Final Fantasy

Un article de Vev.

Modèle:About Modèle:Otheruses

Modèle:Nihongo is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned by Square Enix that includes video games, motion pictures, and other merchandise. The series began in 1987 as an eponymous console role-playing game developed by Square, spawning a video game series that became the central focus of the franchise.<ref name="Edge177">«  »</ref><ref name="IntroSE"> Berardini, César A.

     (2006-04-26)
   
.    An Introduction to Square-Enix 
. TeamXbox
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. </ref> The franchise has since branched out into other genres and platforms, such as tactical RPGs,<ref> Koehler, Paul

.    How To Speak Daravonese 
. RPGamer.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-14. </ref> portable games, MMORPGs, and games for mobile phones. As of March 2007, there are twenty-eight games in the franchise.<ref name="FFXII-Long"> Lee, Garnett

     (2007-03-08)
   
.    GDC 2007: The Long Development of Final Fantasy XII 
. 1UP.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-09-28. </ref> The series has spurred the release of three animated productions, two full-length CGI films, and several literary adaptations.

Most Final Fantasy installments are independent stories; however, they feature common elements that define the franchise. The series has popularized many features that are now widely used in console RPGs, and is well known for its visuals, music, and innovation.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"> Vestal, Andrew

.    The History of Final Fantasy 
. GameSpot 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-09-28. </ref><ref name="IGN-GC-RPG"> Casamassina, Matt

     (2005-07-19)
   
.    State of the RPG: GameCube 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> Many titles in the series have been commercially and critically successful; it is the fourth-best-selling video game franchise,<ref name="Edge177"/> with more than 75 million units sold as of March 2007.<ref name="BerlinCon"> Experience Final Fantasy XI 2007 at the Berlin eSports Convention

. Square Enix  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-09-28. </ref> In addition, the series was awarded a star on the Walk of Game in 2006.<ref name="Walk"> 2006 Walk of Game Inductees

. WalkOfGame.com
. Metreon  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

Games

Modèle:See The first installment of the series premiered in Japan on December 18, 1987. Each subsequent title was numbered and given a unique story. Since the original release, many Final Fantasy games have been localized for markets in North America, Europe, and Australia, on numerous video game consoles, IBM PC compatible computers, and mobile phones. Future installments will appear on seventh generation video game consoles; two upcoming titles for the PlayStation 3 include Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII. As of March 2007, there are 28 games in the franchise.<ref name="FFXII-Long"/> This number includes the main installments from Final Fantasy to Final Fantasy XII, as well as direct sequels and spin-offs. Many of the older titles have been re-released on multiple platforms.

Main series

• Final Fantasy was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1987 and in the United States in 1990.<ref> Final Fantasy - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story focuses on the four "Light Warriors" and their elemental orbs, which have been darkened by four Elemental Fiends. Final Fantasy introduced many concepts to the console RPG genre.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/>

• Final Fantasy II was originally released on the Famicom in Japan in 1988.<ref> Final Fantasy II - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story centers on four youths who join a resistance to end the Emperor's military campaign against the world. Final Fantasy II was the first game to introduce Chocobos.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/>

• Final Fantasy III was released on the Famicom in Japan in 1990.<ref> Final Fantasy III - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The plot focuses on four orphaned youths who come across a crystal, which grants them power and instructs them to restore balance to the world. It was the first game to implement a Job System and introduce Moogles.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/>

• Final Fantasy IV was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991; in the United States, it was released as Final Fantasy II.<ref> Final Fantasy II (SNES) - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story centers on a Dark Knight and his journey to save the world from the evil Golbez.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> It was the first game to introduce the "Active Time Battle" system.<ref> IGN Staff

     (2001-06-18)
   
.    Final Fantasy Chronicles 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-16. </ref>

• Final Fantasy V was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1992.<ref> Final Fantasy V - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story focuses on a wanderer and his allies as they prevent the resurgence of Exdeath. It features an expanded version of the Job System from Final Fantasy III.

• Final Fantasy VI was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994,<ref name="FFVI-Release"> Final Fantasy III (SNES) - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> but it was released in North America under the title Final Fantasy III.<ref name="FFVI-Release"/> The plot centers on a group of rebels as they attempt to overthrow an imperial dictatorship. It has more battle customization options than its predecessors, as well as the largest playable cast in the series.

