Final Fantasy: The 8 Best Things That Aren’t Games

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Summary

  • Final Fantasy extends beyond games with movies, novels, anime, and music, offering a rich and diverse world to explore.
  • Some adaptations like “The Spirits Within” and “Kingsglaive” miss the mark, feeling disconnected from the core game experience.
  • “Advent Children Complete” and “Ultimania Archive” offer enhanced experiences connected to the original games, expanding the universe.

Final Fantasy transcends the label of a mere franchise; it’s an established institution that extends beyond the main numbered series and their related spin-offs. Some primary titles even have sequels, each becoming vast entities on their own. As the following list indicates, Final Fantasy is not confined to the realm of video games.

Discovering its non-gaming aspects can sometimes lead to an unpredictable journey, yet it may still unearth some precious instances. The films, shows, and assorted content often tie into games, although many of them can be enjoyed independently, regardless of whether one has ever played any game associated with them.

8. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

One Has To Respect Its Ambition

The low-budget film “The Spirits Within” is a subject of amusement due to its significant box office earnings compared to its production costs. A casual observer might find it hard not to giggle at this contrast. However, is the movie truly that awful? Not necessarily, as it was pioneering in being the first digitally animated feature film with lifelike humans, showcasing a considerable leap into the unknown.

Indeed, Pixar produced “Toy Story” and “A Bug’s Life,” yet humans were rarely central figures and often remained out of focus. “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” is an intriguing rewatch, although its technology has not aged particularly well. Its main drawback lies in its unclear identity as a genuine “Final Fantasy” project.

7. Final Fantasy 1*2*3: Memory Of A Hero

Novelization Of The First Three Games

  • Release: October 25, 2012
  • Author: Takashi Umemura

Transforming a video game like Final Fantasy from the NES era into a novel is often quite a challenge, but the epic stories of heroes battling evil offer a solid framework that I find incredibly appealing as a fan. With these tales serving as a foundation, any author has ample room to flesh out and enrich the narrative with their unique touch.

In the first game, the Warriors of Light have individual names and traits, though these may not align with traditional interpretations of the characters. On the other hand, Final Fantasy 2 boasts a rich narrative for its time, and its corresponding novel adheres closely to the original content.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that Final Fantasy 3 strays from the traditional path and offers a unique blend, constituting a significant portion of the overall gaming package. The companion books are engaging regardless of prior gameplay, but they just can’t replicate the immersive experience of actually playing the games themselves.

6. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15

A Prequel That Should Have Been A Part Of The Game

  • Release: July 9, 2016
  • Director: Takeshi Nozue

It took an exceptionally long time for Final Fantasy 15 to be released. Surprisingly, a significant amount of the game’s background information is missing from it. However, there are various sources to explore the world’s lore further, such as books, anime, and even a full-length animated film titled Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15.

In “Kingsglaive” and many other extensions of “Final Fantasy 15,” you’ll find that it presents a self-contained narrative featuring characters not found in the primary game. However, the invasion of Insomnia serves as a crucial backstory event for the initial part of the game, which poses a challenge in fully understanding these spin-offs due to their distinct cast and the pivotal role of this historical event.

Instead, it seems that many elements were designed for the game rather than a story medium like a movie or book. Having the game’s finale unfold as an interactive gameplay sequence would have made the experience more thrilling.

5. Final Fantasy Unlimited

A Final Fantasy Anime

  • Series Run: October 2, 2001 – March 26, 2002
  • Director: Mahiro Maeda

This anime is among the early works of the expanded universe of “Final Fantasy”. It’s an independent story not tied to any specific game within the series. The plot revolves around two children venturing into another realm in hopes of finding their missing parents.

In this particular universe, you’ll find Chocobo and various other aspects reminiscent of the iconic game series, Final Fantasy. A significant part of what truly embodies the spirit of Final Fantasy is its captivating music, with renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu being one of three musicians who contributed to the show’s soundtrack.

Regrettably, only 25 out of the planned 52 episodes were completed, yet stories in the form of novels, comics (manga), and an audiobook series set within this universe have been developed instead.

4. Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children Complete

The Best Version Of The Sequel Movie

The extended, full-length animated sequel to “Final Fantasy 7” has a somewhat disorganized feel, rushing things unnecessarily. Originally released in 2005, it was re-released in 2009 as the comprehensive version titled “Advent Children Complete“.

The visual quality was enhanced, along with over twenty extra minutes of vital material. These new sequences significantly enhance the story’s pace. They offer a crisper portrayal of the world’s transformation during the past two years post-game, and provide more opportunities for other characters to shine on screen.

The new content in Complete may not be the sequel many fans hoped for, but it still serves as a satisfying supplement to the timeline of Final Fantasy 7.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Trace Of Two Pasts

Dive Into Aerith And Tifa’s Past Lives

  • Release: July 2021
  • Author: Kazushige Nojima

One of the standout features of the “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” series lies in the extended time players get to interact with their gaming party. For those craving even more moments with these characters, they might enjoy delving into “Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Footsteps of Two Past,” a book split into two sections.

In the game, we get a glimpse of Tifa Lockhart’s history and Aerith Gainsborough’s background. However, the book delves more profoundly into the pasts of these two significant characters, providing a richer understanding of their personal stories.

It’s quite logical that they both collaborate on writing a book together, as their bond deepens significantly throughout the remake and rebirth of Final Fantasy 7.

2. Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy

Experience The Music

Without its music, Final Fantasy wouldn’t be the phenomenon it is today. In an era dominated by 8-bit graphics, the music was instrumental in creating the game’s unique personality rather than intricate art design. Even as the series transitioned to 3D, the memorable melodies continued to captivate players.

Listening to “Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy” offers a truly extraordinary adventure. The music shines brightly on its own merit, yet for enthusiasts, it remains indelibly linked to some of the most unforgettable gaming moments. Revisiting these classic tunes in an orchestral rendition breathes new vigor into them.

1. Final Fantasy: Ultimania Archive

A Final Fantasy Encyclopedia

  • Translated Into English Starting In 2018

The Ultimania series serves as an almost comprehensive guide for Final Fantasy games. It provides in-depth analysis of every game, covering all characters, along with a more straightforward understanding of the game’s world and storyline. Furthermore, it offers behind-the-scenes information about the game’s development, straight from the creators themselves.

An Ultimania issue is usually published individually for numerous games, but they are collected in a series called the Ultimania Archive. These books serve as excellent conversation starters or decorative pieces on any gaming enthusiast’s coffee table. Art connoisseurs who may not be familiar with the games can still admire the visuals.

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2025-01-31 06:05