Key aspects of Final Fantasy

[Mitsuki]

If you can pinpoint one key aspect of Final Fantasy (that one defining moment for you), which one is it?

There's many key aspects of Final Fantasy, certainly more than just one ingredient to fully experience a well-developed game. But if I have to pick one, it will have to be the storyline (right next to gameplay and characters). I find this to be the most crucial factor, and if that's severely lacking, the title just isn't memorable and there wouldn't be much to say to fellow fans, except point out the many flaws and the clash of opinions. And I think that's really the sad thing about it - rarely do we ever hear any positive light to the franchise anymore. People say that Final Fantasy is going downhill, and while I can definitely see this, it still delights me whenever I hear or see anything related to Final Fantasy, whether it be something trivial or silly - there's still so many little things that I enjoy seeing as I wait for Final Fantasy Versus XIII to come.

Okay, so I got a little off-topic there. So a good storyline and plot is definitely a must. It doesn't have to be excellent, so long as I can immerse myself in the story and actually feel that Final Fantasy vibe that I used to experience when I was younger. (There's an interesting discussion as well - have we simply grown too old for tales of knights and kings? And I don't mean this literally). I was introduced to Final Fantasy 13 years ago, and a lot of the storyline and sub-plots are still etched in my mind. The characters and gameplay as well, of course - it wouldn't be a full experience without any of the other criteria because they are all essential in their own way. But if you had to pick one, which do you mostly look for in a Final Fantasy game?

I just ask that everyone respect what others may have to say. It may be completely different than your standing viewpoint, but remember, when it comes to this particular franchise, we all have our own story and experience behind each game title. (Like staying up past 3 a.m. trying to dodge 200 lightning bolts in FFX).

 

[.Mosh]

Well for me, it is really the storyline of the each installment of the franchise. I remember when I was first introduced to Final Fantasy, before that I was playing platform games and Tomb Raider 1 etc. I had never heard of an 'JRPG/RPG' at that point in time and when I picked up FFVII, I picked it up because it had an interesting blurb on the back. A couple of weeks playing the game, I was hooked on the characters and the story. It was alien to me, with the battle system...menus, stuff I wasn't used to having to navigate in a game before.

Final Fantasy from then on to me have been for a story aspect, some have a weaker plot than others and some to me are on par with the emotional journey of FFVII with the likes of FFX etc. People moan of the battle system or the changes in the gameplay, but to me I see past that, I adapt to the new system as in time we will come more and more knowing that the past is the past. Systems evolve and characters change. But to me it's the story in a new FF title that keeps me playing. It is the only game that I enjoy the story and could have them sit there and talk and talk. (Metal Gear Solid is fantastic too)

These games through their deep story telling when I was young, you could say taught me to read better then what I was doing in my english classes in school. But yes, that is my opinion on this matter. If there is an FFXIII-3 coming, I will play it for the story...after all, were almost at the finale now.

 

[Shaissa]

This was a tough one...

It came down to Story and Gameplay, but I had to go with gameplay really.

I mean don't get me wrong the story is very important, but how good is the story if the gameplay sucks? I don't care how great your story is, if the game play makes me lose interest in it, then I am not going play it.

 

[PhoenyxAngel]

For me the storyline makes or breaks a game. Even if the gameplay is fantastic, if the storyline is boring and dull it completely ruins the experience for me. But the same can be said for the opposite: if the gameplay sucks, but the game has a good storyline, it still wouldn't be one of my favorites. There has to be a healthy balance of both. The same goes for characters.

But in the end I chose storyline. I play video games so I can get lost in a good story.

 

[Lirael]

I think the KEY aspects are storyline and characters. That sets Final Fantasy apart from any other series for me. I haven't yet played through another series which tells a new story so well so many times. The 'genre' of Final Fantasy - if you can place the series within one genre - is reasonably broad: Final Fantasy VII is fairly Sci-Fi; VIII is kinda magic realism I suppose; Final Fantasy IX is a traditional medieval fantasy setting; X is set in an absolutely beautiful world plagued by religion and a mysterious...whale... Each Final Fantasy takes you on a brand new journey, one that's emotional, exciting, thought-provoking and inspiring.

