My First " Final Fantasy " Gaming Title

[Gracious Winter]

I have been considering buying " Final Fantasy VII " for the initial Playstation for a while, over the past three months. Im very annoyed by the persistent praise this game gets, though, i have yet to actually play the game myself. That applies to any Final Fantasy game for that matter. Infact, the only " RPG " gaming titles, i have ever enjoyed, were " Namco X Capcom " and " The Bouncer ". I have even made claims of the Final Fantasy Series being overrated due to the constant annoyance it carries. Well today, was the last nudge for me. It was mainly after seeing that the Final Fantasy Series actually beat out the Mario Series on the Gamefaq polls yesterday, which was unbelievable from my perspective. And now, it's even hanging with Zelda.

That was too much for me to handle, i want to see if i have really been missing out, by not buying any of these Final Fantasy titles that get so much praise. Im going to begin with the famous, " Final Fantasy VII ", though im still quite unsure if i should really waste my time. Is this game really all that extraordinary, or are people caught in the retro hype, where games might had been extraordinary for it's time, but currently doesn't hold a candle to most of the games now. Im very interested in some opinions here, and i would greatly appreciate them.

[CrazyMoronX]

FFVII was a pretty good game. The graphics are horrid, so you better prepare yourself.

Personally, I think FFVI was better. And it didn't look like crap either! :amazed

If you go into any game thinking it's going to suck, you'll probably find it sucky. So, try to go in with an open mind.

It's a great game, the only people that don't like it are retards, and people that are hell-bent on denying anything in the mainstream.

[MegaManMario]

but does it deserve to be called the best game of all time?

[Gracious Winter]

but does it deserve to be called the best game of all time?

That's a good question, because that's all i ever hear and read about it.

I see what you mean though CM. But i have a question. I had to ask this because this is something that may infact, stop me from giving it a try, after my experience with " Namco X Capcom ". Is FFVII a turned-based " RPG " title ?

[Vegitto-kun]

Yes FFVII is a turn-based RPG

The graphics arent that horrible, the outside battle graphics are simple but the battle graphics are pretty nice.

[Arazial]

I like the Final Fantasy series... they're not my favorite games or anything but they're pretty good.

As for FF7 being the best game ever and what not. I think it's mostly due to a specific generation of gamers got introduced to rpgs through FF7. So many of those people put FF7 on such a high pedestal due to the impact it had on them. Much like alot of old school gamers do with some of their favorite games. Or many older rpg fans do with the original Dragon Warriors,Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger ect. I'll admit I do it in a nostalgic sense with Super Mario 3 and Mega Man 3.

Does FF7 stand the test of time? Somewhat, but if you're someone that got into gaming or was weaned on good graphics from the PS2 era than you may not be able to get past the graphics, and that could essentially cause you to underrate it. If you're someone that can still appreciate older games (nes,snes ect) than I can see you getting past that and appreciating it.

It also sounds like you're going into trying the series while already thinking negatively about it. As what others said, if you go in with that mentality the series is definitely going to be disappointing.

[DeepThought]

Final Fantasy games are the "best" because they are a time tested best-seller.

FFVII was a breakthrough game. It presented an interesting gameplay and level of graphics which were not prevalent at the time (1997).
Graphics have come a long way since then so it isn't fair to say they suck. The pre-rendered interactive backgrounds and extravagant cutscenes were a breath of fresh air to a predominantly overhead sprite-based and flat genre. While FFVII didn't pioneer these techniques, it was the first high profile game to incoorporate the "next-gen" in RPGs.
(and yes... it's highly overrated....play Legend of Dragoon when you are done with FFVII)

[Gracious Winter]

I honestly can't believe people are really proclaiming a turned based " RPG " title, to be the greatest game, ever released on a gaming console. The game must of had an incredible story, because the combat system surely isn't a key aspect of praise, not when it's turn-based. I find turn-based " RPG's " to be slow and extremely repetitive. It doesn't give you any sense of actual control during combat, which is where it matters most, in my opinion. This whole idea, is almost completely inconsequential to me now. Are there any Final Fantasy games, that aren't turn-based ?

I might just go back and try " Super Mario RPG ", which i have also heard and read about from many people, to be the best " RPG " game out there. It also doesn't seem as overhyped as FFVII. It's true though, i am going into the FF Series thinking rather negatively, but i have went into quite a few games that way and some have left me astound.

[DeepThought]

Are there any Final Fantasy games, that aren't turn-based ?


FFXII has a new system which is more interactive. It's still semi-turnbased, but it happens in real time. It's kind of like FFXI Online.

[Vegitto-kun]

I honestly can't believe people are really proclaiming a turned based " RPG " title, to be the greatest game, ever released on a gaming console. The game must of had an incredible story, because the combat system surely isn't a key aspect of praise, not when it's turn-based. I find turn-based " RPG's " to be slow and extremely repetitive. It doesn't give you any sense of actual control during combat, which is where it matters most, in my opinion. This whole idea, is almost completely inconsequential to me now. Are there any Final Fantasy games, that aren't turn-based ?

I might just go back and try " Super Mario RPG ", which i have also heard and read about from many people, to be the best " RPG " game out there. It also doesn't seem as overhyped as FFVII. It's true though, i am going into the FF Series thinking rather negatively, but i have went into quite a few games that way and some have left me astound.
If you think like that of RPG's then you have never played a good RPG, pretty much every FF has a brilliant story appart from 10,10-2 and 11(being online and all). Dragonquest 8 beats FF badly though

[Gracious Winter]

FFXII has a new system which is more interactive. It's still semi-turnbased, but it happens in real time. It's kind of like FFXI Online.

I see. Then maybe i should start there.

If you think like that of RPG's then you have never played a good RPG, pretty much every FF has a brilliant story appart from 10,10-2 and 11(being online and all). Dragonquest 8 beats FF badly though

As i said before, i have only played " Namco X Capcom " and " The Bouncer ". The Bouncer, was more of an Action game with " RPG " aspects(elements), whereas, " Namco X Capcom " was a full fledged " RPG " game. I only enjoyed " Namco X Capcom " mainly because of the recognizable characters and attacks. It's definitely not something i can go back too either.

[Vegitto-kun]

I see. Then maybe i should start there.



As i said before, i have only played " Namco X Capcom " and " The Bouncer ". The Bouncer, was more of an Action game with " RPG " aspects(elements), whereas, " Namco X Capcom " was a full fledged " RPG " game. I only enjoyed " Namco X Capcom " mainly because of the recognizable characters and attacks. It's definitely not something i can go back too either.
Well those two games are like pretty unknown meaning they arent that good :oh Hell I never heard of the bouncer. final fantasy and dragonquest are series 100 times better then those two.

You have never played a good RPG before

[Gracious Winter]

That's exactly why im trying to find a few that might drive me into the " RPG " world, to see what all the postive commotion is about. I might be more fit for Western " RPG's ", more or less, then the famous " JRPG's ". Do you know if they differ much in terms of quality ?

[Vegitto-kun]

That's exactly why im trying to find a few that might drive me into the " RPG " world, to see what all the postive commotion is about. I might be more fit for Western " RPG's ", more or less, then the famous " JRPG's ". Do you know if they differ much in terms of quality ?
I never heard of a western RPG O_o just get FFVII and dragonquest 8 and your set

[Arazial]

Well those two games are like pretty unknown meaning they arent that good :oh Hell I never heard of the bouncer. final fantasy and dragonquest are series 100 times better then those two.

You have never played a good RPG before


Well incase you were curious...

this is Namco X Capcom (import jpn)
http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/ps2/namxcap/namxcap.html

I actually wish it had come out in the US, I would've loved to have played it.



And I'm surprised you've never heard of the Bouncer, it's a squaresoft title. Though it was more graphic quality than substance. It's like a nice looking beat 'em' up. Was pretty disappointing I thought and way too short (like 30minutes - 1 hour).
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/163/163592p1.html

[Gracious Winter]

I never heard of a western RPG O_o just get FFVII and dragonquest 8 and your set

I see. Well i'll pass on FFVII, but i'll definitely give Dragon Quest 8 a try. I heard nothing but good things about that game, and it's actually a more recent title, so that makes it easier to find as well. I was thinking about giving Kingdom Hearts a try though, but everyone says it's an Action Adventure game, not an actual " RPG " gaming title, like i had originally assumed.

Thank you, for your helpful views everyone. It's really appreciated, and hopefully i'll enjoy these type of games as much as some of you in the future.

[Vegitto-kun]

I see. Well i'll pass on FFVII, but i'll definitely give Dragon Quest 8 a try. I heard nothing but good things about that game, and it's actually a more recent title, so that makes it easier to find as well. I was thinking about giving Kingdom Hearts a try though, but everyone says it's an Action Adventure game, not an actual " RPG " gaming title, like i had originally assumed.

Thank you, for your helpful views everyone. It's really appreciated, and hopefully i'll enjoy these type of games as much as some of you in the future.
You can easily download FFVII for the PC, and GET kingdom hearts 1 and 2 they are utter brilliant games even if they aren't turnbased RPG's it has RPG elements like weapon changing, magic, summons, experience points potions and shit but its not turnbased nor semi turnbased

[crazymtf]

If you think like that of RPG's then you have never played a good RPG, pretty much every FF has a brilliant story appart from 10,10-2 and 11(being online and all). Dragonquest 8 beats FF badly though
In terms of beating which FF? I think Dragonquest 8 beats 10-10-2 and 11. FF 8 are tied with that one and FF7 beats it by a little. 9 Was a horrible piece of dog shit.

[Arazial]

In terms of beating which FF? I think Dragonquest 8 beats 10-10-2 and 11. FF 8 are tied with that one and FF7 beats it by a little. 9 Was a horrible piece of dog shit.

Eh, to each their own, FF9 was my second fave (#'d) FF after 6.

[Vegitto-kun]

In terms of beating which FF? I think Dragonquest 8 beats 10-10-2 and 11. FF 8 are tied with that one and FF7 beats it by a little. 9 Was a horrible piece of dog shit.
I played DQ8 it beats every single FF seriously :oh I cant believe you think that 8 beats 9, 8 was terrible

And I am still wondering what Winter meant by "western" RPG's

[Nexas]

And I am still wondering what Winter meant by "western" RPG's
Probably stuff like Diablo, Baldurs Gate, and KOTOR.

[crazymtf]

I played DQ8 it beats every single FF seriously :oh I cant believe you think that 8 beats 9, 8 was terrible

And I am still wondering what Winter meant by "western" RPG's
Oh DQ is great, to be honest i'm still playing it :laugh :P
I hated 9 for a few reasons...
One: Shitty Story.
Two: Shitty Characters.
Three: Boring attacks.
Four: Worse Summonings.
Five: Only one i didn't bother beating.
Six: Graphics weren't a BIG leap like 8 was to seven.