• Final Fantasy VII was released on the PlayStation in 1997 and was the first title to be officially released in Europe.<ref> Final Fantasy VII - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story centers on a group of adventurers as they battle a powerful corporation. Final Fantasy VII was the first game in the series to use 3D computer graphics, which feature fully polygonal characters on pre-rendered backgrounds.

• Final Fantasy VIII was released on the PlayStation in 1999.<ref> Final Fantasy VIII - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The plot focuses on a group of young mercenaries who seek to prevent a sorceress from manipulating an international war. It was the first game in the series to consistently use realistically proportioned characters, and it was the first to feature a vocal piece as its theme music.

• Final Fantasy IX was released on the PlayStation in 2000.<ref> Final Fantasy IX - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The story begins with the protagonists attempting to stop a war sparked by an ambitious queen. It returned to the series' roots by revisiting a more traditional Final Fantasy setting.

• Final Fantasy X was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2001.<ref name="FFX-Releases"> Final Fantasy X - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The plot is set in Spira and centers on a group of adventurers and their quest to defeat a rampaging force known as "Sin". Final Fantasy X introduced fully three-dimensional areas and voice acting to the series, and it was the first to spawn a direct sequel (Final Fantasy X-2).

• Final Fantasy XI was released on the PlayStation 2 and PC in 2002<ref> Final Fantasy XI - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref>, and later on the Xbox 360. The first MMORPG in the series, Final Fantasy XI is set in Vana'diel, where players can experience hundreds of quests and stories. It is also the first game in the series to feature real-time battles instead of random encounters.

• Final Fantasy XII was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006.<ref> Final Fantasy XII - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The game takes place in Ivalice, where the empires of Archadia and Rozarria are waging an endless war. It features a real-time battle system similar to Final Fantasy XI, a "gambit" system that automatically controls the actions of characters, and a "license board" that determines which abilities and equipment the character can use.

• Final Fantasy XIII is in development for the PlayStation 3. It will be the flagship installment of the Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII compilation.

Direct sequels and spin-offs

Modèle:See also Final Fantasy has spawned numerous spin-offs and compilations. Several Square games were released in North America with their titles changed to include "Final Fantasy", such as The Final Fantasy Legend. Final Fantasy Adventure was released as a spin-off to the Final Fantasy series and spawned the Mana series.<ref> Chris Collette

     (2003-11-15)
   
.    Elusions: Final Fantasy IV / Seiken Densetsu 
. Lost Levels

. Retrieved on 9 June 2007. </ref> Final Fantasy Mystic Quest was developed for a United States audience, and Final Fantasy Tactics featured many references and themes found in previous Final Fantasy games. In 2003, the video game series' first direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, was released.<ref> Final Fantasy X-2 - Release Summary

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> Square Enix has released numerous games featuring Chocobos, and the Kingdom Hearts series includes characters and themes from Final Fantasy.<ref>«  »</ref> Vagrant Story, another Square game, is set in Ivalice, the same world featured in Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII.<ref> Joypad magazine

       (2004)
     
   
 
.    Interview 
 (French) 
. FFWorld.com

. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref> Three Final Fantasy compilations—Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, Ivalice Alliance, and Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII—share many themes.

Overview

Common elements

Main article: Common elements of Final Fantasy

Although most Final Fantasy installments are independent, many themes and elements of gameplay recur throughout the series. The concept of summoning legendary creatures to aid in battle has persisted since Final Fantasy III; common summons include Shiva, Ifrit, and Bahamut.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/> Recurring creatures include Chocobos, Moogles, Tonberries, Cactuars and Malboros.<ref name="IGN-Evo"> Kolan, Patrick

     (2007-01-18)
   
.    The Evolution of Final Fantasy 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-03. </ref> Some spin-off titles have cameo appearances of characters from other games, and most titles feature recycled character names. For example, there has been a character named Cid in each game since Final Fantasy II;<ref> Coik, Kevin

.    The History of Final Fantasy : The Past 
. Gaming World X 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> however, each appearance and personality is different. Character classes—specific jobs that enable unique abilities for characters—are another recurring theme.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/><ref name="IGN-Evo"/>

Gameplay

Game screens

Final Fantasy games typically have several types of screens, or modes of interaction, that are broadly categorized by function. Screens are accessed either by the player's actions or by automatic events. Such screens include: field screens, battle screens, world screens, menu screens, cutscenes, and minigames. The player normally controls the character interaction with the environment via Field, Battle, and World screens; minigames are sometimes used for this as well.

