What is Final Fantasy?

What is Final Fantasy? An adaptation from an actual college lecture from my University of Alabama course, I define what we mean when we call something "Final Fantasy," discussing ontology and a full description of each game in the series (mild spoilers, but no spoilers for FFXVI beyond the trailers).

0:00 -- What is Final Fantasy?
0:17 -- A brief history of Final Fantasy
1:23 -- Intro to Ontology
2:33 -- Properties of a Final Fantasy
3:30 -- Elements of Final Fantasy
4:19 -- Battle
5:21 -- Immersion
7:21 -- Story
8:50 -- The Basic Foundation laid by FFI
9:44 -- Review of all Final Fantasy game themes

Also, be sure to check out the full articles I reference in the video on Push Square, Game Informer, and Kotaku.

Don't forget to subscribe and follow!
----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Music (“Main Theme” and “Chaos Shrine” from FF1 Pixel Remaster, "Yaschas Massif" from FFXIII, “Those Who Fight” from FF7 Remake, “Chocobo GP Main Theme” from Chocobo GP, and “Hearts Aligned” from FF14) and clips (Various scenes from FF1-15, the FF16 Awakening Trailer, Chocobo GP, and Dissidia) taken in compliance with the Square Enix Materials Usage Policies. © Square Enix :

#finalfantasy #ff16 #ffxvi #finalfantasyxvi #finalfantasyviiremake #college

[schrodingersbabyseal]

Brother, I am sending this video to all four corners of my sphere of influence. This video should be REQUIRED VIEWING.

[skaldi]

Love your summation that the "Final" in Final Fantasy refers to breaking loops and repeating cycles in the respective stories and worlds, very insightful

[GSquid]

I have never played a Final Fantasy, and every time I ask my friends who do play what Final Fantasy is, they can never give me an answer that makes sense.
Thank you for making it make sense.

[ajdove]

This is pretty much how I've seen the franchise as a whole, to have someone say it out loud in such a clear and concise way was a breath of fresh air.

[falconator]

I started gaming in 1989 and was mainly an action/fighting/shooter type player. I used to watch my friend play RPGs, including Final Fantasy, and criticize him for playing “kiddy” little kids games. One day, in the early 1990s, at that same friend’s house, during the early years of the SNES, and out of complete boredom, I popped in Final Fantasy 2 for the SNES and started a new quest. About 30 minutes in, I was fully immersed in that world, and it automatically clicked in. I looked at my friend and told him, "I need to borrow this game" and took it home that night. The story and narrative truly take you on a rollercoaster ride. After a few days I returned the game back to him and told him it was one of the best games I’ve ever played. It was also the game that awoke in me the love for RPGs. After, I automatically purchased FF3 on the SNES upon it's release. Now, almost 25 years later, I still play the same game every few years, including FF3, and enjoy it just as much. Yes, I know nostalgia plays a part here, but If that’s not a testament of how amazing those games are then I don't known what is.

[NiCeNuKNaN]

"The world you seek is but a fantasy!"
"The only fantasy here is yours. And we shall be its final witness!"

[thiswayjose]

Breaking the cycle actually blew my mind. So simple, and yet so relevant.

The comments about FF creating the standard for RPGs throughout the decades is also true for the remakes and the spin-offs.

ff tactics redefined what that style of game could be. FF III on the DS defined that style for mobile gaming. Even the pixel remasters are showcasing how different each game is while still keeping the roots of what make these games so enjoyable.

[JohnReavesLive]

Ok, what the heck dude, this is so well edited! So we’ll scripted, it’s freaking perfect!! Why aren’t you doing these way more?!?!

[toothfairy]

Here is what I have formed as what FF is as a series, with my entrypoint being FFT:A back in 2006, when I was only 7 years old, and so you could picture my perspective where I wasn’t swayed or made aware by any external input from series veterans until 2013, which was the time where internet access had become more accessible within our community where I found out about this tedious 20-year-old dispute:

Each installment in the Final Fantasy series represents a unique creative vision and design philosophy that is indicative of the time period it was conceived. The developers behind the series often strive to innovate, experiment, and deliver fresh experiences with each new entry. As a result, it's important to recognize that the direction and features of one game in the series do not necessarily dictate the trajectory of future games. This approach allows for diversity and keeps the franchise dynamic.


If there is one thing people need to wholly understand and accept is that for more than 20 years Final Fantasy is an “alliterative anthology RPG series” in the sense that it borrows and incorporates elements from both previous entries and other games outside of it. They often blend various gameplay mechanics, storytelling styles, and thematic elements, infusing them with its own distinct flavor and creative vision. Additionally, the series maintains continuity and familiarity through recurring themes, motifs, and iconic elements across different games, creating a shared mythology. This form of interconnectivity allows for both innovation and homage to the franchise's legacy, providing veterans a sense of familiarity while newcomers intrigued to play previous games

[skyserpent]

As a long-time obsessive Final Fantasy fan, I find this a well and legit answer to the question of what Final Fantasy is.
Thank you for the video, I enjoyed watching

[marcuslee]

I've been a Final Fantasy player since 1998 and have retroactively played all of them and it was only today, 25 years later that I realised this theme. You legend. Keep making videos

[Slush]

YOU fucking get it. I couldnt put it into words myself but ive always been able to feel what a final fantasy game is, and ive always said that ALL of them feel like a final fantasy story. Subscribed. Thank you for coming up with the words that i couldn't!

[moncin]

insightful video. everyone judges this game based on what the franchise means to them but hardly anyone asks what it meant to the original creator of the franchise and how each developer try to honor that legacy. it kind of reminds me of the death of the author in a way.

[PhilipHarts]

Excited to watch!!!! Got my notebook ready Professor 📝📝📝

[clintzieandromeda]

Not all Final Fantasy games I play but I've seen some of their story and I like it especially when I play Final Fantasy XV for the first time. Very nice video, my friend.

[monish_corona]

I like this video because you accurately talk about how the series evolves and try something different over time. I find that a lot of fans in the series have a set standard of what makes a "real" Final Fantasy game or not. I think you find the core elements of each game so well while also being open to new ideas and going over Sakaguchi's main philosophy of reinventing each installment was the icing on the cake. Great video!

[Blackfire_]

I write alot of my storie about breaking an oppresive cycle and i think i self consciously got that from final fantasy. You just woke me uo to that and now im even more in love with my favorite series. Thank you

[mattbrown]

It seems to clear once you add in the need to break a loop. Fantastic video.

[Highwindmk]

Excellent video! You really put into perspective that which defines Final Fantasy.

[j-plarouche]

This video omg idk why it made me emotionnal. This is my favorite franchise and maybe your the first to put the exact words to why I love it so much. Ty for this idk either why Youtube never putted you in my face I could not resist the sub button