MOVIES/GAMING: Final Fantasy

[CorranHorn]

For those of you who don't like FF, you don't have to post here. I'd rather not have this thread turn into a war... Anyway, how many of you have played FF? And another question... Which was your favorite? FF VII is by far my favorite. Sephiroth makes up for everything that sucks in the game. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Saranac]

My favorite is FF XXVIII, easily the best in the series. It was a hard choice between FF XXXIV and that.

[Brian]

FF 7!

[Ex-soldier]

FF VIII is easily one of the best in the series. It's basically got everything you want in a game, good battles, excellent action, and love...

[Whisper]

Originally posted by Saranac@Jan 22 2003, 03:53 PM
My favorite is FF XXVIII, easily the best in the series. It was a hard choice between FF XXXIV and that.
???

FF 28? and FF 34?

[Siamese Sith]

Originally posted by Ex-soldier@Jan 22 2003, 10:03 PM
FF VIII is easily one of the best in the series. It's basically got everything you want in a game, good battles, excellent action, and love...
Love?! Squall had some serious attachment issues. I loved the scenes in space with the Ragnarock. The ending was awesome, it made up for the lack of emotion shown throughout most of the game.
I personally liked the romance between Tidus and Yuna much more. The story was simple but thorough unlike VIII where I think they bit off more than they could chew......storywise.
Since we're on the subject of story, my favorite FF story hands down is FF Tactics. The re-emergence of the job system from FF V was great!
FFV was a fun game that got a nice facelift on the PS2, as well as VI which was a phenominal game with my second favorite villian in all the FF's.
Not many fans of FFIX around here, I enjoyed the game and thought it was a nice throw back/sendoff for the "traditional final fantasy", and I was really impressed with the size of the world.
Finally, my favorite of the 11 final fantasies I've played is.....VII. It's graphics aren't as amazing VIII-X, and it's story may be a bit flawed at times but this is the game that made the PS1 the phenom it has become and it's the only game I actually had to wait on line at software etc for! Final Fantasy VII converted me into the RPG junkie I am today and it's the reason I've collected and enjoyed all the other's.
I look forward to meeting you in the realm of Van Deil in FFXI!

[Siamese Sith]

Originally posted by Saranac@Jan 22 2003, 03:53 PM
My favorite is FF XXVIII, easily the best in the series. It was a hard choice between FF XXXIV and that.
uhhhh 26 and 34!????? whoa! You've been playing waaaay to much chrono trigger!

[Brian]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@Jan 23 2003, 01:28 AM
Final Fantasy VII converted me into the RPG junkie I am today and it's the reason I've collected and enjoyed all the other's.
Exactly! Me too!

[Whisper]

Not me! I've been playing FF since FF1!

Before that it was Dragon Warrior.

[Saranac]

I was being sarcastic

I don't like FF, so I was making fun of it's ridiculous amount of sequels.

[Whisper]

Thing is none of them so far are true sequels. None of them have recurring main characters.

Some ELEMENTS (Chocobos, Moogles, Cid) are in all, but the stories are different.

[Siamese Sith]

Originally posted by Whisper@Jan 24 2003, 03:10 AM
Thing is none of them so far are true sequels. None of them have recurring main characters.

Some ELEMENTS (Chocobos, Moogles, Cid) are in all, but the stories are different.
Thing is most people don't realize this, ah well there loss

[Whisper]

The First True Sequel is FFX-2.

[CorranHorn]

I think FF VII is the best. I've only played VII and VIII but VII was alot better. I don't really care about graphics, and that's the only thing that FF VII is sort of lacking in. If Ex-Soldier would let me borrow FF IX then I'd play that too but I'm to poor to buy anything style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:silver">I like FF1.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

I'm picking up FF origins when it comes out. I have the original FFI but no longer have an operating console to play it on, plus we get FFII! Also need to git me hands on FF chronicals for FFIV. Then all I'll be missing is FFIII style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/scatter.gif

[jedisaber]

My favorite is ff9, but im new, and have only played it and ff7, and personally ff7 had some bad graphics,but its getting better the farther into the game you go, but i have yet to beat them

[Brian]

Originally posted by jedisaber@Jan 29 2003, 01:35 PM
My favorite is ff9, but im new, and have only played it and ff7, and personally ff7 had some bad graphics,but its getting better the farther into the game you go, but i have yet to beat them
FF7 was groundbreaking. It could only get better from there.

[jedisaber]

still i like ff9 better, im a fan of the little black mage, Vivi, the videos in that game look like graphics from the movie...

[Vyndim]

<span style="color:000070">Guess I'm the odd ball, I liked Final Fantasy Tactics the best. I guess that's because the storyline really cought. But other than that, I like Final Fantasy VII and VIII.</span>

[Haunted/Hated]

Definitelt FF VI (or III as it was named in the US) for the SNES. The best characters, story was fantastic, and the music was fantastic.

[Siamese Sith]

What do you guys think of my video game poll? You better represent Final Fantasy!

[Brian]

I'm voting FF7 all the way! Best video game ever, IMHO!

[JediBendu]

you've gotta try FFX - the similarities with Star Wars are pretty full on

[jedisaber]

FFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFF IXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIXFFIX FFIX

[Siamese Sith]

^ likes IX ALOT!
Hey Bendu can ya give some examples....?

[jedisaber]

Thats right, VIVI RULES

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:silver">Dude, that isn't even a Roman Numeral.</span>

[Brian]

Vivi was the black mage from FF9.

[Siamese Sith]

I'm really lookin forward to FF XI (online)! GOD-willing it makes it stateside I will be setting up a "Galactic Senate clan". I hope to see all you guys & gals in Vana Deil (sp?) !

[Grim Savannah Furre]

I didn't get a chance to get into Final Fantasy until I purchased my PS2, but when I did.... I love the games, I own 4-6 & 8-10, and the search continues for 7. Granted I haven't played them all through yet, but 8 is def one of my faves, perhaps because it was my first. I think it's got a bad rep because it followed such a revolutionary entry and everyone was expecting another FF7, but that's not what the series is about. I'll be grabbing X-2, but FFXI doesn't interest me. It may have something to do with the fact that it'll be years before Sony goes online in Australia.. Grrrrrr. Not sure if I'll grab the Origins pack.. I think I've gone about as far back as I care to, but I'll keep my ears open and see what people think of them.

[Darth Suckerfish]

The best ones, I think, are:
FFX
FF3
FF7
FF9

9 and 10 kind of did it for me... 7 was good, too.
The sequels are going to destroy the series, I think. Hard to say how FFXI will fare. The styles are just too drastically different.

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">No, wait! I change my mind the japanese FFIII, I just downloaded a ROM for it and it rules!</span>

[Plo Koon]

Originally posted by jedisaber@Feb 5 2003, 11:55 AM
Thats right, VIVI RULES
Freya is better.

[Siamese Sith]

If you want a fresh new RPG experience that has the magic of FFVII go buy Zenosaga! This game is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

[Rath Xeros]

Final Fantasy VIII was far too easy. Even the various 'weapons' they placed after Bahamut, and in Ultemcias castle were quite simple to beat. Final Fantasy VII was great, as was Anthology and Tactics. It is always good to have a few different genres in the same game.

[Siamese Sith]

Preparation underway for the North American release of FINAL FANTASY XI
Square Enix USA is now accepting applications for the public beta test program for FINAL FANTASY® XI, the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series and first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for the series. Preparation is underway for the North American release of the title, which will be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and for the PC. FINAL FANTASY XI is the world's first major cross-platform MMORPG, allowing players to connect to and communicate in the same exact world regardless of their gaming platform.

For the first time ever, players from around the globe will unite in the world of "Vana'diel" where they can personalize their characters, play at their own pace, form parties and alliances with other players, and embark on multiple adventures through vast environments. Players will also become immersed in an expansive, original storyline that includes quests and boss battles. They can participate in missions either alone or with other party members and acquire skills such as alchemy, leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. Various communications tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI to assist communication between players, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems.

Requirements for the beta test program are:

NOTE: You may apply to only one version of the Public Beta test. An undisclosed number of players will be selected and notified of their acceptance. Please review the requirements below for the PlayStation 2 and Windows® platforms before selecting the appropriate application form. Applying to both versions of the Public Beta may completely disqualify you from participating.



