesome. Without the on screen display, it would’ve been almost impossible to tell where CG left off and game play begins. It’s literally an orgy for you eyeballs and this instalment could very well be the genre defining addition to the RPG fold.

These are just several blips on the radar as far as Square Enix is concerned. Keep your eyes peeled for a batch of unbelievable properties that will lead their assault on next gen, and every other format out there. In the Final Fantasy stable, you’ve got additions to FFXI for the X360 on the way, FF tactics is getting a much-deserved sequel on NDS and a trifecta of gold comes to PS3. With Square Enix at the reins, the future of the RPG is looking bright.