Final Fantasy VI Retrospective Review & Analysis

[@AlleywayJack]

Hi guys. If you liked my video I'd appreciate you subscribing to help support my channel. Thanks for watching. For more Final Fantasy videos check out my playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLZWhz2atvtVhKtMRler9T3-0-nhu9KX91

[@ChrisJGunter]

Always great work - Given your work with discourse analysis, you should think about FF Tactics. Heavy levels of political discourses with complex layers (moreover, a spectrum) of hierarchy and power.

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks Chris :) Yeah I'm gradually working through the series, FF Tactics is a great game too - I think quite a cult audience (even within the FF crowds) really dig that one!

[@Dark_Mist90]

Excellent review. I've never heard anyone put it so well 👌

[@connorwolanski9670]

Just discovered your channel, loving the content. Only thing I would add to your relatively brief discussion of the game's score at the end would be tracks like the Dream Oath Opera and Dancing Mad are considered among the greatest in VGM history and arguably played a pivotal role in setting Nobuo Uematsu apart from his contemporaries (which is saying a lot considering several classic FF themes already existed at this point). Keep up the good work!

[@AlleywayJack]

Hi Connor, thanks for the input. In hindsight it's crazy I didn't mention Dancing Mad! That's like discussing FF7 and forgetting One Winged Angel. Also appreciate you mentioning the OST being a turning point for Uematsus career and reputation, I wasn't aware of this.

[@HelloTardis]

Edgar is the love child of Tony Stark, and Ken from Street Fighter. Sabin is the love child of Wolverine and Ryu from Street Fighter. Think about it..... Search your feelings....You know it to be true:)

[@jordanresin9226]

Since you're curious about whether someone of a younger generation might be able to get invested in the older Final Fantasies, I guess I'll toss my hat in the ring. I decided to delve into to the franchise for the first time in early 2019 with Final Fantasy IV, followed by the incredible Final Fantasy VII. Final Fantasy VI came next, and while I could blab all day about all three of these entries, FFVI has a particular quality which, in my opinion, makes it stand above the rest. There are a lot of reasons it's my favorite, but I'll do my best to highlight just one. I'll admit to being relatively new to the genre, but Final Fantasy VI, more than maybe any other RPG I've played, characterizes and involves the player in the development of its cast through gameplay. Final Fantasy IV experimented with this by creating personalities which were reflective of class archetypes, and limit breaks and battle animations do a fair bit of that work in FFVII, but both drew lines in the sand by limiting the player's ability to access and augment their specialties or separating those skills from specific characters entirely. Final Fantasy VI goes all-in by consistently supporting the player's connection to the ensemble and refusing to commit to a central, grounding protagonist. Every one of them is a person with their own unique special abilities, several of which require the player to control the game in a wholly different way, and even if they aren't created equal, they still do have an effect on the player's perception of the party as a crew of individuals. Spells are permanently taught at the player's discretion, not equipped, and so the characters feel more like people with their own growing library of aptitudes. The perspective is constantly shifting, so the player is given opportunities to view the world through all of their eyes (whether it be as a result of the story's progression or their own choice). Perhaps most crucially of all, many of their backstories and pieces of development are optional, meaning that the deepening of these characters comes as a direct result of the player's curiosity and investment. Final Fantasy IV and VII and Chrono Trigger featured elements like these, but not quite to this extent, and their successful blending and execution here made Final Fantasy VI feel, to me, like the perfect sequel to Final Fantasy VII. By telling a story whose most affecting structural and characterizing aspects are made possible only through an experiential medium like video games, Final Fantasy VI (to me) surpasses its siblings (and that's without getting into its specific themes or the characters themselves). For someone who grew up in a decade of cinematically-inclined game experiences (spurred on, in part, by FFVII) and started with a Gamecube, I think the ease at which I can become so immersed in its world speaks volumes for its enduring magic. Just...make sure you have X-Zone before squaring up to Wrexsoul.

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks for your thoughts, I'm always interested by those emerging in the 'cinematic' era as you put it, and the ability to return to earlier titles, particularly FF6 and the SNES generation, which I was on the cusp of. Evidently you value plot and gameplay mechanics, and I agree that the ensemble inclination of FF6 made it a unique entry, with the closest contemporary probably being FF9 (but even that focused more on Zidane/Garnet than a legitimately de-centralised story), and I think FF6 remains a favourite for many precisely for the reasons you stated. Discretionary world-building, character development and reward through curiosity, held together by a solid core story are what FF games do at their best, and I think 6 got that formula down perfectly.

[@sethspears1630]

As far as younger gamers liking older games, I was 11 years old when I fell in love with this game. This was in 2011 which is relatively recent. While many of my friends we’re playing Skyrim, I was transfixed by ff6 as a piece of literary art.

[@TheDarthranc0r]

Just found you and I'm surprised. As often as I watch analysis videos on the Final Fantasy series I'm shocked I haven't found you sooner. This is my favorite game of all-time. You did a wonderful job.