Requirements for PlayOnline Public Beta version for PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
- Network Adaptor (for PlayStation 2)
- Internet connection (56k or greater) Requirements for PlayOnline Public Beta version for Windows®
- Pentium® III 800Mhz
- Windows® 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
- DirectX® 8.1 (included)
- 32MB Direct3D compatible AGP video card
- 128MB RAM
- CD-ROM drive
- 5GB of free hard drive space
- Internet connection (56k or greater)

Players who would like to be one of the first to explore the world of FINAL FANTASY XI can apply for the public beta test program on the Square Enix USA website or they can go directly to the application form.

FINAL FANTASY XI will incorporate new features as well as retain familiar ones from the FINAL FANTASY series. Fans of the series will be pleased to find that both versions of FINAL FANTASY XI will contain the same award-winning visual style and deep, progressive storyline that has made FINAL FANTASY one of the top-selling and most popular video game series in the world.

[Siamese Sith]

Here's some other game screens I dug up...

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:blue">I've only been into FF for a little while, so I haven't had time to play the games. Also the games are out when I go up there! If I was to buy a FF game which would be the best to pick out? I'd want one with good action, plot, stroy, and Cloud has to be in it. He's my fave. I may not have played the games, but I've been reading up on it through the net and Cloud rocks!</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Obi, each Final Fantasy game occurs on a different world, with different characters, and different stories. None are a continuation of the last, except for FFX-2. Cloud is cool, yes, but he doesn't make FF VII, the story does.
If you've never played a FF game let me warn you, you can kiss about two weeks of your life away per game. I have V-X completed with every rare item and all secret boss characters defeated, in order to do that WITHOUT USING A GUIDE you're lookin @ around 100 hours per game!
I recomend you start out with FFVII, you'll be hooked! Then afterwards go backwards and play FF VI so you get an appreciation for how far the series has come.
I also HIGHLY recommend FF Tactics, not a straight up RPG more of a strategy game, highly difficult but a phenom story and top notch game play!

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@May 4 2003, 05:41 PM
I also HIGHLY recommend FF Tactics, not a straight up RPG more of a strategy game, highly difficult but a phenom story and top notch game play!
IMO FF6 and tactics were the best. and although there are alot of FF7 and FF8 haters out there, i personally enjoyed them. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[Siamese Sith]

I remember the day I went to pick up my copy of FF VII there was a freakin' line out the store!

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@May 4 2003, 11:07 PM
I remember the day I went to pick up my copy of FF VII there was a freakin' line out the store!
i have some friends who get all mad and say "dude, sony said 'we want it now' and squaresoft said 'were not done' and sony said 'deliver it anyway!' dude its an unfinished product and couldve been so much better!"

well even if thats so i really enjoyed the game and thought it was a really cool environment, music, characters. aeris' theme is really cool, and so is the music with sephiroth in the final battle!

[Siamese Sith]

I totally agree! Sometimes less is more.

[Marbleman]

final fantasy tactics advanced (http://www.nintendo.com/e32k3/ffta_feat.html)?! this looks exiting.

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:blue">OK. Thanks for telling me that SS. So, I guess I'll be getting FF VII then. I'll call my gamestore about it tomorrow.</span>

[Marbleman]

people i cant wait for crystal chronicles. final fantasy rocks > here (http://cube.ign.com/articles/372/372026p1.html)

[BL-17]

Crystal Chronicles looks great. I haven't played the original FF in such a long time and seeing some of the screen shots for CC brings back some good memories.

I thought it was supposed to be released sometime this month...?

[Marbleman]

well, they say TBD 2003. yeesh. :look: i hope its sometime this fall anyway!

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:blue">What's CC?</span>

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Obi-Wan@May 6 2003, 09:14 PM
<span style="color:blue">What's CC?</span>
final fantasy crystal chronicles, coming to a cube near you! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[MXCABRINI]

FF X

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:blue">oh. I thought FF was only for PS2.</span>

[Marbleman]

obiwan, i think crystal chronicles is a gamecube exclusive. im not sure though. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:blue">Oh. Okay.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Yeah CC is a Cube exclusive, doesn't have the same style as the PS versions. More cartoony.....

[Siamese Sith]

FYI The June issue of PSM has a decent article on FFX-2.

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">We got a chance to sit down with some of Square's PR people, and they spilled the FFXI beans...

Perhaps more important than anything else we learned about the MMORPG was the fact that it's planned for a spring '04 release. We were very curious about the PS2 modem and how it all fit in with the master plan for Final Fantasy XI, and we can now confirm that the 40GB hard drive comes preinstalled with the title. There had been a lot of confusion in the past about whether there would or wouldn't be a hard drive/FFXI bundle, and now we understand why. Basically, the hard drive comes bundled with the game, but the game doesn't come bundled with the hard drive. It doesn't make a lot of sense, and Square-Enix's PR folks kept stressing that it was still very much not set in stone, however. That is the official word from them for now, at least.

As for the gameplay itself, they let us know that there would be no offline multiplayer ala Phantasy Star Online. You can play online cross platform, PC or PS2, however. Keep it here for in depth impressions of Final Fantasy XI later in the show.</span>

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">X-2 is a very non-linear title? It shares similarities with FF Tactics? Is X-3 coming? Get the scoop...

The focus of Final Fantasy X-2 is on the faster paced battle system, and the revamped job system. All recent Final Fantasy titles have had a system in place that wasn't completely turn based, but this game takes that in an even more realtime direction. Square Enix demonstrated for us how choosing your actions quickly and not dallying was extremely important in this title -- more so than before. If you spend a lot of time in the menus deciding what to do the enemies will hit you repeatedly. Basically the system isn't super different from before, but everything just moves much faster, meaning you can't spend a lot of time navigating menus. It's meant to increase the pace of the battles, which had a tendency to lag in the past.

Final Fantasy X-2 also features a job system much closer to Final Fantasy Tactics rather than the previous games in the main series. Unlike FF Tactics, you don't earn new jobs by leveling up at jobs you already have access to, however. The details weren't divulged; all we know is that when you get farther into the game you'll gain access to new jobs. The coolest aspect of the job system is that you can switch anytime you like in the middle of a battle. Your character's appearance changes to reflect her new job. This obviously makes battle a much more strategic experience, as you have to decide which job class is the best for a given situation. A few of the jobs include Songtress, and the very cool gunner (think rinoa repeatedly firing two pistols, John Woo style).

It was also divulged that Final Fantasy X-2 is a much less linear experience than the previous games in the series. Gamers will have more freedom to do what they like. When asked about the possibility of an X-3, we got an emphatic "no." X-2 will be the end of the "X" franchice for sure. Final Fantasy X-2 is planned for a fall release on the PS2. No PC release is planned.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Hey Obi Wan, good articles what's your source? EGM,PSM,IGN?

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">My source is E3.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Dude E3 is an industry convention, I don't think it's open to the public. So you're telling me you work for a gaming mag or a developer/publisher?

[Siamese Sith]

Ah my beloved Final Fantasy thread I have found thee!

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">At E3 a preview of Final Fantasy XI was shown! That game is gonna rock! It looks suhweet! That graphics on it are amazing! 2004 can't come soon enough!</span>

[Siamese Sith]

So have you begun playing VII Obi? Here's another nice piece from FFII....MM you might recognize this style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">I didn't get FF VII. I got FF X! I thought I'd go for the next gen game first and then go old school.</span>

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">I hated FFII!</span>

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@May 24 2003, 01:16 AM
So have you begun playing VII Obi? Here's another nice piece from FFII....MM you might recognize this style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
shes cool, but someone needs to chain saw her metal bar fingernails! whered you find the FF thread? i thought it had run away, i guess it came back home.

*MM pats the thread on the head.*

good thread! sit.
obiwan: you should really see FF 7. it was the the icing on the cake of playstation, if any game ever was. (besides mgs) sephiroth. . . sephiroth! ! !

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">I am gonna buy it! Cloud rocks! It's only 13 bucks.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I hated FFII! [/b][/quote]
Why? Rogue what's your favorite one? Why?
I'm currently working on FFI, hey Obi, play VII before X. X may look awesome but the characters and story are what puts VII on top in most peeps minds. Plus chocobo breeding and racing are a hell of alot more enjoyable than underwater polo!