Although IV to X are the stronger in the series, I still feel XII, XIII and XIII-2 are excellent examples of storytelling within a game. So far, then, Square haven't let me down, but I may reassess the situation when they complete the XIII series. They could quite easily ruin those stories.

Next...well, a good soundtrack is quite important as that's what brings the world and characters to life. Music communicates the individual atmosphere of each town, village or field. Through music, we feel that Balamb Garden is a happy place, filled with youthful souls. Fisherman's Horizon brings to my mind a friendly community and a simple existence: sitting by the sea late at night, waiting for hours with someone I care about to catch some fish. Then we have Dali from IX! The music makes that village come across as a very quiet town with some young and old souls living together, some of them daydreaming constantly, others playing together and sharing their own little imaginary world!

Unique personality traits can also be emphasised by music. Take Eiko, for example - her theme is upbeat and simple, reminding one of innocence. Steiner's theme is heavy, like his armour, and a bit stiff, which Steiner certainly is towards Zidane! Yuna's theme is soft, if not fragile, with quiet instruments, blending together to create a beautiful, calming harmony, bringing hope, like Yuna herself. Auron's is...just awesome. And kinda coooool. *saunters along*

Gameplay comes next. The gameplay in XIII did almost put me off, and the slow battle system in Grandia 2 prevented me from getting beyond the first major event in that game! (FFIX's battle speed is about as slow as I can take. ) However, I'm fairly open minded. I very much enjoyed playing through FFII, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X - even XII!

Graphics and visuals come last. The world and characters should be well designed... I will place that within the 'storyline and character' group since, really, the design of a world is part of the setting and story. (At least, that's what I'm insisting for today! ) However, crisp, swish and beautiful graphics do not make a good game. Give me a Final Fantasy game with a good story, characters, music and gameplay but bad graphics (e.g. VI) and I will still love it as much as those with good graphics (e.g. XIII) - if not more!

 

[kratoscar2008]

Characters, it all goes down to them the plot and the gameplay can be great but if the characters (Mainly the MC) are totally unlikable i stop right there luckily all FF (Excluding XIII) have good mains, i love silent protagonist so the heroes of FF1,3 goes here too. I think as long as the characters arent annoying i can live (FFXII had dull characters like Vaan and Penelo but great like Bash and Balthier), would people cherish lets say FFVII if it were a group of potatos that saved the world? I dont think so.Im not too hard to please in that aspect but some games really had managed to do it like FFXIII (All cast except Fang and Zachs) and Tales of the Abbys (Whining rich boy Luke), and FF5 and FF8 have my favorite characters, Galuf and Squall respectively.

 

[Nightfade]

Like Salmakia said, the plot and characters make up 95% of most games, not just FF.

If the plot isn't involving, then characters will definitely not be able to make up for that. On the other hand, if the story is fantastic, but the characters are uninteresting, then it could still be an OK title. (FFXII, though, was fantastic, even with the mostly-stale characters.)

Anyway, my preference:

• Plot/Storyline
• Characters
• Gameplay
• Soundtrack/Musical Score
• Visuals

 

[Ohri-Jin]

I have to go with Kratoscar on this one.
Story is major point ofcourse but if I cant relate to the characters I cant be sucked into the story. Its the characters that defines the story imo.

I want to see character development. Major backgrounds and the feeling that each and ever character is important and has a solid past and character development as well. Party members should complete the main and vice versa. The feeling that you are not alone and with your friends by your side everything you imagine can be done as long as you are willing to fight for it.

You cant do certain things by yourself and even tough you think you can its ok to ask for help. Trust your friends.

Companionship that is what FF is all about imo. The story should be about characters. The story aside of that is mainly good vs evil. Without good characters the story can never be captivating imo.

You need to like the characters, relate and wish you had such friends irl that would die for you!

 

[Razberry Knight]

Everything but visual graphic aspect.

Mod edit: @Razberry Knight
Hi, I'm sure you know about the one-liner = spam rule. Hope you can elaborate a little further on your points above, as this is a post count section. Thanks for your understanding =)