Let's Talk Final Fantasy

This Cracked article about how Final Fantasy is losing all of its fans sparked a discussion on Facebook. This discussion got me researching, and since I already did the research I figure I should probably write a blog about it.

In short: I think the problems with modern Final Fantasy games has to do with the people involved.

Final Fantasy 7: Leaving Midgar and Sephiroth, Professional MacGuffin

When you finally leave Midgar, you finally reach the world map. Up to now, the story has been focused on Shinra and their use of Mako. The story has been subtly hinting at something else going on via Cloud's visions, headaches, and, of course, the murder of President Shinra, but the main villain still seems to be the mega-conglomerate. In fact, it even seems like you owe Sephiroth for your escape.

The story at Kalm shifts the game's focus entirely, adjusting not only the goal of the game but the feel of it as well.

Final Fantasy 7: Midgar, Noir, and Eco-Terrorism

Recently I started playing Final Fantasy 7 (PC version) to gather some reference images. After playing for a while, though, I remembered that I've never actually finished the game properly. I beat it many years ago... using a Gameshark, because I was in my cheating phase at the time.

I'd like to actually beat the game on my own, so I decided to keep going. Not only do I want to prove mastery over the mechanics and beat the WEAPONs, I also want to relive the story again to see how it holds up upon repeated viewings.

So, if the game is going to be taking up my time for a few weeks, I figure I should take notes as I go and blog my observations.