The Candidates Speak!

[CloudDragon]

I think Agent 5 of the Mystery Party should lose points because when spoken of Gilgamesh, he/she referred to the one in FF8, and not when Gilgamesh was in any of FF1-4, 5, or 6, though the one I think of he's in 5. The question was for FF1-4, 5, and 6.

Meh, trivia questions on this kind of thing are kinda useless as most people will come up with the same answer, and they'll just be spruced up a bit. Opinionated questions are better because the voters can relate to his/her opinion and vote on it.

[Election Booth]

In that spirit, here are some exciting opinion questions!

First up, the Final Fantasy 12, Tactics, adn Tactics Advance forums

What will the main plotline of ff12 be about?

Joel (BAotW):
FF12 will be about St Ivalice being overtaken by na evil entity that will consume all mankind unless our heroes can stop it.

NAILBAT (Sex-Slave):
the plotline is about two young people(agian) named vaan and ashe...vaan is an a human and lives in dalmaska and likes airships...ashe is the daughter of the king in dalmaska and she will most likely be very spoiled at first,and she also is the head of a rebel group....the world in which they live is known as Ivalice...which is in a state of war right now....Alcadia empire is under war against Lodaria empire and Alcadia empire, in a time of war against Lodaria, also wages war against a small country which is dalmaska...and this where vaan and ashe will most likely come in together

noname (Conservative):
- The look of the game (graphics) will be improve before its release
- Kohei Takeda, the man who impersonate the voice of Vaan, is a big fan of the series and the character he likes the most is Balflear
- The game will have more than 100 kind of monsters, 200 if we add the modified versions
- Balflear's name has been confirmed by Square Enix
- The Moogles will have a new design
- The general extension of the game is impressive
- The game will be something fresh, never seen before
- There will be more characters than in Vagrant Story
- The story of the game is non-linear, the player will be free to move as he wish and the regions will evolve as the game goes on
- The game is a console release.


Blanco Meow (Pirate):
Thanks to the Final Fantasy series' love of certain gaming traditions, one can fairly state that the plot of this newest addition to the series will be epic as usual, both in the connotative and denotative sense. Concerning the former, the game will certainly be huge on many counts: huge in story, huge in design, huge in self-perception, and huge in physical scope. The plot and its accoutrements in FF12 will not feel in any way small. Somehow, when i look from screenshot to screenshot, i can't help but think of Star Wars' recent Episodes One and Two, and that may be a decent comparison. Though i should hope Square-Enix doesn't make the same mistakes George Lucas did, as i'm sure we all agree. Thanks to our constant graphical development, the very look of the game will probably lend itself to the main plot's expansive nature more than any previous entry to the series, giving us giant buildings, huge vehicles, millions of people and expansive landmasses. On the latter, more definitive "epic" plane, the game will surely involve many of the qualities of a literary "epic." It will surely (as all games in the series) tell the extended, perhaps even superhuman story of one or more heroic characters, involving many tests and tribulations, at least one journey over water (likely many), and at least some sort of interaction with the supernatural. It will likely present themes and qualities held dear to its particular culture - its "tribe" - in this case generalized to "humanity as a whole;" it will surely involve some sort of growth on the part of the main character: he (or she) (or both) will not return home the same person as he once was, but will be forever changed. In essence, the plot will be in no way small, but grand in the fullest sense of the term.

The game's plot, though, i think i can fairly state, will retain despite this sweeping nature a sentiment of individuality and personal experience that makes the Final Fantasy series so noteworthy. Now, for the particulars.

The plot, at its center, revolves around two human characters: Vaan and Ashe. They are both in their late teens, the boy Vaan seemingly just your average boy (more on this later) and the girl, Ashe, the princess of the Damaska Kingdom. The story takes place in the world of Ivalice (the same Ivalice of 'Tactics' lore): the world and culture are those of medieval stylings, still immature in the concept of human rights and adherent to a caste system. The world seems to carry an odd dichotomy of being technologically advanced but culturally and socially immature. As for the political climate, Damaska has just fallen under control of the Arcadia Empire after some sort of war. The plot and feel of the game carry much directly and in spirit over from the 'Tactics' series: Yasumi Matsuno, 'Tactics'' producer, is producing this game as well, and it seems to be an extension of his original FFT vision. i expect plenty of political intrigue, though perhaps - hopefully - without as many confused or typo-filled translations as FFT itself. As for more literal crossovers, thus far i'm certain the Viera (the rabbit-eared females from FFTA) are present in the game, as one seems to eventually become a party member, though other races may well pop up. Social issues and perhaps even racial tension may make their way into the story somehow or another. What's more, the Judges (also of FFTA) have a role in the world, but act primarily as the main characters' adversaries - the "Knights of Terror."

