everyone seems to have missed the obvious similarities:
It seems you're the one who missed them, they have been posted numerous times.

Ark's attack Eternal Breath has the same name as Eden's (FF8) attack
Eternal Darkness. Not Eternal Breath.

Regent Cid - the name Cid has appeared in numerous FFs before
Cid appeared in all the FF games (except MQ) and has been related to the airship in most.

Weapon names - ragnarok, ultima sword, save the queen, ultima weapon, kain's lance, flame sabre, ice brand, thunder blade, and many others have appeared in previous games
Once again, stated numerous times. Ragnarok is the fall of the gods in Norse Mythology. That's not really a reference.

Not trying to mod whore you about anything, but think twice before you post something saying how everyone missed the obvious (when they are already listed), and don't post the same things others have before.