I liked eight alot, i thought it had good summong rules, graphics were great, battle system was good, and the characters enjoyable. Story was ok too. Only thing i hated is when you level up, they level up.
FF7 was great in terms of graphics/characters/weapons/bosses/battle system/summons. I didn't like FF7 story at all really but that's just my opinion.
DQ8 in my opinion has a great story/characters/battle engine/weapons/pace. Graphics are OK, i like alot of little things they added but there not MIND BLOWING. Good none the less and the art from the dbz guy is always a nice touch.

This is just my opinion anyway :P I played FF1&2 and Six and tatics but there nothign to big in my mind. Fun to play but i really can't say i was impressed. :P

[Arazial]

Pretty sure, that usually "western rpgs" are like Diablo, Icewind Dale, Fallout, Morrowind, Baldur's Gate ect, where the games are more into stat/skill development as well as more choices that affect overall games. They also usually have a different type of graphical style compared to traditional Japanese Rpgs.

While this isn't entirely accurate, a good example of what I believe is that.. some Western style rpgs allow you to play the role of your character more and become that character, usually able to fully customize them, where as in traditional japanese rpgs you're usually taking the role of a pre-designed character and following their path and their story rather than creating or experiencing your own.

If I'm completely wrong than someone state the correct definitions/terms/examples.

[crazymtf]

Pretty sure, that usually "western rpgs" are like Diablo, Icewind Dale, Fallout, Morrowind, Baldur's Gate ect, where the games are more into stat/skill development as well as more choices that affect overall games. They also usually have a different type of graphical style compared to traditional Japanese Rpgs.

While this isn't entirely accurate, a good example of what I believe is that.. some Western style rpgs allow you to play the role of your character more and become that character, usually able to fully customize them, where as in traditional japanese rpgs you're usually taking the role of a pre-designed character and following their path and their story rather than creating or experiencing your own.

If I'm completely wrong than someone state the correct definitions/terms/examples.
Your 100% right. Western Rpgs are more like Diablo and morrowind as to like japanese ones it's dragon quest 8 and final fantasy 12 and such.

[slimscane]

VII was way way overrated, it was a pretty good game, but not great, and no where near the best FF game, let alone the best game ever. If you are going to start playing FF, please, do everyone a favor, and take alot of time out of your life, and start with FF and then work your way up the series. I think that that is key. Most people just think VII is so great because if it is the one they started with, but if you start with the first one then you can actually judge the series correctly.

[crazymtf]

VII was way way overrated, it was a pretty good game, but not great, and no where near the best FF game, let alone the best game ever. If you are going to start playing FF, please, do everyone a favor, and take alot of time out of your life, and start with FF and then work your way up the series. I think that that is key. Most people just think VII is so great because if it is the one they started with, but if you start with the first one then you can actually judge the series correctly.
I kinda agree with slim here. In a way you should start with one and go up and see what you like. I played seven first then 8 the 9 and 10 then went back to 1 adn 2, and 6 and tatics and i didn't really like any TO MUCH. I mean i like seven for my own reason, wheater people like it or not doesn't bother me but personally i thought it was the best one. :amuse

[Gracious Winter]

I see. So you guys want me to start with the initial game ? Well it's still summer, so i guess that's perfectly fine at the moment. I just hope it doesn't take me to long to catch up.

The initial installment, would be for the NES or SNES wouldn't it ?

[Arazial]

^
For their original releases.. not counting anthology/collections/remakes.

FF1 = NES
FF2 = NES (famicom)
FF3 = NES (famicom)
FF4 = SNES
FF5 = SNES (super famicom)
FF6 = SNES

The rest I'm sure you know.

You could probably find some roms pretty easily for them.


...Personally I'm not sure if you should start with ff1 to be honest... Out of curiosity how old are you, and would you consider graphics to be a major importance in how you like a game? Not saying for sure.. but I could see you really disliking the original ff's if you are only used to (or have played) newer age rpgs for Playstation 2+.

[Nexas]

I see. So you guys want me to start with the initial game ? Well it's still summer, so i guess that's perfectly fine at the moment. I just hope it doesn't take me to long to catch up.

The initial installment, would be for the NES or SNES wouldn't it ?
Yeah but you can pick up FF1 and 2 up on the GBA. The same goes for IV which I think is one of the better FF games.FFIII is coming out for the DS soon and FFV and VI are also coming out for the GBA.

[Gracious Winter]

^
For their original releases.. not counting anthology/collections/remakes.

FF1 = NES
FF2 = NES (famicom)
FF3 = NES (famicom)
FF4 = SNES
FF5 = SNES (super famicom)
FF6 = SNES

The rest I'm sure you know.

You could probably find some roms pretty easily for them.

I see. Thank you Arazial. :)

[MegaManMario]

You won't like Final Fantasy 1. Not that it is a bad game, but most people will find it so outdated it isn't even funny.

Play the remake for GBA or PS1, because the difficulty in those versions is reduced which is good for beginners.

[Goofy Titan]

Gracious Winter seems to have a fanceh way of posting, it's like seeing a detailed artist create a drawing o_O

Personally, play one of the FF's before VII, because that started the whole 'omg nothing lives up to VII' crap, and that almost every FF titles after VII gets too much damn praise.

Or play Bahamut Lagoon, which is a combination of Final Fantasy and Fire Emblem.

[crazymtf]

I see. Thank you Arazial. :)
It goes like this. If you want to start with 2D go with FF 1-6, except FF3's remake. Then 3D is FF 7 - 12. All are good, stories get better around 4 on.