[Rogue_0009]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@May 25 2003, 11:38 PM
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I hated FFII!
Why? Rogue what's your favorite one? Why?
[/b][/quote]
<span style="color:red">I couldn't get past the level-up system I mean I liked experience points, made thing a whole lot simpler to tell how strong your characters were, now you gotta figure out how strong each stat, weapon, armor, and magic spell is. That and it was annoying when your int stat keeps going down at the begining of the game cuz you have no money for spells.

My favorite one was FFIII which was never released out side japan, but is one of the best FF games ever It's a bit like FFI in the sense that you choose your character class at the beging of the game and that determines your abilities, but in this game you get waaaaaaaaay more choice in classes, something like 30 different ones, and you can change em just like that, provided you have enough capacity points, which lets you customize your tactics for different areas and allow a major increase in replay value.
</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Well I haven't played more than 10 minuets of FFII, I'm currently taking my 4 light warriors down the river in a canoe. It seems the graphics were overhauled dramatically for FFI but FFII looks like a step backwards as far as sprite size, and color pallet.
How do you haveFFIII, and what are you playing it on?

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">I will be getting FFVII soon. FFX is okay, but VII looks like it will be better. I'm getting it next week, cuz I spent all my cash already.</span>

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">Here is something cool.</span>

[Rogue_0009]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@May 26 2003, 03:17 PM
How do you haveFFIII, and what are you playing it on?
<span style="color:red">Nes Rom that was translated by a bunch of guys with nothing better to do. You can download it here (http://w1.874.telia.com/~u87403528/)</span>

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">Final Fantasy VII-2 is coming out which is basically a remake of number 7 with improved graphics, more items, weapons and scenes that were cut from the original due to lack of money and time. It's due out this summer!!!!</span>

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Obi-Wan@Jun 5 2003, 12:10 AM
<span style="color:darkblue">Final Fantasy VII-2 is coming out which is basically a remake of number 7 with improved graphics, more items, weapons and scenes that were cut from the original due to lack of money and time. It's due out this summer!!!!</span>
awesome. i love remakes, as long as they are done well. i hope they add enhanced cutscenes on par with the latest final fantasy games.

[Obi-Wan]

<span style="color:darkblue">Yeah, you can expect all updates on everything in the game! It's coming to PS2 so it's gonna be much better!</span>

[Angel Starmaster]

Didn't bother to back-read this thread due to time constraints but I'll mention this anyhow;
Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced has been released here in Japan. It looks incredible, same graphics as the PS1! It also has the job/class system like in the First Tactics, and you can send your party members out to perform jobs to gain money and experience. Additionally it introduces what is called a "calender system" I think. The game keeps track of the date, and there are laws in the world based on the Date. For example on such-and-such a date, no one is allowed to use swords. On another date only females are allowed to use magic. That sorta thing. It sounds challenging and I'm all about it. The game was designed by the same guys who did Tactics Ogre. I can't wait til it comes out stateside! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif

[Angel Starmaster]

Here we go;

Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced Description at Nintendo.com (http://www.nintendo.com/games/gamepage/description.jsp?gameId=1533#about)

Release date of Sept. 2003. Why doesn't Amazon have it for pre-order, darnit?!

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">sounds cool, starmaster.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Here's the box art for FFXI

[Siamese Sith]

And some FFXI game screens style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Siamese Sith]

title screen:

[tunafishman]

Originally posted by Obi-Wan@Jun 5 2003, 12:10 AM
<span style="color:darkblue">Final Fantasy VII-2 is coming out which is basically a remake of number 7 with improved graphics, more items, weapons and scenes that were cut from the original due to lack of money and time. It's due out this summer!!!!</span>
Where are you getting your source for this Obi-wan? I've not heard anything about this happening, and I'm a huge Square (Square-Enix now) fan. Just wondering...

[tunafishman]

Also, everyone who likes Final Fantasy, and other square (Square-Enix) games, should visit this site:

Final Fantasy Online (http://www.ffonline.com/)

They've got some good news, and a great feature about the top 25 Square Games of all time.

Personally, I think their list hits the nail right on the head.

[Siamese Sith]

A great darkness shrouded the world.
The wind died.
The sea raged
The earth began to decay
Only a prophecy kept hope alive in people's hearts:

"When darkness veils the world, four warriors of light shall come."

After journeying far, four young warriors did at last appear.
In the hands of each rested a mysterious crystal...

[Siamese Sith]

Some more screen shot's from around Vana Diel:

[Siamese Sith]

Where'd all the Final Fantasy fans go? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">They're all playing KOTOR which is a far more enjoyable rpg experience [random encounters suck]</span>

[Jacen Solo]

I love Final Fantasy III (VI in Japan.) The story is great, the battles are intense, the characters are well developed, and the music is beautiful.

[Marbleman]

i still love final fantasy! im running through tactics advance right now, and looking forward to crystal chronicles. hey does anyone know if FFXI will come out for PC? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif

[Siamese Sith]

XI will be on the PC and the PS2, I'm not sure if PC players will be able to play along with PS2 players. Oh and rogue Xi won't have random battles style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Rogue_0009]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@Sep 19 2003, 12:08 AM
Oh and rogue Xi won't have random battles style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
<span style="color:red">[does the Mr. Burns finger thing] exxxxcellent</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Here's a bit about FFXI to whet your MMORPG appetites,
E3 is certainly a hectic time for videogame journalists, and it's even more difficult to conduct interviews. Despite the known perils, however, IGN trekked on over to the Square Enix booth and sat down for a productive dialogue concerning SE USA's first online RPG, Final Fantasy XI. Assembled by the same team that constructed the excellent Chrono Cross for PlayStation and set to be released simultaneously with PS2 Hard drive, FFXI is certainly among the most awaited titles of the year. We considered it our duty to get the lowdown.

Though the meeting room was packed with several Square Enix representatives (including the director, producer, planner, online service manager, the conversation was mediated and interpreted by one of the best translators in the business and the localization director for Square Enix, Richard Honeywood. Here's what he had to say:

IGN: Final Fantasy games have become world famous, in part, because of its storylines. Can you tell us how the themes or plots of Final Fantasy XI will fit into an online world?

Richard Honeywood: The main crux of the story is an epic Final Fantasy type of story, which is an epic, kind of edgy plot going on in the background. We answer that challenge every month, week after week, chapter-by-chapter, part-by-part, and keep the storyline going all the time, for people all over the world.

IGN: Will those constant changes be consistent across the versions? Or will Japanese gamers see or hear things that American's don't? (And vice versa)

Richard: One of the major things that make this game different is that we planned this to be English and Japanese from the very beginning. When we finished up Chrono Cross, the English version, we went right into Final Fantasy XI -- planning it out. Getting the basic system ready. And so, once we finished Chrono Cross, the team started working on the English and Japanese translation from day one. You've probably noticed that the Japanese version already has English names and English locations. The Japanese players, they're already well trained to expect American users. It's all part of ultimate goal: which is to have English players and Japanese players living together in the same world. We want everyone to communicate together despite race and language that they'll be able to play together

You can only imagine the restrictions that we had with translation. You have make calls between what's good and what's bad and figure out what's acceptable and what isn't, you have to find the middle ground. Figuring out the naming conventions alone weren't very easy. Wow, I can't believe we've been working on this thing for three years now.

IGN: What are some of the common threads in FFXI that link it to the other games in the series? Chocobos we know, but what about moogles and crystals?

Richard: Yes of course. The common elements of every Final Fantasy game is that you have crystals, you have airships, you have Chocobos, you have summons…

IGN: Moogles?

Richard: Yes. There are moogles. [Laughs] Of course we've changed things this time as we always do in other aspects of the game -- like the skills and how levels and thing work, but it's all FF at its core.

Interestingly enough, we took this opportunity to tie certain things together. Japanese creatures for instance, are known by different names than the American ones. We needed to get rid of those differences and make it whole again. The cactaur, for example, is known as sepultimba in Japan. But since we have different types of cactaurs running around, we can give them both names and tell the player where it's a Japanese creature or an American creature. They have different names, yes. But underneath they're all the same.
IGN: Is there going to be anything in the Japanese version that's not in the English version, or vice versa?