"Field screens" are enclosed and interconnected areas—towns, caves, fields, and other environments—through which the player can navigate the playable characters. Most of the character dialogue and exploration occurs on the field screens. In the first ten titles (except Final Fantasy VIII, where when you are not on the world map the characters actually just follow you around), players can navigate the main character, which represents the whole party, around the environment. Since Final Fantasy XI, multiple playable characters have been shown on the Field screen, and battles have been incorporated into the Field screen.

"Battle screens" facilitate battles in an arena, usually with a change of scale and a background that represents where the battle is occurring. For example, a random battle in a desert will have a desert backdrop.<ref name="FF-Retro-1"> Final Fantasy Retrospective Part I

. GameTrailers 
 
 (2007-07-15)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-03. </ref> Battles are normally either plot-relevant or random encounters. In Final Fantasy XI and XII, battles screens were omitted by having battle sequences occur on the main field screen;<ref name="FF-Retro-8"> Final Fantasy Retrospective Part VIII

. GameTrailers 
 
 (2007-09-04)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-06. </ref><ref name="FF-Retro-9"> Final Fantasy Retrospective Part IX

. GameTrailers 
 
 (2007-09-15)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-06. </ref> the change was influenced by a desire to remove random encounters.<ref name="itointerview">Interview with Hiroyuki ItōModèle:Cite video</ref>

The "World screen" is a low-scale map of the game world used to symbolize traveling great distances that would otherwise slow the plot progression. The party can often traverse this screen via airships, Chocobos, and other modes of transportation.<ref name="FF-Retro-1"/> "Menu Screens" are used for character and game management; typical menu screens include items, character status, equipment, abilities, and game options.<ref name="IGN-Evo"/> This screen is usually presented in a very simple table layout. "Cutscenes" are non-interactive playbacks that provide instructions for the player or advance the plot. They can either be pre-rendered video, also known as full motion video, or they can be executed with the same engine as any of the first three modes. "Minigames" are small activities that generally serve as diversions from the story.

Battle system

Main article: Final Fantasy battle systems

Combat in the Final Fantasy series started with a simple menu-driven, turn-based battle system. Since Final Fantasy IV, the series has gradually introduced more real-time elements,<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/> culminating in a full real-time system for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XII.<ref> Sandoval, Angelina

     (2004-03-30)
   
.    Final Fantasy XI Review 
. GameZone Online 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-09-30. </ref><ref name="FFXIIguide">Modèle:Cite book</ref> The traditional, turn-based battle system was used in the first three games. At the beginning of each combat round, the player chooses battle commands for all playable characters. These commands are carried out in an order determined by the "speed" statistic of the characters.

With Final Fantasy IV, the turn-based battle system was replaced by the Active Time Battle (ATB) system. ATB was replaced by the Conditional Turn-Based (CTB) system in Final Fantasy X, and Real Time Battle systems were introduced in Final Fantasy XI. At the 2006 E3 conference, Square Enix presented a short demo of Final Fantasy XIII, in which a menu at the bottom of the screen was used for inputting battle commands; the system was barely noticed because of the cinematic nature of the battles.<ref> Square Enix

       (2006)
     
   
 
.    E3 2006 - Square Enix ~ Final Fantasy XII 
. Square Enix 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-09-30. </ref>

Most installments use an experience level system for character advancement, in which experience points are accumulated by killing enemies. Battles also use a point-based system for casting magical spells. Since Final Fantasy III, most titles have featured a variety of "special commands", such as stealing items from enemies or performing more powerful attacks. These abilities are sometimes integrated into the job system, which has appeared in several installments.