[crazymtf]

Gracious Winter seems to have a fanceh way of posting, it's like seeing a detailed artist create a drawing o_O

Personally, play one of the FF's before VII, because that started the whole 'omg nothing lives up to VII' crap, and that almost every FF titles after VII gets too much damn praise.

Or play Bahamut Lagoon, which is a combination of Final Fantasy and Fire Emblem.
I forgot about Fire Emblem. Only played the last one on GC for about an hour *Friend was playing like 10+ hours already* Anyway it's pretty good. Got good ratings, and if you want a RPG for GC that's the one. http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/rpg/fireemblemtracesoftheblueflame/index.html?q=fire

[Goofy Titan]

The one for GC was like, the third worst FE, so if that got good ratings, imagine how good the reviews of FE6 and FE4 woulda got if they came to the states :P

[crazymtf]

The one for GC was like, the third worst FE, so if that got good ratings, imagine how good the reviews of FE6 and FE4 woulda got if they came to the states :P
Lol i never played the otheres but i enjoyed that one. It was like disegea 3d and did it well, i liked it. Oh by the way if you like stragey and don't have Disegea i suggest you get it :amuse

[Gracious Winter]

...Personally I'm not sure if you should start with ff1 to be honest... Out of curiosity how old are you, and would you consider graphics to be a major importance in how you like a game? Not saying for sure.. but I could see you really disliking the original ff's if you are only used to (or have played) newer age rpgs for Playstation 2+.

Im sorry, i didn't see that until now. I don't feel my age is necessarily anyone else's concern but mine, no offense intended of course. But i don't really consider graphics to be of any major importance, atleast, not when it comes to playing older gaming titles. That's the way they were made at the time, and i see no reason why i shouldn't accept it, nor should it be a problem at all. Also, as i said before, i have never played any real " RPG " gaming titles, outside of " Namco X Capcom " and the graphics were basically 2-D on a 3-D board scale, if i remember correctly.

Yeah but you can pick up FF1 and 2 up on the GBA.

That's actually a good idea, im glad you made note of it. I have a Gameboy Player attached underneath my Nintendo Gamecube, so that should work out perfectly. I really prefer to do that, then download Roms and Emulators. I don't really have any experience with them, so i would be abit loss in that whole process.

Gracious Winter seems to have a fanceh way of posting, it's like seeing a detailed artist create a drawing o_O

:amuse

It goes like this. If you want to start with 2D go with FF 1-6, except FF3's remake. Then 3D is FF 7 - 12. All are good, stories get better around 4 on.

I see. I do have one more question though, which installment does the famous Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockheart make their first appearances in ?

I have seen their character designs, through different Final Fantasy artworks posted somewhere before, and i thought they both looked pretty cool. So im really looking forward to seeing them as soon as possible.

[Nexas]

I see. I do have one more question though, which installment does the famous Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockheart make their first appearances in ?
They come from FFVII and all of its pointless spinoffs.

[Arazial]

Im sorry, i didn't see that until now. I don't feel my age is necessarily anyone else's concern but mine, no offense intended of course. But i don't really consider graphics to be of any major importance, atleast, not when it comes to playing older gaming titles. That's the way they were made at the time, and i see no reason why i shouldn't accept it, nor should it be a problem at all. Also, as i said before, i have never played any real " RPG " gaming titles, outside of " Namco X Capcom " and the graphics were basically 2-D on a 3-D board scale, if i remember correctly.

No offense intended or taken. The only reason I asked that is I notice alot of younger gamers (example ages) 10-15 have a tendency to put down alot of good games due to graphics being more and more a requirement today. An example is I let a guy at work borrow some Rpgs for his 15 year old son. And his son ended up hating Xenogears (only played 30 minutes of it...)cause it's graphics weren't as good as Final Fantasy X-2 ... :notrust

If you can appreciate older games, and don't care about graphics at all, than by all means try some of the older rpgs than.

[slimscane]

Also the older games are harder, but yeah, if you have a gameboy player, pick up FF Dawn of Souls, I think it is called, it has 1 and 2. :amuse this kid seems pretty young, but if it really doesn't care about graphics, then that is a very good thing, and kudos to him

[Vegitto-kun]

Im sorry, i didn't see that until now. I don't feel my age is necessarily anyone else's concern but mine, no offense intended of course. But i don't really consider graphics to be of any major importance, atleast, not when it comes to playing older gaming titles. That's the way they were made at the time, and i see no reason why i shouldn't accept it, nor should it be a problem at all. Also, as i said before, i have never played any real " RPG " gaming titles, outside of " Namco X Capcom " and the graphics were basically 2-D on a 3-D board scale, if i remember correctly.



That's actually a good idea, im glad you made note of it. I have a Gameboy Player attached underneath my Nintendo Gamecube, so that should work out perfectly. I really prefer to do that, then download Roms and Emulators. I don't really have any experience with them, so i would be abit loss in that whole process.



:amuse



I see. I do have one more question though, which installment does the famous Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockheart make their first appearances in ?

I have seen their character designs, through different Final Fantasy artworks posted somewhere before, and i thought they both looked pretty cool. So im really looking forward to seeing them as soon as possible.
Every final fantasy has its own story, cloud and tifa are only in FFVII and they also appear in kingdom hearts one and two

[Gracious Winter]

No offense intended or taken. The only reason I asked that is I notice alot of younger gamers (example ages) 10-15 have a tendency to put down alot of good games due to graphics being more and more a requirement today. An example is I let a guy at work borrow some Rpgs for his 15 year old son. And his son ended up hating Xenogears (only played 30 minutes of it...)cause it's graphics weren't as good as Final Fantasy X-2 ...

