#but i still have my original copy of dirge on my original ps2 in the living room so i might do that after dinner

[one-winged-dreams]

Anyway, the residual trauma bullshit hit me hard, I took a nap, and now I really wanna play Crisis Core or Dirge but I also don't have the energy

#i'd have to boot up the emulator to play crisis core #but i still have my original copy of dirge on my original ps2 in the living room so i might do that after dinner #i love vii spinoffs can you tell

[scottymcgeesterwrites]

ScottyMcGeester Plays Every Final Fantasy Game*

*Okay, all the main games except 11 and 14 since they are online only, and also no spinoffs or sequels.

THE INTRODUCTION

Years ago, I had a goal to finish every Final Fantasy game. As of December 30, 2020, I finally reached that goal. I originally started posting these reviews way back in 2017 on VGF(VIdeo Game Forums), and posted one review after another as I completed each game. I had already finished a few before I started reviewing the series, such as Final Fantasy I, II, VI, IX, and X.

Final Fantasy X was my very first Final Fantasy game, way back when it first came out on the PS2. It took me years to finish that game, mostly because I was still a novice at RPGs and I didn’t quite know what I was doing. Still, the world and concepts of Final Fantasy gripped me. As a sci-fi/fantasy writer, they inspired tons of elements in my stories. The series spans a multitude of genre-bending stories – sci-fi, fantasy, some steampunk, modern fantasy, space, traditional fantasy with knights in armor – and a whole lot of crystals. I wrote these reviews as if you have no idea what Final Fantasy is – whether you are a gamer or non-gamer. This first post is a general introduction to the series as a whole, but even if you are a die-hard fan already, there are some things that I explore that I hope you'll find interesting. What is Final Fantasy? Final Fantasy is a roleplay video game series that started back in 1987. The first game was reminiscent of Dungeons and Dragons, where you could choose one of six roles for a team of four: White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage, Thief, Monk and Warrior. Square, now known as Square Enix, developed the game. A legendary rumor about the title “Final Fantasy” comes from the story that they were on the verge of bankruptcy. They only had money for one more game, a fantasy game. They dubbed it “Final Fantasy.” This apocryphal story is nowhere near true. Square had made video games before and they didn’t do well, but the company itself wasn’t on the verge of bankruptcy. What happened was that the developer, Hironobu Sakaguchi, had planned to retire. He didn’t see any foreseeable future in video gaming with Square’s mediocre performance. He wanted to make a fantasy game and dubbed it “Final Fantasy”, since it was to be his personal last work. He also wanted the game to be abbreviated as “FF” – they originally had “Fighting Fantasy” in mind but that name was already trademarked by a board game. Final Fantasy initially sold 400,000 copies in Japan and became and instant hit. Nintendo of America approached Square to release a localized version for the states. Final Fantasy became far from Sakaguchi’s last game. What’s Final Fantasy about? Every main Final Fantasy game has a new story with new characters and even new gameplay. Some games have direct sequels and are recognizable with a subtitle, or an additional number following a dash. For example, there is Final Fantasy VII, and the direct sequel to that Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII. There's a direct sequel to Final Fantasy X titled Final Fantasy X-2. But even though each Final Fantasy game is different, there are still central elements that make them a Final Fantasy game. You can’t just write up a random fantasy story and slap the Final Fantasy name on it. The following elements are what make a Final Fantasy game. Some are obvious while others not so much. Chocobos:

Chocobos were first introduced in Final Fantasy II, but have been present ever since. They are cute, large birds that the characters often ride across fields or sometimes call into battle. They have practically become the mascot of the series. Moogles, Cactuars and Tonberries – oh my!

Moogles (pictured above) are telepathic creatures that help the players, or sometimes they can be a playable character. They debuted in Final Fantasy III.

Cactuars (right) and Tonberries (left) are cute, unassuming enemies that are actually highly dangerous, killing you in one shot if you are not careful or fast enough. The former debuted in Final Fantasy VI while the latter debuted in Final Fantasy V. Summons:

Sometimes they go by different names, like eidolons or espers. Summons are massive, fantastic beasts that you can call upon to aide you in battle to fight the enemy. Summons became a staple ever since Final Fantasy III. In some games, they are merely there to call into battle, while in other games they are central to the story. Airships:

Airships have been present since the first game. They are massive boat-looking airplanes. In the more recent games, airships look almost like spaceships.

Cid:

With the exception of the original Final Fantasy (except in later remakes), every game has a character named Cid. Cid is typically the character who owns an airship.

Items and Magic Spells:

Each game shares virtually all the same items and magic spells. Antidotes. Eye drops. Maiden's kiss. Holy water. Phoenix Down is well-known for reviving knocked-out characters in battle. The spells follow a hierarchy of levels. For example, Cure is the basic spell to heal somebody. The second level spell for healing is Cura. Then Curaga. Then finally Curaja. Most other spells follow the same format. The same high-level spells also frequently appear throughout the games, such as Holy and Flare.

