Final Fantasy Collab Returns – Details!

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Final Fantasy, later re-released as Final Fantasy I, is a role-playing game which was first released in December 1987 by Square Co., Ltd. This was to be their final project before its closure due to bankruptcy, hence the name final fantasy. Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the story is set in a medieval era in a fantasy world where four Warriors of Light would travel the world, fight enemies and battle bosses. The rich story line in the fantasy world along with the wonderful music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, won the hearts of fans which eventually became the “Warrior of Light” that saved Square from bankruptcy. Since then, many other games in the Final Fantasy series have been released and have continued to captivate the hearts of fans.

As opposed to many typical RPG series, the numbered Final Fantasy series are each set in their own stand-alone worlds (with a few exceptions in the Fabula Nova Crystalis compilation which share the same mythological believes in different universes (Final Fantasy: Type-0, Final Fantasy XIII series and Final Fantasy XV)) and unique characters where other races live amongst humans.

Despite the individuality of each series, there are a number of recurring features, the biggest influence in the franchise  being the Crystal which depicts a powerful legendary element that channels magic powers in the universe. Other features include mythological beings, some inspired by real life mythology, that can be summoned for assistance in battles. While most of them are depicted to be rather strong beings, there are recurring mascots such as Chocobo (a bird-like creature used as steeds), cactuar (a cactus-like creature) and tonberry (as well-known, rare and absurdly strong opponents), and an incredibly happy and adorable flying half-bat–half-mouse creature called Moogle often aiding players in various ways – check them out in the new orb skin!

Earlier titles in the franchise are more focused on medieval fantasy settings, where the heroes try to prevent the antagonists from misusing the power of the Crystal. On the other hand, more recent titles have a stronger emphasis on modern science and technology that are powered by the Crystal and preventing their unethical uses. Final Fantasy XV is a unique series, where the emphasis lies with politics and brotherhood.

Square Enix have also recently announced a brand new title for the franchise, War of The Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which is a spin-off of its original mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Other recent announcements include a new patch to Final Fantasy XIV and the highly anticipated remake of Final Fantasy VII. As such, these particular series will be highlighted here.

Directed by Yoshinori Kitase with its well-known characters design by Nomura Tetsuya, Final Fantasy VII is one of the most popular numbered series which became one of the best selling games on the Play Station(R) console. Renowned for its music, including such as popular titles as Sephiroth’s Theme, the gaming music legend, Nobuo Uematsu, was again at the helm for composing these iconic pieces. Final Fantasy VII was the first in its franchise with a sequel movie, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, and a few prequel titles including Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, which follows character Vincent Valentine, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, which follows Zack Fair, a young enthusiastic member of the organization SOLDIER who is closely related to the one-and-only Cloud Strife, and several more. After the first teaser of the game’s remake in 2015, Final Fantasy VII: Remake has recently finally been given a release date.

Departing from the standard JRPG format,  Final Fantasy XIV, is a MMORPG, which has been connecting fans from all over the world through its three major servers in Japan, America and Europe. Recently, fans are getting hyped for the new expansion patch, Shadowbringers, which will be dropping in a few days with new contents such as new jobs and quests.

Currently with fifteen numbered series and some side series, including a few exclusives on Android and Apple iOS, the franchise built an entire empire in the world of role-playing games, and Square Enix is definitely not planning on slowing down anytime soon.