Richard: It's the exact same game world, it's the exact same source code -- Japanese players already have English in the game already anyway, so there's no reason to add or change anything. The only difference is that players in their native countries will see their commands in their native language. In other words, it's the exact same game.

IGN: Theoretically, how many people can play Final Fantasy XI at the same time?

Richard: Well the most we've seen so far is about 100,000, but we can definitely handle more than that. We have over 200,000 users and subscribers in Japan, and over 600,000 registered character names.

IGN: How about the Vision of Ziraat? Are there plans to release it immediately or will it be out in America at some other time? Or will we get lucky and get it right off the bat?

Richard: When we actually go on sale, we plan to have it in there on day one. Since the beta testing we've changed the game a great deal, and if we were to release only Final Fantasy XI by itself, it wouldn't mesh well with the rest of the game world already in use in Japan. What we're going to do is focus on what the bugs and things are that need to be fixed are, and not have to worry about anything else.

IGN: Does that mean that FFXI could see a title change before coming out in America? Will it be known as Final Fantasy XI: The Vision of Ziraat or just FFXI?

Richard: The game itself is going to be called Final Fantasy XI. That's the official name, and that's what it's going to be called. The packaging will probably say FFXI with "Rise of Ziraat included" written in a little blurb or something.

IGN: We've heard a lot of rumors concerning the size of FFXI, so lets put an end to them, how much space will it take up on the PC and PS2 hard drives?

Richard: It's around five gigabytes for the windows version, and with Ziraat added, it's around 6.5. The PS2 version will be probably be similar.

IGN: Can we look forward to regular patches? Or will the game be updated through expansion packs only?

Richard: Every month we do a patch in Japan, and it's usually just us adding more stuff. It's kind of like a tradition. Well, okay, so it's more like every other month. But when it comes to the U.S. version we want the game to be as current as possible, so when there's a need for an update, we'll do it.

As far as expansion packs go, those are reserved for big changes. Ziraat had over 40 new sections added, a couple of summons, new items and weapons, and plenty of new job classes. So the expansion disc is definitely a lot more than just a minor update.

IGN: Are there any plans for future patches or expansions to include some kind of voice chat support?

Richard: We don't have any plans, but we did talk about it. We have a lot of people playing already and it's difficult in voice chat games to figure out whose talking to begin with. Imagine that on a massive scale and you see why it's a problem. Of course, the other big problem is how do you translate it? You're looking at two different languages and it's hard to imagine where we'd begin to figure out what words to keep, discard, et cetera. The whole idea has some issues.
IGN: Take us through the basic character creation feature, what can you do?

Richard: Okay, you start off with your base job and your race; Then you choose certain jobs that are better for certain races or you can choose to choose to take the hard road and choose a job that isn't strong for that race at all. You can pretty much do whatever you want in that respect, so you're not limited.

What's really cool though, is that you can choose what country you start off in. And as everyone may or may not know, countries are constantly at war. It's a separate story mode, and depending on how well you do and what kind of friendships you can form, you can take over other territories. Naturally, the more territory you have, the more shops and traders you have access too, so there's a big advantage in going after another territory. Oh, and your hometown's economy improves too!

IGN: In that regard, why wouldn't a player just create his character in the stronger country to begin with?

Richard: Well, they can try and take the easy road like that, and it may work, but there are certain advantages that smaller less powerful countries have over bigger ones to make it more difficult to lose all their territory. It's balanced that way.

IGN: So is it possible for one country to take over everyone else and conquer the world?

Richard: Technically it's definitely possible, but we haven't seen it yet. Though it would be very difficult because of the balancing, story-based issues, and other such things. Even if that happened though, there are around 20 servers with their own self-contained worlds within them.

IGN: How many characters can a player create?

Richard: You can have up 16, but you can them on whatever server you want. What's really cool though is that you can have a single character change jobs and be whatever he wants. So you can conceivably try every job class with just one character. All of his items and goodies will carry over, but his job level will go back to level 1. It's a trade-off but it changes things up. Also, you're not stuck to your one country either -- for a small fee, you can switch alliances as well.

IGN: And now for the biggest question I think our readers would have: How are you dealing with cheating?

Richard: Well first of all, we house all the character data on our servers; that's a big deal. Usually we're playing catch-up with the hackers but now they're playing catch-up with us. We also have encryption that changes quite often, not only ours, but Sony's too. And so we have several layers of protection. We also have people watching at all times for things like cheat devices, it shouldn't be a problem.

IGN: We know that this is coming out in the States and is already out in Japan, but is it coming out in Europe?

Richard: We're looking into it, but we're not sure. The hard drive hasn't been announced over there and the online community isn't quite as setup as it is in Japan and North America. It's ultimately up to our corporate and marketing department really as to when or if it'll come out in Europe; after careful evaluation.

IGN: I suppose the same applies to the U.S. monthly fee as well?

Richard: That's still pretty much undecided. That's an issue that's yet to come.

IGN: How long does the team plan to support FFXI before going into the next online game?

Richard: [Laughs] As long as people want to play it -- a long, long time.

IGN: And one final question -- what's the next project for your team? Can we expect Chrono Cross 2, Chrono Trigger 3, Chrono Break, or whatever it is that you decide to call it?

Richard: [Laughs] Final Fantasy XI is pretty much it for a while. We still have a lot of possible expansion packs we could do, and plenty of support to give. As far as Chrono is concerned, that's huge; but we can't do two or three things at the same time, and it's tough to do FFXI and another Chrono game at the same time or too close together. We'd love to do one though, but yeah, not yet.

[Darth Darthy]

Cloud from the FFVII DVD movie. Nice.

http://www.the-magicbox.com/Sep03/ff7-21.jpg


Go to THE MAGIC BOX (http://www.the-magicbox.com/game092903b.htm) for some more pics and info.

[Siamese Sith]

I've seen pics of the FFVII movie, it looks just like the game right? With HP/MP counters at the bottom of the screen?

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">hey check this comic out; RPG World (http://www.rpgworldcomic.com)

It kinda makes fun of the more recent additions to the FF saga</span>

[MXCABRINI]

i only played FF X And it was cool

[MXCABRINI]

sorry

[Siamese Sith]

What are you sorry about?
Who's going to be playing FFXI online? I'm starting to look for a group to travel Vana Diel with.
Darthy will you be getting FFXI? Rogue? Vindym?

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">I might get for PC</span>

[Vyndim]

I haven't decided if I will play FFXI online. I currently play a MMORPG and to play FF I would have to give up my current one which I have invested a lot of time in. I will definately buy the game to test it out, but the rest I'll just have to wait and see.

I am however, excited about the release of the game cube FF due out soon.

[Siamese Sith]

<span style="color:gray"><span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%">HEY FINAL FANTASY FANS!!!!!!</span></span>
<span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:lightblue">IT'S MARCH 2004!!! </span></span>
<span style="color:blue"><span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%">THE HDD/FFXI BUNDLE IS ARRIVING THIS MONTH!!!!!!!!!!</span></span>

[Siamese Sith]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif hello? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif

[Marbleman]

Oh. . . hey SS, sorry. We were all too busy playing FF: Crystal Chronicles. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[Darth Darthy]

Hi. A friend of mine gave me the DVD trailer rip of Advent Children which was higher quality then anything I've seen anywhere else... here's some grabs...

[Darth Darthy]

And another...

[Darth Darthy]

And finally...

[Darth Darthy]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@Oct 3 2003, 10:04 PM
What are you sorry about?
Who's going to be playing FFXI online? I'm starting to look for a group to travel Vana Diel with.
Darthy will you be getting FFXI? Rogue? Vindym?
That's not out in Europe yet and I doubt it will be. The next FF game I get will be Chronicles for the GC cause it's supposed to be like Secret of Mana. Only not as good...erm. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

[Marbleman]

Originally posted by Darth Darthy+Mar 9 2004, 06:35 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darth Darthy @ Mar 9 2004, 06:35 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Siamese Sith@Oct 3 2003, 10:04 PM
What are you sorry about?
Who's going to be playing FFXI online? I'm starting to look for a group to travel Vana Diel with.
Darthy will you be getting FFXI? Rogue? Vindym?
That's not out in Europe yet and I doubt it will be. The next FF game I get will be Chronicles for the GC cause it's supposed to be like Secret of Mana. Only not as good...erm. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif [/b][/quote]
Pretty much Darthy. I've been playing it since last week with others and it is fun, but only to a point. I think hanging the plot out to dry was a bad mistake. You can't get into a game without some character development. Ah well. Great graphics, combos, and Celtic music. Once I finish it I'll post a full review.