Crystals:

With a few exceptions, crystals appear in nearly every game. They often serve as plot devices, whether they be the force that protects the planet or powerful objects coveted by the enemy. They also oftentimes have a consciousness of their own, communicating with the characters and calling them to their destiny.

Mythological References:

Final Fantasy is riddled with mythological references. Many summons and creatures take the names of mythological creatures or deities, such as Shiva, Bahamut, Leviathan, Behemoth, Odin, and Ifrit. Certain villains share the names of mythological figures or they are derived from certain mythological concepts, such as Gilgamesh and Sephiroth. Many of the games have legendary weapons you can find near the end of the journey. These are typically named after legendary Japanese figures, such as Masamune and Yoichi, or other world mythologies, such as Thor’s hammer Mjolnir. Saving the World:

Final Fantasy isn’t about saving a particular princess, or person for that matter. The ultimate goal is to save the entire world, or even the very fabric of reality. Evil spreads in many ways, such as a sealed darkness trying to break free, empires with ambitious goals, villainous subordinates who pull the strings of politics, or empires destroying the environment. Typically, the main cast consists of characters from all walks of life. They all have to learn to work together and get through their personal struggles to save the world. Existential Crisis (or Startling Revelation):

By the time you reach the third act of a Final Fantasy game, some startling revelation forces the characters to question their very existence. A villain is revealed to be a hero’s family member, a main character realizes they're a clone, another realizes that they cannot live without magic, etc. Typically, the main character questions the nature of their soul, if they die like regular beings and become part of some greater life force, or blink out into oblivion. Whatever the revelation may be – it serves as a final crisis that the characters have to overcome. The Descent into Hell:

Every third act of a Final Fantasy game ends with what I like to call a “descent into hell”. The final dungeon is always some kind of bizarre world. In Final Fantasy II, you literally descend into hell to fight the Emperor. Throughout the series, hell is more metaphorical. The final dungeons can be a massive, sprawling tower or dreadnought, or a strange dimension that appears to have no rhyme or reason. Sometimes I'm reminded of M.C. Escher’s work, “Relativity”, or sometimes it reminds me of some cosmic horror featured in the Cthulhu Mythos. These final dungeons can be inter-dimensional rifts between space and times, pockets in reality, subterranean depths, insane worlds that the villain created, and worlds of darkness. (Final Fantasy IX's Memoria)

(M.C. Escher's “Relativity”)

These stylistic approaches for the final dungeon represent the oncoming battle with the forces of chaos. Fighting God:

After venturing through the surreal and hellish final dungeon, you face the main villain. The main villain always achieves godlike status or the characters actually have to defeat a god in order to save the world from its oppressive reign. Many stories appear to throw in a last minute ultimate god who was pulling the strings of the plot the entire time. The purpose of dealing with gods and goddesses represents the characters’ desire to control their own fate and alter their destiny. Most of these bosses are strange and grotesque, definitely getting a Cthulhu vibe from them. I looked at them and thought, "Christ, what the hell is THAT supposed to be?"

It always feels like THE final fantasy:

Each game, no matter what happens or how it happens, feels like the be-all-end-all of its story – its fictional universe. Direct sequels were unheard of until Final Fantasy X-2, which while fun, was wildly different in tone from the original game, and critics pointed out that it ruined the finality of Final Fantasy X. This is one reason why I think direct sequels to Final Fantasy games fail – what else could the main characters possibly face that is more dangerous than the one they just encountered? Anything else would feel like child’s play to them. NOTABLE PEOPLE Aside from the characters, stories and games themselves, the people behind the series have achieved legendary status. Nobuo Uematsu:

The original composer of Final Fantasy. Uematsu single-handedly scored the first 9 Final Fantasy games. Uematsu surprisingly never had any formal training in music – a trait that would ostracize any composer, such as Danny Elfman. I find that the those who haven't had any formal training usually break the mold with music. Uematsu started working for Square at around 25 for the first Final Fantasy game, starting out with nothing and never suspecting his job would lead him where he is now. His music is unique for incorporating elements of classic and progressive rock, specifically in the battle themes. Uematsu’s themes for each game have achieved instant recognition in the gaming world, as recognizable as the theme to Star Wars or James Bond. Tetsuya Nomura:

Tetsuya Nomura is a video game designer and director who started at Square in 1990. He rose to prominence when he was given full control of designing the characters for Final Fantasy VII – arguably the most popular Final Fantasy game to date because of its characters: Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Vincent Valentine and Sephiroth. Nomura went on to create more legendary characters for Final Fantasy VIII, X and XIII. Yoshitaka Amano:

Amano is the artist whose work is most known now in Final Fantasy. He has done concept art and design for every game in the series. His style is instantly recognizable. He has also drawn for many anime shows, comics and mangas, such as Vampire Hunter D and Sandman: The Dream Hunters.

