The Biggest Traditions In The Final Fantasy Series

Summary

Moogles, airships, summonings, and crystals are consistent traditions in the Final Fantasy series.
Deep and complex protagonists experience character arcs, making them stand out.
Rag-tag party of diverse characters adds layers to storytelling and character interactions.

As someone who has spent countless hours traversing the vast worlds of Final Fantasy, I can confidently say that this series holds a special place in my heart. Having grown up with these games, they have been a constant companion throughout my life, offering not just entertainment but also lessons about friendship, bravery, and perseverance.

Despite the fact that each Final Fantasy title is set in a unique world with distinct environments and characters, they all share some common elements to create a sense of unity. These shared aspects can be seen in gameplay mechanics, transportation methods, character traits, or even recurring creatures, which help weave an underlying link throughout the entire franchise.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the long-running tradition of “Final Fantasy” has always set it apart from other Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) that have followed in its wake. With an impressive 16 main series titles under its belt, now seems like the perfect moment to reminisce about this iconic franchise, focusing on the elements that have remained consistent throughout the majority of its mainline releases.

9. Moogles

Magical Moogles Have Been Appearing In All Shapes And Sizes Since The Third Game in The Series

In the world of “Final Fantasy”, Moogles were first introduced in the third installment, serving the wizard Doga. Despite this debut, they’ve become almost iconic to the series, and some might say they’ve even taken on the role of the franchise’s mascot. Known for their milky white fur and peculiar bobble atop their heads, Moogles can undergo significant changes in appearance across different games.

In Final Fantasy 6, Moogles were portrayed as lethargic beings with perpetually closed eyes. However, in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, they appear more lifelike, even a touch unsettling. Despite their changing appearances, Moogles continue to embody a sense of wonder and magic, often serving as helpful companions throughout the games, guiding players on their journey.

8. Airship

The Airship Is Usually A Late-Game Form Of Transport Used For Navigating The Overworld

From the very first installment, most games in the series have included an airship or similar vessel that players typically acquire later during their journey. After spending extensive time exploring the vast open world on foot or Chocobo, airships provide a convenient means for players to quickly revisit previously explored areas.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed that despite the diverse looks of these colossal vessels, there’s a shared trait among some of them: Cid. In many instances, he takes on the role of the pilot, and while he becomes a playable character in the seventh installment, his impact on the narrative can vary significantly. Ranging from an almost unnoticed sidekick to a crucial ally that saves the day for our party, Cid is never predictable.

7. Summonings

Summonings Have Been Not Only Power Ups, But Even Characters Within The Plots Of Their Games

Since the third installment, “Final Fantasy” games have consistently incorporated summonings as powerful boosts, typically used as a final tactic to seal victories in battles due to their unparalleled might. In most games, these summonings go by various names like Eidolon or Eikons, but they are always the same legendary figures from mythology, such as Shiva, Ifrit, or Bahamut.

Engaging this custom is exciting because it ensures that whenever these colossal, deity-like characters appear in a game, players can’t help but be thrilled by their return, curious about the changes they’ve undergone since their previous version. The summoning scenes grew more cinematic with the advent of Final Fantasy 7, and have since become visually stunning highlights within each game.

6. Jobs

Jobs Have Long Been A Core Component Of The Franchise’s Progression Systems

Admittedly, this is one of those traditions that the developers have been altering, or even removing entirely from some of the games, but the Job system introduced in the original Final Fantasy still deserves a mention here for how many times it has shown up as a mechanic. Assigning characters to specific roles that come with unique powers and abilities allows each party member to feel diverse in what they bring to the table, while also slightly streamlining the progression.

Initially, when the first “Final Fantasy” game debuted, role-playing games (RPGs) were generally perceived as challenging and intricate. However, the introduction of Jobs in these games made them more approachable due to their simplicity. Despite the evolution of Jobs over time, taking on various forms, it’s worth noting that the series has moved towards more action-oriented gameplay, which has led to a decrease in the traditional Job system being used.