[Lost-Jedi-Of-The-Republic]

OoOoO i love final fantasy been playin it for a looooong time. i have all the final fantasy games dat came out already. and for all those so called "final fantasy lovers" dat think they kno about ff but they don't kno #$@# they jus buy the game for the chicks style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif

[Whitesaber]

I'm curious, is Final Fantasy IX considered good?

[Lost-Jedi-Of-The-Republic]

ff 9? well nah, its tooooo easy,lol at www.ffx2.com people are arguing dat Kuja is a guy or a chick cuz he wears a damn mini skirt and a thong wtf style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif

[Siamese Sith]

Originally posted by Whitesaber@Mar 13 2004, 04:19 PM
I'm curious, is Final Fantasy IX considered good?
Whitey, do you mean XI (11)? or IX (9)?
XI has recieved accolades from all the major PC mags and IGN,PSM, and EGM have had nothing but high praises for it.

LJOTR FFIX wasn't any easier or harder than the others IMHO. Actually it may be a bit more difficult, have you found/defeated OZMA? That F'N thing is harder than ALL the Ultimate weapons in FFVII!

[Whitesaber]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith+Mar 13 2004, 04:23 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Siamese Sith @ Mar 13 2004, 04:23 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Whitesaber@Mar 13 2004, 04:19 PM
I'm curious, is Final Fantasy IX considered good?
Whitey, do you mean XI (11)? or IX (9)?
XI has recieved accolades from all the major PC mags and IGN,PSM, and EGM have had nothing but high praises for it.

LJOTR FFIX wasn't any easier or harder than the others IMHO. Actually it may be a bit more difficult, have you found/defeated OZMA? That F'N thing is harder than ALL the Ultimate weapons in FFVII! [/b][/quote]
FF 9, I meant. And I just started to play it. I've wanted to get into this FF thing for a long time.

[Darth Darthy]

None of the FF games were hard apart from the NES and GB ones. And that was down to poor design.

[Siamese Sith]

The basic game isn't hard...hold down X button style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif But finding all the secret stuff and maxing out all your characters is the part that makes these games go from a 40+ hour RPG to a 100+ hour RPG.

[Darth Darthy]

Well, that and wandering around and getting stopped every 3 seconds by random battles that aren't visible on the map screen... and watching the same super move over and over again as it charges for 2 minutes. I just remembered why I hate FF.

[Lost-Jedi-Of-The-Republic]

omfg Ozma in FF9 was easy all u got to do is everytime u buy items save it for later use, when u fight Ozma eqiup all the characters u want to battle with items dat absorb shadow

[Darth Darthy]

No offence bloke but if you can't be arsed to type in english - I can't be arsed to read what you got to say. U g3t m3?

[Siamese Sith]

Well thanks for the advice! I'll go pull IX off the shelf and finally defeat that super bouncy ball! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[Tovor]

Lost Jedi of the Republic, please articulate your communications more clearly for others to read without struggle to translate your posts. You dig where I'm coming from? I knew that you could. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Rogue_0009]

Originally posted by Lost-Jedi-Of-The-Republic@Mar 13 2004, 10:01 PM
omfg Ozma in FF9 was easy all u got to do is everytime u buy items save it for later use, when u fight Ozma eqiup all the characters u want to battle with items dat absorb shadow
<span style="color:red">I'm sorry i don't speak dumb***</span>

[Lost-Jedi-Of-The-Republic]

yea ur probaly a noob dat don't kno sh1t about ff rogue

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">I c0uld a1$0 b3 uber fscking 1337 but e|\|j0y ppl b3i|\|g @bl13 2 r34d \/\/|-|47 I p0$7</span>

[Darth Darthy]

Is that Bochi? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Marbleman]

Has anyone else acquired Crystal Chronicles yet? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/trooper.gif

[Darth Darthy]

Apparently not. Got FF Tactics for the GBA emulator but still haven't played it.

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:red">Really? Why not??</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Anyone already in Vana' Diel? What world are you in? What's your characters name?

[Vyndim]

Originally posted by Marbleman@Mar 16 2004, 11:00 PM
Has anyone else acquired Crystal Chronicles yet? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/trooper.gif
<span style="color:#000070">Considering that Gamecube is the only modern console that own(I have a PS one too) I was very excited to hear that a FF was coming to the gamecube. However, when I purchased it, I was very dissapointed. I can safely say it is the worst Final Fantasy ever. The storyline is awful and almost non-existant. You must own a Game Boy Advanced if you want to play multiplayer(One for each person) and the gameplay is rather repetative. You have a standard three hit combo, one focus attack, and if you play single player you get about 8 spells that all basically do the samething. Another horrid part is that you have to beat the same levels over and over again each year. Anyway, I advise everyone to skip this one.

Edit: Oh I played Final Fantasy XI briefly. I was a white mage on the Ramuh server and a Red Mage on the Unicorn server.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

What were your impressions of FFXI?

[Raganork8]

I've been a FF Fan for years and all i can say is that they just keep getting worse. It all started with 9 they just got really diffrent and bland from there on. I look foward to the 7 sequel movie however. but the price for XI is just ridiculous and too much for a game that is set so high but achieves so little.
It's an ok game but not FF calibur at all.

[Marbleman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Considering that Gamecube is the only modern console that own(I have a PS one too) I was very excited to hear that a FF was coming to the gamecube. However, when I purchased it, I was very dissapointed. I can safely say it is the worst Final Fantasy ever. The storyline is awful and almost non-existant. You must own a Game Boy Advanced if you want to play multiplayer(One for each person) and the gameplay is rather repetative. You have a standard three hit combo, one focus attack, and if you play single player you get about 8 spells that all basically do the samething. Another horrid part is that you have to beat the same levels over and over again each year. Anyway, I advise everyone to skip this one.[/b][/quote]

It is a bit like PSO in that way, only obviously not online. The single player is indeed atrocious, but the gba links are interesting since your friend can see things on his map that you cannot and weaving spells together is entertaining for a while. It was a good experiment anyway, and I relished the beautiful environments and the excellent Celtic music. And while I don't think it was terrible, I think it could have been improved in many many ways. More enemies are added and their difficulty level increased over time, but there is no real replay value after you beat all the game's stages. Basic hack and slash job, fun for a while but not endearing over time. Unless you have four friends who like this kind of off beat game then I also suggest you avoid it.

But Vyndim you hit the nail on the head with the worst problem with the game overall, which was the plot. It was a serious mistake to leave it so ambiguous without any real main characters to follow. Customization is good, but this game's scope would have been suitable for a cast of main characters with personalities. You would be interested to know that the Official Nintendo Magazine of the UK has reported that Square Enix is working on a new Final Fantasy title for the GameCube, to bring Nintendo fans further up to date on the Final Fantasy series... According to the magazine, it will contain story elements of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX, and will be revealed at E3 2004. This means they will probably not continue with the Crystal Chronicles plotline (of what plot there is), and it will stand alone for now.

[Siamese Sith]

If you're in Vana' Diel you can find me at....

PlayOnline Email= Tryptifaeris@pol.com
character name= Tryptifaeris
Starting city=Bastok
server name = Shiva
Race = Elvann White Mage

[Javen]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@Mar 30 2004, 12:41 PM
If you're in Vana' Diel you can find me at....

PlayOnline Email= Tryptifaeris@pol.com
character name= Tryptifaeris
Starting city=Bastok
server name = Shiva
Race = Elvann White Mage
Have you played online with my bro yet?

Fen, BenTidus and Wolfcry play also.

