It's been a while since I posted, huh? Well, I'm back!
Every Final Fantasy game has its merits and flaws. Of course, what counts as what is significantly argued among fans, so this is nothing more than my personal opinion. My intention is to cherry-pick what I consider to be the best game for each of a number of aspects, which if blended would create the ideal Final Fantasy game for me. Except of course, something would go wrong, and ruin it. Murphy's Law :P
World
With the departure of overworld maps from FFX onwards, linearity seemed the inevitable consequence. Indeed, X is quite linear, and the main bulk of XIII is absoluely notorious for it. Conversely, however, XII has an expansive world, with impressive and quite realistic interconnection between the regions. So, then, this would be the world style that I would choose.
With the departure of overworld maps from FFX onwards, linearity seemed the inevitable consequence. Indeed, X is quite linear, and the main bulk of XIII is absoluely notorious for it. Conversely, however, XII has an expansive world, with impressive and quite realistic interconnection between the regions. So, then, this would be the world style that I would choose.
Exploration
Jumping and other field mobility, as seen in X-2 and XIII, is a must.
Jumping and other field mobility, as seen in X-2 and XIII, is a must.
Encounters
Random encounters are so last Windsday. While they do have a place every here and there, sprinkled throughout the game, I would wihout hesitation select something akin to XIII, but with the seamlessness of XII's battle entry.
Random encounters are so last Windsday. While they do have a place every here and there, sprinkled throughout the game, I would wihout hesitation select something akin to XIII, but with the seamlessness of XII's battle entry.
Core battle system
Final Fantasy XIII's ATB system. End of story.
Final Fantasy XIII's ATB system. End of story.
Growth system
I love the Sphere Grid and Crystarium in X and XIII respectively, but I also have a nostalgic desire to see the classic experience levels somewhere. If the two styles could be fused, that would sound pretty good to me. If it's not really viable to do so, however, I'd sacrifice the experience half.
I love the Sphere Grid and Crystarium in X and XIII respectively, but I also have a nostalgic desire to see the classic experience levels somewhere. If the two styles could be fused, that would sound pretty good to me. If it's not really viable to do so, however, I'd sacrifice the experience half.
Limit system
My favourite Limit system is Overdrives, from X. However, look to the Aeons to see a slight change I'd make: allow the player to sacrifice the efficiency of the overdrive modes in exchange for activating more than one at once. If set up properly, it would introduce a serious strategic element to filling the gauge, but without penalising those who choose to keep to one mode.
My favourite Limit system is Overdrives, from X. However, look to the Aeons to see a slight change I'd make: allow the player to sacrifice the efficiency of the overdrive modes in exchange for activating more than one at once. If set up properly, it would introduce a serious strategic element to filling the gauge, but without penalising those who choose to keep to one mode.
Summon system
Aeons, but with a sprinkling of XIII's Eidolons. I'm not sure whether I'd prefer dedicated summoners like in IX and X; nor am I certain whether I prefer the summons to be unique to the characters like in XIII. Perhaps use a trace of VIII's junction system...
Aeons, but with a sprinkling of XIII's Eidolons. I'm not sure whether I'd prefer dedicated summoners like in IX and X; nor am I certain whether I prefer the summons to be unique to the characters like in XIII. Perhaps use a trace of VIII's junction system...
Job system
Something akin to the paradigms of XIII would be nice... somewhere between fixed jobs and full job system variability.
Something akin to the paradigms of XIII would be nice... somewhere between fixed jobs and full job system variability.
Characters
For a protagonist, I like a slight badass streak (Lightning, XIII). Playful is good (Zidane and Tidus, IX and X), but you need a bit of serious (Squall, VIII). Cloud (VII) is, for the most part, a decent blend of serious with rare moments of upbeat, but I actually like him most in Crisis Core, as mentioned in my review. Zack (CCVII) is one of my favourite protagonists overall, so perhaps something a little like him.
For a protagonist, I like a slight badass streak (Lightning, XIII). Playful is good (Zidane and Tidus, IX and X), but you need a bit of serious (Squall, VIII). Cloud (VII) is, for the most part, a decent blend of serious with rare moments of upbeat, but I actually like him most in Crisis Core, as mentioned in my review. Zack (CCVII) is one of my favourite protagonists overall, so perhaps something a little like him.
For an antagonist, it would have to be a blend of the awesome of Sephiroth (VII), the attitude of Kefka (VI), the general character of Kuja (IX) and the maniputive evil of Barthandelus (XIII). I'd also add traces of Genesis (CCVII), Seymour (X), Vayne (XII), Feolthanos (XIIRW) and Illua (TA2).
