FINAL FANTASY I - Series Analysis

/ ludiscere
/ ludiscere
(if you're here from the FFII video, hello! the timestamps you're looking for are 4:25 for version differences, and 17:22 for combat. thanks for checking this out!)
hello everyone! this is the first video in a series in which i will be going through every main series Final Fantasy game (and some others too probably) in order to give them a wee bit of in-depth analysis, and figure out what makes each individual FF game tick. i'll be focusing on various things like development history, gameplay analysis, and musical analysis, but i'll also be drawing from outside sources like linguistics and mythology to try and understand as much as possible why these games are the way they are, and why people love them so much.
even though this video is nearly an hour long, there's a lot i didn't talk about, or that i'd like to clarify:
- the original NES game came packaged with a lot of supplementary help like maps, and enemy info. although this would have played a huge role in experiencing the game back in the 80s i decided not to include it within the analysis, mostly just to see how well the game managed to stand on its own two feet. if you're interested though,you can find what it all looked like here: www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manual...
- i didn't discuss level grinding and the Peninsula of Power. i couldn't really fit these in and tie them to any other interesting overarching points without it feeling forced, so i made the decision to ultimately leave them out. the game is pretty grindy, though.
- unfortunately, i didn't talk about some of the best songs in the game, like 'Castle Cornelia' and 'Matoya's Cave'. a lot of the music in this game is hard to analyse because it's quite simplistic and underdeveloped in comparison to later entries in the series, and i'm by no means an expert. this is partly due to old hardware limitations, but predominantly due to Uematsu's style shift as the music begins to match the narrative more and more as the games go on. i say it in the video, but it's FFIV where this really starts to take off. the music is still banging though.
if you're interested, the songs used in this video are:
Terra's Theme (FFVI) - 0:01
Overworld (NES) - 1:45
Shop (NES) - 3:52
Prelude (PSP) - 5:49
Church (PSP) - 7:14
Menu (NES) - 8:06
Town (PSP) - 9:31
Castle Cornelia (PSP) - 11:18
Chaos Temple (PSP) - 13:12
Main Theme (NES) - 14:43
Battle Scene (Black Mages) - 17:23
Battle Scene (PSP) - 21:37
Dungeon (PSP) - 24:03
Matoya's Cave (PSP) - 25:25
Mt Gulg (PSP) - 27:35
Airship (PSP) - 29:39
Ship (PSP) - 31:03
Matoya's Cave (Black Mages) - 32:15
Gurgu Volcano (NES) - 36:12
Dungeon (PSP) - 37:01
Victory Fanfare (NES) - 38:27
Sunken Shrine (PSP) - 39:40
Town (NES) - 43:04
Flying Fortress (PSP) - 44:34
Chaos Temple (PSP) - 46:50
Ending Theme (PSP) - 51:25
Main Theme (London Philharmonic Orchestra) - 52:42
sorry about some songs being used twice! there aren't many songs in FFI, and they're all super short.
as for sources for the interviews i used, you can find them here:
- Sakaguchi on FF's name: www.famitsu.com/news/201505/2... (this is in Japanese btw)
- Uematsu on FF's name: www.wired.com/2009/07/final-f...
- Uematsu on the Prelude: daily.redbullmusicacademy.com...
- Uematsu on the FF Main Theme: www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/...
- Ito on combat/sport: kotaku.com/wow-final-fantasys... (the original interview link is dead, this is the best i can offer)
footage used throughout the video:
- FFX intro: • Final Fantasy X HD Rem...
- FFIX intro: • Final Fantasy IX - Cin...
- FFVIII cutscenes: • Final Fantasy VIII Rem...
- FFVI opera scene: • Final Fantasy VI - The...
- FFXIII Eden infiltration: • Final Fantasy XIII CGI...
- FFXV intro: • FINAL FANTASY XV - Ope...
- FFIV 'Anxieties' scene: • Final Fantasy IV Cutsc...
- Dragon Quest boss: • Dragon Warrior (NES) /...
the rest of the footage was captured by me. but please check out the above videos and their creators!
also, i spelled 'slightly' wrong just after 5 minutes into the video. mortifying. get someone else to proof-read your work.
finally, a huge thanks to my best pal Joe, without whom this channel would be much worse off. Joe has done all the art for my channel from its inception, from the old logo to the new black mage logo, the old intro and all the outros, and most recently the incredible art for my Patreon tiers! he is an immensely talented artist and an absolute legend so check him out:
/ steakjoe
/ steakjoeart
thank you all so much for reading this far and i sincerely hope you enjoyed the video!
- alastair x

[@Veiwer77]

I played the original on the NES mini. The best way I can describe it, it is like playing D&D with your friends for the first time. No one knows the rules so you ignore some mechanics, fudge the numbers in others(regular attacks deal way to much damage) and don't understand most spells. With that mindset it's a great time! My favorite out of the first three.

