Quote: "I'll admit, I'm probably somewhere very close to that threshold since, to top it all off, I'm not terribly fond of the post-PS1 FFs (Not that I didn't enjoy X and XII, just that they didn't have the FF feel to them). I suppose this is what getting older is about; getting used to the idea of change -- That word still causes shivers to go down my spine. Takes me back to my teens when I used to get really annoyed with the older generation criticising things yet I now feel the same way they did about a lot stuff. Funny sort of world.
All that being said, I'd possible still consider buying this someday merely because I'd finally be able to play FF8 on my PC -- unless I could still find the original PC version of course.
"
I'd say X & XI managed to retain some of the FF feel - styles in FF have shifted before when switching platform. XII tried to be more like XI but cut out some of the FF lore & some of the styles typical of the genre, I felt and felt less like an FF but was still a good game. XIII I just couldn't like, the story wasn't too great IMO, characterisation didn't win me over, the game was too linear (at least, right up until the end) and the battle system was too dumbed down for my liking. I like strategy, the way I've always viewed turn-based RPGs is that they're about strategy. I'd say the most 'Final Fantasy-like' game of the current generation is perhaps Lost Odyssey, which to be fair was created by some of the original team of the FF series. Speaking of which, on of the great shames is that the games no longer have that Nobuo touch.
Talking of strategy, you wouldn't beat Omega Weapon via brute force and button mashing alone. FFXIII just felt weak battle wise. This is why I consider XI to feel like an FF, it uses the classic job system, keeps very close to FF lore and it was more slow paced and based on strategy and of course had difficult boss fights - in fact it earned a reputation for it.
FFXIV is similar, but it follows the format of modern MMOs, which is kind of disappointing - because FFXI at least tried to retain something similar to the original battle system, but there's still difficult boss fights - sure no Pandemonium Wardens and Absolute Virtues, but ones that are still challenging and demand strategy. Also brings in classic FF bosses, like Demon Wall, Ultimate Weapon, Ifrit & friends and they're bringing the Crystal Tower from FFIII in an update next week. Granted though it has lost the feel due to the modern MMO format.
At least the game goes out in true FF fashion with a long dungeon at the end, lots of cutscenes and multiple final bosses. They made the dungeon a two parter, which are long even without the cutscenes.
The original release was abysmal, but in their revamp they've made massive improvements, which has restored some of my faith - just hoping once the Lightning saga is over they will release a single-player title I'll enjoy.
Still, I keep playing the classics as well, like I said, I'm a bloody fanboy and probably need to get a life.
It's ridiculous how many hours I've put into the series as a whole.
