The Complete Evolution of Phoenix

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Phoenix was established within Greek mythology and Dungeons & Dragons as a fiery bird of legend that was linked to the Sun and rebirth. And when it made its way into the realm of Final Fantasy, many of the expected traits were present. But as the franchise has evolved, so too has the appearance of Phoenix and throughout this video we're going to run-through that evolution in our typical granular style!
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[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Greetings! We've just launched a newsletter to keep everyone up to date with the latest developments in the Final Fantasy franchise. If you're interested, feel free to sign-up here: www.getrevue.co/profile/finalfantasyunion

[@ichabodcrane9479]

Done 👍

[@endersteave9_71]

This could change the view of ff15: All the main characters are slaves to their fate (Please change my mind ._.)

[@southside5068]

Theory. For FFX couldn't technically count sin a warped version of the Phoenix summon. It's a summon that is continuously reborn from the ashes of its defeat by yu yevon taking control of the summon the defeat the previous sin

[@ECopas]

I’ll admit that it took me far far too long to come to the realization that the “down” part of Phoenix down had nothing to do with calling down the phoenix’s power…

[@elliotjohnston1283]

Well I only realised it from reading this comment so I guess your not so bad

[@ashtonkerr6276]

Yes, down on birds are small, light feathers found underneath the larger feathers.

[@Boyzby]

I used to think it was called that because it was something you used on people who were down. I didn't know about down feathers until I was like 20.

[@alicecera7512]

@@Boyzby This is what I thought too. All this time and now it feels like forbidden knowledge.

[@HiDefHDMusic]

I figured it out cuz they literally drop a feather in some games but it took a while lol

[@KnightsDisillusion]

Good old Hot Wings.

[@MisterButterfingers]

Now I really, really want hot wings

[@KnightsDisillusion]

@@MisterButterfingers Me too.

[@zimtak6418]

Strong Against: Hot Sauce, Cola, Oven. Weak Against: Ranch, Blue Cheese, Milk, Microwave. (The damage delt by Microwave increases each time it is used)

[@rwade4387]

An order of lemon pepper phoenix plz

[@warriorfromhammerfell1557]

Phoenix is so memorable to me as it was the reason why I defeated Ozma in FF9.. Phoenix autosummoned my wiped out party 3x, yes 3x! in a single fight which I know is pure luck..

[@JoJoZaka]

The ultimate chicken wing

[@jamesmason3734]

I'd like to see a video on the evolution of ultima, because getting ultima itself is usually an event in the games (even if that version's ultima was underwhelming.)

[@EldenRingBuildsArchive]

I’m actually surprised that it doesn’t show up on almost all FFs, mythologically, it should be the perfect rival to Bahamut, and the Megaflare technique fits it much more than the dragon imo.

[@gamingdemigodxiii5630]

Phoenix’s rejuvenation to Bahamut’s destruction. I imagine that may pop up in XVI.

[@jaspergreatllc2465]

Of actual mythology Bahamut represents most if not all Earthly elements.

[@mrskye08]

Hope it appears in ff16

[@gamingdemigodxiii5630]

@@mrskye08 From what I've read, most of the continent is named "the Dragon's ____." Plus, it's a FF game, of course Bahamut will appear.

[@DOC_951]

Disagree that Phoenix is a rival to Bahamut. They aren’t on the same level as power or strength in any FF game

[@CobaltContrast]

Good addition of Ehrgeiz. That game was amazing yet so oddly obscure. No one I knew had it.

[@SlvrStryker]

GOD BLESS THE RING! In all seriousness, though, yeah, the RPG section was crazy in that game. @_@

[@HiDefHDMusic]

I had a friend that had it and it but didn’t really like playing it so I played it like once or twice.

[@Tbar67]

I still have my copy. I was the only one out of my friends that managed to beat the Forsaken Dungeon.

[@CobaltContrast]

@@Tbar67 my brother and I would alternate playing the two characters. He went on to beat it and I was very confused about the ending due to how the elixir works. I did like how the food we grew could change your leveling stats. That was unexpected.

[@Tbar67]

@@CobaltContrast Honestly I thought the game was ahead of it's time. Especially for us console players. It had a kind of Diablo feel to it.

[@gogauze]

My recommendation for the next summon to get this treatment is the other major restorative one: Carbuncle. Growing up, I rarely used it in play. Which was a mistake, since it can absolutely come in clutch regardless of it's role being preventative or active.

[@rydz656]

FF9 had the best use of Carbuncle with how you can change the effects of the ray.

[@HiDefHDMusic]

I remember using it in viii think it casts reflect on the party, definitely came in handy sometimes.

