Should i get back into Final Fantasy?

[sven666]

i played 6,7 and 8 back in the days and they were all great.

i tried to play X and the one where britney spears is the heroine (XII ?) and they were both horrible games in every aspect.

nowdays i dont know what happened, maybe i got old or something but i feel im just not in the demographic these games are aimed at anymore.
XIII looks dull as hell to .

[Ganelon]

Question about Final Fantasy Adventure for the Gameboy....is it true that Sword of Mana is a remake of that game? And if so, which one is better?

I do believe that Sword of Mana is a remake of Seiken Densetsu/FF Adventure. I haven't played it myself, but I know that it wasn't received particularly well - no idea how it compares to the original.

It's generally considered a decent game, although it's sort of confusing why a small sub-sect of RPGers despise Sword of Mana. It is a remake and more of the same, although there are more facets added to the story (for better or worse). The flow isn't very fulfilling since it gets to the point where it very much feels like you're running from 1 dungeon to the next.

Game mechanics are fine and as simple as the original. The updated visuals are quite good and Kenji Ito's score is still the highlight (the original had arguably among the best on the GB), although almost of as poor sound quality as Castlevania HOD's. I'd recommend it to any old-school ARPG fan.

[Dale]

no you should play goemon

Amen to that. Final Fantasy sucks imo.

[dave4shmups]

Question about Final Fantasy Adventure for the Gameboy....is it true that Sword of Mana is a remake of that game? And if so, which one is better?

I do believe that Sword of Mana is a remake of Seiken Densetsu/FF Adventure. I haven't played it myself, but I know that it wasn't received particularly well - no idea how it compares to the original.

It's generally considered a decent game, although it's sort of confusing why a small sub-sect of RPGers despise Sword of Mana. It is a remake and more of the same, although there are more facets added to the story (for better or worse). The flow isn't very fulfilling since it gets to the point where it very much feels like you're running from 1 dungeon to the next.

Game mechanics are fine and as simple as the original. The updated visuals are quite good and Kenji Ito's score is still the highlight (the original had arguably among the best on the GB), although almost of as poor sound quality as Castlevania HOD's. I'd recommend it to any old-school ARPG fan.

Ok thanks for those impressions!

What killed X for me was that boy-band like character at the beginning, and pressing a button to sign those balls for fans. Talk about nauseating and ridiculous! Perhaps I should give it a second look, though.

At the time, I wanted to get Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter, but was told that it's battle system is more complicated.

[BulletMagnet]

I've only played a bit of Dragon Quarter, but off the cuff, at least, I rather liked it - its battle system is sort of a mix between real-time and turn-based combat, with several extra features tossed in (setting traps for enemies, AP that you can save up for stronger attacks, a combo system, a distance factor, etc.). It's definitely a bit non-traditional (as is the fact that you're encouraged to start mini-"New Game +'s" several times throughout the game), but for the eight bucks I paid for it I don't feel ripped off.

[MathU]

...the primary reason that I love the game has nothing to do with gameplay. I just love the art direction, love the atmosphere, love the characters, LOVE the music, and love the story.

I thought the story was absolutely cliched rubbish. The reason VIII is my favorite is because of its gameplay.

[zinger]

I've tried to rekindle my interest a few times, but every RPG I try to play strikes me as having gameplay as exciting as racing to see how fast you can format an Excel spreadsheet, and a story like a pretentiously complicated version of Star Wars with massive teen melodrama.

Yeah, this is my impression of JRPGs too. Reminds me of Hollywood movies, it's amazing how they can fool an entire generation to watch shit and keep coming back for it. Wake up!

[unsane]

Heh oddly this thread has slightly rekindled my interest in crpgs. I think i might pick up the Dragon Quest series where i left off - time for part 6.

[No_not_like_Quake]

I'm interested in that FFXII RTS for DS. Haven't played an FF game in ages.

[sethsez]

it's sort of confusing why a small sub-sect of RPGers despise Sword of Mana.

The basic reason is that it feels like a beta.

First, it's got a bunch of visual glitches, the two most obvious being shitty layering (with relative frequency my character has, instead of walking behind a building, just walked on its roof instead) and bad screen tearing when there's too much going on at once, something I've never seen in any other handheld title and only a few notable times in console games. The game looks nice otherwise (though the animation is often, erm, "less that adequate"), but the programming undermines any visual merits it might have otherwise had.

Second, the combat is remarkably unfulfilling, with frequently awkward hitboxes and enemies that too often don't actually give a visual reaction to being hit. The combo system also requires very precise timing, which, combined with the general ease of the game, makes it almost completely worthless.

Third, the AI is horrible. I mean really, really, really horrible. Special Olympics, everyone's a winner, wearing a safety helmet retarded. That most of the game makes you go through dungeons with partners using said AI makes this about as maddening as possible.