[Siamese Sith]

Sorta....They are all on the same server (Shiva) but Krog and I started in the kingdom of Bastok (completely different continent). It may take awhile for Krog and I to actually meet Fen, BT, wolfcry, swizz, Angel and your bro.
We can't get onto an airship yet and Bastok doesn't have Chocobos from what I've seen, plus your basic yellow chocobo can't get over mountains or bodies of water soooo for now we're stuck in Bastok. It would be great to get you on also!

[Javen]

Originally posted by Siamese Sith@Mar 31 2004, 03:06 PM
It would be great to get you on also!
I don't know. I'm not much on FF. BUt you never know, I may hop on there and surprise you.

[Darth Vegas]

I do plan to get the HD with the game soon, but not until I get my new video card so I can start palying Galaxies.

[Vyndim]

Originally posted by Marbleman@Mar 21 2004, 10:50 AM
It is a bit like PSO in that way, only obviously not online. The single player is indeed atrocious, but the gba links are interesting since your friend can see things on his map that you cannot and weaving spells together is entertaining for a while. It was a good experiment anyway, and I relished the beautiful environments and the excellent Celtic music. And while I don't think it was terrible, I think it could have been improved in many many ways. More enemies are added and their difficulty level increased over time, but there is no real replay value after you beat all the game's stages. Basic hack and slash job, fun for a while but not endearing over time. Unless you have four friends who like this kind of off beat game then I also suggest you avoid it.

But Vyndim you hit the nail on the head with the worst problem with the game overall, which was the plot. It was a serious mistake to leave it so ambiguous without any real main characters to follow. Customization is good, but this game's scope would have been suitable for a cast of main characters with personalities. You would be interested to know that the Official Nintendo Magazine of the UK has reported that Square Enix is working on a new Final Fantasy title for the GameCube, to bring Nintendo fans further up to date on the Final Fantasy series... According to the magazine, it will contain story elements of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX, and will be revealed at E3 2004. This means they will probably not continue with the Crystal Chronicles plotline (of what plot there is), and it will stand alone for now.
<span style="color:#000070">I can't say that I was a fan of PSO either. Mainly because I couldn't take advantage of the online part. I'm sure the multiplayer in CC would be enjoyable, but I don't like that they force you to purchase a game boy advanced to take advantage of it. I don't own a GBA and neither do any of my friends, but we should all fork over another $90 in order to play a game I already purchased? I think it was a horrible ploy to get people to buy another one of their products and leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.

However, I am excited to hear that we Game Cube owners will be receiving a more traditional Final Fantasy. I hope that this next one is an improvement over the other.</span>

[Siamese Sith]

Here's a pick of me and style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif Krogenar hanging out in the plains of Gustaberg

[Siamese Sith]

Here's a couple of pictures I took of an airship arriving in the port of Bastok

[Siamese Sith]

more of the airship....

[Siamese Sith]

and another...

[Siamese Sith]

And here's one of Me, Krog, OuTLaW, Fenster, Wolfcry....not sure who Nukem is....I think he just ran into the pic style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Siamese Sith]

I had forgotten about this gem of a thread.
The GS has alot of new members....perhaps some FF fans like myself.
Head over to PDT.com and check out my thread What's the Deal in Vana Diel &copy; (http://www.pleasedrivethrough.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=582&view=findpost&p=8592)

[Siamese Sith]

Hello Senators old and new,
Are the any members of the GS that play FFXI; the Square Enix MMORPG that allows PC, PS2 and Xbox 360 gamers to play together in the ever growing world of Vana Diel?
If so please post what server you're on, Krogenar and myself are on the Shiva server we've been playing since 2004 when it launched on the PS2.

[exarkun]

i did not play final fantasy before, but I had seen the lastest anime of FF7.WOw, tifa is awesome.

[DarthAnakin]

I'm a huge Final Fantasy fan but I don't play FFXI. Yeah the FFVII movie Advent Children is freakin awesome! :D

[empire21]

Originally posted by DarthAnakin@Apr 4 2006, 07:57 PM
I'm a huge Final Fantasy fan but I don't play FFXI. Yeah the FFVII movie Advent Children is freakin awesome! :D
Quoted post

Can't wait for Advent Children to come out on DVD, i'll be getting that for sure

[DarthAnakin]

^ Yeah I probably will too :D For now my English subtitled Japanese download off of LimeWire will do.

[empire21]

^You see the price on that DVD yet $36.99, I hope it goes down a bit. But hows the Animation, does it look good in motion?

[DarthAnakin]

In all honesty, it looks freakin amazing!

[empire21]

good, thats what I wanted to hear :thumbs-up:

[DarthAnakin]

It sort of took me a while to understand what was happening since I hadn't played FFVII in so long but after I figured everything out it was all good. The fight scenes are awesome and Cloud looks really cool.

[empire21]

Originally posted by DarthAnakin@Apr 6 2006, 01:50 PM
It sort of took me a while to understand what was happening since I hadn't played FFVII in so long but after I figured everything out it was all good. The fight scenes are awesome and Cloud looks really cool.
Quoted post


It was the same for me, the last time I played FF 7 was like 6 years ago, but once I got into the movie it all started coming back too me, and how about Sephiroth that was great, I just wish Cid Highwind had a bigger part :banghead: I wish I still had this game I really want to play it again

[Siamese Sith]

There's only 59 days until FFXII is released, who's going to be picking up a copy besides me?
Famitsu Magazine gave FFXII 40/40, I think it's the only game to ever get a perfect score from the magazine.
Developed from 2001 to 2006, Final Fantasy XII cost approximately 4 billion Japanese yen to produce (approximately $34.6 million [1]) with a crew of more than one hundred people.
Yasumi Matsuno (FFT, FFTA, Vagrant Story), originally announced as both producer and director, was forced to bow out of both roles midway through the creation of Final Fantasy XII due to health concerns. In his place, Hiroyuki Ito and Hiroshi Minagawa took over directorial duties, with Akitoshi Kawazu assuming the role of the executive producer.

[empire21]

I'll probably pick it up, I haven't played an FF game since FFX.

[Siamese Sith]

I've been playing FFXI since it launched on the PS2 back in 2004, absolutely hands down the most amazing MMORPG going! Vana Diel is fantastic, the community is great (except for those dam RMT's).
There are going to be alot of similarities between FFXI and XII....Notorious monsters, mobs like mandragora's, fame, macros...sort of, and the voice acting will be, hands down the best in video game history.

[empire21]

I just can't get into online gaming, it's a shame but I can't, I just wish they would remake FF 6 with updated graphics, thats all I ask out of Square/enix.

[Braden Dar]

I recently received FF Anthology from an Ebay purchase and I have just passed the Wind Shrine. Should I build up my party and learn all of the Job's I can, or should I skip it and move on to the next challenge?

I have already worked many of the classes up, but I don't know if I should keep building them up. My levels are around 12, with many of the Mage and Knight Abilities completed. I figure it is somewhat good strategy to build up, but what do I really need to get through the next area?

Do I need to master any of the Jobs? Or gain X amount of levels? Build up my HP? Find something useful to use? How many people have played through here yet?

[Raganork8]

build up your HP, if i remember correctly the next part is a bit of a pain if you can sustain high levels of damage. But you sound like your doing good...

Good Luck!:bye:

[Raganork8]

So is anyone else excited about FF VII on PS3?

[empire21]

I'd be damned excited about it if I had a PS3.

[Raganork8]

lol, yeah i'm waiting for it's release theni'll get a ps3

[empire21]

Is there any set release for it yet? I haven't been following any news on it's progress.

[Raganork8]

Apparently Enix is having a hell of a lot of trouble converting the game, so there isn't much informtation

[empire21]

That's understandable!

Oh well, it will give me time to save up my pennies. :wink:

[Raganork8]

Yea, have you seen the little screen test/trailer for it?

[Siamese Sith]

Last I heard it was just a rumor, I haven't seen or heard anything confirmingthe FFVII remake. Please post a link, SE has nothing on their site about it...last I checked.

[Raganork8]

Last I heard it was just a rumor, I haven't seen or heard anything confirmingthe FFVII remake. Please post a link, SE has nothing on their site about it...last I checked.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Iv6YS5O6w


They've been hush hush about it because they're planning a whole "rebirth of FFVII" kinda thing where we'll see a lot of FF VII stuff being remastered and new games and stuff...