[@indimopi]

Thank you for the content, I'd like a video about the evolution of Tonberry! Tonberry appeared in quiet a few Final Fantasy games plus non Final Fantasy games.

[@Leondragon06]

Non FF games it has been in?

[@east_bay_transit_nerd]

I hate those things

[@Blizzardfire]

This video came out at the perfect time since I just finished leveling Summoner to lv80 in FFXIV a few days ago. lol

[@gorimbaud]

The VI Phoenix sprite has an additional use in Record Keeper! It's also part of Elarra's Awakening, Magika Phoenix, which heals the party and revives fallen allies. Locke's Sync and Arcane Overstrike are also Phoenix-themed, with the animation in both including him using the magicite, but the appearance is reminiscent of the firebird seen on the floor when he revived Rachel instead of the actual Phoenix sprite from VI.

[@petrus9067]

Can you guys do an evolution of FF Ancient Civilizations? There are so many options! Lufenians, Lunarians, Ronka, the Magi, The Occuria (and even the fact that FF12 is the ancient civilizations of FF Tactics) and The Allagan Empire! Hope a patron sees this idea 🙏

[@Azier18]

Evolution of the Carbuncle summon please?

[@ichabodcrane9479]

Yes!

[@DOC_951]

Isnt carbuncle only in like 3 games… I can personally only remember it in 7 and 8

[@BlitzDragoon7115]

@@DOC_951 Carbuncle first appeared in Final Fantasy V

[@soldier_4th_class]

FF8 Phoenix is by far my favourite, sure it's a rng thing but if it appears when you needed the most, it was very satisfying. The entrance animation was amazing as well.

[@zimtak6418]

I feel like most of the summons in the PS1 generation were really great compared to what was before or after that generation. Don't get me wrong, I think every design of every summon of every generation is pretty darn nice overall. As far as the Phoenix's battle entrance, yeah, I think FF8 had a *great* one. FF8 had a lot of great entrance animations for the summons.

[@tommynguyen727]

@@zimtak6418p

[@dialaskisel5929]

Wow! A Final Fantasy Unlimited reference! Holy cow, I loved that anime when I was a kid!

[@larrymeadows7535]

Suzaku from FFXIV: Stormblood embodies a lot of characteristics of the phoenix summon as well

[@guillermoolivaiii9550]

I wonder if the First Pheonix that formed onto a past important character pass his Primal essence onto Suzaku? to grant a new form.

[@danielwills5387]

Definitely something that he missed when researching Phoenix in FFXIV.

[@arisen456]

Suzaku and phoenix are two very different beings from very different cultures. In final fantasy suzaku has had a few other minor appearances

[@natesteeves9706]

Found your channel recently and I’ve been just going through each video. Huge fan of FF and hearing the facts like this just brings me more joy through each game

[@ReifinDFanchon]

I love FFXVI Phoenix design so much, mainly just because it resembles Dota 2 Phoenix Vermillion Crucible and/or Golden Nirvana skin.

[@brianlam7879]

Waiting on for the evolution of the "Dark Knight" class.

[@zecendia]

Huh,now that I´m seeing it within this context,it looks like the logo for CBU3 we now know also incorporates the phoenix into its design.

[@drewferguson8324]

Keep them coming! This is one of my fav channels.

[@AzureIV]

Thanks for the Phoenix video. Keep up the good work.

[@rumiyano]

I believe this video was in the works for a long time, but Opera Omnia Phoenix in boss form aside, Eiko, Locke, Ace got Phoenix in their abilities as well! Just to add flavor to the dish.

[@MimebladeGMail]

Couple things that would interest me: 1. Summons that can act as party members/characters you can talk with/banter with (like Tales of Destiny games Swordians). 2. I always liked the way summons worked in Final Fantasy X. You summon them and you have full control over their growth/abilities/attacks. Just the idea of being able to micro-manage a summon once you obtain it. 3. I also like the idea of integrating summon abilities within action games (like a flame attack during combos, or unique buffs/enhancements during moves).

[@SpiritStoneWarrior94-yx3gs]

You got your #3 wish in 16 😊

[@MimebladeGMail]

@@SpiritStoneWarrior94-yx3gs I still much prefer micromanaging summons instead of "becoming a summon"... Poke'mon style if you can imagine it. Well Dragon Quest Monsters is more up my alley, if I'm being honest. I do like Action game style, but FF16 feels a bit too linear for my taste (and the story isn't my favorite compared to other FF games).

[@kdemographic8109]

Impeccable as always. Thank you!

[@coltdeedede]

Just chiming in to say the production quality of FF Union's videos is getting so stellar! Thanks for all that you do! Three cheers for Hot Wings!