[@reloadpsi]

It's my favourite out of the whole series, so much so that when I ran my very first D&D campaign, I used FF1 as the setting! My players have forever changed my perception of the game with the story they've told through it.

[@Ara_Arasaka]

7:15 Uematsu’s importance is legendary. Not just to final fantasy but to video games in general. His music can be felt in **every** game in some way, to date. Final Fantasy 1 proved to the world that a game can be more than just an arcade thing with a simple narrative. It was deep and sprawling. But it was silent. The music told you how to feel. It spoke for the series that resonated through decades to come. And as Uematsu reaches his twilight years- Soken seems to be the one who is going to take on his mantle. Uematsu has reached a level attained by few. Names who will be spoken hundreds of years from now like Mozart and a Beethoven and Bach. You could make an hours long video alone going over how important that man is to video game music let alone music in general and still only be able to cover a fraction of his work. That man deserves all the good that comes to him. He has made a soundtrack that I have had with me since I picked the series up in 98 when I was 10 with FFVII on the PSOne on Christmas Day.

[@blazedehart2748]

The Prelude on the opening screen is just absolutely magical. ❤️❤️❤️

[@businesscat8320]

the prelude was used in Dissidia, everytime i played the game, i'm always stuck on the menu screen just to listen to this.

[@nullmoon3058]

As someone who's never been super passionate about this series with only a few exceptions (like Final Fantasy Tactics), it's interesting to see a series like this from the perspective of a more devoted fan. given your health issues i hope this isn't taking too much of a toll on you. Take care of yourself.

[@Ludiscere]

thank you - i'll be doing my best to look after myself! appreciate the support :)

[@AraMarkov]

Hey, just wanted to let you know how happy I am to find an analysis youtuber with as high production value and calming voice as you have. Gonna binge all these final fantasy videos while I'm stuck inside from the absolutely massive amount of snow that just got dumped on us!

[@MrHousecup]

Hope the snow clears soon.

[@shivamchouhan5077]

51:39 that music in the background was the end music and is a slowed version of the village sound. So memorable 😌❤️

[@shinyrangerericson]

Dude, have been watching your FF videos this week and i fell in love with how detailed your work is. I can feel the passion you have for the franchise is as great as mine is and this is so good to know. Can't wait for the other videos on the other games. Thank you! :D

[@ErnestoJSilva]

What a great way to explain things. The passion is noticeable. Thanks and best of luck!

[@badwrongfun5541]

nice to see a non-LP video from you again. The wait was worth it. This is really the most in depth look at the game I really remember, with a lot of stuff I didn't even know or had forgotten about entirely. It's really obvious a lot of passion, work, and research went into it. Fantastic.

[@Ludiscere]

this is really kind of you, thank you so so much. means a lot :)

[@felman87]

Oh snap, a fellow Black Mage!

[@Ludiscere]

nice to meet someone else with such impeccable taste :)

[@jmh8817]

This series is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Incubansoul]

I played the original Final Fantasy with my dad and brother when it first came out for the NES. Once I discovered emulators I play it at least once every year. I'm actually in the middle of a run right now.

[@chimchu3232]

I don't do one every year, but I've played it on and off since I was 12, I'm playing it again rn as well. It's a classic

[@jedisalsohere]

This video convinced me to finally pick up a Final Fantasy game. Thanks, man.

[@robertmerges3823]

This video is deserving of more attention -- much more thoughtful a work of art criticism than the proliferation of plot-summary-retrospective video essays on KZbin these days!

[@jakenorth4811]

That’s so amazing to grow up on FF 8, 9 and 10. I was a teenager when FF 6 released (and my obsession began). What’s great is that we both love it the same.

[@TheFloodFourm]

I would have loved to play FF6 on release. I got to play it at my aunts house in 2010 she had no internet and I couldn’t bring a game system so I used to pretend I was playing it on release to feel better lol little did I know I would end up wanting to take the SNES home

[@jakenorth4811]

@@TheFloodFourm :D 👏

[@DeviSerene]

Yay, I was looking forward to this! :) I really enjoyed the localisation analysis, I've always found those so interesting.

