Has Final Fantasy jumped the shark?

[JokermanJohnny]

I've had this theory for some time which states that ever since Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) jumped ship and created Mistwalker Studio, the series has "jumped the shark".

My idea behind this is how Cloud is treated like an emo in the gaming world. If you look at Cloud's original design and story that Sakaguchi created, he was simply an indifferent jerkass who didn't care about the world or the people living in it, but as the story goes on, he becomes a leader-like figure fighting for the sake of the world and those he cares for (at least in Sakaguchi's original story.) In FFVII: Advent Children, Kingdom Hearts II and in subsequent Final Fantasy related games, however, Cloud is portrayed as the emo we all know and hate (note that Sakaguchi had no involvement in the movie or games whatsoever).

I want to hear from you guys at what point down the line where Final Fantasy jumped the shark. Also, if you feel like it didn't jump the shark, feel free to share your thoughts.

P.S.: If there were any FF projects following Sakaguchi's resignation, in which he had some imput, please let me know.

[Gamerforlife]

I would say FF jumped the shark with FFX 2, which was just plain embarrassing. FF12 brought the series some redemption in my eyes, then you have FF13, which is just sort of...there. FF13 feels like there is barely anything of the series spirit or soul left quite frankly. It has a nice combat system, graphics and music, but it's too restrictive, has no real side quests(except mark hunting)and the story is pathetic

As for Cloud, I don't know why any discussion of him needs to include Kingdom Hearts as the way that series portrays FF characters has never been accurate

And for the record, I hate the word emo. It just sounds so stupid

[emwearz]

They have been on the average side since Square Enix was formed, the last 'great' Final Fantasy was IX, X was a decent game, downhill and fast from there.

[GamerMON]

Advent children was complete garbage. The story was boring and no one used any materia. I like crisis core. And stayed clear of Kingdom hearts. But yeah FF has jumped the shark. Second on calling junk emo. Haven't played any numbered game since FF7. But have played the shit out of Chocobo racing, Tactics, and Tactics advanced

[Gamerforlife]

The problem with Final Fantasy right now is the same as every other series. A focus on stripping everything away and dumbing things down as much as possible. FF13 feels very bare bones, much like the last Prince of Persia game, and even Resident Evil 5 to some extent

Why are we paying more for games today and getting less in return?

[Veno]

When did Sakaguchi leave Square again? Like around some time after FFX?
I wouldn't say jumped ship, but I'd lean more towards steering off course. And I think they started steering off course around...yeah, X-2.
But my friend begged to differ, because he actually really liked X-2. Even I'm considering Resonance of Fate over FF13.

Edit- @Gamerforlife- That's why we here like to buy and play old games. More bang for your buck.

[Gamerforlife]

Edit- @Gamerforlife- That's why we here like to buy and play old games. More bang for your buck.

That is so true, especially with how they are raping us on modern games with downloadable content(a.k.a. stuff we could have put in the game but didn't, or stuff that is already on the disc but locked so we can steal more money from you)

The industry is really going downhill. I blame Microsoft for a lot of it. They really introduced a lot of stuff into modern gaming that I'm starting to hate. And then you have Nintendo, who apparently think game consoles are for working out

FF 13 doesn't suck. Like I said, combat is good(for the most part), but that's pretty much it if you don't care bout graphics and music. There's little real content as far as optional stuff and the story lost my interest towards the end of the game

[Veno]

I don't think the industry is going down hill, just having a little bit of down time.
Remember that video game crash of 1980 or so? Something like that to a way lesser extent. Even after that huge crash, the industry got back on it's feet and started picking it's pieces back up, and we had great years, with 2007 probably being the most recent.

I think the industry needs some down time like this to get developers to take advantage of it, making them think,"What can we do that'll wow them, to break away from the typical these days."

[yomomma1]

I don't think the industry is going down hill, just having a little bit of down time.
Remember that video game crash of 1980 or so? Something like that to a way lesser extent. Even after that huge crash, the industry got back on it's feet and started picking it's pieces back up, and we had great years, with 2007 probably being the most recent.

I think the industry needs some down time like this to get developers to take advantage of it, making them think,"What can we do that'll wow them, to break away from the typical these days."

1983, 1984. The industry did not get back on it's feet, nintendo made new feet.

[pepharytheworm]

Excuse me for my ignorance but what does "jumped the shark" mean?