Final Fantasy MMO - Why don't they do them right?

[HyeJinx1984]

I realize this isn't a Final Fantasy message board, but this is one of the only Game related forums I post on, so I'll vent here.

Some of you may have seen the footage for the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV (Final Fantasy XIV GDC Trailer) (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/tgs-09-final-fantasy/56511), which is now the second FF MMO. First off, I do think it's silly to have this be part of the main series, the MMO's should not be "XI" or "XIV" but their own separate thing, but even that aside... why do they look like THIS? Why do BOTH MMO's in the FF series have to be uber generic pre-ultima looking fantasy with elves and paladins and stuff?

The reason this frustrates me is that one of my favorite games ever, really the one that got me into gaming beyond just being a casual player, was Final Fantasy VII, and that one had such a different look to it with all the steam punk influences and more modern technology. The game's setting is perfectly suited to an MMO, with clearly defined locations/continents, Characters with very unique abilities that could all be extrapolated into their own player classes, not to mention, of all the FF games, having the most fervent fan following?

I used to be a complete square fan boys in the 90's and early 2000's, but once Sakaguchi left the company everything went to generic uber-glossed over crap. FFVII is still my personal favorite of the series and possibly the best one. Why Square continues to make similar looking games that lack any kind of personality I don't understand, and if they ARE going to make any more MMO's, why not do it based on their most popular world?

ok, /vent

[topperharley]

Why do BOTH MMO's in the FF series have to be uber generic pre-ultima looking fantasy with elves and paladins and stuff?

Um, Paladins have been in the Final Fantasy games for quite some time now. Cecil? Beatrix? Agrias? Hyral? (technically the last two were Holy Knights, but they were nonetheless Paladin class characters). So have all of the job classes in FFXI.

That said, one of the early criticisms of FFXI (and one that never really went away) is that it didn't really feel like a FF game. There were familiar elements (moogles, chocobos, airships, job classes, spell names, certain monsters, summons), but it was a world that didn't really feel like any of the worlds we had seen before and, as you stated, somewhat generic.

I think one of the reasons for doing so (and this is complete conjecture on my part) may have been so that players who didn't care for a certain game wouldn't be turned off by a world that seemed as though it catered to the fanbase of that game. Although it sometimes seems as though FFVII is the most-loved, there are a lot of FF fans that think it's an overrated pile of poo.

The reason FFXIV is so similar to FFXI is so that the established fanbase of FFXI would feel comfortable making the switch to FFXIV, and Squeenix wouldn't lose that fanbase.

I do agree with you, however, that they shouldn't have numbered them like the single player games. They did that with the FF Tactics games, they should have done that with the MMOs.

[FloodOne]

I think one of the reasons for doing so (and this is complete conjecture on my part) may have been so that players who didn't care for a certain game wouldn't be turned off by a world that seemed as though it catered to the fanbase of that game. Although it sometimes seems as though FFVII is the most-loved, there are a lot of FF fans that think it's an overrated pile of poo.

Overrated yes. Pile of poo... Sir, I disagree with your sentiment.

[topperharley]

Pile of poo... Sir, I disagree with your sentiment.

I did not say that I thought that. I personally love FFVII.

[Joey-Z]

I don't see the point in griping and groaning..

Yes, FFVII was one of the best.

Yes FFXI had ALOT of problems.

But FFXIV is just an image of japanese fan culture.
While
Americans drool over animes and J-pop, Japanese drool over D&D and the dark ages.

Personaly, I find FFXIV refreshing as I usualy stay away from any kind of midevil looking games.

[HyeJinx1984]

I guess my complaint just comes out of a person wish to see a fully explorable FFVII universe in MMO form. That particular installment of the franchise lends itself to the MMO treatment so well, and like I said is probably the most well known one... it's a no brainer to make THAT the MMO game, but they keep not doing it.

Although, I guess I have to be honest, ever since Sakaguchi left the company's been crap, so based on Dirge of Cerberus and Advent Children, I don't even know if an FFVII MMO would have the same feel/tone/charm of the FFVII game. Maybe it's better left untouched...

[DAMdude]

If you step back and look at every numerical FF game, FF VII sticks out like a sore toe and is least like the others. FF XI and XIV remind me of the very first FF games. Personally I can't wait for XIV.