[@coltdeedede]

Also on that note would absolutely love to see a video divulging trivia/fun facts about FF Mystic Quest

[@rock2k14]

I can't help but find phoenix being weak to wind a funny concept, if anything it should heal it, as it would give it an abundance of oxygen, which fire loves, the only reason we as humans for example can blow out a candle, is because we don't expel oxygen, we expel carbon dioxide, which suffocates the flame

[@andreaspavlides7560]

Great work as always Darrel, thank you for these videos. Please, down the road could you make a Complete Evolution of Paladin-class video? Paladin is my favourite class in rpg games and i want to see a Final Fantasy video about them.

[@Miikhiel]

One of my favorite summons alongside Bahamut.

[@JayckobHernandez]

Loved this! Phoenix is one of my favorite summons

[@ty_sylicus]

Great video. I still can't believe how many mobile Final Fantasy games there are.

[@TheBossBreaker]

Final Attack + Phoenix was always a fun materia combo.. until you don’t have MP LOL

[@Knocker420]

Great video, FFUnion! My favorite Phoenix will always be from FF8, but I like how you gave us the history and progression of how Phoenix has evolved throughout the franchise. I hope that one day you guys can talk about the MANY references from FFX that are being presented in FF7-Remake! Whether it's Shinra from X-2, to Beck sporting Jecht/Tidus' logo on his bandana, or also the fact that the track, "Fight On" shows the summon Anima clearly on the cover. Please consider this in a future video!!

[@eros4434]

Job well done, as usual! ♥️ 🔥

[@stuolm77]

Thank you so much for the great content

[@lysanderxx1664]

Who else can't wait to see Phoenix in FF7R?

[@Caterfree10]

Given how amazing Phoenix looks in XVI’s trailer, I can’t wait to see how they portray Phoenix in FFVIIR.

[@DragoonMS]

Four wings? Wow...Squaresoft's peeps had design ideas for what would become Hououmon long before Bandai thought it up for Digimon. FF5 Phoenix...they even had a look for what would become Moltres before Pokémon was a thing!

[@Esmoire]

Wouldn't the summonable version of Phoenix in FFXIV be considered a weaker version of the actual Phoenix, rather than an "upgraded version"? Thus Demi Phoenix, "Demi" meaning half, as the player character can only summon something a mere fraction of the power of primals. As a neat aside,the Suzaku encounter, while not a Phoenix, employs similar themes to the figure of eastern mythology! Has birds that will be revived if bathed in her fire.

[@ellymizrahi1199]

Great video. I really liked the design for the unused one from III. Sad that it didn’t get put in.

[@Beryllahawk]

Oh yeahhhhhhhh My favorite birdy! I never DID get Phoenix in FF7. (Partly because I was truly awful at the Fort Condor thing, haha!) But when I learned the lore for Phoenix in FF14? Blown away. I'm still ruminating on all of it, two years after doing that "old" content. And when Phoenix showed up in the trailers for FF16? Screaming. Lots of excited screaming! :D This was a fascinating look into this summon. I have always really loved the legends around the Phoenix, have tweaked a few of them for my own use in past D&D campaigns (I even created a "lore book" for the Phoenix that the party encountered in that particular homebrew campaign!)... It's just such a wonderful visual image, and a figure so densely packed with layers of meaning, generation upon generation of it. Great video!!

[@rockoutloud2112]

To all of my children in whom Life flows abundant To all of my children to whom Death hath passed his judgement

[@basedSHARK]

Not sure if someone's pointed it out before but Creative Business Unit 3, Naoki Yoshida's team, uses Phoenix in their logo. It's quite fitting since they brought FFXIV back from the brink, rebirthing it as the amazing MMO it is today.

[@joemace4325]

Every video I hope for DFFOO to be mentioned and I'm so grateful that it finally happened.

[@AaronNHancock]

OMG...I've been trying to find Ehrgeiz nearly all my life. Haven't played that since I was like 9yrs old....today I'm 29 LOL! Totally forgot the name of that game. I'm happy that you mentioned it here THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@BloodTrinity]

You mentioned Creative Business Unit III and talk about how someone in there has an affinity for phoenix, but look at their logo, it is literally phoenix xD That and if I'm not wrong, they were the ones who brought FFXIV back from the brink

[@MyNindo2000]

Very True

[@DBJ468]

I might have missed it, but I'm kind of surprised you didn't mention the Arabic version/origin of the phoenix mythology (but did mentioned the Greek multiple times). Since the phoenix off Final Fantasy draws on ~legendary birds~ found throughout the world, and your videos tend to serve as pseudo-compendiums, I thought you might've touched on it (roots in Egypt translated easily to other west Asian/Middle Eastern cultures). Oh, and Fenghuang, etc. Again though, I might have just missed it :-)

