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Quote (BlitzSage @ 7th January 2009 19:02)

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 7th January 2009 06:46)

I don't really see the series as an "old" and "new" era, if I have to divide them, it's strictly by which console they were released on and even then, it means little to me.

In terms of settings, come of the newer games are just as rural and fantastic as the originals ever were, and even VII, with it's Midgar and it's Junon, also had places like Wutai and Costa Del Sol. The focus shifted away from crystals being a major plot point (or not even in the plot at all in some games) but they're all just as much a Final Fantasy.

Well, the "new" era has much more of a sci-fi spin to it. Other than IX and XII.

More sci-fi than an empire harnessing the powers of another race, through science, to gain their abilities? Or a fleet of knights who ride around on airships, fly to the moon and discover whole new races?

There have always been elements of both science fiction and fantasy in the games. It's more noticeable in Final Fantasy VII and VIII, sure, but those two games hardly consist of an entire era to themselves.

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Okay, but there was a goat!

Although IV is my favorite, I typically prefer the science fiction stories to the medieval, so I guess that makes IV the exception. VI was great, but in the end, my loyalty lies with the VI-XII. I know that XII sparked some very universal responses, but it got positive grades from my score pad anyway. XI I can't say I'm really for, but I won't knock it considering I've only seen it, never played it, so it I might feel different if I were to actually play one day. Still, IV is the best one in my book, but as far as the medieval settings of the old FFs go, I don't care too much for it.

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Climhazzard is the timeless evil robot who runs some of the cool stuff at CoN (mostly logging chat, since there are no quizzes at the moment), all the while watching and waiting for his moment to take over the world. -Tiddles

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 8th January 2009 01:23)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 7th January 2009 19:02)

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 7th January 2009 06:46)

I don't really see the series as an "old" and "new" era, if I have to divide them, it's strictly by which console they were released on and even then, it means little to me.

In terms of settings, come of the newer games are just as rural and fantastic as the originals ever were, and even VII, with it's Midgar and it's Junon, also had places like Wutai and Costa Del Sol. The focus shifted away from crystals being a major plot point (or not even in the plot at all in some games) but they're all just as much a Final Fantasy.

Well, the "new" era has much more of a sci-fi spin to it. Other than IX and XII.

More sci-fi than an empire harnessing the powers of another race, through science, to gain their abilities? Or a fleet of knights who ride around on airships, fly to the moon and discover whole new races?

Yes. After VII the series took a more sci-fi approach. The settings were modern, besides the two which I mentioned.

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Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 8th January 2009 00:17)

Yes. After VII the series took a more sci-fi approach. The settings were modern, besides the two which I mentioned.

I'm going to have to disagree with that. IX was just as medieval as any of the snes games and in fact, probably more so than VI was. X contained one city, Zanarkand, which could be considered more in the realm of Sci-Fi and even then, it was mostly ruins and memories. XII, despite having mechanical airships and war machines, is no more sci-fi than IV.

Then, of course, you can look at Tactics, which was released around the time of VII which was also much more medieval in setting and general theme. Really, the only games to tip that scale were VII and VIII and even those games had their moments.

Apart from console changes and graphical improvements, all the Final Fantasies have much more in common than not. I don't think seperating them as post and pre VII is very useful or accurate.




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Okay, but there was a goat!

Quote (Dragon_Fire @ 8th January 2009 05:09)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 8th January 2009 00:17)

Yes. After VII the series took a more sci-fi approach. The settings were modern, besides the two which I mentioned.

I'm going to have to disagree with that. IX was just as medieval as any of the snes games and in fact, probably more so than VI was. X contained one city, Zanarkand, which could be considered more in the realm of Sci-Fi and even then, it was mostly ruins and memories. XII, despite having mechanical airships and war machines, is no more sci-fi than IV.

Then, of course, you can look at Tactics, which was released around the time of VII which was also much more medieval in setting and general theme. Really, the only games to tip that scale were VII and VIII and even those games had their moments.