Don't yell at me but, I love FFVII, I have a Cloud action figure, and it is very much one of my favorite games. But it is easily one of the most OVERLY hyped game out.

Okay, bring the hate.

[ham736]

My idea of a FF MMO is putting all of the worlds throughout the series in one big, gigantic world, and have players do quests and whatnot while traveling between continents.

I agree that FF XI was not that great, tried the trial version, and quit after the first, oh, 15 seconds. I might play FF XIV because the controls will be easier and the graphics will most excellent on my PS3. if they keep the monthly costs at about 10-13 dollars, ill be happy.

On FF VII, ive played through it twice, once recently, that story is pretty good, but its not the greatest in the series' history. FF X takes that spot.

[Joey-Z]

My idea of a FF MMO is putting all of the worlds throughout the series in one big, gigantic world, and have players do quests and whatnot while traveling between continents.

I agree that FF XI was not that great, tried the trial version, and quit after the first, oh, 15 seconds. I might play FF XIV because the controls will be easier and the graphics will most excellent on my PS3. if they keep the monthly costs at about 10-13 dollars, ill be happy.

On FF VII, ive played through it twice, once recently, that story is pretty good, but its not the greatest in the series' history. FF X takes that spot.

You ever notice that FFX is the only game that makes you care about the main character's reletionship instead of laughing at it?

[FloodOne]

You ever notice that FFX is the only game that makes you care about the main character's reletionship instead of laughing at it?

This. FF X has the best story, but FF VI is the greatest of them all.

[metalhead27]

You ever notice that FFX is the only game that makes you care about the main character's reletionship instead of laughing at it?

:confused: Really? X was as cringe worthy as they come for me.

Anyway, VI had the best relationships. :p

[supernova1324]

This. FF X has the best story, but FF VI is the greatest of them all.

I liked the story, but Tidus's whole whiny relationship with his father annoyed me at times, and the whole Tidus/Yuna thing at Macalania was laughable. Otherwise, great story.

While we are on the topic: Is anyone else annoyed that Jecht was chosen as the evil FFX character to be in FF: Dissidia? Seymour would've made much more sense.

[ham736]

Yeah Seymour was more badass than Jecht. He should have been in dissidia instead.

[supernova1324]

I'm just annoyed that Jecht is seen as the bad guy when he really isn't.

[Renrock]

I'm just annoyed that Jecht is seen as the bad guy when he really isn't.

I'll never forget the first time Jecht's music hit. That was the most badass RPG boss music ever.

I don't mind the MMO Final Fantasy games and definitely put in more than my share of time on FF11. My only real gripe so far is them reusing the Galka art, but calling them something different. Almost like they didn't even try to create a whole new world.

As long as it comes out without delay, it should be good. (11 took forever and almost seemed outdated to me by the time it released in the US)

[FloodOne]

Seymour was pretty flat for a villain.Jecht at least evolved as a character. Maybe I'm just ruined by Kefka and his actual success with his mad plan. More games need to incorporate this.

[Flawless]

I want Kefka Online.

That, I'd play.

[Jaden-San]

Personally, my favorite FF title was VIII. Mostly because it was the first one in the series where i COMPLETELY identified with the main character. And VII? Ya know, at this point, I think it's #5 or 6 on my chart... And I think it happened that way because it has been beaten into the ground.

While I would have liked a more "modern" feel to an online FF game, I find medieval setting to be just as enjoyable. Besides, this is Final Fantasy. you know they're going to find SOME way to work some kind of technology into this world.

Edit: Oh, and Flood, actually a LOT of the FF villains DID accomplish their goals, if not very briefly. Like in FFVIII, Ultimecia DID succeed in compressing time.... Squall and his gang just shut her down FAST. :P

[topperharley]

My only real gripe so far is them reusing the Galka art, but calling them something different. Almost like they didn't even try to create a whole new world.

They did that with all the races. Changed them a little, called them something different, but kept them close enough to the original that the millions of FFXI players won't feel too alienated to make the jump from XI to XIV.

I'm just hopeful that there's a little more customization with armor. Give us a few color options, at least. The PS2 limited what they could do with XI, but the PS3 is not so limited.

[Joey-Z]

I liked the story, but Tidus's whole whiny relationship with his father annoyed me at times, and the whole Tidus/Yuna thing at Macalania was laughable. Otherwise, great story.