Fourth, the synth system is just needless bloat. The game doesn't need it, it adds absolutely nothing in the way of strategy or customization... it's just there, being useless, feeling like an intended feature they never really fleshed out but didn't feel like removing.

And on top of all that, the core game really isn't much to speak of. It's an almost entirely linear action-RPG with mediocre-at-best combat and a series of dungeons and towns featuring almost nothing of interest, with a drawn-out story you'll struggle to give a shit about. The original GB version had its limitations as well, but they were more understandable given when and where it was released, and the relative simplicity of that game gave it much better pacing than Sword of Mana.

[Zebra Airforce]

Fourth, the synth system is just needless bloat. The game doesn't need it, it adds absolutely nothing in the way of strategy or customization... it's just there, being useless, feeling like an intended feature they never really fleshed out but didn't feel like removing.

So you're saying it's alot like Legend of Mana?

[sethsez]

Fourth, the synth system is just needless bloat. The game doesn't need it, it adds absolutely nothing in the way of strategy or customization... it's just there, being useless, feeling like an intended feature they never really fleshed out but didn't feel like removing.

So you're saying it's alot like Legend of Mana?

Actually, yes.

[Mortificator]

I played the very beginning of Sword of Mana, just to where you fight in the coliseum and escape, then I stopped. It seems like I made a good choice.

[Ganelon]

Sword of Mana issues

Yeah, I'll give you all that. But you could make all those points in other games like Star Ocean 2 and TES series. I don't think it hurts the game's enjoyment factor based on its atmospheric charm though.

[Cthulhu]

I think I might be the only person here that actually liked FFVII, IX and X... still didn't like XI much though, but I did play it for a while In fact, the only FF games I haven't liked are II and VIII. I even somewhat enjoyed X-2... (please don't stop reading just because I said that )

Even if you didn't like the FF games since VI, XII is really worth a play. Truly an amazing game, and due to the large number of staff changes between X, XI, and XII, it feels very, very different from the other FF games. If you can read Japanese, the Zodiac version (the new one) is better, but there's no plans (afaik) for an English port of it.

The newer FF spin-offs are a mixed bag. FFXII Revenant Wings (the DS RTS-esque one) is good but not great. FF Tactics A2 for the DS is excellent - although if you never played the original FF Tactics, the PSP port should be played first.

Dirge of Cerberus... avoid.

FFVII Crisis Core is in my hands, but I haven't tried it yet. It's gotten mostly positive buzz, even from people who were sick of the FFVII continuity being extended so much. (Yes, Advent Children was crap.)

-----Topic Switch-----
About Goemon... while there were some great games in the series, it's not exactly a FF replacement. The SNES/Super Famicom Goemon games were great, and there were a couple of real gems on the PS1. Everything from the PS1 until the DS game was terrible, but the DS game was excellent.

If you want a pretty-old-fashioned but really awesome RPG, try out Dragon Quest VIII for the PS2. That'll suck down plenty o' your time.

[sethsez]

Sword of Mana issues

Yeah, I'll give you all that. But you could make all those points in other games like Star Ocean 2 and TES series. I don't think it hurts the game's enjoyment factor based on its atmospheric charm though.

Well, no, not really. Star Ocean 2 had an amazingly fun battle system and a lot of stuff to do. TES gives you a massive amount of land and basically sets you free in it. In both of these cases the games do something exceptional that make the flaws easier to swallow, but at its best Sword of Mana never rises above mediocre, since even its best assets (graphics and sound), which would otherwise be above average, are dragged down by technical issues.

A final layer of polish still wouldn't have put it in the same league as Secret of Mana, but at least it would have had some notable things going for it. As it is, it asks you to forgive a whole hell of a lot but doesn't give much back in return.

[sjewkestheloon]

As a long time RPG player I have spent many happy hours playing Final Fantasy games. Last weekend I picked up FF4 Complete for the PSP and I have subsequently blitzed the story (not for the first time, I add), am plowing through the bonus dungeon and plan on starting the Interlude shortly. While playing I noticed that the PSN had a few Final Fantasy games available so I picked up 9, which I owned for a short period but encountered problems with my PS2 and ended up returning it.

I am now looking at my 16GB memory card and PSP and I am seriously contemplating turning my PSP into a Final Fantasy shrine.

You can get 1, 2, 4 Complete, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as well as tactics and the spin-offs.

Add to this the fact that the PSP is host to some of the best ports and original JRPGs of the modern era and all of the PSP hate encountered on the intarwebz daily feels a little absurd. It is without doubt one of my favourite gaming devices.

[Skykid]

A big shame this thread was necro bumped, but while it's here, let me mention that the music theme for FFXIII-2 they keep playing on the TV ad is the worst piece of shit ever. It sounds like a fucking Disney song.

Die Final Fantasy, you have long outlived your usefulness.

[Gus]

Worst. Series. Ever.