Apart from console changes and graphical improvements, all the Final Fantasies have much more in common than not. I don't think seperating them as post and pre VII is very useful or accurate.

yeah, thats what i said. IX and XII didnt have a sci-fi approach. but if you look at the them, there clothes are more modern, so to are their weapons (which used guns and lasers), and the structures are metal. all of them have different elements that resemble both genres, but despite the fact that they are anachronistic, the originals had fantasy-like stories, and the newer have science fiction-like stories.

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Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th January 2009 03:20)

the originals had fantasy-like stories, and the newer have science fiction-like stories.

How do you differentiate between those?

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"I fell off the mountain of words at around the 10,000ft mark. Tell my family...they owe me money." -Narratorway

"If you retort against this, so help me God I'll shove any part of your anatomy I can find into some other part. Figuratively, of course." - Josh

"We have more, can deliver tuesday." - Del S

Good old CoN

Quote (SilverMaduin @ 10th January 2009 08:22)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th January 2009 03:20)

the originals had fantasy-like stories, and the newer have science fiction-like stories.

How do you differentiate between those?

This is sort of what I'm talking about.

Though the stories are fantasy, there are some modern or SF themes, setting, spaceships, etc. For example, look at Midgar in comparison to some of the cities in the older games. I've always differentiated the two eras with this distinction.

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Praise Be To Helix!

Quote (BlitzSage @ 12th January 2009 12:10)

Quote (SilverMaduin @ 10th January 2009 08:22)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th January 2009 03:20)

the originals had fantasy-like stories, and the newer have science fiction-like stories.

How do you differentiate between those?

This is sort of what I'm talking about.

Though the stories are fantasy, there are some modern or SF themes, setting, spaceships, etc. For example, look at Midgar in comparison to some of the cities in the older games. I've always differentiated the two eras with this distinction.

I can see where you're comming from on this one. Like I said, I always felt it was weird that IV is my favorite FF, yet I'm more attracted to the Science Fiction stories than I am Medieval. I guess I am guilty of drawing the same lines in my head between the games are you do, and I never really realized until Dragon Fire pointed it out, that FF IV does have quite a bit of science fiction in it. Maybe I like it best because it has such a good mix of both genres?

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Climhazzard is the timeless evil robot who runs some of the cool stuff at CoN (mostly logging chat, since there are no quizzes at the moment), all the while watching and waiting for his moment to take over the world. -Tiddles

Quote (BlitzSage @ 12th January 2009 19:10)

Quote (SilverMaduin @ 10th January 2009 08:22)

Quote (BlitzSage @ 10th January 2009 03:20)

the originals had fantasy-like stories, and the newer have science fiction-like stories.

How do you differentiate between those?

This is sort of what I'm talking about.

Though the stories are fantasy, there are some modern or SF themes, setting, spaceships, etc. For example, look at Midgar in comparison to some of the cities in the older games. I've always differentiated the two eras with this distinction.

The article you linked to does not back your case really, since it says, that distinction between Science Fiction and Fantasy is highly arbitrary.

At least that's what I get from this and other similiar statements:

Quote (That Wiki article)

There is therefore nothing intrinsic about the effects described in a given story that will tell you whether it is science fiction or fantasy. The classification of an effect as "fantastic" or "science fictional" is a matter of convention.

And besides, you've missed the point of my question:
How do you differentiate between a fantasy-like STORY and a sf-like one?
I asked, since the use of the word "story" signifies a difference in narrative.
How does a fantasy narrative differ froma science-fiction narrative?



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"I fell off the mountain of words at around the 10,000ft mark. Tell my family...they owe me money." -Narratorway

"If you retort against this, so help me God I'll shove any part of your anatomy I can find into some other part. Figuratively, of course." - Josh

"We have more, can deliver tuesday." - Del S

Good old CoN

Quote (SilverMaduin @ 12th January 2009 20:32)

And besides, you've missed the point of my question:
How do you differentiate between a fantasy-like STORY and a sf-like one?
I asked, since the use of the word "story" signifies a difference in narrative.
How does a fantasy narrative differ froma science-fiction narrative?

Forget it. I give up. were getting off topic, and setting is a major part of story.