And last but certainly not least - THE MUSIC Final Fantasy has left its mark in the musical soundtrack of video games. Each game more or less shares three of the same memorable tracks.

The Prelude:

The Victory Fanfare:

The Final Fantasy Main Theme:

THE REVIEWS

Each review I post will critique major aspects of each Final Fantasy game, such as its gameplay, graphics, story, and music. Today is currently January 3, 2020 (technically the 4th when I post this because it’s past midnight), and I will be posting one review per day so as to not lose my sanity editing and formatting everything at once here. So look forward to the very first review tomorrow starting with the very first Final Fantasy game.

#final fantasy #final fantasy v #final fantasy vi #final fantasy vii #final fantasy vii remake #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xvi #tifa loc #cloud strife #sephiroth #nobuo uematsu #video games #sony playstation #playstation 5 #final fantasy x #onvideogames

[ultrace]

Soundtrack Update

Tomorrow will bring another batch of soundtracks going onto eBay, for which I will make a post when they go up. For those of you looking to keep convenient track of these, here is a link to my seller page so you can see all of whatever I have up at any given time. The first batch of CDs still has a little over 4 days to go!

Some of you have asked questions. Questions are good! They show that I’m more interesting than annoying, mostly.

Do these soundtracks contain spinecards (obi)? Most of them do. Some may have been acquired without them or I may have misplaced them in the very early days of my collecting. If this is a deal-breaker, ask about any CD you need to.

Can you combine shipping? You sure can. I’ll be more than happy to send multiple CDs and charge only the total amount of shipping.

Is there a full list of all the soundtracks that will be auctioned? There is now. I have painstakingly written down the names of each of the soundtracks to be auctioned, 238 in total. It was a little less than I thought; some of them took up large space on the shelves and skewed my calculations. For the sake of your dashboard, the full list is under the cut.

These soundtracks have been photographed and tested:

Akumajo Dracula / Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow & Dawn of Sorrow OST

Akumajo Dracula Apocalypse OST

Akumajo Dracula Best  (Otakara printing)

Akumajo Dracula Best 2  (Otakara printing)

Akumajo Dracula Nocturne in the Moonlight (Castlevania: SOTN) OST

Akumajo Dracula X

Akumajo Dracula: Gallery of Labyrinth (Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin) OST

Castlevania Chronicle Akumajo Dracula

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon / Concerto of the Midnight Sun OST

Anamanaguchi: Dawn Metropolis

Atelier Iris Bonus Soundtrack CD

Bangai-O Spirits Sound Collection Plus

Banjo-Kazooie The Soundtrack

Bastion OST (signed by composer Darren Korb), x2

Baten Kaitos OST

Biohazard 2 (Resident Evil 2) Complete Track

Borderlands 2 OST

Borderlands OST

Breath of Fire III OST

Broken Thunder: Thunder Force VI Doujinshi Soundtrack

C64: 64 Reasons to Live

C64: Best of David Whittaker

C64: Best of Fred Gray

C64: Best of Matt Gray

C64: Best of the Maniacs of Noise

C64: Best of Tim Follin

C64: Creatures the Soundtracks

C64: Thalamusic

C64: Way of the Exploding SID

Capcom Trilogy Box - Capcom Game Music Vols. 1, 2, 3

Chrono Trigger OST

Dance Dance Resolution Ultramix 2 Limited Music Sampler

Dance Dance Revolution Extreme Limited Music Sampler

Dead Rising OST

Devil Crash / Alien Crush

Devil May Cry Limited Soundtrack Box - OSTs for Devil May Cry 1, 2, 3

Diablo 15th Year Anniversary

Disgaea Custom Soundtrack

DK Jamz: Donkey Kong Country OST

Dodonpachi & Dodonpachi II OST

Donkey Kong Country 3 Dixie Kong's Double Trouble OST

Dragon Force Complete Album

Ecco: Songs of Time

Einhander OST

Electronic Arts Music Sampler, "Signature Sounds"

ESPGaluda OST

All Sounds of Final Fantasy I & II

Final Fantasy III OST

Final Fantasy IV OST   (gone missing)

Final Fantasy V OST

Final Fantasy VI OST

Final Fantasy VII OST

Final Fantasy VII Dirge of Cerberus OST Limited Edition

Final Fantasy VIII OST Limited Edition Limited Edition

Final Fantasy IX OST Limited Edition

Final Fantasy X OST

Final Fantasy X-2 OST Limited Edition  (Rikku Keychain

Final Fantasy XI OST Limited Edition

Final Fantasy XII OST Limited Edition

Final Fantasy XIII OST Limited Edition

Final Fantasy Tactics OST

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles OST

Front Mission 3 OST

G.S.M. Capcom 3: Final Fight (Missing booklet and obi)

G.S.M. Captom 4: Street Fighter II (Missing obi)

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Full set of 20 CDs

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Vol. 1: Super Mario Bros.

