FF Redundant?

[not_awake]

The matter of contention arose in another thread and so to keep it on track we can bring the matter here. Is the Final Fantasy series redundant? The same name, check. The same mechanics, check. The same plot? They share a lot of similarities; they're thematically linked, but do you believe that they're the same plot re-iterated time and time again? So, let's open the matter of debate here to everyone, is the FF series a re-iteration of the same story over and over or is each a unique tale in its own?

I do acknowlege that often times the same devices reappear (find the crystals, save the world). However, within this general framework this a great deal of free space to construct a unique story. More so, the story of Final Fantasy is greater than quest undertaken it's the individual stories of the characters you encounter and play as.

I'd like to draw a parallel to the acclaimed work of Hayao Miyazaki; though he works often works within a familiar setting he has created several unique stories with engaging characters. Compare Naussica of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky. All feature a world faced impending doom due to a disregard for nature and a strong female protagonist, yet each is unique and endearing. There are qualities beyond the general setting that intrique the viewer. Likewise for the FF series... Each retains a distinct flavor while containing the same ingredients.

 

[Chris]

So, let's open the matter of debate here to everyone, is the FF series a re-iteration of the same story over and over or is each a unique tale in its own?

Compare the stories of FFVI and FFIX. You will immediately note the differences right off the bat.

 

[not_awake]

Perhaps I should've included the quote that first incited my reaction. So here it is.

And if you think about it, all FF's are the same. The plot's the same, 3/10 use the same battle system, 6/10 use the same battle system. It's like saying all Mega Man games are different even though they're the same in nature. Features may change overall, but really. I could argue that Dance Dance Revolution 1st Mix is totally different from Dance Dance Revolution Extreme, but dammit, they're the same game!

I see where you're coming from in relation to game mechanics Latios, but I must disagree. While mechanics often make or break a game they're not the sole reason that many play or become raving fanboys to a particular title. A strong story will rarely stand if coupled with weak and frustrating gameplay and there are plenty of games that stand by merit of gameplay alone (Look at Madden whatever year). The truly sublime moments of game come when gameplay allows you to experience and participate in an engaging story.

For me the game mechanics are only a delivery device for the real good stuff and that good stuff is the plot or the role that it let's you step into. Really, at the core of any good game (the reason that we like them) there's some identifable character that we want to be like. This character and his or her story doesn't revolve around the game mechanics. The gameplay was created to tell the story.

In the context of FF, the creators found a versatile set of tools that allowed them to tell many stories.

 

[Cloud Strife]

I, III (from what i hear) V, IX all have the crystals. However, after this the plots change so much. Anybody want to compare FF to VII, what about IV to VI, maybe IX to X. You get the point. no they are not redundant, and the battle systems are not ever really the same
I multiple attacks
II stats raise with use
III Jobs
IV Characters set, many changes through game, never get a choice who to use
V Jobs again, much deeper than III
VI espers
VII Materia
VIII Guardian Force/Draw
IX back to basics, four in party, can switch party, learn ablilities from clothes.
X Shpere Grid, can change party, back to three per battle.
X-2 Garment Grid, same 3 whole game.
XI online, nothing else really matters to me about this game.
XII more real time battle system than previous
13 Will actually use arabic numbers (stupid by the way, they should keep the roman.

 

[RadiataAlchemist]

The only thing that makes the series redundant is the basic mechanics. If you buy a new Final Fantasy hoping for completely different mechanics than the last one you played, you are out of luck. Take out the storyline and all of them are virtually identical. Sure they may have their slight differences as mentioned above, but those simple differences are meager on the grand scale of the games. The stories themselves, in my opinion, all do retain a sense of distinction from each other. All of them are different in one way or the other, and most of them are distinctly different from the other in storyline. I think the gameplay is what keeps the franchise under the same name "Final Fantasy". If the mechanics were at least slightly different in each one then each one may have been named individually.

I think it's a bit redundant but it covers itself up.

 

[Cloud Strife]

I am thinking that in 10 (official) different games it has 6 different battle systems, I am not talking about what I said above, I mean wholesale changes.

1 FF
2 II
3 III-VII
4 VIII
5 IX
6 X

So I don't even see that as redundant.

 

[Chris]

The only thing that makes the series redundant is the basic mechanics. If you buy a new Final Fantasy hoping for completely different mechanics than the last one you played, you are out of luck. Take out the storyline and all of them are virtually identical.

Taking out the storyline in Final Fantasy XII leaves you with a game that only has gameplay identical to Final Fantasy XI. Neither two have much identical in ways of mechanics as the other games do.

 

[Korobooshi Kojiro]

I have to say the settings do differ, for example, play Final Fantasy 7 full of futuristic stuff then play 9, with olden stuff.

One thing I don't like is the new characters, the new ones in 12 look extremely boring and seem to looks like clones of past characters. Where are the cool characters such as Vivi and Squall?

 

[Bulbatordile]

I have always felt that the games had enough changes to make them unique such as the different battle systems (or modifications to old ones-ATB), leveling and ability learning systems (materia/junctioning/ability points/sphere grid) different setings (futuristic, old or a fusion of both), art styles (FFX against FFIX), different story.
The reoccuring parts e.g. magic, monsters, jobs/classes, summons, ability names, weapons, Cid, Moogles, Chocobos are what make the games part of a series. Even then they look different e.g Flans, Ifrit, Excalibur, Moogles or they way they are used is changed - Summons =
Espers- equip one at a time
Materia summons- equip as many as you can to each character
Guardian Forces- equip as you want, affects character, relationship with ch.
Aeons-one character only and replace fighters in battle instead of being 1 attack.
The blend of old and new means that each game does not feel like an upgrade of the last but as a new experience which you are playing because you liked the last.

 

[RadiataAlchemist]

Edward Elric- I was talking about the majority of the games, namely the ones that are actually available in America .