I understand exactly how you feel about it. It's always graphics first for my generation, and if isn't quite top notch in their eyes, then it get's old quickly. It goes three different ways for me. I couldn't give most of my friends any game, that doesn't actually involve killing in it either. If a game doesn't involve some type of killing or demolishing of another in some form of combat during the initial area of the game, then it won't be long before you hear the usual " This Game Sucks. How Boring. " quotes. And finally, it also applies to text driven and cinematic cutscenes that emphasize, heavily on the reason your doing so and such(Example:Metal Gear Solid 3). They'll surely be clicking away on that start button or repeatedly tapping the X button, only to get somewhere, and ask whole bunch of questions later, when everything was already explained.

Every final fantasy has its own story, cloud and tifa are only in FFVII and they also appear in kingdom hearts one and two.

So every Final Fantasy game is actually different from the previous installment ?

I honestly thought that the same story was just dragged out for a bunch of installments. I had no idea they were all different though. That's good to know, thank you.

[Goofy Titan]

The avatar and sig make me think Gracious is either a girl, or a guy with yaoi-intentions :O

Yes, most FF's are different. They have staples in all the games, like Chocobos [Yellow chickens you ride] and Moogles [things with puffy noses], but main character wise, they stay in the installment number.

So Cloud only appears in FF installments based on VII, the game hes from
Yuna only appears in FF intallments based on X, hence why shes only in X and X-2, its sequal

Makes sense?

[Piekage]

FF7 is overrated, but it is a good game. I'd suggest you play the series from the beginning. It will give you a better understanding of what people enjoy about FF as you move from game to game I think.

And regarding Kingdom Hearts, the only issue I ever hear about the series is the because of the Disney characters in it. If Disney doesn't bother you, pick up 1 and 2, as they are very good action RPGs, and have a entertaining story.

P.S. Stay away from the direct sequels, i.e. FF 10-2 and FF7 Advent Children, because the story from both are rather weak IMO. Hope you enjoy the series.

P.S.S You've played Namco X Capcom? How is it? I've considered importing it.

[Blazetiger]

ah yes FF7. that was my first game for the playstation. I remember every day i was further than were i saved at. and one night i woke up and saw my dad playing it. he beat the game for me. what can i say though.

[Vegitto-kun]

FF7 is overrated, but it is a good game. I'd suggest you play the series from the beginning. It will give you a better understanding of what people enjoy about FF as you move from game to game I think.

And regarding Kingdom Hearts, the only issue I ever hear about the series is the because of the Disney characters in it. If Disney doesn't bother you, pick up 1 and 2, as they are very good action RPGs, and have a entertaining story.

P.S. Stay away from the direct sequels, i.e. FF 10-2 and FF7 Advent Children, because the story from both are rather weak IMO. Hope you enjoy the series.

P.S.S You've played Namco X Capcom? How is it? I've considered importing it.
FFVII: advent children is a movie >_> and how you dare call its plot weak, its one of the best movies I have seen yet

[Ssj3_Goku]

I'm proabably going to get struck down from this post but so be it.

I played FF7 first and all the way up to current but the PS1/ Snes/NES Ff's are simply the best . Now its just getting a tad bit annoying and more movie cinematic etc. i'm sorry but cut sences is getting old , yea they where awesome back in the PS1 days but now it just takes me away from the whole RPG experience. thats why i still think FF 6 and Chrono Trigger are much better than alot of the RPG's of today.

FF is deep. But they use the same plot over and over again. Angsty/Over Zealous hero must stop a rival of theirs from doing bad.

Stuff happens along the way, that usually don't matter too much. Character delepment? Please. Most FFs prior to 7 have non, and even 7 had very little besides you-know-who dying. OH NO SOMEONE DIED! Nothing new in stories.



As you said, Final Fantasy sets up a highly realistic and complex setting while remaining fictional. However, what Final Fantasy excels in, it also lacks somewhere else: the general gameplay. Although this is an opinionated statement, I believe that Final Fantasy is stale and dull in terms of gameplay. I don't see the purpose of admiring the artistic value when playing while loathing the next random battle I get into. If I wanted something similar, I could read a book or watch a movie. Granted, there are some games that I believe pull this off excellently (Metal Gear comes to mind).

Like I said, I can't deny FF's artistic value. However, I can say that, however complex the characters and setting may be, the overall enjoyment I get from PLAYING it is small.

takin from a post on gamefaqs that i agree with as well.

[Goofy Titan]

FFVII: advent children is a movie >_> and how you dare call its plot weak, its one of the best movies I have seen yet

Amazing how 70% of the plot had to be explained OUT OF THE MOVIE. That is no way a sign of a good damn movie.

[SeruraRenge]

It was mainly after seeing that the Final Fantasy Series actually beat out the Mario Series on the Gamefaq polls yesterday, which was unbelievable from my perspective.
It did? WOOHOO! I won the bet! My friend owes me 20 bucks!

[Goofy Titan]

It was mainly after seeing that the Final Fantasy Series actually beat out the Mario Series on the Gamefaq polls yesterday, which was unbelievable from my perspective.

FF is one of the most overrated things on Gamefaqs. VII specificly; Gamefaqs treats VII like its the second coming of god.

[Ssj3_Goku]

Well ZElda is putting FF in its own place now but yea mario should have beatin FF only lost by a small margin though.

[crazymtf]

I'm proabably going to get struck down from this post but so be it.