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Vol. 11: Nazo no Murasame Jiyo

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Vol. 3: Donkey Kong Jr.

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Vol. 7: Light Gun Games

Game Sound Museum ~Famicom Edition~ - Nintendo Dream Special Disc: Super Mario Bros. 3

Gears of War OST

Ghost in the Shell Megatech Body Cd. (European Printing)

Golden Axe: The Music

Gradius Arcade Soundtrack

Gradius III

Gradius V Soundtracks

Grand Theft Auto Vice City Official Soundtrack Box Set

Grandia II ~Deus~

Grandia II ~Povo~

Guiity Gear X Heavy Rock Tracks

Guilty Gear Original Sound Collection

Konami Music Masterpiece Collection (Complete 15-CD set)

Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Soundtrack (Black/Gray Cover)

Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Soundtrack (Gold Cover)

Makaimura (Ghosts n' Goblins) Ongakutaizen Box Set

Metal Gear Solid 4 OST

Suite Dragon Quest II

That's Atari Games Limited Edition Box - Vols. 1 & 2 in special case

The Last Blade OST

The Music of Command & Conquer

The Music of Command & Conquer: Red Alert

X-Men: Children of the Atom OST

Ys: The Oath in Felghana (Wanderers from Ys) Premium Music Box

Yuzo Koshiro Best Collection Vol. 1

Yuzo Koshiro Best Collection Vol. 2

Z.O.E. Zone of the Enders OST

Zwei!! OST

These soundtracks have not been photographed and tested. If for any reason the discs have failed, they will not be auctioned.

C64: Last Ninja 2 Music Collection   (disc failure, discarded)

C64: Last Ninja 3 Music Collection   (disc failure, discarded)

C64: Last Ninja Music Collection   (disc failure, discarded)

Capcom Music Generation Limited Edition ~Legendary Wings~

Capcom Music Generation: Rockman 1-6 (1st printing with cardboard sleeve)

Capcom Music Generation: Rockman X1-6 (1st printing with special box)

Fatal Fury / Last Resort OST

Genso Suikoden OST

Gokumakaimura (Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins) OST

Gunstar Heroes Sound Collection

Halo 2 OST Vol. 1

Halo 2 OST Vol. 2

Halo 3 ODST OST

Halo 3 OST

Hudson's CD Game Music Collection '93

Hundred Swords OST

Justice High School (Rival Schools United By Fate) OST

Katamari Damacy OST

Killer Cuts Killer Instinct (cardboard sleeve has been sliced in half and put in jewel case)

Konami Game Music Vol. 1

Legend of Mana Music Selection

Legend of Mana OST

Lost Technology: Thunder Force V OST

Lumines Remixes

Mario Kart 64 Greatest Hits Soundtrack

Mars Matrix / Giga Wing

Marvel vs. Capcom OST

Mass Effect OST

Maximo OST

Metal Gear / Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake Music Collection (from the MGS Premium Pack)

Metal Gear >> Solid Snake Music Compilation Red Disc

Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty OST

Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater OST

Metal Gear Solid Music CD (1 open, 1 sealed)

Metal Slug 3 OST

Metroid Metal: Varia Suite (signed by the band)

Mortal Kombat II: Music from the Arcade Game Soundtrack (also Mortal Kombat)

Music From Ys II

Music From Ys III: Wanderers from Ys

Musik: Mortal Kombat 3 & 4 Arcade Soundtrack

N3 Ninety-Nine Nights OST

Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 18 Air Combat 22

NiGHTS into Dreams Perfect Album

Ninja Blade OST

Ninja Gaiden (XBox) Original Sound Trax

Panzer Dragoon Azel RPG Memorial Album

Parasite Eve OST

Phantasy Star 1st Series Complete Album

Planet Harriers OST

Pocket Fighter OST

Pretty Soldier Sailormoon Another Story Music Collection

Quest For Glory V: Dragon Fire OST

Radiant Silvergun Soundtrack+

Ridge Racer V OST

Rockman 2 The Power Fighters

Rockman Dash OST

R-Type Delta OST

R-Type Final OST

Salamander ~Again~ (Otakara printing)

Salamander 2 OST

Salamander Remixes

Samurai Spirits

Samurai Spirits (Scitron 1500 series)

Samurai Spirits the Best 10th Anniversary Special

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game OST (Arcade Block exclusive)