And as for those main characters: Vaan has some history with the Empire, having lost both of his parents to it. i suspect he's something of a spirited troublemaker with a serious side - such as FF9's Zidane or FF10's Tidus - and little taste for authority. In fact, he harbors plans to one day leave the Kingdom by buying a ship with his earnings as an air priate. It's been said that he's not at all derivative from previous FF heroes, though, so hopefully he'll have some unexpected twists of character yet. As for Ashe, her father the king was killed in this recent war with Arcadia, and though she's the heir apparent she's been off the radar since her father's death. With Arcadia ruling her country, i doubt they'll be putting her on the throne, so surely the story will involve an unfit and nasty king being put in place by Arcadia to make sure we dislike them. Allegedly - and this is likely an early story point rather than pregame history - she meets up with Vaan as she's forming a group with which to take on the Arcadia Empire. i suspect he'll be none to happy to join. i want to peg her as being like FF8's Rinoa, but i think it's more because of this "resistance" slant than anything else. Considering the game's cultural atmosphere and her status as a princess, she's likely a very composed young woman. Perhaps she has a bit of FF9's Garnet in her personality, and Vaan is the one to open her up much the way Zidane does for Garnet. Again, though, it's been said that these characters are unique, so i use these references only as such, and not as exact character molds.

Now we're getting into much more speculative territory. First off, since Square-Enix's merger, the company has been giving the Final Fantasy series a more lighthearted and mainstream feel, and it should be interesting to see how this newest entry in the series fares - particularly in terms of plot. On the one hand, Matsuno's presence could make for an extremely serious and politically charged adventure, as i mentioned previously. However, early screenshots show a certain deference for FF X-2's character stylings in Ashe's skimpy outfits, which makes me wonder what sort of feel they intend with the game. i suspect it should be a quirky mix of serious, epic plot and mainstream sensibility, though the balance thereof could tilt in any number of directions.

As for specifics, i see most of the game centering around the tension between the conquered Damaska Kingdom and the Arcadia Empire. Art director Hindeo Minaba has said that the game carries war as a central theme. Surely, it will use Ashe's resistance movement as a springboard, if not central plotline, for the story; though, like any Final Fantasy game, things will probably grow into something greater than they first appear. The "Knights of Terror" are probably involved (it's been said they play a key role) as some shadow-shrouded organization with which the characters have greater and greater dealings as the story progresses. As for the two main characters, i have a strong suspicion that Vaan is more than just "some boy," possibly even having royal heritage - which might explain why his parents had been killed. Vaan and Ashe have some odd similarities to their looks; perhaps they are even loosely related. Other staffers have mentioned that, though the story does involve an undercurrent of love, it may be a bit different from the usual romantic love, which - to me - hints at some sort of familial relationship between the two. Of which they are, of course, unaware until late in the game.

i think this essentially covers what can be safely said about the plot thus far. Final Fantasy has always been made and broken in its specifics, because when you whittle each game down to its central plot there isn't much to be said about its originality. So while i don't know that i've covered everything that could be covered, i think i've touched upon all of the aspects that might influence the general flow of the game pretty fairly. Again, things will likely take some sort of "deeper than we thought" sort of direction - after all, these are long games and simplistic story just won't carry them - but the plot will merely be a vessel for (what we hope to be) the expansive quest of a band of individuals. What i've said may not sound all that specific, but that's because it likely won't be. i mean, the story will come to a far sharper light than i've given it (obviously), but it's also not of central importance so much as it simply sets the scene. These games have always been more about the details.

Ariel (Newbie):
It'll be all about guys. Something's gotta compensate the females after FFX-2, no? (Or the guys who appreciate their fellow men. Either way. *shrug*) Guys in skimpy clothes! Guys who dance their way into damaging the enemy! Guys who believe in boy power!~

The main character will be the courageous monkey/human hybrid, Abobo. Traveling with his childhood friend, Leather Girl, he seeks to discover the truth behind his origins of monkeyness. They'll meet the mysterious Abdul along the way, a monkey-human himself, though only in secret. He will not tell Abobo the truth about himself, because he's a double agent assigned to bring destruction to the human race. Will the inevitable confrontation between these two heroes destroy all that they hold dear?

