Define the "FF Experience"...

[Renmiri]

Fanboy / Fangirl Jerk answer:

FFX is the SEXXORS THE REST IS TEH SUXXORZ

Well thought out answer:
Although my first FF game will always have a special place in my heart, there are many other FF games that are just as special. The chocobos, mythical themes, summons and airships plus the music and attention to detail in each game makes FF a very special series.

[Rengori]

Fanboy / Fangirl Jerk answer:

FFI-IX are the SEXXORS THE REST IS TEH SUXXORZ

Fix'd.

[Wolf Kanno]

I look forward to it. Also, are you sure neither of us will give in? I think you should join us, Kanno. We got better graphics over here.

I'm certain you will be amused.

I'm certain I'll never join you. Graphics don't make the game I'm afraid. Nor do I feel they necessarily add to a story.

A children's story can be just as compelling as a literay masterpiece as long as it means something to the individual...

Fanboy / Fangirl Jerk answer:

FFX is the SEXXORS THE REST IS TEH SUXXORZ

Don't spam up my threads with your FFX propaganda luv


Anyway, what the FF experience is to me...

Certainly there is the high quality in music, visuals, story telling, characters and gameplay but they are just extentions that don't truly add to the whole. FF is very innovative and daring and that's something I've always liked, even when I didn't agree I can still respect the choices made.

To me, I guess FF is an experience that one loses themselves in... Whether it's the story, the characters, the music, the journey or just trying to kill three more imps so you can have enough Exp. to learn that spell you're missing. The games represent such complex themes but they are told in a way that doesn't alienate anyone. Destiny (FFI),
War (FFII), Balance (FFIII), Redemption (FFIV), Inheritance (FFV), Hope (FFVI), Life (FFVII), Love (FFVIII), Meaning of Life (FFIX), Journey (FFX), Companionship (FFXI), and Freedom (FFXII)

The series beautifully represents every one of these themes and even in the cases of games that have severe technology limitation, they show that sometimes not saying anything and just watching, just experiencing the moment can truly show the emotion. From learning the twisted truth of fate in the ending of FFI to Cecil's journey to redeem himself from his sins, to Squall desperately struggling to save Rinoa in the vacuum of space, to Larsa's struggle to take the first step in building good relations with Dalamasca... All these moments truly reach a level that speaks to the very core of people.

Sure the series gets lost in the hype and the fan bantering of which is the best. Sometimes the expectations become unrealistic and perhaps most of look back and think the old days were better but in truth I think we are fooling ourselves cause we begin to wish that every game can reach out and speak to us like that one we all hold dear. The games are all well crafted and though I may not feel anything for some titles I still see that level of quality I expect even if it's not my personal taste

I think the FF experience is in representing the human element. Some RPGs and even books and movies can be considered good stories or fun but only a few can reach out and touch that personal part of us and to me, the series as a whole has been able to do this. Some more than others. The point is to get lost in the adventure, whether through it's wonderful cast, it's well crafted stories or just in exploring the magical worlds set before us. That is what FF means to me. They are a glimpse into the final great adventures of these worlds and we're invited along for the ride.

[Hazzard]

Damn it, Kanno, your definition of FF made me shed a tear or two. I think that's most of the elements an FF game needs to give the gamer, indeed.

[hhr1dluv]

They [Final Fantasy games] are a glimpse into the final great adventures of these worlds and we're invited along for the ride.

That statement just made me hate all FF sequels and spinoffs. And I've never disliked them before. Damn it. That line of yours really resonates with me...the whole idea that we are taking part in the FINAL adventures of these worlds is what makes the main series games so epic and wonderful. Any sequels cheapen the experience, which is something I'm pretty sure you've said before.

Anyway, I also shed a few tears to your FF experience definition.

[Roto13]

Considering how so many Final Fantasy games feel so different from each other, I don't think there is one "Final Fantasy experience."

Final Fantasy games have the words "Final Fantasy" in the title.

[Vivisteiner]

Sakaguchi jokingly once said that all it needs is white text on blue menus.

For me, the FF experience is one with great music, interesting characters, intelligent gameplay and series mascots. It also has to change my outlook on life. But its a real hard question to answer.

[arcanedude34]

The only series able to successfully consume up to 60+ hours of my life on eah installment (I think TA had the most, with over 100 hours... that's over 6 full days of my life wasted on some kid's fantasy world). Seriously, there's just so much to do (side quests, main quests, hidden characters, mini-games, hidden scenes, plus power-leveling to 99 [which I've only done in FFI DoS, but still])

The great storyline, characters that I can actually care about (maybe not as much as MGS characters, but still) phenominal music, and gorgeous landscapes and towns.

[blackmage_nuke]

The music has to be there, especially the classics. X was great but i felt slightly incomplete without hearing the overture or prologue or whatever its called. I think it wouldve played great halfway through yuna's speech at luca in the ending.

Also random encounters.

