Reponse to Essence of Villainry

by Chrono Fantasy V

After reading through that barrage of hatred from a man named Wisdom, I was left feeling a bit bitter with a nasty after-taste. I have a few things to say in response and give the proper respect to one of the greatest villains of all time, Sephiroth.

I read the obsession of the "badass" and the anger at video game companies for producing the same bland rip-off. You know what I am talking about people, the long trenchcoat, white hair and brandishing about a sword. Lloyd from Legend of Dragoon, Seifer (he had blonde hair) from Final Fantasy VIII, getting the picture yet? Great, that's wonderful.

Sephiroth is the focus of this editorial, for he is the one I see worth sticking up for. The author listed several reasons that are hackneyed in the area of the villain. I can understand his boredom, it seems that between a villain hellbent on taking over the world and entering into tournaments where you have to lose the last match, it's a close draw for the most trite of RPG elements. Now, I am in no way excusing the lack of creativity, I'm just trying to come to a conclusion as to what the author is expecting. He said "badass who's in it for: a.) women, b.) revenge, c.) money/power/respect, or d.) killing God or some other sacriligeous theme. (Because sacrilege is mature, and darn it, we're a mature bunch of gamers, right?)" Well, it may be the fact that I haven't had any coffee yet, but I can't of too many other reasons a villain would do evil things. Unless of course you're going to just fight the devil, who's evil, just because it is so damn fun.

The next paragraph was just a verbal assault on my hero. Sephiroth went insane and such and such. I really saw this as a rather pointless remark. What does insane mean? Not sane, duh! Now, what does sane mean, ahh yes, philosophy kicking in at 12:15. Well, in the root of it, sanity is being normal and keeping composure. Evil is not normal, giving into one's urges is normal, but insane? Kind of contradicting isn't it? I admire Sephiroth because what he does, he does with such sangfroid, it just feels good to read. (Yes, I am legally sane, no more smart ass remarks from the peanut gallery). No, Sephiroth wasn't trying to change anything, that's why he was going to destroy everything. He was going to emerge as "God" after absorbing the lifestreams of all beings. That is why he killed off his cult, he wanted the lifestreams to become God.

Ghaleon...Ghaleon was a great villain in his own right, what you wrote about Ghaleon I agree with 100%, which makes it hard for me to understand why you have such a massive hatred for Sephiroth. If all RPGs were like Lunar: SSS, it would have the Disney Effect. Sooner or later you'll tire of watching the good guy beat bad guy story with cutesy music and magical powers. Sephiroth (and Final Fantasy VII) changed that image and made for us a new-age good guy vs. bad guy.

Therefore, I believe I stated enough reasons, given enough proof, and analyzed the situation fully, to give you some justification to the idolization of Sephiroth as a villain. I am in no way saying he's my god personally (remember, I am legally sane), I just feel that berating Sephiroth like that was uncalled for. Heroes on the other, now that's a horse of a different color.

-Chrono Fantasy V

Original Editorial: The essence of Villainry