Music

Main article: Music of Final Fantasy

Nobuo Uematsu was the critically acclaimed chief music composer of the Final Fantasy series until his resignation from Square Enix in November 2004.<ref name="Edge177"/> Uematsu is also involved with the rock group The Black Mages, which has released two albums of arranged Final Fantasy tunes.<ref> Nobuo Uematsu's Profile

. Square Enix  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> Other composers who have contributed to the series include Masashi Hamauzu and Hitoshi Sakimoto.<ref> Artist: 浜渦正志

. Music Brainz  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref><ref> Artist: 崎元仁

. Music Brainz  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref>

Although each game offers a variety of music, there are some frequently reused themes. Most of the games open with a piece called "Prelude", which has evolved from a simple, 2-voice, arpeggiated theme in the early games to a complex melodic arrangement in recent installments.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/><ref name="IGN-Evo"/><ref name="FF-Retro-1"/> Victorious battles in the first ten installments of the series were accompanied by a victory fanfare; this theme has become one of the most recognized pieces of music in the series. The basic theme for Chocobos is rearranged in a different musical style for each installment. A piece called "Prologue" or "Final Fantasy", originally featured in Final Fantasy I, is often played during the ending credits.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/> Although leitmotifs are often used in the more character-driven installments, theme music is typically reserved for main characters and recurring plot elements.<ref name="Edge177"/>

Development

History

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bar:Games anchor:till color:green width:15 textcolor:blue align:left fontsize:S mark:(line,white) shift:($dx,-4)
from:1987 till:2009
at:1987 text:"Final Fantasy"
at:1988 text:"Final Fantasy II"
at:1990 text:"Final Fantasy III"
at:1991 text:"Final Fantasy IV"
at:1992 text:"Final Fantasy V"
at:1994 text:"Final Fantasy VI"
at:1997 text:"Final Fantasy VII"
at:1999 text:"Final Fantasy VIII"
at:2000 text:"Final Fantasy IX"
at:2001 text:"Final Fantasy X"
at:2002 text:"Final Fantasy XI"

at:2006 text:"Final Fantasy XII"

In the mid 1980s, Square entered the Japanese video game industry with a string of simple RPGs, racing games, and platformers for Nintendo's Famicom Disk System (FDS). By 1987, declining interest in the FDS had placed Square on the verge of bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Square designer Hironobu Sakaguchi began work on a new fantasy role-playing game for the cartridge-based Famicom, inspired in part by Enix's popular Dragon Quest. Sakaguchi planned to retire after completing the project, so it was named Final Fantasy.<ref name="IntroSE"/><ref name="HS-MobyG"> Developer Bio - Hironobu Sakaguchi

. MobyGames  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. </ref> The name has also been attributed to the company's hopes that the project would solve their financial troubles.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/> Final Fantasy indeed reversed Square's lagging fortunes,<ref name="IntroSE"/> and it became their flagship franchise.<ref name="Edge177"/>

Following the success of the first game, Square immediately developed a second installment. Unlike a typical sequel, Final Fantasy II features a world bearing only thematic similarities to its predecessor. Some of the gameplay elements, such as the character advancement system, were also overhauled. This approach to has continued throughout the series; each major Final Fantasy game features a new setting, cast of characters, and battle system.

Design

Modèle:See also

The first five games were directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who also provided the original concept. He served as a producer for subsequent games until he left Square in 2001.<ref name="HS-MobyG"/><ref name="FFVI-GSDetails"> Final Fantasy III (SNES) - Tech Info

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-27. </ref><ref name="FFVII-GSDetails"> Final Fantasy VII - Tech Info

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-27. </ref><ref name="FFVIII-GSDetails"> Final Fantasy VIII - Tech Info

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-27. </ref><ref name="FFIX-GSDetails"> Final Fantasy IX - Tech Info

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. </ref> Yoshinori Kitase took over directing the games until Final Fantasy VIII,<ref name="FFVI-GSDetails"/><ref name="FFVII-GSDetails"/><ref name="FFVIII-GSDetails"/> and has been followed by a new director for each new title. Hiroyuki Itō has designed several gameplay systems, including Final Fantasy V's Job System, Final Fantasy VIII's Junction System<ref name="FFVIII-GSDetails"/> and the Active Time Battle concept, which was used from Final Fantasy IV until Final Fantasy IX. Itō also co-directed Final Fantasy VI with Kitase.<ref name="FFVI-GSDetails"/>

