Final Fantasy is one of the most successful and influential role-playing game (RPG) franchises in video game history. The franchise began in 1987 with the release of the first game from developer Square, and its complex stories, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics have helped establish RPGs as a major genre in the industry. The franchise’s success continued with the release of Final Fantasy VII in 1997, which sold over 10 million copies worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon. Today, the franchise continues to evolve, with new games introducing new gameplay mechanics and telling new stories.
Unraveling the History and Legacy of Final Fantasy Role-Playing Games
The Beginning of Final Fantasy
The first Final Fantasy game was released in Japan in 1987. The game was developed by Square, a company that was known for making games for Nintendo consoles. Final Fantasy was a departure from Square’s usual games, which were mostly action games. Final Fantasy was a role-playing game (RPG), which meant that players took on the role of characters in a story-driven game.
Final Fantasy took inspiration from other RPGs of the time, such as Dragon Quest (known as Dragon Warrior in the US) and Ultima. The game was set in a fantasy world where a group of heroes had to defeat an evil villain threatening the world. It featured a turn-based battle system, which had become a staple of RPGs.
The Rise of Final Fantasy
Despite being Square’s first RPG, Final Fantasy was a hit in Japan. It sold well and received positive reviews. Square decided to make a sequel, Final Fantasy II, which was released in Japan in 1988. The game introduced many new elements to the series, including a more advanced story and character development system.
Final Fantasy II was also a success, and Square continued to develop the series, releasing Final Fantasy III in 1990 on the Nintendo Famicom console. The third game in the series introduced the job system, which allowed players to change their characters’ abilities by switching their jobs.
As the series continued, Square began to push the boundaries of what was possible in RPGs. Final Fantasy IV, released in 1991, introduced a complex story with mature themes. The game also featured the active time battle system, which made battles more dynamic and fast-paced.
The Golden Age of Final Fantasy
By the mid-1990s, Final Fantasy had become a major franchise in Japan. Square had released six mainline games in the series, and each one had been a success. In 1997, Square released Final Fantasy VII on the Sony PlayStation console. The game was a major departure from the series’ previous games. It had a more modern setting and featured 3D graphics.
Final Fantasy VII was a massive success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It became a cultural phenomenon, and its characters and story are still beloved by fans today. The game’s success helped establish RPGs as a major genre in the video game industry.
Square continued to push the series forward with Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX. Both games introduced new gameplay mechanics and continued the series’ tradition of complex stories and memorable characters.
The Future of Final Fantasy
Today, Final Fantasy is still going strong. The series has continued to evolve, with each new game introducing new gameplay mechanics and telling new stories. Final Fantasy XV, released in 2016, was a major departure from the series’ previous games. It featured an open world and real-time combat.
The success of Final Fantasy XV has led to a renewed interest in the series. Square has announced that it is working on a remake of Final Fantasy VII, which is one of the most highly anticipated games in development.
Final Fantasy has had a profound impact on the video game industry. Its influence can be seen in games across all genres, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of game developers. It is a testament to the power of great storytelling and memorable characters.