[@Ludiscere]

thank you, that's so kind of you :) i'm really glad to hear positive feedback there! i wasn't sure if the linguistic would fall flat or not, or not be that interesting, so i'm chuffed to hear you liked that.

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

My love for FF began when I was in my early 40s and played FF7 for the first time. What an epic adventure! Then came 8, and the wonderful cutscene as Squall & co go to Dollet, it's still my favourite cutscene of the entire series - and the awesome music! Then I went backwards, discovering the amazing stories, which had so much depth. And, finally, FFI and the beginning of so much of the elements that I loved. Now I'm looking forward to 16, and discovering all the elements of the earlier games updated for 2023. But FFI is the graddaddy of them all!

[@eal21]

There is actually a trick to the teleport maze in the Castle of Ordeals, the southern most pillar in each section is always the correct one forward.

[@WillKrepelin]

Really well constructed, produced, and delivered. I really hope you maintain the motivation to see this series through because I will gladly sit through 15 hours of these. Well done, sir.

[@Ludiscere]

hey, super nice of you to say so :) i'm working on FFII at the moment, so i'll do my best!

[@brianhuyck2718]

The original Final Fantasy holds a special place for me and yours was the greatest analysis and retrospective I have ever watched. Thank you for such an excellent, articulate, and thoughtful look at one of my all-time favorites!

[@TheDarthranc0r]

Just found you and glad I did. I've been a huge FF fan since it came out in 89. My favorite being VI, I love your analysis and had always wanted to do something like this and I'm glad you did. I started listening in my journey to Platinum all the Pixel Remasters on PS5. Great analysis.

[@mirtoandrian]

You made a whole documentary from one single game... and to be honest.. I started watching thinking I would face a Final Fantasy (series) analysis.. but I was really surprised with the quality of your material. Great content... hope there are more! And pls, keep your pace and clearly way of speaking.. for a non native english speaker, it helps us a lot! Congrats and tks!

[@Ludiscere]

hey, thank you so much! that's great to hear. i'm in the process of making the FFII video, so another one is definitely coming! also, i'm really glad to hear that - i worry about how understandable i am to non-native english speakers (which is partly why i have the subtitles available), so it's a relief to know that what i'm doing now is okay. :)

[@tylertadpole1784]

I never leave comments on videos, but I would be incomplete in life if I didn't say how excited I am to see the rest of this series. I'm sadly playing through every game for the first time so I can't binge the 4 out now, but your essays are so incredible that I simply have to finish the games solely to watch. Genuinely thank you so much. You're an amazing talent 👏

[@Risu64YT]

This was an amazing video, perfectly put together, with great editing, I loved it. The fact that you took your time to check and explain the Japanese side of things and the localization is just the cherry on top. Thank you. I really cannot wait for your take on the other FF games.

[@Ludiscere]

that is super nice of you to say! i always feel like the editing is a bit sub-par so i'm especially pleased to hear that you enjoyed it :D hopefully it won't be too long until the FFII video, so see you then!

[@andyshouldbewriting]

I've recently subscribed because you're Final Fantasy series analysis came up. I absolutely love the series too and watching made me so happy! I can see the amount of effort you put into this so know that even so long after posting, people are still consuming and loving your content! You've gained a fan and I hope you continue to cover the series 😁

[@vaporwaverabbit3389]

Just discovered this channel, can't wait to see every episode of FF! Marilith's naming thing is hilarious and a bit of trivia I didn't know. Dawn of Souls is my definitive 1 and 2. Shoutout to everyone still doing the 11 Challenge and Frog Spell Challenge!

[@harbowoputra2828]

Nice video! Btw spell slots in D&D was introduced in 3rd edition, 2000. When FF1 was made, the latest editions were Mentzer Basic and Advanced 1st ed, which don’t use spell slots. FF1’s spell slots were taken from Wizardry, which were then “taken back” by D&D full circle =))

[@darkness_visible7227]

FFVI open world music as the opening...yeah, right in the feels. VI was my first and always has a special place in my heart

[@blazedehart2748]

Absolutely loved this video. So glad I found you on KZbin. Can’t wait to check out the others in the series!