Kenji Terada was the scenario writer for the first four games; Kitase took over as scenario writer for Final Fantasy V through Final Fantasy VII. Kazushige Nojima became the series' primary scenario writer from Final Fantasy VII until his resignation in October 2003; he has since formed his own company, Stellavista. Nojima partially or completely wrote the stories for Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy X-2. He has also worked as the scenario writer for the spin off series, Kingdom Hearts.<ref> Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info

. GameSpot  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-07. </ref> Square Enix continues to contract story and scenario work to Nojima and Stellavista.

Artistic design, including character and monster creations, was handled by Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano from Final Fantasy through Final Fantasy VI. Amano also handled title logo designs for all of the main series and all of the image illustrations from Final Fantasy VII onward. Following Amano's departure, he was replaced by Tetsuya Nomura,<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/> who worked with the series through Final Fantasy X; for Final Fantasy IX, however, character designs were handled by Shukou Murase, Toshiyuki Itahana, and Shin Nagasawa.<ref name="FFIX-GSDetails"/> Nomura is also the character designer of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, and all three installments of the upcoming Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy XIII. Other designers include Nobuyoshi Mihara and Akihiko Yoshida. Mihara was the character designer for Final Fantasy XI,<ref> GameFAQs staff

     (2003-11-20)
   
.    Final Fantasy XI Info 

. Retrieved on 2007-04-01. </ref> and Yoshida served as character designer for Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy XII, the Square-produced Vagrant Story, and the Final Fantasy III remake.

Graphics and technology

Final Fantasy debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987. It featured small sprite representations of the leading party members on the main world screen because of graphical limitations, while in battle screens, more detailed, full versions of all characters would appear in a side-view perspective. The Super Famicom installments used updated graphics and effects, as well as higher quality music and sound than in previous games, but they were otherwise similar to their predecessors in basic design.

In August 1995, Square showed an interactive SGI technical demonstration of Final Fantasy for the next generation.<ref name="FFVII-Dev"> The Final Fantasy VII Citadel site staff

       (2005)
     
   
 
.    Hironobu Sakaguchi Interview 
. The Final Fantasy VII Citadel 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> Articles in GameFan and Nintendo Power led fans to believe that the demo was of a new Final Fantasy title for the Nintendo 64 video game console. However, 1997 saw the release of Final Fantasy VII for the Sony PlayStation and not the Nintendo 64 as many had originally anticipated.<ref> Sutherland, Kenny

.    Elusions: Final Fantasy 64 
. Lost Levels Online 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> This was due to a dispute with Nintendo over its use of faster and more expensive cartridges, as opposed to the slower, cheaper, and much higher capacity compact discs used on rival systems.<ref>«  »</ref> Final Fantasy VII introduced 3-dimensional graphics with fully pre-rendered backgrounds.<ref> Kasavin, Greg

     (1997-09-29)
   
.    Final Fantasy VII -Review 
. GameSpot 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref><ref> Final Fantasy VII (PS1) - Review

. 1UP.com 
 
 (2004-05-09)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> It was because of this switch to 3D that a CD-ROM format was chosen over a cartridge format.<ref name="FFVII-Dev"/>

Starting with Final Fantasy VIII, the series adopted a more photo-realistic look.<ref name="development2"> Coxon, Sachi

       (1998)
     
   
 
.    Interview with Final Fantasy VIII developers 
. PlayStation Japan

. Retrieved on 2007-09-30. </ref> Like Final Fantasy VII, some full motion video sequences would have video playing in the background, with the polygonal characters composited on top. Final Fantasy IX returned briefly to the more stylized design of earlier games in the series. It still maintained, and in many cases slightly upgraded, most of the graphical techniques utilized in the previous two games in the series. Final Fantasy X was released on the PlayStation 2,<ref name="FFX-Releases"/> and made use of the much more powerful hardware to render many cutscenes in real-time, rather than in pre-rendered FMV sequences. Rather than having 3D models moving about in pre-rendered backgrounds, the game featured full 3D environments, giving it a more dynamic look, though the camera angle was fixed. It was also the first Final Fantasy game to introduce voice acting, occurring throughout the majority of the game, even with many minor characters. This aspect added a whole new dimension of depth to the character's reactions, emotions, and development.<ref> Square Enix North America site staff