I played FF7 first and all the way up to current but the PS1/ Snes/NES Ff's are simply the best . Now its just getting a tad bit annoying and more movie cinematic etc. i'm sorry but cut sences is getting old , yea they where awesome back in the PS1 days but now it just takes me away from the whole RPG experience. thats why i still think FF 6 and Chrono Trigger are much better than alot of the RPG's of today.

FF is deep. But they use the same plot over and over again. Angsty/Over Zealous hero must stop a rival of theirs from doing bad.

Stuff happens along the way, that usually don't matter too much. Character delepment? Please. Most FFs prior to 7 have non, and even 7 had very little besides you-know-who dying. OH NO SOMEONE DIED! Nothing new in stories.




takin from a post on gamefaqs that i agree with as well.
Well althought i do disagree big time with this opinion i accept it cause i had to from othere friends. Some like older rpgs, i perfer the new ones over the old ones, not due to graphics but the story is just better devolped and the characters are more likeable and such. It's up to you of course what you want to play, you may love the old ones and hate the new ones. You may hate the old ones and love the news one. To me it's i love the new ones, old ones are fun but just don't feed my hunger for a RPG. Cinema's are my fav. part of the new ones, brings the game MORE to life then the old ones, i think that's one of the best factors, it's why FF3 is looking good.
Now if you want to know FF7 is claimed to be overrated, it's not really it's just good, really good game and i don't see how it's overrated. Cause people like it and it becomes overrated. Naruto is overrated, one piece, bleach, all these animes that are big are overrated but whatever, to whatever. Don't listen to people who claim such things, just play with you like. I say give all of them atleast a chance and i hope you enjoy it :)
@Arazial - He didn't like XenoGears? IS HE CRAZY!? I can understand XenoSaga's but gears...wow...

PS. About Final Fantasy beating mario, YES FInALLY BITCH< MARIO GOES DOWN...i mean really it wins every fucking time. But i think Zelda will win this one with Final Fantasy in second :amuse

[Goofy Titan]

Most though voting for Zelda are tired of all the FF hype. That's why Zelda almost always wins against FF; FF is overrated to oblivion, and people are tired of it winning. If you removed FF from these contests, I doubt so many people would be in favor of Zelda.

[crazymtf]

Most though voting for Zelda are tired of all the FF hype. That's why Zelda almost always wins against FF; FF is overrated to oblivion, and people are tired of it winning. If you removed FF from these contests, I doubt so many people would be in favor of Zelda.
That's bullshit, how is final fantasy overrated? Cause it's really good series that continues not to suck major dick? I mean really if it's so overrated then it wouldn't be this good in polls. Overrated in peoples eyes is so stupid. It's like everything that get's ANY attention is fucking overrated :notrust

[Ssj3_Goku]

EH ZElda smashed MGS and many other games in the poll and to an extent they choose correctly but im not to debate on all that. i did enough of that on gamefaqs.

FF is somewhat overated its not god like or great it has many flaws but alot of its fans fail to see them.

[SeruraRenge]

FFVII: advent children is a movie >_> and how you dare call its plot weak, its one of the best movies I have seen yet
you can't call the plot weak becuase IT DIDN'T HAVE A PLOT!

Advent Children goes a little something like this: It all starts out with a quick refresher as to what happened at the end of the actual game. We see Red XXXIIIVIMIIX, the lion, running to a cliff with some red lion cubs in tow, and we catch him howling over the overgrown remains of Midgar City. That was a cool start, as it lets the viewer know that no, Square is NOT about to fuck you over and pretend that that finale doesn't happen now that they received free reign to tell another story with the characters from the game after that huge original ending. But then we jump blindly into the middle of battle after battle after battle between Cloud and three Sephi-wannabees, Tifa and a Sephi-wannabee, Cloud and Vincent against the three Sephi-wannabees, and the whole cast against a summoned monster... Oh, and Cloud against the Sephi-wannabees again... And again... Oh, and then Cloud versus the original Sephiroth too. Did I also mention the fight between the Turks and some of the Sephi-wannabees? Lots of fightin'... Loooooots of fightin'.

Very little storytelling.

The whole plot was basically about these three guys who resemble (but who are even gayer than) FFVII's big, bad guy, Sephiroth, and who try to get Jenova's head from what's left of Shinra Corp. (i.e. the Turks), but they don't know where to look for it. So they attack Cloud. Then they attack Tifa. But the orphans that Tifa and Cloud are taking care of are all sick with some sort of disgusting leprosy. Oh, and Cloud's got it too, but Tifa's still hot for his bod, though he can only think of Sephiroth... Yeah, it's almost as gay as it sounds... No, actually it's worse. Anyway, so the Turks hire Cloud to protect them from the three Sephi-wannabees (who claim to be Sephiroth's clone or his brother or something... I didn't quite catch that) while they try to... Well, quite honestly, I don't know what their plan was. Turk Rufus ended up just handing the head of Jenova over to the three gaybees anyway, so all the fighting and shit beforehand was totally pointless. But there were TONS of really sweet looking fights throughout, so honestly, who gives a shit about plot holes big enough to fuck with a blue whale wang.

My quick explanation above may have sounded complicated, but it really isn't. Let me cut it down to it's most basic plot line to show you how stupid it is: Three Sephiroths show up and fight people. The Turks hide Jenova's head from the Sephis. Lots of fights. More fights. Couple more cool fights. Sephis get the head. Couple more fights. Status quo is maintained in the end. That pretty much sums it up.

Anyway, Xenogears is an awesome RPG.....at least until disk 2. I'm not gonna mince words here....it sucked ass.