[@dakotawinston7677]

Fuckin’ thank you for your labor of love! I can’t wait to watch every single FF video you make.

[@sirecamembert4133]

This video is absolutely incredible! Loved pretty much about everything!

[@cozycursetea]

As someone who's a fan of dnd and dragon quest this was super interesting! Thanks for putting all the work in, you did do us proud

[@Ludiscere]

[@Alex-mi6vp]

Thanks for this amazing work! Just subscribed... I'm a newcomer to the FF series and I'm absolutely obsessed at the moment. Thanks again and I hope all is well!

[@namitea420]

Great to see you back with an analysis video! :) Your hard work and love for this game series really shines through in this. I enjoy the snippets of interviews with the developers throughout the video. I always think it's interesting to know about their intent and vision of the game. The parts on translation and linguistics are a fun addition as well! Overall a really enjoyable and educational video :D

[@Ludiscere]

hey, thank you! i'm really glad you enjoyed it :)

[@kseromore]

this is the first video i see from your channel and what a great job! Looking forward to see all the videos now!!

[@inflamethedragon8514]

this video is so good! it deserves much more attention!

[@Rose_J]

I’m so happy to have found this channel. I adore Final Fantasy and I’m glad to find a KZbinr that loves the series as much as I do. I’ve had Prelude as a ringtone on my phone for years.

[@joshuawamback3574]

This video is fantastic. The research and care given to every element is truly impressive. Learning things from the actual language and translation was mind-blowing. I plan to watch each of these

[@stephenmoran5855]

These videos are fantastic. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to tell others about this series!!

[@manofninjas]

Loved this video! I always knew the first game was extremely influential for the series but mostly assumed it was a shallow experiment that would eventually be refined by later games, so it’s very entertaining to see such a close look at it. I’m really excited for the next video in the series! Keep it up, your videos are excellent :)

[@Ludiscere]

wow, thank you! i really appreciate that. i'm making progress on the FFII video as we speak, so keep your eyes peeled!

[@pormanglenn9151]

Just found your channel and have been craving an in depth look at the Final Fantasy series. Great stuff so far and can't wait to see more of these in the future.

[@Ludiscere]

much appreciated mate, thank you! work on the FFII video is underway :)

[@andrewlavigne44]

This was a great analysis, thanks and I look forward to more and following your channel.

[@Simmo87]

These two series analysis vids you've got up already are great! Keen to see more when you're able!

[@KyleManga]

This is great dude, hope you keep up the video essays they're great to watch

[@Ludiscere]

thanks mate, really appreciate that! will do :)

[@linnaeus1281]

Great video man! These last few months I've been marathoning all the FFs that I previously haven't played. It's been a great time but my memory of some of the earlier titles have been a little blurry since they share a lot in common. It was nice seeing a long-form analysis to refresh my memory and remember all the good times I've had. Looking forward to seeing more of these!

[@wawztzta8296]

i love that you really talk about the mechanics and the ideas behind them. i always think thats the most interesting thing about rpgs along with the stories

[@joshuarobinson1689]

The time loop twist blew my tiny brain when I encountered it so many years ago. Great video!

[@daizy5150]

i'm going through the whole series, playing the games i missed. watching these vids once i'm done with a game! just finished this one. was cool to see how it all started. that final boss was a nightmare

[@shivamchouhan5077]

All music in ff1 are so nostalgic ❤️❤️

[@alexhuff426]

Just found your channel. Loving the calm vibes and the good content.

[@7milesdavis]

Awesome job on this, definitely the best analysis of this game I’ve seen. Subscribed for sure. It’s really interesting to hear about the translation of the game because that is something I know very little about.

[@theoxbellows]

The algorithm recommended your FFIV video to me and as soon as I finished it I went back and watched the first three, really excellent overviews and analyses. Looking forward to the FFV video whenever it drops!

[@ywnrnf6028]

Excited for more analysis. Amazing work!

[@Ludiscere]

hey, thanks so much!

[@unseensounds]

Man, you deserve SO MANY MORE subscribers. Outstanding work, thank you so much for making this! Also, your channel made me click the bell for the very first time haha

[@bigjosh4951]

Final Fantasy 1 might be my favorite game. I adore it and all it has to offer, so it's always nice to see a good analysis video on it. This video took an approach that I think is different than most videos I've seen on this game and it was excellent. I look forward to watching your other videos on the Final Fantasy series, especially since you really set them up well with how you analyzed this game.