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you enjoy the videos! :)

[@Thebigballsmanful]

I just found your channel, and I have to say it has been the perfect way to start my summer. For the past 3 days I have been absorbing all of your content like a sponge, keeping it going in the background of whatever I've been doing. The level of depth to your analyses is, in my opinion, the deepest and most academically-minded I have ever seen from something of this type. Glad to have found your work!

[@AlleywayJack]

Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to comment George, I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[@studiocigsplain8588]

You don't talk to much your videos are amazing and informative, don't change and keep up the great work.

[@AlleywayJack]

Thank you :)

[@jplayer073]

Lmao, you got me there for a second with the Ultros bit. BTW, the length of your videos is perfect.

[@AlleywayJack]

Ha, glad you enjoyed that one ;) thanks for the feedback!

[@kingdunlap741]

This game had the best villian imo.

[@greggoat6570]

I found your channel via your analysis of FFIX which was a treat to find and such a joy to watch through. You’ve knocked it out of the park again with this one. I wish I could bestow upon you countless more subscribers but alas, I can only give you one more.

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks Greg :-) really glad you enjoyed it, and appreciate the subscribe.

[@kylep4991]

To each their own, but I don't think you talk too much. They're long videos but I don't mind, it's concise and easy to follow. Keep up the good work =)

[@AlleywayJack]

=)

[@En_Pissant]

Awesome video! On the subject of Locke, “Life, liberty, and property” seems like it could be a link to the character in the game as he is a “treasure hunter” that kind of lives outside of the law.

[@knight-of-rain]

I really enjoyed the video, especially the connections you made to the culture of Italy, which is where I am from. Only one correction: Vergil isn't an angel in the Divina Commedia, and he doesn't accompany Dante to Paradiso, the guide there is Beatrice

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks for the corrections, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@HelloTardis]

First things first, I just subbed as I’m loving your analysis of this amazing game. I just wanted to inquire about a specific point you make around 44:50 about Setzer. The Star Wars comparison to his character is one that I’ve always held myself. I would ONLY argue that you MAY HAVE picked the wrong parallel. If you will indulge me, I would posit that Setzer as you very Accurately described his in game traits, has MUCH more in common with Lando Calrissian. A gambler, concerned about what’s good for business, who has assets that the other hero’s use to fight...the empire. If anything LOCKE would be the Han Solo; A man who would steal from you just as readily as he would charm you into complacency. Locke also reluctantly joins a group of REBELS to fight the empire after a chance meeting with a very, very special individual with ties to ancient magic. I mean come on....do I have something there or what?

[@AlleywayJack]

I tip my hat to you sir, it's a good observation. I made the Han observation based on Setzers possession of and reverence for his ship, which mimicks how we meet Han in the events of A New Hope. But it equally applies to Lando, who was previously in possession of the Millenium Falcon too, so makes sense!

[@HelloTardis]

Redcoat can’t wait for the next video!

[@FUNBadTime]

Since I wanted to experience the games for myself, I usualy refuse to watch videos about an entry in the series that I have not played. Now I can finally watch your videos about FF6, after playing it on the SNES Mini. I really enjoyed the game, despite its age, even if its sometimes seemed a bit simplistic, compared to more modern games. FF6 has great music, characters, antagonists and an interesting story, so I am extremely happy that I was able to play it so many years after its initial release. And of course I also enjoyed your video very much, as it helped me gain a better insight into aspects of the game.

[@AlleywayJack]

I'm glad you enjoyed playing the game back on SNES mini,, I also played it through on that console not long ago! Appreciate all your observations on the characters, we seem pretty aligned on our ideas of them !

[@jerrym1218]

This is the greatest Final Fantasy game of all time, I will fight anyone that says otherwise. No matter what, I always keep coming back to play this game on SNES and start a new record, I never get bored of it. It has so many great memorable moments and characters in it as well. This is my opinion, and mine alone, I had many great memories playing this game way back when I first played it, and I will admit, Final Fantasy IV was my very first FF game and I liked it a lot, but once I found FF VI and started playing it for the first time, I just immediately connected with it, and had so much fun playing it and getting to know the lore and the characters. If everyone else has a favorite FF or thinks other FF games are the greatest FF ever, then that’s awesome, that’s your opinion, and hearing that makes me happy because the franchise has fans all over the world who connect with certain FF games.

[@quarreneverett4767]

who tf watches reytospective and or analysis not wanting or expecting spoilers

[@Enharmony1625]

A bit late to this video, but I'm on a "Final Fantasy 6 KZbin spree". :) In regards to the standing of FF6 in the series, it placing at #3 in the recent survey done in Japan of almost 500,000 fans of the series really speaks to the high quality of the game and the enduring love fans have of it! And this is going up against recent juggernauts like FFXIV (played by ~20 million people) and FFXV, which all placed lower on the list. FF6 still to this day represents the pinnacle of the series for many. Furthermore, I really hope Square gets around to doing a proper remake of this amazing game soon. It doesn't need anything on the scale of the recent FF7 Remake, but it deserves much more than the mediocre mobile/Steam port.