To get back on topic, there is a difference between the two eras, and i guess that it depends on your preference. whenever i decide which era i like better, i think of a reason i like the other era too. both eras have their gems.

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Praise Be To Helix!

Here is an interesting review. It makes the case that Final Fantasy VII changed quite a bit. I think this guy brings up a few intersting points, but the message in general is about what FF VII did to the FF series.

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Climhazzard is the timeless evil robot who runs some of the cool stuff at CoN (mostly logging chat, since there are no quizzes at the moment), all the while watching and waiting for his moment to take over the world. -Tiddles

Don't really know.

NES games- Can't really get into Final Fantasy I. Was getting into FF2 until other people online spoiled everything !
But love Final Fantasy 3 to bits.

SNES games- Love all of the SNES games. FF V was really fun, FF VI had a amazing storyline and FF IV had a great collection of characters.

PS games- FF VII is special being the first Final Fantasy played. FF VIII tend to have average feelings about it. FF IX was truly epic.

PS2- Well we all know X-2 was a total joke. Thinking about replaying FF 12 and giving it a second chance. and like FF 8 waver with FF 10 depending on mood.

So guess maybe both decades ?

This post has been edited by ZidaneTribal on 19th March 2009 09:59

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Currently playing Chrono Trigger !!
Currently looking forward to Don't Know.

I voted for the post 6 games, but I really should have null voted as I haven't played most of the older games. I've only played 1(psp),2(psp),7,8 and 10 so far.

VIII is my favourite. The main plot isn't great, but I love the characters and atmosphere. And I love how the junction system lets you power up characters at the beginning of the game.

This post has been edited by ILoveMoombas! on 19th March 2009 12:31

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FF games completed: I (psp), II (psp), III (DS), IV (psp), V (GBA), VI (GBA), VII, VIII, IX, X, XI: Nations-Rhapsodies of Vana'diel, XII, XIII, XIV, XV.
Spin-offs: FFIV: Interlude & The After Years, Crisis Core: FFVII, X-2, XIII-2, Lightning Returns, Type-0 HD, Dissidia, Dissidia 012, and Tactics (original & WotL).
Enjoyed them all.

I got into the Final Fantasy series starting with Final Fantasy VII and went up from there. I've not played any of the older Final Fantasy games but I have been thinking about buying them. So I just had to vote for the newer games since that is all that I've played.

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Currently playing:
- Final Fantasy VIII (Playstation)

I dig 'em all. Except VIII.

They all had their moments... even X and XII. Hell, even DoC.

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RaianScape - My RuneScape blog

I had to vote for the old ones. The difficulty is the different ages I was at when I played them. I played ff4 and ff6 when I was young so I was easier to please.

I still think ff6 is the best out of all of them, closely followed by ff7, then ff4. I couldn't get past the beginning of 8 without getting bored, but 9 was alright.

At first I was mesmerized by 10's graphics. The voice acting and the 'sphere puzzles' in the temples drove me up the wall. They couldn't get me to care about the plot. FF's are always filled with sappy douchebags.

This post has been edited by DoILookLikeAWaiter? on 23rd March 2009 15:07

i guess the ones after 6 where cooler because u could tell more emotions from the character
heck i like the voice acting of ten and remakes they made of ff4 because of the emotion if they remade either 6 7 or 8 its gunna be hard on to say which i s my favourite

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I remember... That night, we talked for the first time. I
didn't know it then, but after that night, everything changed. For everyone...
For me...
~Tidus

Example:

Yuna giggles.

*5 seconds pass*

She nods.

*5 seconds pass*

She says "Yes." really quickly.

Speaking of sappy douchebags, Tidus takes the cake.

I've noticed quite a few of you suggest things like emotion and character development are good and interesting in these games. I would say there's enough character development to make the game comprehensible, but it's not interesting character development. At best they are fun little interactive stories with cliche but cute plots.

Voted for the good oldies. I don't know why I couldn't get into the new ones, there's something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. It's not the nostalgia because my first Final Fantasy experience was seven; it's not the 2d because I enjoyed FF3 and 4 in their DS versions. So I honestly don't have a good explanation, it's just the feeling I get from them.