[@zeldaau1017]

This video was so interesting! Your passion was audible throughout this whole video, it was great. As someone who only a few months ago played the og VII, and loved it so much that I beat X a few days ago and am now gonna play at least VIII and IX as well, I loved hearing about the small things that were the foundations of the series as a whole (the music sections were especially interesting!) Hearing your take on things was also great. I don't mean to add any pressure, please take breaks and stay healthy, but I cannot wait to see the rest of this series :D

[@Ludiscere]

thank you so much! i'm glad you enjoyed it. so pleased to hear you just beat X, that's my all-time favourite :) oh that's great to hear too! the music only gets better through the series so that's gonna be exciting. thank you again :)

[@Nebocsid]

I watched your 4 analysis yesterday and was brought here automatically tonight. Congratulations, you have a new subscriber and I look forward to my favourite in the FF series, VI/6.

[@KBXband]

Your final fantasy retrospective series made me subscribe to your channel. I cannot wait for the rest I love them!!!

[@lugal-zage-si4782]

Your videos are criminally underviewed

[@BlickWinckel]

Great video! It's probably the most extensive look I've ever seen on this game. Also I found the parts about translation issues very interesting, I didn't know most of what you talked about. I hope we'll get to see the other games too!(This obviously took a large amount of time and effort to make, so take it easy if you can now!)

[@Ludiscere]

thank you, that's very kind of you! really appreciate that. assuming all goes to plan, the other games will be coming too :) with a few other shorter videos here and there so that it's not all just hour-long videos about Final Fantasy :P

[@brendant.4493]

I needed this today. Sometimes I feel isolated in loving these games so so much. Thanks for your work :)

[@idoldigikyryn1253]

Fanfare gives me a dopamine rush so when I’m sad I play a FF game. Typically 10, 12, or 15... sometimes 14 too! But now I think I should actually play the original FF on my NES

[@Ludiscere]

me too for sure - the amount of times i've played the first two or so hours of FFVIII/X for that exact purpose is ridiculous, so i totally get where you're coming from! i hope you enjoy it if you do :)

[@CatVisionTM]

Thanks for the awesome analysis of some of my all time favorite games! I was hoping you’d mention warmech!

[@djblaklite]

Excellent video! I love your emphasis of language, and translation in this video. I'm very excited to see the rest of this series. Happy to have subbed :)

[@akiinmoonlight79]

such a amazing analysis♥️ hype for more FF content ! 😍

[@Ludiscere]

thank you so much!

[@MightyNumpty]

You, sir, get a sub before I've seen even a second of your content. You make videos on things I care about. They are meaty, long-form videos. And they are being made by what appears to be a very dedicated individual. I just know I am going to love this channel

[@shivamchouhan5077]

My first final fantasy game! Played back 7-8 years ago in nes emulator in my pc

[@erylaria398]

You definitely deserve more subs, mate! I could listen to you for literal hours. My first ff was also ff8! And i was also initially jist blown away by the opening cg scene and liberi fatali playing. It sounds a lot like my favorite classical composer, carl orff, and this i was instantly in love. (Also the theme of final fantasy still makes me tear up within the first few notes so no, you're not alone in feeling that this track is super special :D)

[@y2kween]

I already watched your FFII video first (it popped up in my recommended). Now I’ve decided to watch this one. I’m super excited to see you talk about all the other games. I’m a sucker for analytical FF videos.

[@cinamynj]

I think it is good to mention that the Time Loop story in Final Fantasy 1 set up a trope within the whole series. Games like Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy Type-0 focus heavily on this Time Loop story and how the player witnesses the shattering of these cycles. Other games look at how man can topple Gods, or a small Rebellion against an Empire. Many Final Fantasy games do this, and they always start us in the middle of the timeline. It is the final fantasy, where the story in this fantastical world comes to an end. Anyway, thank you so much for the analysis. I've seen the FF2 one earlier and these are some of the best looks at the series I have ever seen.

[@ReadThis_]

What an amazing content creator you are ... and an even more amazing person for truly knowing FF's worth and vocalizing the thoughts of millions of people that hold it as one of the most important things in their lives ! Keep up this amazing work, truly an asset to the whole video game industry. Even more people will be appreciating it in the near future!