While we are on the topic: Is anyone else annoyed that Jecht was chosen as the evil FFX character to be in FF: Dissidia? Seymour would've made much more sense.

"HAHAHAHAHA!!! now you try!"
"HA-ha-hA----AHA----ha--HA?!"

Yeah, I'll admit that scene was a bit off.

[FloodOne]

Oh, and Flood, actually a LOT of the FF villains DID accomplish their goals, if not very briefly. Like in FFVIII, Ultimecia DID succeed in compressing time.... Squall and his gang just shut her down FAST. :P

True, but Kefka reigned as a god for over a year before the gag cut him down. And his goal was to destroy the world, which he accomplished.

That is how a REAL supervillain handles business ;)

[Flawless]

Kefka is the best Final Fantasy villain.

[FloodOne]

Kefka is the best Final Fantasy villain.

Kefka is probably the best videogame villain ever. If not the best, then at least top three.

[Flawless]

Signed.

[Runesmith]

Kefka is probably the best videogame villain ever. If not the best, then at least top three.

I think the best videogame villain ever is Kreia, although Kefka comes in at a close second.

I'm looking forward to this game, but not nearly as much as I am looking forward to other MMOs like The Old Republic and Star Trek Online. I'd really like to see Square make an MMO with a sci-fi, steampunk, or cyberpunk theme (along the lines of FF8 or FF6) instead of the tried and true fantasy setting, though.

[Renrock]

They did that with all the races. Changed them a little, called them something different, but kept them close enough to the original that the millions of FFXI players won't feel too alienated to make the jump from XI to XIV.

I'm just hopeful that there's a little more customization with armor. Give us a few color options, at least. The PS2 limited what they could do with XI, but the PS3 is not so limited.

Yeah but humans and elves are pretty standard in an RPG.

And I agree about armor. I hated seeing everyone around the same level in the same outfits.

[Sarge51]

Best video game villian?

Uh, we're going to need a poll to confirm this. Nomination thread, anyone?

[Flawless]

Well we all know in advance it's Kefka.

[DAMdude]

I don't get most FF villains, some of them are just silly. FFIX is a prime example. This game was great, after 7 and 8 they returned to their roots with a classic FF theme world. But the final boss, ????, really.

Anyway, 9 is if not my favorite, it is second to 6.

But Yasumi Matsuno is the best writer of any FF game. His three main titles are great, (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story, and Final Fantasy XII) and I still play all of them to this day. I am also excited because Vagrant Story is out on the Japanese Playstation Store, which means we will get it in another month or two. Although it was never a FF title it was worthy of it, and I'm still waiting for a squeal.

[FloodOne]

Well we all know in advance it's Kefka.

Agreed, but we should make a thread anyway.

[Flawless]

I'm totally down for that awesome series of polls.

I'm too lazy to organize it, though.

[Joey-Z]

I'm totally down for that awesome series of polls.

I'm too lazy to organize it, though.

I have no problem doing it...

I'm voting for sephiroth though..
Cliche but true.

[Jaden-San]

True, but Kefka reigned as a god for over a year before the gag cut him down. And his goal was to destroy the world, which he accomplished.

That is how a REAL supervillain handles business ;)

True! True! LOL.

I suppose that's why I'm NOT looking forward to fighting Kefka in Dissidia... ^_^;

C'mon, Squall, me'boy! We have a crazed Magitek Knight to deal with! XD.... Now if only I can find a PSP...

/joking

But seriously, as far as the original games are concerned, Ultimecia STILL stands out in my mind because she gave me the first official ass-stomping of my video game career.

Beating Sephiroth was NO problem. PERIOD. He kept things tense, but he NEVER gave me the challenge Ultimecia did. Biggest letdown of FFVII in my opinion. But Ultimecia?

4 forms... AND she could blast away both Summon spells AND common spell stocks!?!? And remove your teamates if you didn't revive them fast enough? It took me at least 4 or 5 different tries before I FINALLY managed my resources and attacks right enough to clinch my victory out of her. By then my annoyance with her had mutated into a seething hatred.. I am SO looking forward to stomping HER ass again! XD

DEATH to the Sorceress!!!!
/rant

.......... Yeah so... uhm... *shines his geek badge*