[Ruldra]

Oldschool FF (1-6): Great games
PSX era FF (7-9): Good games, worth playing
PS2 era FF (10, 10-2, 12): Very polarizing games. You should probably check them out to see if it's your thing.
PS3 era FF (13, 13-2): Mediocre piece of crap

[Skykid]

Worst. Series. Ever.

[sjewkestheloon]

Oh no, it's popular! Run to the hills!

[dunpeal2064]

Damn, the FF hate is frothing.

I knew the series was generally disliked, but I didn't think it was so across the board, especially for the games following the SNES era.

Oddly, the one people seem to like (XII) is one of my least enjoyed. Spending a week taking down Yiazmat was fun, but the characters were much more bland.

I thought Vaan was much worse than Tidus, but I can see why people dislike that character.

For what its worth, I think V, VI, IX, and X are all fantastic games. I find it hard to have the patience for an rpg now, let alone the time...

[Skykid]

Oh no, it's popular! Run to the hills!

Lots of crap stuff is popular.

[dunpeal2064]

You think the entire franchise is crap Skykid? Most of the games are unrelated, Id be surprised if one couldnt find a single game in the series they at least slightly enjoyed.

Do you like the genre? I would agree that the series is overrated, but it seems to counter that, people give it more crap than it deservez.

Are we talking about Touhou, I forgot?

[Obiwanshinobi]

FFX International should be played with the Japanese voices (the undub version). The US dub isn't the worst I've ever heard, but I guess it could have been too much for some.
Not much wrong with X if you are into other jRPGs by Square. The story is just nonsense enough to be called Final Fantasy and the blitzball minigame can be to a great extent ignored.

[Paradigm]

I knew the series was generally disliked, but I didn't think it was so across the board

Eh? The series is generally beloved, but of course it has its haters just like everything else.

Ghegs' sig sums it up nicely.

[Skykid]

You think the entire franchise is crap Skykid? Most of the games are unrelated, Id be surprised if one couldnt find a single game in the series they at least slightly enjoyed.

Do you like the genre? I would agree that the series is overrated, but it seems to counter that, people give it more crap than it deservez.

Are we talking about Touhou, I forgot?

Almost.

I'm with Ruldra's series appraisal for the most part. I bought XII on many recommendations but I'm yet to fire it up and give it its dues.

I just find it's a series that has gradually become a way to waste large portions of your life. The characters are despicably generic; and in a game where you essentially repeat the same actions ad infinitum, that's a bit of a misfire.

Maybe it's because I don't care about crossplay, garbage plotlines or androgynous boys that FF has fallen out of favour. Honestly though, I just think it's more that it's become a poster example of degenerative gaming. What has the series actually done to break any new ground over the last twelve years?

[sjewkestheloon]

Oh no, it's popular! Run to the hills!

Lots of crap stuff is popular.

I was only being flippant, and you are correct that a lot crap stuff is popular. My post which resurrected this thread was more an expression of the fun that I have been having with entry number 4, and excitement I am feeling at delving into the older series entries that I both have and haven't previously experienced.

For the record I agree that the series has offered very little that is new of recent times but seriously, new is not everything. Do you not get joy from mining a particular small genre with limited range on occasions, enjoying the tat for being tat? As a personal example I read a lot of heavy literary fiction but take great joy in reading teenage genre fiction because it is relatively safe, is rarely obscure and is often quite simplistic in a refreshing way.

Edit: I also think you are talking about the platonic archetype of 'final fantasy' and not actually the experience of sitting down and playing one.

[Skykid]

Oh no, it's popular! Run to the hills!

Lots of crap stuff is popular.

I was only being flippant, and you are correct that a lot crap stuff is popular. My post which resurrected this thread was more an expression of the fun that I have been having with entry number 4, and excitement I am feeling at delving into the older series entries that I both have and haven't previously experienced.

For the record I agree that the series has offered very little that is new of recent times but seriously, new is not everything. Do you not get joy from mining a particular small genre with limited range on occasions, enjoying the tat for being tat? As a personal example I read a lot of heavy literary fiction but take great joy in reading teenage genre fiction because it is relatively safe, is rarely obscure and is often quite simplistic in a refreshing way.

Edit: I also think you are talking about the platonic archetype of 'final fantasy' and not actually the experience of sitting down and playing one.

Don't worry, my post wasn't a reaction to your comment, I just wanted to let off steam over how shit that 'Charice' track is.
There's nothing wrong with the archetype of Final Fantasy, although the fact it's been allowed to become so hackneyed is valid criticism imo.

I was kind of fed up by X tbh. I played about half of the game and shelved it and then sold it. It was dull and monotonous. I spent about 25 minutes with X-2 before ditching it. I couldn't believe how bad.

XIII drained the life from me. I know everyone said you need to play for four hours before it picks up, but that in itself is broken game design and doesn't deserve the effort. I couldn't stand the characters/voice acting either.

Last FF I played through was IV on my DS, and it was great.