[crazymtf]

EH ZElda smashed MGS and many other games in the poll and to an extent they choose correctly but im not to debate on all that. i did enough of that on gamefaqs.
Don't bother debating on gamefaqs...worse site ever to debate i swear :( Zelda is great and should be in the top three but MGS gotten beaten horribly, that's a shame but alot didn't get into that series but i love it alot. I like MGS more but i can see Zelda as more popular series.

[crazymtf]

you can't call the plot weak becuase IT DIDN'T HAVE A PLOT!



Anyway, Xenogears is an awesome RPG.....at least until disk 2. I'm not gonna mince words here....it sucked ass.
To many people were into a stupid plot for FF7 the movie when the FF7 the game had a shitty story anyway. The action sceans owned and that's all that mattered to me. And i liked all of Xenogears :P

@SS3 - Instead of looking at the flaws all the time maybe you should try to look at the postives. I mean every game has it's flaws but when you don't LOOK and study them it becomes a better experince.

[Ssj3_Goku]

your right crazy but in polls like these and arugments on what game is better than the other those negatives stand out and really tone it down.

[SeruraRenge]

To many people were into a stupid plot for FF7 the movie when the FF7 the game had a shitty story anyway. The action sceans owned and that's all that mattered to me.
of course they owned. They WERE the movie! The whole point of the review I posted was that the action scenes were cool enough to warrant saying "Meh, who cares if there was no plot. I mean....holy shit did you just see that?! That move just kicked ass!"

[Nexas]

@crazymtf: I would consider FF overrated because to the average gamer FF=RGP God. Which it isn't. It takes away the spotlight from RGPs that are just as good or even better than FF. Such titles include Chrono Trigger, XenoGears, Shadow Hearts, Dragon Quest, Nippon Ichi games, etc. Combine that with the fact that Final Fantasy easliy sells with the name alone points to it being overrated.

Does being overrated make the games worse? No. Its just like Halo, a great game, but there are plenty of better games out there. The problem is that people refuse to believe that there are better games. Thats what makes them overrated.

[Goofy Titan]

That's bullshit, how is final fantasy overrated? Cause it's really good series that continues not to suck major dick? I mean really if it's so overrated then it wouldn't be this good in polls. Overrated in peoples eyes is so stupid. It's like everything that get's ANY attention is fucking overrated :notrust

I said it before; people think FFVII is like, the next coming of god. To the point they think every other game in existance is a peice of shit. And that is what 60% of the FF fanbase is on Gamefaqs.

Do you even VISIT most of the boards on Gamefaqs? It's well too known that anything FF is instantly going to be either place 1 or 2 in ANY contest. Even KH in the polls, which is FF Jr. there. Both are given praise like 'OMG ITS JESUS IN TEH DISC'


And there was a plot in AC, but it was almost all stated by Nomura and then published in a book. Thats funny, releasing a movie, then explain the ENTIRE PLOT of teh movie inside a book. What a way to milk it.

[Nexas]

^Julius who would want to visit the Gamefaqs forums? Its a black hole of stupid that not even the light of intelligence can escape.

[SeruraRenge]

^Julius who would want to visit the Gamefaqs forums? Its a black hole of stupid that not even the light of intelligence can escape.
I only do when no one has written up a FAQ for the game yet.

Although, the people who post in the Berserk area are pretty cool. I think they're all from the SkullKnight forums.

[Goofy Titan]

I know, but still. Staying there, and soaking it all up, you see what I'm saying :O

[crazymtf]

@crazymtf: I would consider FF overrated because to the average gamer FF=RGP God. Which it isn't. It takes away the spotlight from RGPs that are just as good or even better than FF. Such titles include Chrono Trigger, XenoGears, Shadow Hearts, Dragon Quest, Nippon Ichi games, etc. Combine that with the fact that Final Fantasy easliy sells with the name alone points to it being overrated.

Does being overrated make the games worse? No. Its just like Halo, a great game, but there are plenty of better games out there. The problem is that people refuse to believe that there are better games. Thats what makes them overrated.
Sorry i just don't see why the word overrated has to be used when it's is a great series and if somone enjoys it more then anything else it's there right. People swear alot of games are better then it, that's the opinion though so why do people argue? I don't see the point. If you like that game good, then like it. I just play any game, not listening to how people say "Overrated" When i got into naruto it was still consider "Not overrated just really good" not it's consider overrated...i think it's just shit but not overrated. Overrated sounds like it's saying "It's shit because people like it so much"

[Nexas]

^ I think Julius Belmont said it best
I said it before; people think FFVII is like, the next coming of god. To the point they think every other game in existance is a peice of shit. And that is what 60% of the FF fanbase is on Gamefaqs.

[crazymtf]

I said it before; people think FFVII is like, the next coming of god. To the point they think every other game in existance is a peice of shit. And that is what 60% of the FF fanbase is on Gamefaqs.

Do you even VISIT most of the boards on Gamefaqs? It's well too known that anything FF is instantly going to be either place 1 or 2 in ANY contest. Even KH in the polls, which is FF Jr. there. Both are given praise like 'OMG ITS JESUS IN TEH DISC'


And there was a plot in AC, but it was almost all stated by Nomura and then published in a book. Thats funny, releasing a movie, then explain the ENTIRE PLOT of teh movie inside a book. What a way to milk it.
60% of the people here think Naruto is the best anime ever created...is that any worse? :amazed

[slimscane]

That is why I don't really talk about anime on this forum, haha :amuse

[crazymtf]

That is why I don't really talk about anime on this forum, haha :amuse
Ah good point, you win a cookie :amuse

[Goofy Titan]

Well, there is difference. Thinking it's the best is one thing, but slamming down EVERYTHING that isn't it is another, and thats what the main chunk of the VII fanbase has been doing. They are even bashing Zelda because the character doesn't talk or 'is liek Cloud'.