[Raganork8]

And it's not true that this tech demo was used to check the PS3 graphics in general.


It was used to test whether or not Enix was going to release anything else for sony, and then at the last minute they've decided to release the original three PS games for later systems.

No word on VIII or IX Yet.

[empire21]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Iv6YS5O6w


They've been hush hush about it because they're planning a whole "rebirth of FFVII" kinda thing where we'll see a lot of FF VII stuff being remastered and new games and stuff...

Yup, i've seen that.

[Miasmo]

The only FF I've played through is the original. Any suggestions for my second?

[empire21]

I'd say 6 as it's my favorite, 7 is also great of course.

Although the graphics are gonna be REALLY dated on 6, you'll still have a great time with that one.

[Miasmo]

6 is FFIII on snes, right?

[empire21]

Yup, I believe so.

[Raganork8]

6 is FFIII on snes, right?


Indeed.

For a second I'd skip to VI as well but if you want a more updated version VIII works good on any level.

It's probably one of the best in my opinion.

[Cloud]

I personally wouldn't skip any of them. They all have something worth experiencing for any Final Fantasy fan. The 'which FF is best' argument never seems to go away. I didn't really care for FFII's leveling system, but it was still a pretty solid game as far as they go.

As for my favorite...um, if FFXI counts, I'd have to go with that. I've been playing it since six months after it released in Japan, and I'm still playing it now. I'll post some screenshots of my character sometime if anyone is interested at all. :D

If FFXI doesn't count, then FFVII, FFX, and FF Tactics are probably my top three. I just played through FFX again for the first time since a week after its release, and the story is really great. It has some really touching cutscenes too.

FFXII disappointed me a lot... I know a lot of people love it, but the storyline fell horribly short of my expectations. It paled in comparison to many of the other games out there. It looks very nice, however, and the game play is nice. The gambit system is unique, but halfway through the game it does literally EVERYTHING for you. Made the game get a little boring, and it was too tedious at that point to do things manually.

But yeah... Miasmo, it really depends what you're looking for. If you want something that looks nice and is fairly up-to-date, I suggest FFX or FFXII. If you want something 'old school,' I'd go with FFVI. FFVII would be somewhere in the middle of those. They're all worth checking out.

[Miasmo]

I watched people play X a lot. Personally, I got kinda bored after few hours into it.

[Cloud]

I get bored watching people play any game. :P But meh, I really enjoyed it. It's not a very loved FF game, however, so maybe I'm just a sucker for stories. I loved FFVIII because of its story too.

[empire21]

FF VIII did have a great story, plus some really great characters.

FF X also had a great story but Tidus was just so damn annoying to me, Auron should have been the main character. :P

[Raganork8]

FF VIII did have a great story, plus some really great characters.

FF X also had a great story but Tidus was just so damn annoying to me, Auron should have been the main character. :P


I almost agree totally.

IMO X can't compare with VIII, it's trite and really Wakka, Tidus and Yuna can be annoying... the Lulu is impossible to train without devoting your life and Auron is the only savior.

The graphics are stupendous and I think the Cut scenes are very well done, But VIII had a really rich and potent storyline as well as characters who either you loved or admired. Where as X has hit or miss characters.

I think VIII can be seen as the "End" of the original FF series and IX starting a newer more commercial part of the series.

So I would Play VIII 50 times over before I played X again, because i can't change Tidus or Wakka's :censored: Voice.

[Raganork8]

Does anyone know the theory of VII and VIII being the same world?

The theory that I started!!! and many have taken credit for...

[empire21]

Never heard it before!

[Cloud]

I'm so used to horrible voice overs that it didn't really phase me at all. It did the first time around playing it, but these days tons of games have voice overs, and you can find much worse. I really thought the characters were well-developed, however. Everyone had a very realistic personality. I've always hated how everyone comes together so flawlessly in games and remains buddy-buddy through thick and thin. FFX touches on a lot of character conflict between the main group, and it brought me a lot closer to everyone.

I was also a huge sucker for the way they brought out the relationship between Yuna and Tidus. :blush:

I'm actually pretty surprised to find you two actually like FFVIII. That seems to be one of the more disliked games from people I run into. Most people I see on FFXI hated the plot and abhor the draw system. I was very happy with that game, however, and it's nice to know I'm not alone in that.

[empire21]

Pretty much everyone I know dislikes VIII also, but for all the FF games on the Playstation 1, VIII was the one I played the most and at times for like 8-10 hours a day :ugh:

Also, people I know didn't like IX much, saying it was too kiddy, but I thought it was great and it was the best looking one for the playstation and lets not forget the character Adelbert Steiner, he was great, lol!

The only thing I disliked about IX was the trance mode, I much prefer the limit breaks of VII.

[Cloud]

I still haven't finished IX. I'm going to pick it back up after I'm done finishing all of the sidequest stuff for X. My problem with IX was the learn-spells-and-skills-from-equipment system. That was really annoying and boring to me. I was reeeeeally busy with school when I played it, however, so maybe giving it another chance now will prove better for me.

I can't find my second disc to play through VIII again. It's really frustrating me. Maybe I'll go try to download the ROM somewhere.

[Raganork8]

I don't understand why people don't like VIII.

[Cloud]

The storyline was a little wonky in some places. Like the whole orphanage aspect (don't want to place spoilers here in case Miasmo is going to play it). Truth be told, it did feel a little superficial, but I still loved the game as a whole.

[Miasmo]

Spoil away. I'll go into glaze mode.

[Raganork8]

The storyline was a little wonky in some places. Like the whole orphanage aspect (don't want to place spoilers here in case Miasmo is going to play it). Truth be told, it did feel a little superficial, but I still loved the game as a whole.


I feel like that's the only place once could possibly cringe at in the game in terms of story.

Even there it was executed very, very well and one has to admit that they got a feel of wonder and excitement when they found the truth.

Plus to take that and whole the whole game accountable seems odd.

Look at disc one The SeeD test, the Parade, disc two the missle base the defense system of garden, Galabadia vd Balamb, disc three the lunar cry and disc four the whole ending...

VIII is clearly superior to a game like IX or X, it's story is far more advance and builds on a very fun political theme...much like SW at a time.

[Siamese Sith]

I am a bit of a FF afficianado I've completed FFI,FFII,FFIV,FFV,FFVI,FFVII,FFVIII,FFIX,FFX with all characters/jobs maxed to 99 with all secrets unlocked all chararcters 9999/999.
FF tactics with cloud, and have been playing FFXI since the PS2 release.
I am currently at lvl 56 with all characters on FFXII.
I'm not bragging just stating the above to show I am very familiar with SE's flagship franchise. Trust me when I say SE IS NOT making a FFVII remake. And I'm glad to share with you that...
Square Enix is just laying down the smack this week. After confirming yesterday that FFVII isn't being made, they've come out and stated that they are not working on a single Final Fantasy game for the Xbox 360. In an interview with the Japanese Business website Nikkei BP, Square Enix executive Hashimito dropped the bomb. When the site asked if the Wii or The Xbox 360 are going to get any Final Fantasy games, Hashimito responded, "For the Wii, we have FF Crystal Chronicles in production," replied Hashimoto. "As for FF on the Xbox 360, it's currently a completely blank page."

[Raganork8]

I am a bit of a FF afficianado I've completed FFI,FFII,FFIV,FFV,FFVI,FFVII,FFVIII,FFIX,FFX with all characters/jobs maxed to 99 with all secrets unlocked all chararcters 9999/999.
FF tactics with cloud, and have been playing FFXI since the PS2 release.
I am currently at lvl 56 with all characters.
I'm not bragging just stating the above to show I am very familiar with SE's flagship franchise. Trust me when I say SE IS NOT making a FFVII remake. And I'm glad to share with you that...



We'll see when all of this FF VII ten year stuff dissapears but don't be surprised if you do see VII with a makeover

And square had said plenty of stuff in the past and then did a quick 180 i remember when they denied making a game with disney characters, or that there would be a FF game for a nintendo system...

[Siamese Sith]

VIII is clearly superior to a game like IX or X, it's story is far more advance and builds on a very fun political theme...much like SW at a time.