Sega Ages Soundtrack The Best Plus

Sega Game Music Vol. 1

Sega Game Music Vol. 2

Sega Game Music Vol. 3

Sega Power Cuts 1 (cardboard sleeve version, has been sliced in half and put in a jewel case)

Sega Power Cuts 1 (Jewel Case promotional copy)

Sega Virtual Sonic 5-CD Set with Box Case

Seiken Densetsu 2 (Secret of Mana) Original Sound Version

Seiken Densetsu 3 OST

Sengoku Musou (Samurai Warriors) OST

Shadow Hearts OST

Shin Contra (Contra: Shattered Soldier) OST

Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne OST

Shin Samurai Spirits

Shin Sangokumusou 3 (Dynasty Warriors 4) OST

Shin Sangokumusou 4 (Dynasty Warriors 3) OST

Shin Sangokumusou 4 (Dynasty Warriors 5) OST

Shin Sangokumusou Kyuukyoku Onban

Shinobi (PS2 version) OST

Silent Hill 3 Official Soundtrack

Silhouette Mirage OST

Snatcher Zoom Tracks

SNK Game Music

Soul Calibur OST

Sounds of Onimusha

Star Ocean Till the End of Time Sound Complete Box (Empty box only! Someone gave it to me.)

Star Ocean: The Second Story OST

Starfox 64: Original Cuts (cardboard sleeve has been sliced in half and put in a jewel case)

Storm of Progear OST

Street Fighter EX2 Arrange Album

Street Fighter Zero / Street Fighter Alpha OST

Street Fighter Zero 3 / Street Fighter Alpha 3 OST

Strider Hiryu 2 OST

Suite Wizardry II Legacy of LLylgamyn

Super Mario 64 Original Soundtracks

Super Mario 64/Waverace 64: Original Cuts from the Hottest N64 Games

Super Metroid Sound in Action

Tales of Eternia OST

Tales of Symphonia OST

Technosoft Game Music Collection Vol. 10: Technology - Thunder Force V

Technosoft Game Music Collection Vol. 2: Excursion - Herzog Zwei

Technosoft Game Music Collection Vol. 9: Voyage - Neorude

Tekken 3 Arcade Soundtrack 001 ex

Tempest 2000 The Soundtrack

Tenchu OST

The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim OST

The King of Fighters '95

The Minibosses: Brass

The Music of Suikoden Konami Sampler Disc

The Protomen

The Protomen Present: A Night of Queen (signed)

Threads of Fate Music Selection

Tobal 2 OST

Treasure Quest the Soundtrack

Turrican OST

Vagrant Story OST

Valkyrie Profile OST

Valkyrie Profile Arrange Album

Valkyrie Profile Covenant of the Plume OST

Valkyrie Profile Silmeria OST Vol. 1 Alicia Side (with limited edition "Sound Complete Box")

Valkyrie Profile Silmeria OST Vol. 2 Silmeria Side

Vampire: The New Warriors OST

Vandal Hearts OST

Very Best of Ys

Video Game Orchestra (signed by some members)

Video Games Live Volume One

Viewtiful Joe & Viewtiful Joe 2 OST

Virtua Cop Soundtracks

Virtua Fighter 4 OST

World Heroes 2 Jet OST

World Heroes Perfect OST

World of Tanks OST

Xenosaga OST

Xexex OST

Ys V OST

Yu Suzuki: Hang-On/Space Harrier

The following soundtracks are bootlegs (usually SonMay) and therefore of little actual value. They will probably be auctioned as a single lot:

Grandia OST

Dance Maniax OST

Dance Maniax 2nd Mix OST

Arc the Lad OST

Arc the Lad III OST

G-Darius OST

Chaos Legion OST

Breath of Fire II OST

Music From Ys

Virtua Fighter Maximum Mania

Pretty Soldier Sailormoon S Game Music

SaGa Frontier OST

Rock Man (unidentified CD, GAME-089)

Rockman X Alph-Lyra Arranged

Panzer Dragoon OST

The King of Fighters 96

[extraquarterblog]

The Entire Saga That Led To Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy 7 - The PlayStation Masterpiece 

Over the past few years, I've written a lot about video games, covering the latest releases, retro themes and every now & then I tackle a rumor. But if there's one thing I thought I would never write about, it would be Final Fantasy VII Remake. That was legit, no rumor break down, no trail to find the original source, ect. No, today - which I can hardly believe, I'm going to talk about a title that's been nothing more than a pipe dream for over 10 years now.

At the previous 2015 E3 showing,  on June 15th, Sony unveiled a trailer that no one could hardly believe. After over a decade of various rumors, misleading tech demos and he said she said fiasco's, Final Fantasy VII Remake is real and it's happening. While like so many others, I was jumping out of my chair, then quickly went to YouTube to see everyone else reaction. My oh my were they golden. Parents cursing in front of children, grown men crying, people jumping back out of their chairs, even a few started break dancing. 