It doesnt need a good story, just one that doesnt bore me.

[Saber]

A world map is great, like in FF9 where you got all the chocobo's hidden treasure. It feels like every field is so great. I will not exclude FF10,11,12 those areas were great too. the travels are in a since something to look forward to and since in the end you usually get an airship you can travel around the world for free. Something in the real world not a lot do.

The battles, at first I would always get my @$$ kicked and it was challenging but when you learn one way of fighting in a final fantasy you learn them all.

The mascots, like moogles and chocobos, they are cool and its always good to carry on the series with references to themselves. So like not only choco/mog but when a name of a person or weapon is past down its like a memorial leagondary.

the music that will stick with you and always make you feel a certain way is a plus. Like the beats of winning a battle. I've heard that beat almost a thousand times in every final fantasy and I'm never really bored with it. Maybe I over look it or something.

Special powers is also very exciting. Everyone always say oh yeah the spells but its not really the spells. To have a weapon that can hurt an enemy and heal you is fantasy enough. Also accessories and armor that can magically take pain away, absorb damage or illnesses make the game fun as saying I'm fighting a malorbo better get on my ribbons.

I really like these games. Sure I have some problems with ff11 and ff12 but I still played the hell out of them.

[scrumpleberry]

FF Experience is a dreadful phrase for me. Actually I feel that all the games so far with Final Fantasy in the name have elements of what you'd call the "FF experience"

I don't know, I guess it's the similar style from the creators that makes it for me. Not sure.

[Rantz]

Partly a question of what you mean by "The FF experience", but I choose to interpret the question as what qualities I hope to see in future Final Fantasy games. Here are a few such:

Character development. This is one of the things which make me less fond of I-III than later games. I want to see as many characters as possibly be affected in one way or another by the events that unfold throughout the game. The main characters in particular, but minor characters as well.

Twists of fate. I like it when unexpected things happen and when every event is the result of tons of background story. I dislike it when the main party is decided from the start and/or "fated to be the light warriors" or whatever. I'd rather see them brought together by a series of events, since this makes them more human and easier to identify with.

Exploration. I don't want to be forced to strictly follow the storyline. I want to be able to take an in-game break and explore the world (preferably a big one), get the bigger picture, do side-quests and minigames. This ties in with wanting to feel free. The lack of a world map in X[-2] puts me off a bit.

Treasures/Secrets. I want to be properly rewarded for taking my time with the game, for deviating from the storyline and taking the time and effort to go play that minigame for a while or to check out that strange-looking wall over there.

[NeoTifa]

decent storyline that is beleivable enough to pull you in yet fantasy enough to make you go "OOOooooOOOoooohhhh i wished we had THAT!!!!! i totally wanna cast haste on myself at work!!!!!!! $_$ payraisepayraisepayraisepayraise "

also, good music that actually fits the storyline, timeline, events, etc.

i also the the virsitality that ff offers. you can totally customise your characters to do whatever you want (fft perfect example. im a total fangirl for fft). the custom magic, equipment, materia/junction combos, sphere grids, etc.

also, the side quests make the game series more fun cuz they add more excitement and such. i dont like it when the sidequests distract from the game itself, like 12, but to where they mostly help you get stuff to help with the battles, like breeding chocobos in 7.

character development is also key. its sad when the main char has the same mindset at the end as s/he did at the beginning. it has to be like a soap opera!!!! life changing events!!!!

[Wolf Kanno]

Damn it, Kanno, your definition of FF made me shed a tear or two. I think that's most of the elements an FF game needs to give the gamer, indeed.

I'm glad I can say something so moving.

They [Final Fantasy games] are a glimpse into the final great adventures of these worlds and we're invited along for the ride.

That statement just made me hate all FF sequels and spinoffs. And I've never disliked them before. Damn it. That line of yours really resonates with me...the whole idea that we are taking part in the FINAL adventures of these worlds is what makes the main series games so epic and wonderful. Any sequels cheapen the experience, which is something I'm pretty sure you've said before.

Anyway, I also shed a few tears to your FF experience definition.

Lol! Well now you understand a bit where I come from when I say I'm not fond of sequels and spin-offs. Sorry I made you dislike some of your favorite games though.

Sakaguchi jokingly once said that all it needs is white text on blue menus.

I think I remember that interview. Its pretty true too actually.

Partly a question of what you mean by "The FF experience", but I choose to interpret the question as what qualities I hope to see in future Final Fantasy games. Here are a few such:

Well, I would say its what all the games have in common but truthfully its a question asking for an emotional and psychology response one gets when playing the series as a whole and on an individual basis. Yet I wouldn't say you are wrong in saying its the elements you expect from an FF so truth be told, there really is no wrong answer.

I'm surprised this thread got revived and that its doing better. Keep up the good work, its been rather insightful.

[felfenix]

Define the FF Experience? The stuff used to gain levels in FF. Duh.