Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Balamb Garden Network- Computer Terminal

  1. #1
    Total Sweetheart
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    5,729
    Articles
    49
    Blog Entries
    18

    Default Balamb Garden Network- Computer Terminal

    The BGN may have been the first experience with social media in the Final Fantasy series. Given that this game came out in the late 90's, the timeline matches up with when Internet communities such as forums and fan websites started picking up steam.

    You could see who had overdue library books, get advice from teachers, read about the Garden festival, and try to avoid the disciplinary committee. In this game you're only viewing the conversations of others, but it does get updated throughout the game. I think if FFVIII were made today, you'd be able to interact with the BGN and be able to answer questions with a list of multiple choice answers.

    I think it really gave insight into the idea that this school was real, and the students and staff interacted with each other even when you weren't there.

    What do you like or dislike about the BGN? Is this the first example of social media in FF? Places like Shinra HQ had computers, but those were probably strictly for work.

    image.jpeg

  2. #2
    Pinkasaurus Rex Pumpkin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Falling on your head
    Posts
    16,902
    Articles
    119
    Blog Entries
    133

    FFXIV Character

    Pumpkin Contrary (Sargatanas)
    Contributions
    • Former Editor
    • Former Cid's Knight

    Default

    I thought it was excellent, I really enjoyed it. Helped immersion like you said!

  3. #3
    Krankzinnigheid ligt dich Colonel Angus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    The Miami of Canada
    Posts
    5,516
    Articles
    81
    Blog Entries
    4
    Contributions
    • Former Editor

    Default

    It was interesting. It, like all the other "little things" in the game really added depth to it. The whole school thing made it incredibly relatable to a high schooler like myself.

    That whole game was so different than the FF games that came out before and since.

  4. #4
    Friendship *is* magic. MJN SEIFER's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Jasper's Park
    Posts
    3,551
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    I loved it. Once I discovered it, I'm sure I made sure to look at it every time I started a new game, and checked things out every now and then (mostly Selphie's page). It's things like this that makes me view Final Fantasy VIII as the Final Fantasy (out of the ones I've played) closest to the real world.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •