Was I playing Star Wars?

by Jamal Pliska 

While playing Final Fantasy VI (My favorite RPG), I noticed it was the greatest plot of the series. This was confirmed by many other editorials at this site. But if you look close enough, you will see that the plot has a striking resemblance to that of the Star Wars Trilogy.

Lets start with the "Magic." In FF6, "Magic" was a power that had seemed to lose its strength over time as the Empire rose into power. Undoubtly the same could be said about Star Wars. As the Empire rose to power, the Force was like the magic. But the Empire had searched out and destroyed everyone they thought had some power over the Force. Also, Terra seems to be a Luke Skywalker, a young person who is believed to have some power in Magic, but does not know how to control it.

There are many other character similarities in the story. Han Solo is portrayed by Locke, a theif with a blurred past. Celes can easily be compared to Leia. Kefka and Emperor Gesthal are obviously molded after the Emperor and Darth Vader. Kefka and Darth Vader are the right hand for their respective Emperors, and even kill of their superior in the same way (being thrown off a ledge). And don't tell me Umaro doesn't remind you about Chewbacca. Even Setzer resembles Lando, a pilot/gambler who seems to have luck on his side.

Also notice the major themes. The Returners, heralded as rebels with little or no chance of surviving, are up against a more superior Empire. As the plot goes along, you build up more people for the final battle, which is portrayed in Star Wars with their little band to an entire fleet and military by Return of the Jedi. Also, the doomsday weapon in FF6 (I dont remember the name, I havent played the game in a year) is easily comparable to the Death Star. Even the Magitek suits reminded me of those chicken walkers and the soldiers are like stormtroopers.

In essence, I am not downgrading or criticizing the plot of FF6 in anyway (the plot is what makes it better than any other FF), but I am pointing out that the plot is not original in any way, shape, or form.