Funny you say that, I felt that way about FFX. You can read my review at

http://www.pleasedrivethrough.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=108&view=findpost&p=12937

Here's a bit of it

This game flows very much like Star Wars A New Hope. We start out with Tidus, a bright eyed adolescent boy who is suddenly whisked off on an adventure by a mysterious older man, Auron, who's been watching over him since he was a boy.
Tidus awakens in an unfamiliar land, after being abuducted by a group that he can't understand on a salvage ship and escaping he washes up on the shore of a tropical paradise quite different from the city's of Zanarkand. This is where Tidus meets up with Yuna, daughter of High Summoner Braska who defeated Sin 10 years earlier with his guardians Auron and.....Ject, "the circle is now complete"

[Siamese Sith]

If you'd like come check out my FF thread at PDT
http://www.pleasedrivethrough.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=105

I also have a FFXI Blog "What's the Deal in Vana Diel" check it out
http://whatsthedealinvanadiel.blogspot.com/

[Cloud]

to 99 with all secrets unlocked all chararcters 9999/999.
FF tactics with cloud, and have been playing FFXI since the PS2 release.


Hey, I've been around FFXI quite a while too. Guess you missed my post or didn't think of it or something. :P What server are you on? Any noteworthy completions in your time there? etc.

[Raganork8]

Funny you say that, I felt that way about FFX. You can read my review at

http://www.pleasedrivethrough.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=108&view=findpost&p=12937

Here's a bit of it


I liked I see your point; but, I felt that X was a bit undermining to some of the older FF fans, it seemed to be extremely dumbed down for people who probably hadn't played it before, I agree the story is actually a really good one but the execution is less than perfect.

Whereas VIII Treats us like adults, and does so in a very funny way. They give us are youngs average of playable characters, none of them have passed their teens, they are thrown into this political battle between two countries and then into a more...fanciful tale of sorceresses and knights, but all done in a very mature and Adult way.

They took a lot out of VIII to get this effect and just felt that VIII was TESB & ROTJ we have this threat and all of existance is being threatened by someone,more or less, in your party and you have to come the descsion to do something while unlocking the fate of your main character who starts off as an ******* and becomes this pillar of light and hope for all existance.

To me it was more potent and a lot better in terms of execution.

Plus it had Diablos.

[Cloud]

Noo! Don't let this thread die~ It's the only topic I'm actually knowledgeable about anymore.

Siamese Sith didn't answer my questions. ; ;

Anyway, VIII and X were both really great games to me. I don't really like playing the 'which was better' game unless something is ridiculously bad. >.>

I'm still playing IX... not very far yet because I don't have a lot of time to sit down and play it, but I'm not enjoying it very much. ._. I hope that changes soon, but right now it's just not doing it for me. The combat is soooo slow compared to X, so that might be part of it...I'm sure I'll adjust to it soon.

[Siamese Sith]

Hey, I've been around FFXI quite a while too. Guess you missed my post or didn't think of it or something. :P What server are you on? Any noteworthy completions in your time there? etc.

I'm on Shiva, so is Krogenar.
He's a 75 BST with LotB
I'm a 66 SMN with KoL/LotB

Been helping other SMN's with the Mino, was supposed to do Mammets today but one member decided to help LS with Serket. So we didn't get to Monarch Linn today.

[Cloud]

Ahh. I'm on Gilgamesh server.

CoP is fun. I have helped several people in my linkshells get through those missions. It's especially great now since you don't lose experience if you die in a BC, and gain experience when you win. >.> Hopefully more people will be joining us in sea soon. Kinda annoying when there's only like a few hundred people with sea access...and then a crapload of gilsellers killing all of the jailers 24/7.

I'm a few jobs away from Maat's Cap, but now I'm in the process of trying to farm for equipment for them so I can get them done hopefully before the end of the year. Don't have as much time as I did before because most of my online time is spent helping with events. Not even sure why I want the cap anymore - Just something I made my goal years ago.

[Siamese Sith]

Being married and working 2 jobs definately cuts into my time. I've been having connection issues for the last month so i started playing XII again. I just reached the Ridorana Cataract with all 6 @ 62....cake walk.
Gilgamesh 2nd fight was tough but once Enkidu was dispatched the battle tilted to my favor.

[Cloud]

Haha, my characters weren't even 62 yet when I beat the game, I don't think. I didn't bother super leveling because it breaks the game and makes everything ridiculously easy.

[Siamese Sith]

I have my sights on Yiazmat....5-8 million HP....I love those mega hard challenges, I just steam rolled thru the Cataract, Gabranth, Cid, Fenrir, Famfrit, PWND!
I really want to get back to FFXI but with each call to Verizon tech support my internet connectivity gets worse! I have non now, zip, zero, ziltch. I'm @ work.
Things I'm looking forward to from SE....Wings of the Goddess, XIII, FF Disidia. How about you?

[Cloud]

Argh, sorry. My internet was disconnected for a week.

Yiazmat is a really fun fight, but pretty long. Let me know how that goes for you. :D

You're having problems with the internet in general or just connecting to FFXI? And it seems really bad that they haven't made a bit more effort to get it working for you. I didn't have a very good experience with Verizon DSL either.

Wings of the Goddess looks like it will be really interesting. It's probably going to be another mission filler pack like CoP, however, which is disappointing because I love having new jobs to level (especially since I'm almost out of jobs to level... -_-). FF Disidia and XIII both look interesting, but I'm not in the market for new games/consoles for a while. Just moved into an apartment recently, and there's a lot of bills to catch up on before I splurge.

Right now I'm just cruising through summoner levels (70 now, 19k from yinyang robe / evoker's ring :D Robe was such a pain to get -_-), and farming gil to work on DRK (37) and BST (50) to finish my Maat's Cap.

Hope your internet gets fixed soon so you can play again. :(

[Darth Massacrus]

well, since this is a Final Fantasy thread, heres some news: Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II are being remade and enhanced specifically for the PSP in America. I saw a demo, and it was impressive.

[Siamese Sith]

Argh, sorry. My internet was disconnected for a week.

Yiazmat is a really fun fight, but pretty long. Let me know how that goes for you. :D

You're having problems with the internet in general or just connecting to FFXI? And it seems really bad that they haven't made a bit more effort to get it working for you. I didn't have a very good experience with Verizon DSL either.

Wings of the Goddess looks like it will be really interesting. It's probably going to be another mission filler pack like CoP, however, which is disappointing because I love having new jobs to level (especially since I'm almost out of jobs to level... -_-). FF Disidia and XIII both look interesting, but I'm not in the market for new games/consoles for a while. Just moved into an apartment recently, and there's a lot of bills to catch up on before I splurge.

Right now I'm just cruising through summoner levels (70 now, 19k from yinyang robe / evoker's ring :D Robe was such a pain to get -_-), and farming gil to work on DRK (37) and BST (50) to finish my Maat's Cap.

Hope your internet gets fixed soon so you can play again. :(
Things have gone from bad to worse, I finally got on FFXI today only to get a message saying No content ID could be found.....I'm very worried :(.

[Cloud]

Oh geeze, I'm so sorry I didn't reply to this sooner. That happens to me sometimes when my router or connection is acting up. Your content ID could have been deactivated, but that can be fixed by just going to "Content ID" (from the play screen) and reactivating an ID. Likely it's just because your connection has been so funky. :/ Don't worry too much! I'm sure your character is still intact.

[Cloud]

well, since this is a Final Fantasy thread, heres some news: Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II are being remade and enhanced specifically for the PSP in America. I saw a demo, and it was impressive.


I heard about that, but I don't have a PSP nor plan to get one. :( Maybe someday...

[Raganork8]

I heard about that, but I don't have a PSP nor plan to get one. :( Maybe someday...


Am I the only one who does't like I or II that much.

They hould re release IV V and VI over and over. :banghead:

[Raganork8]

I just watched Advent Children for the impteenth million time.

Just simply one of the best movies I've ever seen

[empire21]

^Agreed.

It could of done with a lot more Barret though. :yes:

[Raganork8]

Yea, that's the only issue with the movie I had, the other characters weren't in it much, but i did get to see Tifa kick some major :censored:!

[empire21]

That Tifa fight was pretty cool, infact, all the fights were pretty cool.

[Raganork8]

I'm in love wth the soundtrack too, it's very FF VII-ish but still modern