       (2001)
     
   
 
.    Behind The Game The Creators 
. Square Enix.com
. Square Enix 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref>

Taking a temporary divergence, Final Fantasy XI used the PlayStation 2's online capabilities as an MMORPG.<ref> IGN Staff

     (2002-05-10)
   
.    Final Fantasy XI -- Big Plans, Big Money 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> Initially released for PlayStation 2 with a PC port arriving 6 months later, Final Fantasy XI was also released on the Xbox 360 nearly four years after its first release in Japan.<ref> Thorsen, Tor

     (2006-04-17)
   
.    Shippin' Out 4/17-4/21: Final Fantasy XI Online, Brain Age 
. GameSpot 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> This was the first Final Fantasy game to use a free rotating camera. Final Fantasy XII was released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and utilizes only half as many polygons as Final Fantasy X in exchange for more advanced textures and lighting.<ref> Find Articles - Final Fantasy XII 1UP

. FindArticles.com
. 1UP.com 
 
 (November 2003)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref><ref> Winkler, Chris

     (2003-12-04)
   
.    Final Fantasy XII - Preview First Look 
. RPGFan 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> It also retains the freely rotating camera from Final Fantasy XI. Final Fantasy XIII was shown at E3 2006 and is slated to be the first game in the main series for PlayStation 3.<ref> Shoemaker, Brad

 ; Dan Tochen 

     (2006-05-08)
   
.    E3 06: Square Enix announces trio of Final Fantasy XIII games 
. GameSpot 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> The game will make use of the "White Engine", a middleware engine developed by Square Enix.

Merchandise and other media

Modèle:See Square Enix has expanded the Final Fantasy series into various different mediums. In addition to the games, there have been CGI films, animated series, books, and different types of merchandise.<ref name="Edge177"/> Many of the games have been re-released on multiple platforms, and several have been adapted into manga and novels. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and Final Fantasy: Unlimited have been adapted into radio dramas. Many of the titles' official soundtracks have been released for sale as well. Companion books, which normally provide in-depth game information, have also been published. In Japan, they are published by Square and are called Ultimania books. In North America, they take the form of standard strategy guides.

Anime and films

There have been several anime and CGI films produced that are based either directly on individual Final Fantasy games or on the series as a whole. The first was an OVA titled Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals and was based on Final Fantasy V. The story was set on the same world as the game though 200 years in the future. It was released as four 30-minute episodes first in Japan in 1994 and later released in the United States by Urban Vision in 1998.<ref> Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals (OAV)

. AnimeNewsNetwork  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> In 2001, Square Pictures released their first feature film, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The story was set on a future-Earth that had been invaded by alien life forms.<ref name="MC-Spirits"> Overview over Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within reviews

. Metacritic  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-07-23. </ref> The Spirits Within was the first animated feature to seriously attempt to portray photorealistic CGI humans, but it was considered a box office bomb.<ref name="Edge177"/><ref name="MC-Spirits"/><ref name="FFMovie-RPGamer"> Long, Andrew

       (2003)
     
   
 
.    Square-Enix Gives Chrono Break Trademark Some Playmates 
. rpgamer.com

. Retrieved on 2007-07-25. </ref> 2001 also saw the release of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, a 25 episode anime series based on the common elements of the Final Fantasy series. It was broadcast in Japan by TV Tokyo and released in North America by ADV Films.<ref> Final Fantasy: Unlimited (TV)

. Anime News Network  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> In 2005, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children and Last Order: Final Fantasy VII were released as part of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. Advent Children was a CGI film directed by Tetsuya Nomura and Last Order was a short OVA directed by Morio Asaka.

