Originally Posted by 2009 TFF Awards nominations
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What is ONE feature that you personally identify as a core "Final Fantasy" ideal?
The trouble with this question, in my opinion, is that there really isn't just one core feature or concept that I identify as being specifically "Final Fantasy ideal". I suppose if we want to be vague, the idea of "saving the world" has always been a main part of the franchise. If I have to go with one of the things I have always loved, it would probably be the world maps and exploration. The ability that they give you to explore this world and interact with it as well as follow the laid out story. This was also one of the things that bothered me with the first installment of the XIII series, that the story pulled you to where you had to go with no way to further explore the many areas available to you or even access them later.
But if we have to stick with something that stands out with Final Fantasy as a whole, I would probably go with the bit of how they actually tend to incorporate the "fantasy" aspect. Although each game has its own unique way that it gives this different reality to the viewer, they all share similarities in that the blend of technology and magic is shown in every aspect of the game. VII, with its materia and the people of the Cetra. VIII with the Guardian Forces and Sorceresses, Esthar another leading example. IX with the diverse and quirky races, the idea that summoners are a race on their own, the Black Mages especially. X with the creation of Sin and Yevon, the Aeons themselves and the severe LACK of technology due to the condition of their world. I could go on. But the main aspect is that all of these things are blended together into the story that is intricate and detailed, with things you learn every time you play through. But another outstanding effect that all of these games have in common? Balance. The balance of good and evil, the balance of technology and nature, of destruction and rebirth. Maybe it's the influence of its creators and the culture that perpetuates in their background, but there is always an imbalance that must be fixed and always a lesson to be learned. That makes these games great, at least in my opinion.
What is ONE thing that you would like to see different in Final Fantasy XVI when it comes along?
One of the things that I have always loved is the ability to choose. Perhaps with changes to the storyline or how it plays out for the characters; alternate endings could even be a possiblity! I understand that the use of "fate" or "destiny" has always been part of the reoccurring theme in Final Fantasy, but for those of us who are still with the series from its early days, additional playthroughs for alternate or additional information would be glorious. Maybe not even alternate endings, so much as unlocking more of the world. Maybe a way to learn more of its history or learn the background of the characters more thoroughly.
Character interaction, even with the NPC's, has always strongly motivated me with these games. In VIII, as you played through the storyline and different scenarios occur, the NPCs throughout the area will have different responses than the first time you may have interacted with them. This was interesting to see and made the world seem more in depth. The concept that these people could be just as important as the main characters, reminds you that sometimes the heroes were just normal people too.
List up to five games with the "Final Fantasy" title that you would NOT include in the series, with brief reasons for their removal?
I don't particularly consider the Theatrhythm games part of the "Traditional" series. They're more like a cute little spin-off to cater to those who love the music in these games. I typically compare them as a DDR for your fingers with Final Fantasy sprites. A good and typically relaxing game, but nothing that would be noted as a major point in the series. Not really something that would be needed for removal, but still not something that when recommending the series to anyone I would typically mention.
Although I did love the Dissidia games, I also had trouble considering them a major part of the series as well. The storyline was very loose and it was really catered more towards fighting enthusiasts than storyline players. Fun, but something you quickly lose interest in once you've gotten the major points in the game.
Really, most of the other games I can still consider part of the series in one way or the other. Granted, there are the few that I might consider their low points and find much less enjoyable but most of the main installments were good. I feel that Square needs to avoid the "Disney effect" and move away from making sequel type games. XIII's trilogy was a little long-winded for me, though I'll admit it wrapped up nicely. X-2 was a decent game but was mostly an add-on to avoid a particularly sad ending to its predecessor. Like most movies, the sequels are rarely ever as good as the first and truly they might benefit from it if they focused on the main game and maybe added little things they might have wanted to make a sequel for as additional content instead, something you can unlock once completing the main storyline.
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