[Nexas]

60% of the people here think Naruto is the best anime ever created...is that any worse? :amazed
No its exactly the same. They masquerade their opinion that Naruto/FF/etc is their favorite as a fact that Naruto/FF/etc is the best. When you have a large mass of people that saying that Naruto/FF/etc is the best, buy anything that has Naruto/FF/etc's name on it, or refuses to look at anything that isn't Naruto/FF/etc, that is when I think something starts to become overrated.

But maybe that just me though. My beliefes probably stem from the fact that a large group of my friends think like the way I described above.

[Gracious Winter]

The avatar and sig make me think Gracious is either a girl, or a guy with yaoi-intentions :O

I guess the world may never know. :amuse :nerve

Yes, most FF's are different. They have staples in all the games, like Chocobos [Yellow chickens you ride] and Moogles [things with puffy noses], but main character wise, they stay in the installment number.

So Cloud only appears in FF installments based on VII, the game hes from
Yuna only appears in FF intallments based on X, hence why shes only in X and X-2, its sequal

Makes sense?

It makes perfect sense. Your still on my hit list though, just so you know. :bang


P.S.S You've played Namco X Capcom? How is it? I've considered importing it.

I really enjoyed it. I can't tell you how it compares to other " RPG " gaming titles, but it's definitely a game that Namco and Capcom fans alike, shouldn't pass up. But be warned, it's also one of those hate it or love it games. Some people will find it enjoyable, some people will find it repetitive and very dissapointing. I didn't have any real major expectations going into this title, outside of hoping that all of my favorite characters from Namco and(or) Capcom make it in the game.

So if you take your " RPG " gaming seriously, then maybe this game isn't quite for you. The music is solid all around, and the turn-based battle system is very satisfying, even for someone like me, who hates turned-based games. There's a bunch of character's you get to maneuver around with, so it's very strategical. It's always interesting to see what characters will pop up next, and learning how useful those character will be to you from their initial appearances, to their later appearances as the story progresses. It's just a great game overall, in my opinion atleast. I also found it to be pretty long as well, so it was definitely worthy of it's purchase, from my perspective anyway.

[Goofy Titan]

I'm still on a hitlist? What did I do..? I didn't do ANYTHING BAD ;____;

I know Namco X Capcom has massive cameo's, do you know exactly who from what is in it? :OO

[Arazial]

Anyway, Xenogears is an awesome RPG.....at least until disk 2. I'm not gonna mince words here....it sucked ass.


Well to each their own I guess, I loved the second cd of Xenogears. :amuse

[crazymtf]

Well, there is difference. Thinking it's the best is one thing, but slamming down EVERYTHING that isn't it is another, and thats what the main chunk of the VII fanbase has been doing. They are even bashing Zelda because the character doesn't talk or 'is liek Cloud'.
A big chunk of Naruto people aswell. They say every good anime is crap compared to it...fools :laugh

[SeruraRenge]

Well to each their own I guess, I loved the second cd of Xenogears. :amuse
I didn't truly HATE it, it just seemed like I wasn't really "playing" the second disk, but it was playing itself, I was simply there sharing the experience. And if it wanted to throw a boss battle at me once in a while, so much the better.

[Supa Swag]

That's exactly why im trying to find a few that might drive me into the " RPG " world, to see what all the postive commotion is about.


If I were you I'd play Tales of Phantasia and Seiken Densetsu 3 (action RPG's). Both are for the SNES. You're gonna have to use an emulator though. Those 2 along with Chrono Trigger, FF6, and Secret of Mana are the best on SNES and made me an RPG fan for good.

There's also a Tales of Phantasia for the GBA but it's a completely watered down version.

[Darth Judicar]

I honestly can't believe people are really proclaiming a turned based " RPG " title, to be the greatest game, ever released on a gaming console. The game must of had an incredible story, because the combat system surely isn't a key aspect of praise, not when it's turn-based. I find turn-based " RPG's " to be slow and extremely repetitive. It doesn't give you any sense of actual control during combat, which is where it matters most, in my opinion. This whole idea, is almost completely inconsequential to me now. Are there any Final Fantasy games, that aren't turn-based ?

I might just go back and try " Super Mario RPG ", which i have also heard and read about from many people, to be the best " RPG " game out there. It also doesn't seem as overhyped as FFVII. It's true though, i am going into the FF Series thinking rather negatively, but i have went into quite a few games that way and some have left me astound.
What you said above is one of the reasons the FF series gets such high praise. Each one's story is very unique and told differently but still appeals to its audience, regardless of its emphasis. Whether it be a futuristic setting like XIII or a more medieval time like IX. Personally, that's what got me into FF and what has kept me loyal all these years, as the next one always amazes me.

As for your turn based statement, well, I'd have to disagree about the repetitive statement and lack of control. Lack of control is really saying something, considering turn based gives you the best control over everyone in your party, as you determine what everyone does and does not do. Consider if you weren't playing turn based, you'd have your other party members running around mindlessly while you only control one. (KH, XLegends, etc) Yes, there is partial control in those games such as in KH but you ultimately can't control what your allies do.

[slimscane]

What about Quasi-Real Time, like KotOR? You can controll all of your and your allies actions, and it is still fast pace and actiony. Isn't that best of both worlds?

[SeruraRenge]

Isn't that best of both worlds?
*in Ted Turner voice* Like a bisexual.