What is Final Fantasy?

[Incognito D]

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.

I don't play any hardcore RPGs and just can't seem to enjoy the genre, but even I have been able to enjoy Paper Mario (both the N64 and GC versions, haven't played the Wii version yet although I hear it's less of an RPG).
So yeah, for a simple but enjoable RPG I definitely recommend those two.

Other than that the only RPGs I'm into are Pokemon but I'd assume that you've tried them already at some point?

[Haoie]

Also a MMO, surprisingly.

[chipperkwah]

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.

Good call. Also, Playing a game tends to be a good way to "get" why people enjoy it.

[the7k]

Final Fantasy is a conundrum. Despite the series getting worse and worse with each installment, it somehow stays alive.

Even though 6 & 7 weren't as good as their predecessors, they were at least still good. Then 8 comes along a reduces expectations for the series to less than nothing. Horrible gameplay mechanics, colorless characters and a bland story made me give up on this one less than a few hours into it. Then 9 came along, and while it was definitely better than 8, I still gave up on it by the time I got to disc 2.

Then FFX comes along and brings back the bland characters and story, as well as taking a step backwards with the battle system... it was at this point that I completely gave up on the franchise, and RPGs in general. It was no longer about exploration, brain-scratching battles and unique and fun characters - it became all about Square Enix trying to be Michael Bay.

[arion]

Not the best rgp's ever but guranteed to sell better than most rpg's because of the name alone.

[TolTic]

I've only played a few of the Final Fantasies for more than a few hours. These include FFVI (American III), FFVII, FFXI (online one), FFXII.

Of these I played FFXI the most, the sucker lasted me for two years. Of course, it is an MMO and MMOs don't really get "beaten," so out of the regular ones I played FFVII the most (with around 60 hours of playtime). Next was FFXII, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I only clocked a few less hours on this one. Six was the biggest departure in time out of these; I only played it for around 20 hours.

Based on these, I've gathered that FF is a series that demands you play through a game til the credits roll in order to appreciate the story, so if you're not playing for the gameplay (and you won't be), I suggest you have ample time.

[Cronson]

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.

I'll just throw out some of my ideas on "why it clicks with gamers". I've played 1 through 9 so my view only comes from those entries. First, it clicks with gamers because it seems to get billed as pushing the system's hardware, thus its like a tech demo. This might not be true with 1 through 5 but 6 and up all managed to do a lot to impress their audience. 7's cut scenes where a big deal back then; I think that idea of story telling like it's a movie, really sucked people in.
Second, I think they just happen to have their notoriaty. I know people will rip into this comment but in my 27 year old mind, there were 2 big rpg's on NES: Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy. Dragon Warrior waited way too long to release a sequel and once they did, I remember it being too dated already. When I got Final Fantasy II (Japanese IV) it had improved graphically and for the first time told a deep and compeling story. My point is, Final Fantasy gained the top spot early on with a hardcore fan base, and through nostalgia, that fan base hasn't let go.
When people make comments about everything after 7 sucking, I understand what they're saying. But to me it just shows how these fans will continue to criticize the successors because nostaglia was made them look to their first FF with rose tinted glasses. I do it with 4 all the time. I love that game and have more fun playing it than 6. And I can look at 6 and objectively know that it is a better FF. But I grew up on 4 so its the one I'll always think is perfect.

[MrPopo]

Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are the two cornerstones of the JRPG genre. Dragon Quest stays very consistent with the mechanics and has simpler but very functional graphics, while Final Fantasy is always trying to push the hardware and do something different with the RPG system, whether it be changes to the battle system or the character progression system. Both of them appeal most to people who have been playing RPGs for a long time, as they have played the previous installments and already know a bit of what to expect.

I do agree, though, that there are a certain group of people that just will never "get" the Final Fantasy series. It's really hard to describe why I like the JRPG genre as a whole. It's something that either just clicks with you or doesn't.

[fox099]

I think if you are looking to start, Super Mario RPG for the SNES is probably going to be your best bet. It takes all the fun and familiarity of Super Mario and throws in the skills of Square, who make Final Fantasy. Its a quick game with a very easy learning curve which I can guarantee you will enjoy!

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.

[Jrecee]

I think if you are looking to start, Super Mario RPG for the SNES is probably going to be your best bet. It takes all the fun and familiarity of Super Mario and throws in the skills of Square, who make Final Fantasy. Its a quick game with a very easy learning curve which I can guarantee you will enjoy!

I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing in that game. The blue yoshi kept killing me in like 1 hit.

As far as final fantasy goes. . . I saw both movies and they were horrible.