[@malbogia8003]

"He got a hot. He got a wings. Hot wings" Pineapple pen guy:"ooh I need to write that down"

[@jeremybelt1690]

It would be great if you did a complete evolution of Alexander

[@_Pikahiiri_]

Hello! I discovered your videos recently and I've been really enjoying them, thank you! I did have a question however: When discussing Phoenix in FFXIV, you chose not to mention Suzaku who is the Phoenix in the Four Lords questline in the Stormblood expansion. She is also directly related to Tenzin like the Phoenix in FFXI. Why did you choose to exclude that iteration?

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

Thank you, Darryl and Lauren, for another fascinating and informative video. In FFVII Phoenix + Final Attack has saved my bacon many times!

[@dragonprinceHP]

I would love to see the complete evolution of the Gil Toss ability - I've noticed in FF8 it doesn't appear to be in there but it is in 7 and 9.

[@malimaui2802]

This is one of the reasons why I don’t think Joshua is gonna die, or at least he’d be revived half way through the game. Good old Flames of Rebirth

[@rosaheartlily]

I'd love a video on the evolution of Carbuncle, one of my personal favourites because he's just so darned cute!

[@neoshadowdukeofgames8223]

I’d like to see the evolution of Alexander

[@kriz2432]

I would say I'd like to see a Zalera Evolution Video, since he's my all time favorite... but I think it would be a REALLY short Video, lol. XD

[@etinarcadiaego7424]

"Beat 'em up." Awww you're so English it's adorable!

[@gamingdemigodxiii5630]

I’d do Ramuh (and Ixion) after doing Shiva next.

[@ajflink]

With the Final Fantasy XVI demo, everytime Phoenix or phoenix down is mentioned, somebody in the world experiencing PTSD.

[@Caterfree10]

God I love the inclusion of FFRK info. It’s something that doesn’t get enough love in the FF fandom (or from Square ;; )

[@Taikoubou07]

Maybe evolution of Tonberry next? It’s such an iconic enemy.

[@mrdude88]

My second favorite summon, esper, eidolon, GF, etc. Only second to Alexander the living fortress or holy light.

[@FerrumAnulum]

I really miss explorers... yeah it wasn't a great game and it was pretty shallow... I just really loved the hunter style game play with the mix and match job system. Loved running around in stealth as a duel pistol weilding Black mage.

[@JohnDCrafton]

This video needs an update (Thanks FFXIV!) Also you failed to mention Suzaku when you were talking about FFXIV. While she does have roots in Chinese astrology, in FFXIV she is very much like a phoenix (even going so far as to have phoenix abilities and minions when you fight her)

[@Kylesico912x]

On the topic of Opera Omnia, Phoenix does appear as an ally in a few character's movesets. Locke has it as his skill 2, Eiko summons it as her LD and Iroha invokes it's power through her EX.

[@crystalcrawford3322]

I was very curious to see how you'd handle FFXIV due to both Pheonix in the Coils, the summoner, and suzaku. I feel like Suzaka should have been mentioned for at least a lore tidbit due to mention of Tenzen and his Samurai sword. Great video! Thank you

[@travispratt3571]

I think not mentioning Suzaku may have been the right way to go. Granted, Tenzen using Phoenix was related to his katana, Phoenix has always been representative of the European one. Suzaku's roots in Chinese mythology makes them two totally separate beings.

[@alicecera7512]

"Final Fantasy X's 20th anniversary. Don't make me feel old, I still have the demo disc and PS2 copy from way back when it was new. :("

[@ethanbennett4292]

What about Phoenix in type-0 as the vermillion bird? That seemed pretty central to the story

[@valvesofvalvino]

Would it be possible for you to look at the summons in FF12. Because a lot of them are only in this game the don't get much of a mention but it would be great to see you guys do a video on them.

[@travispratt3571]

I agree. Seeing the Lucavi resurface as summons in XII was awesome and they definitely need more love!

[@Galaxyhoppah]

I would actually like a video for the summons in 12 also. Especially since some of them are named after past bosses, such as Mateus and well Chaos.

[@shivur5073]

This

[@adiksaff]

As something of a casual Astrology geek in high school, I would love for them to pick apart how each summon embodies their respective western zodiac signs (e.g. Zalera, as the Gemini summon, has a "twin" in the form of the captive woman on his wing), as well as references to non-Ivalice games (e.g. How Belias interprets Hellfire vs the more traditional Ifrit). An interesting almost cross-sectional approach vs their usual longitudinal analysis)

[@ridewild1956]

in the lore of ff14 phoenix goes back way further than louisoix since the original phoenix was birthed by azem when he channeled the aether of an erupting volcano to save the inhabitants around said volcano

[@6038am]

Fun fact about Azem in FF 14. Depending on the player character's sex, Azem is either male or female.