All will be revealed, in Square-Enix's new epic for Playstation2, Final Fantasy XII.

Agent 8 (Mystery):
It will be a lovely game with some wonderful acting in which King Arthur and Sir Vledimir uncover an important clue.
"Go through the forest, and you will find an enchanter! He knows of a cave...a cave in which no man has entered! And you will find a bridge...a bridge in which no man has crossed!"
"And this...this will lead us to the holy grail?"
"HEEHEEHEEhEE" *disappear*
*in a forest*
"NI. NI. WE ARE THE KNIGHTS WHO SAY...NI!"
to be continued...

and also, because you are all so starved for entertainment...General Chat, Eyes on Each Other, and World Events

What are your thoughts on a)Bush b)God c)underwear
(answer all three)

Pure Strife (BAotW):
A) Best kept to a reasonable length.
B) *coughPERVERTcough* I prefer not to have giant bearded guys watching me drop 'em, if you know what I mean.
C) Best kept microwaved.

stuffing (Sex-Slaves):
Bush looks like a money and acts like one too.

God is cool, but he owes me 12 bucks.

underwear, well i like to live free and easy.

Mr. Graves (Conservative):
Bush: Moronic, war/oil hungry president.

God: Is the creator of all things natural, yadda yadda.

Underwear: It's comfy, but never necessary.

Moo Moo the Ner Cow/Pureghetto (Pirate):
Bush: I haven't paid attention in the past few months, but my initial impressions of him was that he wasn't very fit to be President. However USA isn't exactly falling apart just yet, so I don't think he's that inept. I don't believe in conspiracy theories or any of that nonsense, so the idea that Bush has gone through that China incident, 9/11, the second gulf war, and whatever homeland problems is pretty impressive, even if you don't like him. I don't 'like' him, but I don't dislike him either. I just don't care any more.

God: Defined as an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent sentient being, the entity has been questioned for a long time, and even I made my own metaphysical questioning, however pointless. I'm at a point in my life where I have conceded that regardless of an omnipotent being's existence or whether said being birthed the universe, it cannot be ascertained whether or not said entity exist or existed, because empirical evidences number are null in number. Faith in God is perfectly acceptable, as I have faith in equally unverifiable notions, such as the safety of breathing and swallowing, and that EoFF exists and is composed of humans instead of whatever other bizarre possibilities. In terms of my actions I behave as an athiest would. I don't acknowledge God any more, except in cases of extreme emotional turmoil.

Underwear: I'm tired of my roommates' underwear and thongs getting static and clinging onto my pants whenever I throw laundry into the dryer without looking The next time this happens I'm keeping them >: [

fire_of_avalon (Newbie):

A) Bush: Gotta be one of my all time favorite 90's bands, though lately, news about them has been rather depressing. I mean, Nigel Plusford, co-founder of the band and lead guitarist left. What does that say about the direction the band is headed? I think it says something pretty disheartening myself, apparently something that made this man happy once has become something he can't take anymore. It makes me sad for him.

But in the past, man they've got some good music. I think what I like most about them is the raw emotional feeling that they can somehow keep both intelligent and appealing although it comes from a very personal place. I also like the fact that though they're very experimental, the always remain true to their roots in that straight forward, heart breaking rock n roll that I grew up on. What else can I say, this is an amazing group of musicians. ......

Presidentially speaking now, because I'm sure that's what was intended all the time , I don't like George W. as president. I feel he has far too much of a personal adgenda invested in his power, and I feel he doesn't put the American public first in his policy making. I find his complete lack of compromise frightening. I don't believe it is safe to make this country one where a citizen is either with him or against him, and he refuses to do anything about it. I believe there's a time and a place to be rigid and unyeilding, but I don't think that time should constantly. I'm also angry with the man for the "changes" he's "allowed" to be made to US enviornment policies. It's estimated that with the current systems in place, it will take upwards of twenty years to repair the damage that will be caused in less than a decade. Enviornmental legislation was making leaps and bounds before he took office, and I feel all the progress made has been nullified in an instant. I can respect the positives his administration has brought about, but feel they are out weighed by the negatives. I will not vote for this man in November.