Literary adaptations

Several of the video games have either been adapted into or have had spin-offs in the form of manga and novels. The first was the novelization of Final Fantasy II in 1989 and was followed by a manga adaptation of Final Fantasy III in 1992.<ref> ファイナルファンタジー2 夢魔の迷宮

 (Japanese) 
. Yahoo! Japan: Books
. Yahoo!  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref><ref> 悠久の風伝説 ファイナルファンタジー3より 3

 (Japanese) 
. Yahoo! Japan: Books
. Yahoo!  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> The past decade has seen an increase in the number adaptations and spin-offs. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within has been adapted into a novel,<ref> Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Mass Market Paperback)

. Amazon.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> Crystal Chronicles has been adapted into a manga,<ref> IGN staff

     (2003-12-18)
   
.    FF Crystal Chronicles Goes Comic 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> and Final Fantasy XI has had a novel and manhwa set in its continuity.<ref> ファイナルファンタジー11 星の誓い

 (Japanese) 
. Yahoo! Japan: Books
. Yahoo!  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref><ref> Final Fantasy XI T-1

 (French) 
. Fleuve Noir

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-08. </ref> Two novellas based on the Final Fantasy VII universe have also been released. The Final Fantasy: Unlimited story was partially continued in novels and a manga after the anime series had ended.

Reception

The Final Fantasy series has been overall critically well received and commercially successful, though each installment has seen different levels of success. As of March 2007, the series has sold over 75 million units worldwide.<ref name="BerlinCon"/> The series and several specific games within it have been credited for introducing and popularizing many concepts and features that are widely used in console RPGs.<ref name="GS-FFHistory"/><ref name="IGN-GC-RPG"/> In addition, it has been praised for the quality of its visuals and soundtracks.<ref name="Edge177"/> The Final Fantasy series was awarded a star on the Walk of Game in 2006. WalkOfGame.com commented that the series has sought perfection as well as been a risk taker in innovation.<ref name="Walk"/> The series has also received criticism. IGN has commented that the menu system used by the series is a major detractor for many and is a "significant reason why they haven't touched the series."<ref name="IGN-Evo"/> They also stated that the various attempts to bring the series into film and animation have either been unsuccessful, unremarkable, or did not live up to the standards of the games.<ref> Isler, Ramsey

     (2007-12-17)
   
.    Gaming to Anime: Final Fantasy VI 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> In July 2007, Edge magazine criticized the series for a number of related titles that include the phrase "Final Fantasy" in their titles, which are considered to be not of the same quality as previous titles. They also commented that with the departure of Hironobu Sakaguchi, the series might be in danger of growing stale.<ref name="Edge177"/>

Many Final Fantasy games have been included in various lists of top games. Two games were listed on GameFAQs' "The 10 Best Games Ever" contest in Fall 2005, with Final Fantasy VII voted as the "Best Game Ever." Six other Final Fantasy titles were included in the additional 90 games listed.<ref name="gamefaqs2"> GameFAQs Site Staff

       (2005)
     
   
 
.    Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest - The 10 Best Games Ever 
. GameFAQs 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> GameFAQs has also held a contest for the best video game series ever, with Final Fantasy being the runner-up, behind The Legend of Zelda.<ref> Summer 2006: Best. Series. Ever.

. GameFAQs  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2006-10-01. </ref> Several games have been listed on multiple IGN "Top Games" lists.<ref> IGN's Top 100 Games

. IGN 
 
   (2003)
     
   
 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref><ref> IGN's Top 100 Games

. IGN 
 
   (2005)
     
   
 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref><ref> Top 99 Games of All Time: Readers' Pick

. IGN 
 
   (2005)
     
   
 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> Eleven games were listed on Famitsu's 2006 "Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time", four of which were in the top ten, with Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy VII being first and second, respectively.<ref name="Top100-famitsu"> Campbell, Colin

       (2006)
     
   
 
.    Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 
. Next Generation 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> Many Final Fantasy characters have been included in GameFAQs' "Character Battle" contests. Final Fantasy VII's Cloud Strife and Sephiroth have both won once and have been listed as the runner-up multiple times.<ref> Summer 2003: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle II

. GameFAQs  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-12. </ref><ref> Summer 2004: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle III

. GameFAQs  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-12. </ref><ref> Spring 2005: Got Villains?