5. Crystals

The Mystical Crystals That Appeared In The First Game Have Been Re-Introduced Multiple Times

In the original Final Fantasy game, crystals held power over the world’s four fundamental elements, significantly influencing the storyline. Although their importance has fluctuated throughout the series, they have consistently been central to the plot in some form or another. For instance, there’s the Crystal Pillar in Final Fantasy 8, while in Final Fantasy 12 we find the Great Crystal, and even a potent crystal is crucial in the fifteenth game as well.

In Final Fantasy 13, failing to meet one’s focus resulted in characters transforming into crystalline forms, adding an ominous element to the narrative. Yet, throughout the game, crystals were consistently portrayed as having a significant power and possessing an air of enigma regarding their essence and origins.

4. Deep And Complex Protagonists

Every Final Fantasy Protagonist Embarks On Their Own Personal Journey Which Sees Them Change And Adapt

In a “Final Fantasy” series game, the central character is rarely merely a tool to progress the narrative from point A to point B. Instead, they possess hidden layers to their personality that unfold throughout the story, enabling them to undergo a complete transformation or character development during their journey. Characters like Cloud, Zidane, Squall, and Terra are notable for having particularly compelling arcs, but even less renowned characters exhibit more complexity than typical protagonists in numerous other games.

In spite of significant changes or eliminations within Final Fantasy 15, the game effectively portrays Noctis’ transformation from an unaware prince to a wise king who grasps his new obligations. Similarly, Clive, a prominent character in Final Fantasy 16, stands out as a testament to this development, even for those who weren’t particularly fond of the gameplay.

3. Rag-Tag Party Of Diverse Characters

Final Fantasy Parties Are Known For Being Varied And Diverse In The Characters That Make Them Up

In the initial game, I found that while the Heroes of Light may not have been distinctly characterized separately, their unique classes set them apart from each other, giving them a sense of individuality. As the series has progressed, Square Enix seems to have focused more on crafting parties composed of characters hailing from diverse backgrounds, espousing varied ideologies, and harboring distinct beliefs. This approach has proven instrumental in weaving captivating narratives.

In the game Final Fantasy 10, all characters could be on a pilgrimage as Guardians, yet Wakka’s unwavering faith in Yevon, combined with Auron’s straight-talking demeanor, Yuna’s optimism, and Tidus’ innocent character traits, results in a delightful blend of personalities that complement each other remarkably. This is true for most games within the series, excluding perhaps number 16, which follows a single narrative, making it the only game to break this long-standing tradition.

2. Chocobos

These Golden Feathered Birds Always Manage To Appear In One Form Or Another

Since the debut of the series, those lively, sunshine-yellow birds called Chocobos have been making appearances. Generally, they serve as speedy transportation for the party within the expansive game world, allowing players to travel efficiently from one place to another. In the game Final Fantasy 7, Chocobos took on added significance because riding them was the sole method of getting past the swift snake that patrolled the marshlands.

In the world of Final Fantasy 14, players have the freedom to personalize their Chocobos as much as they desire, whereas in Final Fantasy 16, these creatures were employed for military purposes. Interestingly, a baby Chocobo had a minor role in the narrative of Final Fantasy 13, dwelling within Sazh’s hair. Without a doubt, these peculiar feathered friends find themselves in some bizarre situations, yet their distinctive golden fur and unique squawks make them undeniably charming.

1. Turn-Based Combat

Turn-Based Combat Is Baked Into Final Fantasy’s DNA, Even Though It’s Been More Of An Afterthought Lately

As a fan following the path of Final Fantasy, I must admit that turn-based combat wasn’t something it invented, and it seems Square Enix has shifted focus from this in their latest main series games. Nevertheless, the essence of turn-based combat remains deeply rooted within the DNA of this series. In the upcoming game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the ability to pause time, plan strategies, and command party members is reminiscent of the battle system that has been a hallmark of Final Fantasy for so long.

Among enthusiasts, Final Fantasy 10 is often praised for its highly developed and sophisticated turn-based combat mechanics, as it enables players to swap party members during battles, adding an additional tactical dimension. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Final Fantasy 8 also distinguishes itself with its unique twist on the formula through the Junction system. Furthermore, Final Fantasy 6 introduced character-specific special skills, while Final Fantasy 13 offered a turn-based combat style that combined elements of action, creating a blend that blurs the boundaries between the two gameplay styles.

2024-12-26 11:35