B) God: http://www.eyesonff.com/forums/show...&threadid=42673
In addition to what I wrote there, I'd like to say that I believe the idea of God is intensely personal, and should be influenced by no one through argument. I will not argue about God because my relationship with the entity is far more important to me than what anyone else thinks about my relationship with God. However, I find nothing wrong with discussion about God, comparing viewpoints and learning how others feel about their relationship with God, or lack thereof. There is no right way to be close to God, there's only your way. There is no right way to think about God, there is only your way. And there's no sense in trying to force someone to see God the way you see God, because when that happens, your relationship with God, if you have one, becomes something impersonal and stupid. For those who don't believe and God, I can understand why because I've been there, and to be honest, still go there often. All viewpoints on God are things I'm willing to discuss with anyone who is making thoughtful conversation and not being an ignorant a** about it.

C) Underwear: I have mixed opinions on underwear, and due to this I have an extensive collection. Socks are probably my favorite form of underwear, because they feel so darn good when they're brand new. I like all my panties, but they're all pretty tame and comfy too. I don't think I need random twenty dollar lace and silk crotchless.....weird articles of underpants for, well , anything. I usually wear bra's, but there's the occasional top that will look silly with one, so I forgo it. My position on male underwear is rather ambiguous. I think silk boxers and what not are just as silly as the abominations of fabric mentioned above. But whatever floats your boat is what floats your boat I guess. I feel anyone should be free to wear any type of underwear they so choose, as long as it REMAINS underwear......(usually anyway).

Agent 2 (Mystery):
a) He doesn't have many thoughts.

b) god*

c) We discussed that me wearing women's underwear is strictly a comfort thing.

[Del Murder]

Tie between Agent 2 and stuffing, only because he called Bush a money.

[eestlinc]

you know, there are TWO candidate groups in there. what's your stance on the others, del?

[Erdrick Holmes]

My responce to the FF12 question somewhat fits all the FFs if you think about it.

[Del Murder]

Hmm, you have to give Blanco credit for his detail, and Agent 8's game sounds pretty fun though somehow familiar...

I think I'm going to have to go with Joel this time for his universal (of sorts) answer.

[Mo-Nercy]

*is living in the past*

Hehehe..."I don't know"..classic...

[Baloki]

Fire_of_avalon, your answer for that was brilliant, and people said the Newbie Party wasn't serious, also well done to Ariel for keeping up the monkey theme

mwhahahahahha

[Peegee]

Holy crap on a stick I have insane typos. I'm never going to be voted ;_;

[Psychotic]

Nobody got Strife's answer for Bush!

Come on, it features SEX, kinda! You people love sex!

[Baloki]

Originally posted by fallen_angel_666
the last coin in the game is not a Zodiac sign it goes by the name of Opiuchus and to find it you read every coin well they are directions to this one but seing as I got asked to tell you where to get it it is in Quan's dwelling where you found Scorpio when you give this last coin to the stellazio lady in treno you get a hammer! pretty poor prize if you ask me but personally I love the stellazio coins too much to give them away

The hammer gives you an alternate ending, which personally I thought sucked!

[Erdrick Holmes]

*wins*

[Kirobaito]

Dang, we can't get no respect. [/rodneydangerfield]

I think, overall, collectively, vise ve (though I have no idea what that means), our party has had the freaking best answers. No one thought we could be serious, but now, we're actually doing that. AND NOBODY'S NOTICING! It appears as if our party is the only putting effort into trying to make these answers count, and nobody seems to care. But that's collectively. I'm not saying that other people didn't put effort into their answers, but COLLECTIVELY as a party. I spent a helluvalotta time on that poem, and the best I got was a compliment of "intimidatingly scary" from Auron Kotetsu. Well, there's that "literary genius" thing from FM, but FM's a pirate. Bah! And to quote Dragonflame (but not exactly...there are more than 30 replies to this post), Flying Mullet's said the same as everyone else's, but with style. Nobody seemed to like his answer either. Blanco Meow's was the only long response I could get myself to READ, and that's not because Blanco Meow's a pirate, either. And PG/pureghetto/MooMoothing poured most of his small, crusty, dried up soul into his answer, and got no respect.

Why, oh why did we have to pillage so much?[/vent]

[The Man]

personally, I think Mystery should win the entire thing because of Agent 8's monty python references.

[Election Booth]

The hammer doesn't give you an alternate ending, it just adds an extra scene into the normal ending. You can also use the hammer to synth the tin armor, which is good, or the Save the Queen, which is not good.