Though, there was one thing I couldn't help but notice, you could read in the comments or even overhear on the various voice chats, other people asking "What is this about? What's Final Fantasy VII?, Can someone explain to me why people are going crazy?". Now for me, being an avid gamer, it all seemed clear as day, but for so many Gamers, old or new, the whole crazy for FF7 remake probably does appear foreign to them. 

Honestly, I don't blame anyone for not understanding, since Square-Enix literally has so many Final Fantasy titles that they could remake into a full blown Next-Gen game, it does make some ask, why Final Fantasy VII? Hell, it also released almost 20 years ago. Not surprised many were asking questions. 

Well, you came to the right place, I'm going to break it all down, without ever diving too deep in the rabbit hole that I lose you. I'll lay it all out, nice and plainly why Final Fantasy VII Remake is a Unicorn that turned out to be real, and has been teased for a very long time.

So what's so special about FF7?

Excellent question. Final Fantasy 7 is one of those few titles that captures a platform theme perfectly. Back in 1997 Final Fantasy 7 made its original debut on the PlayStation 1. Why is this significant to know? Simple - this was the first major FF title to ever release on a system outside Nintendo. This was pretty big news for Square-Soft at the time, made the decision to step away from Nintendo 64 platform and venture to the PlayStation, however it wasn't all by choice. Final Fantasy VII was considered a highly advance title that wouldn't be possible to run on the N64. The PlayStation 1 was the only system with the chops that would be able to run it.

Also, FF7 was hella expensive to develop. Sources claiming the title cost around $45 Million dollars to develop, which was pretty much unheard of back then. Even by today's standards $45 million is a lot of cash for a title. Final Fantasy 7 also had a lot of first for the Final Fantasy franchise, such as CGI cut-scenes, multiple disk, and characters making apperences in other titles besides the famous Cid.

Basically, Square-Soft released an incredibly expensive title, on a new system, using 3D graphics, that would pretty much make or break the company. And as we all know, Final Fantasy VII was a masterpiece, it sold bajjilions of copies, and really started to build a strong image with the PlayStation brand, that had FFVIII and FFIX follow after its release. 

So why did everyone want a remake?

Ohhh, great, Great question there. While FF7 is considered a phenomenal title, people would argue titles like FF4 or FF6 would be a better title to go with, even FFIX has a strong following. So why is there such a large group of people riding on constant hopes and prayers for a FF7 remake?  To sum up a loooong story, Square-Enix has kind of been teasing the idea about it for a very long time.

Of course, besides the fact that FF7 is such a moving and enjoyable game, Square-Enix has had a long history of branching off the FF7 franchise and constantly giving a possible hint, a FF7 title could happen. 

The first time my ears ever heard of a new possible FFVII title was in the works goes way back to 2003. The first tidbit that ever appeared was from a game magazine, when people used to read them, featured in the rumor section, was a small snip-it in the article mentioning there's a possibility of seeing a lot more of FF7 in the coming months. Everyone had their own take what Square could be up to, but best I could remember, that was where the first mention to my knowledge of a remake of FF7 could be possible. 

Now you have to remember, back then, there was no YouTube, IGN wasn't the behemoth it is today, and there wasn't Game expos going off every month. The best way you found any news or wanting to look up details on a rumor was from Neogaf or Gamefaqs. That was it. Also Square-Enix still had several odd practices when it came to releasing information, such as their famous closed door theaters when showing off footage. So unless you were literally in Japan, months could go by before you learn about anything state side.

Later that year the world would learn that Square-Enix was kicking off a new project dubbed the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII were three new Final Fantasy VII projects in the works. One was a new film, titled Advent Children, which not much was known besides the fact it would take place in the FF7 universe and showed a few shots, like Barrett flexing his arm, showing off his cannon. Most people speculated that this was Square-Enix attempt to redeem itself from the financial failure that was Final Fantasy: Spirit from Within. 

The other title that everyone could wait to learn more was titled Before Crises. Very small details were given, and I'm talking small. I still have the first magazine that had coverage for it and all they had was a few sentences to cover it. Before Crises would be a prequel to FF7 that followed Turks and co, leading events up to that start of Final Fantasy VII. Now typically, any Square fan would be jumping for joy, however, there were a few catches that made most FF fans disappointed. Before Crises is a Cell Phone game only, and exclusive to Japan. So yeah, like having the door shut right in-front of you. 

The final title would be Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, another title that took place before the events of Final Fantasy VII. Unlike Before Crises, Crisis Core took place closer in the time line, right before the starting events in FF7. Many fans considered this to be for the most part, Canon to the story, as you played a major character, Zack, one of Cloud's first companions. Though sadly would be released for the PSP and with a release date many Many years out. 