[@AlleywayJack]

Agree, I think the port was a bit lacklustre. I'd also like to see a more considered remake, as you say there's evidence to show the audience is there!

[@yokonakajima75]

It's rated #1 by almost everyone else outside Japan critically and acclaim by most critics.

[@cdizzytv3753]

All the analysis & depth u put in2 each review on Final Fantasy is ABSOLUTELY Stellar, keep up the great work... (Long Time Subscriber) FFVIII Is my Favorite Final Fantasy game as well, VIII & IV r VERY Close, IX & VII r about tied as well, I haven't beaten VI yet but I'm startin' a new game as we speak...

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks for the comment, yeah I noticed you've subscribed a long time! I also agree that FFIV is an excellent game, I didn't play it until recently but it's probably top 3 for me now.

[@zenoooooo]

Hey, I just found your channel and I'm absolutely in love. I can't wait to see what you make in the coming future!

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks man, I appreciate the comment

[@stdiogypsy]

wonderful analysis, man. I just wish the background recorded footage was the SNES or even the GBA version, and not this massive eyesore of an iOS steam port.

[@liamdell6319]

My era for gaming was PS2, but I love 16-bit aesthetic for games.

[@PresidentEvil2]

Wish you had some background music. Other than that, good video

[@royallee3786]

you are underrated bro

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks man, appreciate that :)

[@Blazfemur]

There is ONLY, 1, 4, 6, and 7. All others dont exist. I will include tactics here, for the sheer customization options

[@StewNWT]

5 and 9 are still pretty good. 10 and 12 are ok, but def not true to actual good final fantasy game design. 2 and 3 are pretty dull. 8, 13 and 15 are abominations that must be destroyed. But yes, FFIV is my favourite, FFVI is the best one, and FFVII is the one that defined the genre

[@mgxzazfbyjuchrisclarkvpz236]

Many people consider this the greatest rpg of all time ...

[@Junior-eq7gb]

Will we ever get another one that good

[@coreyjm8851]

First. I enjoy your work, are you going to ffxv?

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks, appreciate it. I've already done a short episode on ffxv lightly touching on themes and gameplay and how they depart from previous titles, but I'm planning to add character-specific breakdowns in future - particularly Noctis, Ardyn etc.

[@shayoko6]

i played this game once. i can't do it again. it has incredible story moments and interesting characters. the massive problem is the amount of completely pointless battles it has. as memory serves thats all it was...even the optional side stuff nothing comes to mind to break up how tedious the game was. ff7-x-2 were amazing games for this reason. they took it a step farther and offered more than just turn based battles and occasional story. naturally this originally was made on the snes which meant limitations. A LOT of limitations. so the fault is in great part of the time it was made. having said that remaking the same flawed game was a silly move. it won't appeal to most from the younger generation. and hardcore fans of it should have gotten all they need from it. while i do think its nice that its an option to get. at the end of the day there are way better uses of our limited time on this world.

[@AlleywayJack]

Yes good points and I think you're right the issues reside in the SNES limitations. As the tech advanced the games could add depth and complexity through story rather than just gameplay levelling. I just played FF2 and it was a nightmare of grinding with little story.

[@yokonakajima75]

Completely disagree.. The sidequest added depth to the story and character development that gave it more depth than any other game in the series. It also gave them closure and the resolve to move past their inner demons. Their also wasn't any pointless battles which is complete bs. The game along with Chrono Trigger are considered the pinnacle of Rpg's which why both are often the highest rated.

[@busydad4858]

I like the side quests. I found it interesting how the first “act” of the game (World of Balance) is relatively narrow and linear, whereas the second “act” of the game (World of Ruin) is complete open-ended and gives the player considerable free will and autonomy. The choices that the player makes in the World of Ruin, and the extent to which they choose to rebuild their party - or not - directly determines how the third and final “act” (Kefka’s Tower) plays out. This approach I find to be quite original and progressive for the time when Final Fantasy VI was released.

[@Junior-eq7gb]

Wait,Rachel was killed by the empire?

[@AlleywayJack]

Yup, she loses her memory while out adventuring with Locke which is the initial part of his guilt but her actual death is caused by the Empire invading her town.

[@Junior-eq7gb]

@@AlleywayJack never realised it,it make more sense now

[@terrabranf0rd]

That Terra character is a man. It's also possible she could be my girlfriend.

[@Gamescommentary]

Yeah, be guilty by spoiling an ancient game. Stop feeding the trolls.

[@greggoat6570]

It IS pretty weird to complain that an hour+ long analysis of a game’s story spoils said story. Like no shit

[@StewNWT]

The graphics of the pixel remasters are absolutely aborrhent. They infantilize the characters and the colour scheme is much more washed out, but I do like the character portraits.

[@_Fr49f13nd]

Virgil wasn't an angel in the divine comedy. He was an old poet Dante admired. In his story, he placed Virgil as a soul serving penance in purgatory who was commanded by the angel Beatrice to escort Dante through hell and purgatory to her at the entrance of heaven. I get what you were getting at and I'm quite enjoying these long form analysis vids but something tells me you would have used a different example if you knew otherwise.