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"Love, and do what you will" Saint Augustine

Ugh... I hate choosing! I Choose the post FFVII and above though. I really enjoyed IV through VI but ugh... I don't know. I wish I could change now!

VII is one of my favorites of all time, and I did enjoy VIII and IX.

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GS Forums: Come vist!
"I have no wish to change the world."
”Ramza Beoulve

Quote (Suikojin @ 27th March 2009 06:04)

Ugh... I hate choosing! I Choose the post FFVII and above though. I really enjoyed IV through VI but ugh... I don't know. I wish I could change now!

VII is one of my favorites of all time, and I did enjoy VIII and IX.

It is very difficult. I can't think of another series in any medium that has had so many great titles over such a long period without loosing steam. I would say, though, that the middle period would be the best, since IV, VI, and VII came out.

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Praise Be To Helix!

Really hard to chose.

Your right that ffVI is sort of modern and it does mention fire arms and such.

I think it all depends on how something iis done and not the era.

midevil era games can be fun if it is done right and cyberpunk games can be brilliant if done right.

I tend to give games a chance and do not base it on graphics or era or preference to old games,rather what i like about something after playing it myself and giving it long hard thought.

A example parasite eve takes place in modern world and you use fireams and adjust them.I tend to root for older because even if it was old.The story seemed fresh and very well written.The characters seem to have alot of emotion and not the personality of a piece of wood.

If i hate the story and gameplay and characters then forget it,no matter how old the game is i will refuse to play it such as secret of the stars.

I played that game for like 30 minutes and thought man this game is bad.
Worse story character villain.Secret of mana was simple,it cannot be said to be a great game for its story,rather it was a fun game for its gameplay and not its story.

Chrono trigger wich is old is a example of a great story and gameplay.Even its characters are likeable.It is also very cyberpunk.
You start out in the middle of some midevil era and go further back in time.The way it was brought out slowly was very well done because it kept you going for more.

The problem with ff9 was,it simply didn't have much to offer even at the end.Yes i knew that kuja was created yes i knew he was mad about it and wanted veangance.In the end though i think it could have had a bit more.

FF8 had its moments,but i think what really killed ff8 for me was the pace of the story and the stupid distance between places it was also too linear and also too many fights.1 step fight 1 step fight.


Ff7 had great possiblilty of depth but i think that they repeated the whole thing about cloud if he really fought sephiroth and the whole mind game was kind of boring and got on my nerves.I also think that cloud could use a little more personality as a hero.Heck even sephiroth had a better personality than him and waay more likeable.

FFX wasn't that bad i think that it was a bit linear and i overplayed it a bit obsessively trying to get every item.Doing this killed the game for me.


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We are stardust.Our bodies are made from the guts of exploding stars.

Neil Degrasse Tyson.

Left shoulder: C'mon you know you want to... vote 1!
Right Shoulder: Don't listen to him he's a nutcase! vote 2!
Left Shoulder: Hang on! what's he doing?NO!DON'T NULL VOTE!!
Right Soulder: Screw this I'm moving out!

and so typing with only my left hand I have cast a null vote. In my opinion you just can't go wrong with FF!(Even XI)(And V)(And X-2)(and FFTA)

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Since I advertise CoN there I think it's only fair that I advertise The Wiki here.

I liked the Playstation era (VII-IX) the most, however I really liked IV, VI, and X alot as well.

The first 6 ones have always been my favorites, because they are just classic, plus, after 6 games, they run out of fantasy settings.

Quote (JMBboy123 @ 11th July 2009 17:37)

The first 6 ones have always been my favorites, because they are just classic, plus, after 6 games, they run out of fantasy settings.

Well, I enjoy the cyberpunk settings too, but I agree that the medieval setting lends itself better to a magical world. I mean, the reason I play these games is to escape reality, and discover a world filled with magic and swords that I've never known. Nevertheless, I think all of them deliver on that aspect either way.

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Praise Be To Helix!