However, this was kind of the spark that started to light the ever burning rumors of a FF7 remake. Which only continued to get more fuel when early in 2005 more rumors were abound as a fresh leaks claiming a new Final Fantasy 7 title was in the works and for the PS2. 

With this new tidbit of info, almost made certain a new FF7 remake was going to be released for the PS2. Hype and attention steadily grew and who could blame anyone for hoping, Trailers for Advent Children started to appear, which looked gorgeous, making the FFVII universe getting hotter. This had to be it.

Sadly, it wasn't. Instead around mid 2005 we learned the new title would be Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII. 

The next title, Dirge of Cerberus was star Vincent, a popular character from FF7, who was having his own title that took place several years after the events of FF7. Gamers once more were disappointed, as this was not the Final Fantasy VII title they were hoping for.

While Dirge of Cerberus had a few popular Dev names attached to the project, sadly the studio deviated from the original play style that Final Fantasy games are known for, the combat was heavily criticized and the story was considered weak when in comparison to the rest of the FF7 saga. So in the end, it wasn't the best selling piece of the FF7 world. 

Though Square-Enix wasnt done with the Final Fantasy VII teases.

E3, 2005 when Sony was having its grand PS3 showing, debuting its muscle and lineup of titles. Square-Enix took the time to display a little tech demo they prepared to show the capabilities of the PS3 hardware. Square-Enix would then dump the biggest barrel of the most flammable substance on earth a top of the Final Fantasy 7 rumors. SE shows off the entire opening of Final Fantasy VII, remade on the PS3. 

Fans, of course, were doing back-flips. Despite both Sony and SE stating it was nothing more than a tech demo and Square-Enix had several other Final Fantasy titles in the works such as, Final Fantasy XIII and XIII Versus. To no surprise, fans couldn't but help themselves, and a swarm of post declaring that a FF7 remake must surely be in development to follow afterwards.

" If Final Fantasy VII rumors were popping up, E3 most be coming."

The gears of time would slowly pass, as the years moved by, time and time again, rumors would appear and die out. It almost became a tradition, like a farmer checking the leaves of a tree. If he spotted leaves turning red, Fall most be coming. If Final Fantasy VII rumors were popping up, E3 most be coming. Almost every E3 for decades always had multiple rumors of FF7 in development, and time and time again, fans would take the bait only to be disappointed. 

Now when your big as Square-Enix, you're going to have a lot of interviews and over the years questions about Final Fantasy VII remake being an option have been generally shot down. While Square-Enix has always been humble about how fans would love a FFVII, it hasn't stopped them from being outright honest. One of the most famous quotes about Final Fantasy VII came in 2010 from Yoshinori Kitase, a game producer at SE, when asked about FFVII remake, he replied:

"would take as much as three or four times longer than the three and a half years it has taken to put this Final Fantasy together! So it's looking pretty unrealistic to happen!"  -- Yoshinori Kitase

So with that in-mind, it seemed pretty unlikely that Cloud and the crew would ever see the light of day again. However, the following years for Square-Enix have not been kind. 

It's no secret to anyone, Square-Enix has had a bumpy relationship with its fans, The Final Fantasy XIII saga never really lived up to expectations and Final Fantasy XIV first released was the worst reviewed Final Fantasy game in Square history. Square promised to begin changing its course and building a better relationship with its fans, thus Square-Enix announced building a team that would overlook the quality of their games, ensuring their titles would live up to the standards the company was known for. Both the Press and loyal FF7 fans, once again speculated, could this be the straw that would break the camels back, with SE desperate to win back fans, what better then Final Fantasy VII Remake?

Fast forwarding to 2014, Sony is holding its first PlayStation event in December, that would be streamed live, to show off a suite of titles and features for the PlayStation 4. What better time to have an event to hype up a product during the holidays. As developers announced they would or would not be at the PlayStation Event, Square-Enix listed to be there, and had very special surprise. Of course, like the sun rising, rumors of FFVII would be there, but this time, its for realz.

And the rumors didn't lie, Shinji Hashimoto, a leading game producer from Square-Enix took to the stage to give a very special announcement. The PC version of Final Fantasy VII was coming to the PS4. The crowd and live streamers reactions were priceless, words can't describe that moment where you think, this could be possible, could FFVII be really happening aaaaand then you get this. 

It was like pouring salt into the wound. 

At this point, Final Fantasy VII rumors have been done to death, a pipe dream that fans felt would never come to fruition. For the first time in almost a decade, after the PlayStation Event, fans finally started to throw in the towel in believeth of a remake to ever happen. 

