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Final Fantasy question: where to begin?
I was chatting with a friend about my Final Fantasy X replay (about which more at another time), and she expressed an interest in the series but was wondering where to start -- which makes sense, it's a huge series with no clear starting point since so many of the games stand alone. I have my own thoughts on this subject, of course, but I wonder what the rest of you think.
So here's the question: if you were to rec one and only one Final Fantasy game to someone who has never played anything in the series, which game would it be and why?
On balance, I think I would lean toward FFX, because of the depth of its story, world, and characters, with the caveat that they shouldn't expect the graphics and voice acting to be up to current standards. Although if I knew the player was a big fan of epic fantasy, I might rec FFIX instead, or if they loved political intrigue, I might suggest FFXII. So those are my picks, but then I've never finished FFVI, and my meh-ness toward FFVII is well known.
Update, Tuesday evening: it turns out that my friend doesn't have access to most of the platforms that have FF games made for them, so this discussion is mostly theoretical, alas. But thanks, still, for weighing in, and feel free to keep commenting! It's still an interesting topic and I've enjoyed seeing what everyone has to say.
So here's the question: if you were to rec one and only one Final Fantasy game to someone who has never played anything in the series, which game would it be and why?
On balance, I think I would lean toward FFX, because of the depth of its story, world, and characters, with the caveat that they shouldn't expect the graphics and voice acting to be up to current standards. Although if I knew the player was a big fan of epic fantasy, I might rec FFIX instead, or if they loved political intrigue, I might suggest FFXII. So those are my picks, but then I've never finished FFVI, and my meh-ness toward FFVII is well known.
Update, Tuesday evening: it turns out that my friend doesn't have access to most of the platforms that have FF games made for them, so this discussion is mostly theoretical, alas. But thanks, still, for weighing in, and feel free to keep commenting! It's still an interesting topic and I've enjoyed seeing what everyone has to say.
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Speaking of Tactics, there's also spin-off games. Ivalice Alliance, for one, has not only Tactics (available for PSP and iOS and Android) and its respective sequels, but also Vagrant Story (which has achieved rave reviews). Unless, this person's not one for Tactical RPGs in general, though the story is very good.
For the Wii, there's the Crystal Chronicles series, as well as two other games of that nature on the nintendo DS. I can't say that I've played them to judge its quality, but I know of people who really like them.
And if this person has a psp, I'd have recommended not only FF Tactics: War of the Lions, but also FFIV: The Complete Collection, the PS1 titles that are available on the Playstation network (tho, FFVII can wait... currently). And if your friend upgrades to the Vita, she could have pretty much the complete collection of Final Fantasy for digital download (of which I can attest for) as well as wait for the FFX HD remake... and what I hope is the inevitable FFXII HD remake for the Vita.
And also Dissidia 012, the fighting game. It may reduce the protagonists roles into their bare character templates, but I find the story more than satisfying, with the obvious grain of salt to season it.
Man, does Kingdom Hearts sorta count? That's how a lot of my middle school friends got into Final Fantasy. Just so they can see more Squall or Yuffie or Cloud and be all what's up with those people.
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And I noticed, from the moogle university entries! There are some quality screencaps around because it's on the iOS! I'm anticipating more from your and the others' thoughts on the games.
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Kingdom Hearts, that's an interesting question. I have to think that it's more fun for Final Fantasy fans than a way to introduce someone to the series, since the characters are so out of context. I did really love the first game, though. (The second was fun for me as a fan, but as far as gameplay goes I would be loath to recommend it.)
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And of course, FFVII is available on the PC, so at least these three are still viable candidates. Sadly, they're also one of the most controversial.
Indeed, KH is pretty out-of-context, though it seems to make an indelible impression for impressionable youngsters (ahhh middle school). Though, steadily the franchise seems to go much further from FF (and Disney, on occasion) references as soon as its focused more on its vast cast of game characters for the series. However, I do think that the games at least granted deeper character expansion for Squall, as it's one of those "what if Squall was older" type of deals.