[@Ither1]

I loved this video, I’m going to watch the others and hope you make some more surrounding the later titles VII, VIII and VIIII

[@ChrisMcGiggity]

Just found this channel and almost instantly subbed. Very well done video I cant believe you dont have more subs/views! Keep up the great work and subbed well earned sir :)

[@sofiee8531]

For all its simplicity FF 1 is actually one of the most replayable of the games for me. One factor is of course its short length, but the biggest reason to replay is the wonderful music...! 🙂

[@nrrork]

I always loot all that treasure from the second floor of the volcano and then leave and heal up outside. THEN take the quick path down. And I like to go the Castle of Ordeals first so I can get the healing staff and Zeus gauntlets. Both make the volcano much easier. Just have your white mage use the heal staff every turn from now on. It won't quite keep up with the damage your party takes, but it'll do most of the heavy lifting.

[@jamberry9795]

I don't know if this has been mentioned by other commenters already, but the change of "Marilith" to "Kary" could be in bane of localizators even to this day - character (and sometimes byte) limits. RAM space is always limited (even on super-modern consoles) and developers might be able to accommodate only rather short names due to that. This is also the reason behind such naming changes in FF6 like "Kayenne" to "Cyan". (Tina/Terra and Mash/Sabin are a whole different beast though.)

[@bluestrife28]

My first FF game was IV/2 in 1992ish. So glad to see the beauty of these games has all not been forgotten with the newer incarnations. I think the setup of the original FFI NES perfectly captures the subtle darkness of the world. I still prefer that one even when I’m up to my neck in half-dead in the Ice Cave. You get so powerful if you use the giants peninsula…ahem I mean if you grind for hours and hours (never found that out til later)

[@dex1000]

As somebody who has watched many documentaries on FF1 yours in thus far the most respectful and analytical so far.

[@Aberusugi]

This is one of two games my grandma bought for me when I was in kindergarten. Little did she know that I would then go on to keep playing so many of em so many years later.

[@heraditestreamingarchive1100]

I recently got the platinum for this game on the pixel remaster on PS5 (which I think is definitely a great version of the game, doesn't have any extra content but does have the bug fixes future versions came with). I really like it. It's basically the turn based RPG genre at its most barebones. I really love how the early Final Fantasies emphasized proper resource management (when do use healing spells, when do you use potions). I will say I much prefer MP over spell charge systems.

[@jimmayus3211]

Just finished FF1 for the first time and came to youtube to find what turns out to be EXACTLY this video, excellent work.

[@winstonslone2797]

Excellent production Sir! I have been playing Final fantasy since it came out here in the US in 1990. Final fantasy 3 or 6 is. My favorite but this game hold alot of memories for me. Thank you Sir

[@despeinado340]

I watched your xenoblade 2 video earliet today and I found it to be one of the most thought out video essays (of which there are just too many in youtube) I've seen and I instantly jumped into your channel to see what else you've made. Really high quality stuff. I really believe you deserve so many more subscribers, and I'm sure they'll come if you keep making such great videos :^)

[@Ludiscere]

really appreciate this man, thank you!

[@tobiaswalker7562]

I only just found your videos, Ludiscere. Please continue making Final Fantasy videos

[@Kermthefrog]

Final Fantasy is cool, yo

[@Ludiscere]

this is the TL;DR for this video

[@danielratterree1008]

Great video. I just want to say that the narrative of Final Fantasy while basic is one of my favorites. I look at it as four heroes come together and grow throughout their journey only for the time loop to be broken and the four heroes never meeting making it so that you are the only one who remembers the journey they went on. God I want a remake.

[@kencussion5881]

I'm a big fan of the Final Fantasy series as well (my favorite franchise also)! I'm probably dating myself here, but I remember playing it for the first time on my NES when I was a kid, and was blown away by the amount of content it had (for a NES game, it's quite a lot)! I enjoyed watching this video a lot and you're spot on with everything. I'm going to watch your FFII video now, keep up the great work! :-D

[@BalancedWebSurfer396]

Fantastic video! Just subbed because of it. Started FF with 7 and 12 back in 2015 and loved both, 12 becoming one of my favourite games of all time. Recently just wrapped up the FF3 DS remake and adored it as well. About to head into FF1 via Origins and I genuinely can’t wait to do so after watching this!

[@Yungbeck]

Just found this series! Can't wait for the other parts, however long it takes you to make them! Hope all is well.