Though, it would seem that not all hope was lost yet, as I said, if FF7 rumors were popping up, it must mean E3 was coming, and right on the money, it was. E3 2015, one of the most mind blowing events in Gaming history kicked off some major bombshells. And one of those mind busters, was when Adam Boyes on stage with green magic streaks of light glowing behind him, he began saying:

"Now many years ago, Square-Enix released a ground breaking title that went on to become one of the most beloved games in PlayStation and video game history. Tonight i'm proud to announce by popular demand, we have a very special treat for everyone"  -- Adam Boyes

So how long as FFVII been in development?

The next big question after FFVII Remake made its grand appearance, was just how long Square-Enix has been involved with the project? While there hasn't been any hard facts to put a date on your calendar when Square-Enix started working on FF7: Remake. There has been a few clues painting a picture when staff could of begun working on the impossible project Square refused to do for so long.

Clue one, when Tetsuya Nomura was no longer directing Final Fantasy XV. Big news broke out last year when Nomura was announced to leave the directing position in mid-September. Square-Enix was quoted saying "This move allows Tetsuya Nomura to focus his full efforts as the director of other highly anticipated titles, including Kingdom Hearts III" 

We now know that secretly Nomura was being moved into the Directing position for Final Fantasy VII. Now I doubt Nomura just stood up from his chair and Hajime Tabata, the new director for FFXV just came in and sat down. With all major gaming projects and one long as FFXV been in development, I'm sure there was a period that Hajime and Nomura were being slowly moved into their new roles. So If I had to take a bet, I would put money that Nomura started working on Final Fantasy 7 back in August or even early as July.

But there's another clue, that came from Tetsuya Nomura himself, during an interview, Nomura mentioned that he didn't even know he was going to be the director of Final Fantasy 7 until he was brought into a presentation, and found his name attached to the project as its director. 

"So I called up Mr. Kitase and said, 'It says that I’m the director for some reason.' To which he replied, 'Of course it does"  -- Tetsuya Nomura

Now, despite my best attempts, I can't find a date for when this event happened to Nomura, but it's clear that the Final Fantasy VII Remake project kicked off before they even had the director aware. So we know he left full time for FF7 back in September and that the project began before he knew, giving us at best, a ball park guess. 

Taking a jab in the dark, I speculate that when the FF7 Remake project got the green light was around the first quarter in 2014. Getting funds, time, staff, shuffling around schedules, and resources takes time, more than you would think. So by the time it was all aligned for full development, would be around when Nomura is at the helm directing. 

What comes next?

Naturally the next question on everyone's mind is the agenda Square-Enix has in stored for Final Fantasy VII Remake. Of course, no release date was given, but that hasn't stopped the speculation. Recently eagle eye viewers caught on a PlayStation 4 ad flyer had FFVII Remake listed for "2016 TBA". While I would love to believe Final Fantasy VII Remake releasing next year, my gut tells me that's unlikely. 

I could list off a few good key reasons, but I'm going to cut straight to my strongest card, Final Fantasy VII 20th anniversary is 2017. What better time to release one of the most wanted remakes in history. Also, when has Square-Enix ever been good about release dates? Final Fantasy XII and Kingdom Hearts II quickly spring to mind, hell we are still waiting for Versus aka Final Fantasy 15. So to expect Final Fantasy VII Remake next year is a bit premature to hope for. Though, I would love to be wrong!

The next big mountain to climb for Square-Enix is how it chooses to unveil key details on FFVII Remake and the choices they made to make it modernized. Square-Enix knows they have to be very delicate with this, FF7 is considered biblical, holy material here. There's millions of fans deeply attached to this title. So i have no doubt SE will be testing each piece and teasing fans to see what reaction they get. 

Which, to no surprise as I was writing this piece up, Tetsuya Nomura already came out explaining to Official PlayStation Magazine that there will be some dramatic changes made, mostly to be expect for the game-play. Honestly, this came to no surprise for me. I seriously doubted a new title coming years out, would have a traditional turn base system or as your character running across the map and then randomly zoning to a battle stage, Pokemon style.

While die-hards long for such style of play, Nomura has been sort of famous for his battle system in Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy Versus/15.  A free roaming action style game. I don't expect FF7 Remake to be Devil May Cry meets Kingdom hearts, But I wouldn't be surprised to see FF7 remake borrowing elements of Final Fantasy XII battle system, where you were able to freely move, switch between characters and approach enemies in your sight. Add a dash of Kingdom hearts and it would work, but that's simply speculation on my part. 

Good news is, Tetsuya Nomura seems quite aware of how attached fans are to Final Fantasy VII lore stating "There are certain plot points we don't want to interfere with or disturb, nor will we want to change elements that fans have very big attachments to" So looks like FF7 Remake will stay truthful to the original. So those most faithful to the house of Midgar can breath a sigh of relief.

Now the hardest part begins, the waiting.

#Square-Enix #Final Fantasy #Final Fantasy VII #PS4 #Sony