Plot
XIII has one of the better storylines, for the most part. It's just a pity it gets in the way of the game, leading to the linearity. Other good storylines, IMO, include VI, VII, IX and X. VIII had potential, but fell flat on contrivances, while X-2's story is a trainwreck that stains the name of X.
XIII has one of the better storylines, for the most part. It's just a pity it gets in the way of the game, leading to the linearity. Other good storylines, IMO, include VI, VII, IX and X. VIII had potential, but fell flat on contrivances, while X-2's story is a trainwreck that stains the name of X.
Dungeons
VI has some of the best dungeons, especially one or two puzzle-filled ones. IX has a fair bit of that too. When it comes to final dungeons, Kefka's Tower (VI) is exceptional, and Ultimecia's Castle (VIII) isn't bad either. The aesthetic of final dungeons depends a lot on the tone of the game, but Orphan's Cradle (XIII) is just plain awesome.
VI has some of the best dungeons, especially one or two puzzle-filled ones. IX has a fair bit of that too. When it comes to final dungeons, Kefka's Tower (VI) is exceptional, and Ultimecia's Castle (VIII) isn't bad either. The aesthetic of final dungeons depends a lot on the tone of the game, but Orphan's Cradle (XIII) is just plain awesome.
Final boss
No ass-pull final bosses. Looking at you, Cloud of Darkness (III) and Necron (IX). Similarly, the final boss should be a decent challenge. None of this Yu Yevon (X) crap. In fact, after allowing for the broken easiness of VIII, Ultimecia (VIII) is actually one of the better final bosses.
No ass-pull final bosses. Looking at you, Cloud of Darkness (III) and Necron (IX). Similarly, the final boss should be a decent challenge. None of this Yu Yevon (X) crap. In fact, after allowing for the broken easiness of VIII, Ultimecia (VIII) is actually one of the better final bosses.
Sidequests
Something like XII's Hunts and XIII's Missions is welcome, as is a wide range of other tasks, again like XII. What is not welcome, conversely, is the mind-numbing repetition of Crisis Core's Missions.
Something like XII's Hunts and XIII's Missions is welcome, as is a wide range of other tasks, again like XII. What is not welcome, conversely, is the mind-numbing repetition of Crisis Core's Missions.
Minigames
Should range from easy diversions to fun challenges. VII did quite a good job on this, and IX isn't bad either. However, there are some that are definite no-nos, such as the goddamn SKIPPING (IX).
Should range from easy diversions to fun challenges. VII did quite a good job on this, and IX isn't bad either. However, there are some that are definite no-nos, such as the goddamn SKIPPING (IX).
Music
For battle music, VII is still one of the greatest, although Blinded by Light (XIII) is up there as well. Given the choice of XIII's battle engine, XIII-esque music may be in order as well. For event music, VIII has some great tracks, such as The Landing, or Movin'. IX's music is generally charming, bordering on awesome in several places. Generally, though, the rule of thumb is: Nobuo Uematsu.
For battle music, VII is still one of the greatest, although Blinded by Light (XIII) is up there as well. Given the choice of XIII's battle engine, XIII-esque music may be in order as well. For event music, VIII has some great tracks, such as The Landing, or Movin'. IX's music is generally charming, bordering on awesome in several places. Generally, though, the rule of thumb is: Nobuo Uematsu.
Odds and ends
*Sphere Theatre (X). Preferably without leaving anything out (looking at you, Otherworld and Fight with Seymour).
*Battle Square (VII). I'd say Dragon's Neck Colosseum (VI) as well, except that the fact that you can't control the fighter sucks balls.
*Chocobo Hot and Cold (IX). Something vaguely similar, at least. Damn, that minigame is addictive, and the fact that it spans more than just the designated locations is great.
*Synthesis (IX) and/or upgrading (XIII). Sheer genius ways of customising your items.
*NOT a bloody MUMORPUGER (anything but XI and XIV). Speaks for itself.
*Sphere Theatre (X). Preferably without leaving anything out (looking at you, Otherworld and Fight with Seymour).
*Battle Square (VII). I'd say Dragon's Neck Colosseum (VI) as well, except that the fact that you can't control the fighter sucks balls.
*Chocobo Hot and Cold (IX). Something vaguely similar, at least. Damn, that minigame is addictive, and the fact that it spans more than just the designated locations is great.
*Synthesis (IX) and/or upgrading (XIII). Sheer genius ways of customising your items.
*NOT a bloody MUMORPUGER (anything but XI and XIV). Speaks for itself.
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This is probably not the last word on this topic. For one thing, the FF series isn't over yet, so ther is potential for stuff to be added. For another, I doubt I've considered every possibility here that I could. Only time will tell.
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