[@ar4ik000]

Thank you very much for this video, let alone it was very interesting since my ff journey started from 7, stranger of paradise makes a lot more sense now

[@Ara_Arasaka]

15:36 you’re not wrong. The main theme got me all emotional hearing you talk about it the same way I feel about it. Like. Tears in my eyes. Heck.

[@Leonfei]

Thanks for this, this is a really interesting watch. This feels like the perfect time for me to have found this series, I'm currently playing through the FF series back to back, I started in July last year with this game, and I'm currently about 2/3 through XII, having slipped sequels, spin offs and mmos (so no collection of VII, no X-2 and no XI). I first played FFVII in 1997 when I was 8, and having played most of the games since it's always been a goal of mine to play through the entire series back to back. I've tried a few times but have fallen off around V. Having got as far as XII, I think I might actually make it this time.

[@azur372]

Now that I watch this in such a short time frame, I kinda regret not being able to meet the sky dynasty at it's peak or the water temple at the surface when u travel back in time. And love the video, thank you for it^^

[@CallaDiver]

This was well worth the wait, Alastair. Incredibly well-researched and delivered, educational, and a joy to watch. Thanks a lot for your work, and can't wait for whatever is coming next! PS: I'm still not over the fact that XIV's Mt. Gulg didn't use the theme.

[@Ludiscere]

hey, thank you! that's so kind of you to say. and for sure, we're in the same page there - the music in Shadowbringers is phenomenal, but i was a bit disappointed that they used the name but not the music :(

[@TheSchmuck2]

great video! Thank you very much. Wishing you the best for your medical condition, and alleviation of any pain you live with. Stay Light Warrior.

[@DesertRainReads]

I have many pleasant memories of this game. I wasn't allowed to touch it for the longest time, mainly because my mom's boyfriend at the time was playing through and trying to beat the game. Eventually he did succeed and I was able to start a game of my own. But even before then I was hooked. Everything was gripping, from the music, the graphics and heck, even the tropey story. This was groundbreaking stuff for its time. I had never played anything like it, even when we played Dragon Quest (nee Warrior) I and II, they didn't hook me the way Final Fantasy I ended up doing. Dragon Quest wouldn't sink its hooks into me until years later when I feel it finally came into its own, whereas from day one, Final Fantasy was my gold standard for RPGs. Both franchises evolved in completely different directions too. All I can say is, you did wonderful in explaining what made FF1 a cornerstone game of not just the franchise, but also of the RPG genre as a whole. Yes, the plot line is tropey as hell, but for its time it was groundbreaking. You even brought up that the series always had some sci-fi elemts to it, though in FF1's case? They didn't show up until close to the end. Then there was the plot twist where you have to travel 2000 years to the past to defeat Chaos. You really did do a bang up job explaining things not just for newcomers but also for an old hat like me who reminisces about these good old days when I was a kid and the only things I had to worry about were homework, what's for dinner and bed time. I'm glad I watched, this was thoroughly enjoyable. I encourage you to keep it up.

[@bubbletea_]

the dawn of souls version of FF1 was my introduction to the series. when i was a kid, my only standards were i wanted a world trotting adventure slaying monsters and experiencing a plethora of dungeon environments/aesthetics. this game did just that for me. the pure and classic rpg experience.

[@krausewitz6786]

The 'Prelude' opens up with a Cmaj7 arpeggio, moving up and down. It's one of the most basic and 'purest' music statement someone could make. That's probably why Uematsu hit on it right away, and also why it's so evocative. It is basically homebase for all of Western music.....so it makes a perfect homebase for a game series.

[@fortello7219]

I'd guess they're saying something like "Can... You... Understand... Us?" Or some iteration of something that shows their attempt to communicate with you.

[@Ludiscere]

aye, you're probably right! that wouldn't surprise me. what was really bothering me was if there was any particular reason behind the specific sounds they picked, i.e. if 'lu...' was just an arbitrary choice or not, and could have actually been any pair of letters.

[@fortello7219]

@@Ludiscere my guess would be the additional words were added to indicate them talking slower, as only 2 syllables may sounds more like they were saying only one word.

[@Orynae]

"lu" could be referring to "lufenian", where they're trying to ask something along the lines of, "do you understand lufenien?"

[@sethdahoodedbandit]

I've never really played an FF game, and I've only just recently become intrigued by FF14, but I'm really excited to watch all these videos! I feel like there's so much dense lore that feels a bit out of reach from me right now with all the years of games building on top of one another, so maybe going back to the very beginning will help ease me into things!