. GameFAQs  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-12. </ref><ref> Poll of the Day #2566

. GameFAQs  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-11-12. </ref>

Several individual Final Fantasy titles have garnered extra attention; some for their positive reception and others for their negative reception. Final Fantasy VII has sold more than 9.5 million copies worldwide, earning it the position of the best-selling Final Fantasy title.<ref> Square Enix Annouces Release Date of Final Fantasy® VII Advent Children™

. Square Enix 
 
 (2005-05-15)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. </ref> In addition, it won GameFAQs' "Best. Game. Ever." tournament in 2004.<ref name="gamefaqs3"> GameFAQs Site Staff

       (2004)
     
   
 
.    Spring 2004: Best. Game. Ever. 
. GameFAQs 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> Within two days of Final Fantasy VIII's North American release on September 9 1999, it became the top-selling video game in the United States, a position it held for more than three weeks.<ref name="charts"> IGN staff

       (1999)
     
   
 
.    Final Fantasy VIII Tops Videogame Charts 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-02. </ref> Though not as commercially successful as Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX was a top seller at the time of its release.<ref> IGN staff

     (2000-12-19)
   
.    Final Fantasy IX Is Number One 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2006-03-07. </ref><ref> Japan Platinum Game Chart

. the-magicbox.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2006-03-07. </ref><ref> US Platinum Videogame Chart

. the-magicbox.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2006-03-07. </ref> Final Fantasy X sold over 1.4 million Japanese units in pre-orders alone,<ref> IGN Staff

     (2001-07-19)
   
.    Final Fantasy X Sells Like Crazy; World Not Shocked 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> and was listed third in IGN's "Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time".<ref> IGN PlayStation Team

     (2007-03-16)
   
.    The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time 
. IGN 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. </ref> The MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI, reached over 200,000 active daily players in March 2006<ref> Woodard, Christopher

     (2006-03-24)
   
.    GDC: Creating a Global MMO: Balancing Cultures and Platforms in Final Fantasy XI 
. Gamasutra.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> and had reached over half a million subscribers by July 2007.<ref name="Edge177"/> Final Fantasy XII sold more than 1,764,000 copies in its first week in Japan.<ref> Jenkins, David

     (2006-03-24)
   
.    Japanese Sales Charts, Week Ending March 19 
. Media Create
. Gamasutra.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref> By November 6 2006—one week after its release—Final Fantasy XII had shipped approximately 1.5 million copies in North America.<ref> Square Enix

     (2006-11-06)
   
.    Square Enix Announces Record Shipment With Final Fantasy XII 
. Square-Enix.com
. Square Enixe 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-05. </ref>

Though Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within was praised for its visuals, the plot was criticized<ref> Ebert, Roger

     (2001-07-11)
   
.    Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within 
. RogerEbert.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. </ref> and was considered a box office bomb.<ref name="Edge177"/><ref name="MC-Spirits"/><ref name="FFMovie-RPGamer"/> Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for the GameCube received overall positive review scores, but reviews stated that the use of Game Boy Advances as controllers was a big detractor.<ref name="IGN-GC-RPG"/><ref>Modèle:Citeweb</ref> Dirge of Cerebus: Final Fantasy VII shipped 392,000 units in its first week of release,<ref>

  Top 10 Weekly Software Sales (January 23 - January 29, 2006) 
    
 

. Archived from the original on 2006-02-05. </ref> but received review scores that were much lower than that of other Final Fantasy games.<ref> Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII Reviews

. Game Rankings  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. </ref><ref> Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (ps2:2006): Reviews

. Metacritic  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. </ref> A delayed, negative review after the Japanese release of Dirge of Cerberus from Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, hinted at a controversy between the magazine and Square Enix.<ref> Dormer, Dan

     (2006-02-08)
   
.    Famitsu Digs Into Dirge of Cerberus 
. 1UP.com 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-12. </ref> Despite the success of Final Fantasy VII, it is sometimes criticized as being overrated. In 2003, GameSpy listed it as the 7th most overrated game of all time.<ref> GameSpy Staff

     (September 2003)
   
.    25 Most Overrated Games of All Time 
. GameSpy 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. </ref>

References

External links

Modèle:Portal Modèle:Wikiquote

• (English) Square Enix's official Final Fantasy website
• (Japanese) Square Enix's official Final Fantasy website
• Open Directory Project: Final Fantasy sites
• Final Fantasy Wiki

Modèle:Final Fantasy series

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