Why Final Fantasy Should Not End

by Jesse Sweetland 

Why will I buy Final Fantasy VIII? Or better still, why will I have it put on reserve pre-paid a week in advance? The obvious answer would be because I know and trust the Final Fantasy name as a symbol of quality. But what are the real reasons?

The other motivating factor, of course, is the advertising and propaganda. Although I am certain that there is a next installment in the saga in the works before the current one hits the shelves, there is always the hints, press clips, and aggressive coverage of the game as it develops.

Yet I still hit wide of the mark. Nike shoes have a name brand and more propaganda and advertising than you could shake a stick at. I will not ever find myself waiting in line for the next generation of Air Jordans, though. Why is this?

A more appropriate analogy comes to mind. I read books regularly, most of which come from a series. I buy the next book in the series because I am both satisfied with the last and I am curious as to the fate of the characters in the next. When I finish the series I always feel a colossal sense of loss. I attribute this to the realization that I will have to find another series, one that I have no pre-existing faith in, and become familiar with a different set of characters, plot, and details.

The Final Fantasy series is a perfect example of this. The main characters are always different, but their motivation and goals are the same: To prevent the total annihilation of the world. The subplots add flavor to the game while the supporting cast, consistent throughout, leaves me feeling at home in every game.

But is Final Fantasy becoming as stagnant as the evil air in the Gi Cave? Not yet, but there is room for improvement. As long as Square continues to put emphasis on story, gameplay, and main character development, I will continue to love their productions.

Perhaps, like every good series, Final Fantasy must end with a high note, leaving its audience to discuss Final Fantasy with reverence for years to come, while waiting in anticipation for Square's next fantastic release.