What is Final Fantasy?

[RCBH928]

No need for the jokes
I really am not sure what is Final Fantasy in the gaming world.

I know it is this famous RPG and the characters usually with big hair and
large swords. I know they called it the Final Fantasy because the company behind it was going bust and this was their "final" game, it turned out to be
super profitable and it is no more the FINAL fantasy. At least that what I heard.

What is this game about? How come they have like 13 sequels or whatever? Is it a different story each time? If so then what is still constant in the franchise? Just the name? Why is it so famous? Is it like the Halo or Doom of FPS?

I could have looked it up in Wikipedia. But I was not looking for technical information. I was more wondering why is it popular? What does it mean in the videogaming world? How important is it ? What makes it shine? is that story that good?
Which is the best of the series, I am guessing either 7 or I think it was 3 on the snes.

You know , just tell me about it.

I hope this is the right forum since no FF exist and its not exclusive to any console.

While we are at it and instead of starting another thread, please recommend an RPG that is going to start me in this genre. Something not hardcore RPG but enjoyable , short, and gives me the idea I should be expecting. Any of the following consoles:
360, Snes, Nes, Genesis , Wii, Gamcube, psx, N64.
Please note I hate repetition like fighting same enemy again and again and again for long time.

[J T]

Final Fantasy is Chocobos and Airships and occassionally Cactuar.

[BIZ]

It's probably the longest running and most popular RPG franchise in the US. It's tough to say what makes it such a popular series. For me, I know that the series always delivers a good story, even if it is constantly changing.

Which one is the best is likely to get some heated debate though.



3

[glynnahab]

Final Fantasy is Chocobos and Airships and occassionally Cactuar.

... and Cid.

[J T]

Which one is the best is likely to get some heated debate though.

Already been done: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 11&t=10756

[Dakinggamer87]

It is one of my favorite popular RPG franchises in the US. It's hard to say what I like best about the series from the characters to the story. The plot twists and turns. I like the various settings and combat system myself..

[Erik_Twice]

In the end Final Fantsy is what the costumer expects.

Which is boring gameplay, better graphics and a story full of clichés.

Final Fantasy is the epitome of the japanese role playing game. It keeps selling even if it's light years behind western RPGs technically. Twilight sells a lot and it sucks too.

I'm done hating for now.

[RCBH928]

well no one is telling me why it clicks with gamers
What is the big deal. I heard of other great RPGs like Chrono Cross
and kingdom of harts...

But for some reason every one out there is fighting to get this game on his console, and some how if this game is on your console it is going to be a system seller. While I am not sure what makes it shine so much. And on each console with each release, even mario had a down time with Sunshine but no Final Fantasy, its the best thing ever.

[8bitCaged]

Gametrailers did a great 13 part retrospective of the franchise.
http://www.gametrailers.com/retrospective/?rdir=1
If you have the time to see them all you will learn a lot.

Ps The retrospective have tons of spoilers.

[Raziel]

Final Fantasy is the ultimate obstacle for every "hardcore" gamer. Only when you start hating the franchise and ripping it to shreds in every post or review, you stand out from the crowd, and as a result, retain your "uniqueness".