When is a Final Fantasy not a Final Fantasy?

by MoG

'So... an online Final Fantasy then...' I hold my breath as I broach the subject to my fellow RPGamers.

Some drool at the prospect and even wonder why it hasn’t been attempted sooner. Others cringe at the thought, ‘What about the plot?’ ‘What about the quirky dialogue?’ and ‘How can I possibly take the game at my own pace?’ I’m not here to pass judgement on whether or not Square have made a big mistake - I’ll leave that till I’m online and getting my ass whooped by some seven year old in Canada. Personally, I don’t have the patience, or the connection speed to play online RPGs and I certainly don’t like the idea of no fixed plot or having to pay for a game that I’ve already bought but I’ll admit that I am psyched, having viewed the trailers of FFXI (media section).

The biggest change I think we will see in RPGs in the next few years and are beginning to see now is this very same conflict. A rift will form in RPGs as some strive to get closer to reality (the online RPGs) and the rest create more and more cinematic experiences offline. In my mind, there is no way both can be successfully achieved in a single game.

The problem facing Square at the moment is where is Final Fantasy going to go from here. Is a switch between these inevitable sub-genres each game sustainable, or will it just frustrate fans who have a preference? Could Final Fantasy XI be the biggest flop since the box office blunder that was ‘The Spirits Within’? Square have always had a flare for strong plots and innovative but essentially turn based battle systems and these (along with Chocobos, moogles and old men named Cid) are the hallmarks of Final Fantasy. Then again, have a little faith in Square, FFXI looks fantastic and the FF team has never disappointed (ahem FFVIII, cough) so I’m sure that it will remain a joy to play.

The real question is, what makes a Final Fantasy a Final Fantasy? Is it nothing more than cashing in on a well known name or is it something else? An online FF leaves me more unsure than ever; I have little doubt that Final Fantasy XI will be an essential play, but I do have serious doubts as to whether or not it will be the Final Fantasy we know and love. So, in conclusion I would have to say that Square are very brave to release an entirely online FF but I just don’t see the point of calling it ‘Final Fantasy’ if it bears no resemblance to the style of any of the previous ones. I am concerned that it could spell the end for this incredible and highly influencial series.