[@Chocoboranger]

You should of added Suzaku also from 14. Shes a Phoenix, was traveler and companion to Tenzen, who also used the Phoenix blade.

[@NWHSBL]

Can you do the evolution of thunder/lightning summons next? Ramuh, Quetzalcoatl, Ixion, etc?

[@DevilManthehero7786]

Nice and interesting and keep the good work and you are awesome

[@guillermoolivaiii9550]

My favorite esper/eidolon/aeon/eikon/avatar/primal is very underrated and not used a lot nor known that much, so that is Valigarmanda "The Elemental Wings of Triad" and only made an appearance as a key plot to Final Fantasy VI.

[@melvindu4191]

Thanks!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much Melvin!

[@kingofdragons7]

Thank you

[@johnkim7890]

Hmm... I don't know if this count's but I think there were Phoenix references in Type-0 Final Fantasy as well... though it's been a long time since I've played it my memory is a bit hazy lol.

[@mathewrogers5993]

FFIX is the game I most loved Phoenix. Imagine my shock when the final boss slew my party and Phoenix ultimately said "I don't think so". I never knew that could happen, and afterwards I unleashed everything I had and beat the game.

[@Walamonga1313]

Had the same thing happen but with Ozma. I was so surprised but hyped lol. It helped me clutch out a first try win, which I didn't think would happen

[@justadude274]

We need summons fusion Imagine a fusion between ifrit and Phoenix or bahamut or ramuh that would be awesome if you ask me

[@whitemage34]

Phoenix is also in Dragon Quest:Tactics as part of the FF:WOTV Event

[@liamtaylor5741]

I'm looking forward to it appearing in Remake too

[@Seiferboi]

I have Crystal Defenders on my iPad and it's an awesome game!

[@nolongeraperson]

So, what they didn't note about the FF7 Phoenix double acquisition is it's a glitch/exploit. You're not supposed to be able to get two. You do so by completing the Fort Condor quest but then not picking up the materia on the roof. When you leave the area the game flags it as missed and assumes you must have failed the quest and only then does it appear at the Bone Village to be dug up. After digging it up, then you can go all the way back to the roof on Fort Condor and pick up the materia again. Basically, if you're playing the game as any reasonable person, you will NOT be getting two because you won't go through such steps naturally.

[@irvinvaldovinos7721]

When I first saw F.F 16 trailer It also got me thinking about The Phoenix force in marvel comics.

[@RobinKillian]

You've done Ifrit and Phoenix, both of the Fire aspect; How about the Lady of Ice: Shiva, Lord of the Levin: Ramuh or the Lady of the Vortex: Garuda?

[@nattobaby]

ff dimensions is such an underrated gem

[@Walamonga1313]

Phoenix came in clutch and helped me kill Ozma first try after I got wiped (he revived me and I managed to win, first time it ever happened too)

[@blight234]

Is dark Phoenix from brave exvius also considered an evolution form?

[@PyromaniacAxel]

Can we see Leviathan, if it hasn't been done yet? Aside from Bahamut and Phoenix, Leviathan's been one of my favorite Summons ever since I saw it in Final Fantasy VII, the first Final Fantasy game I played and introduced me to the wonderful series.

[@grahamwade5932]

no they need to do choco mog next

[@kriz2432]

Phoenix is AWESOME!!

[@kriz2432]

The Hunt for Phoenix in FFXII was actually a very difficult Battle... it was a good showing for Phoenix.

[@bajanluva031]

Eiko uses a Phoenix skill in opera omina so technically an ally

[@YoursTrulyHero]

Was hoping Suzaku would have been mentioned

[@richardpage2082]

No love or mention of Lenna EX and Eiko LD I'm Opera Omnia :(

[@ImmortalDraylo]

They will most likely use Phoenix to add as an avatar in FFXI soon

[@jarg_64]

I swear the one image of the Phoenix on the thumbnail I thought was a sword. The wing was the blade and it’s head the guard

[@olivermorris1104]

Phoenix kicks ass

[@kriz2432]

I LOVE Final Fantasy Unlimited!! :D

[@Vintageblade-bb4mc]

My favorite translation of phoenix is hot wings :)

[@Terrigan_Reina]

Just realized the two FF (XII and XV) I played the most doesn't really has Phoenix :o) ...