The Complete History of Final Fantasy | Long-Form Retrospective Review

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When Final Fantasy released back in 1987, few would have predicted the impact it would go on to have. This documentary looks to preserve its legacy, running through the events that transpired in the lead-up to its creation, the trials and tribulations of the game's development and how its legacy has built out over time.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:50 Chapter One - The Setup
00:20:08 Chapter Two - The Development
00:40:39 Chapter Three - The Launch
00:58:16 Chapter Four - The Legacy
Thumbnail: Colin Tan ( / unartifex )
Video Editor: Zhane ( / super_namu )
Twitch: / levelup_lauren
Patreon: / ffunion
Website: www.finalfantasyunion.com
Twitter - / ffunion
Discord: / discord
Newsletter: ffunionvids.substack.com/

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

If you would like to help fund the creation of more content like this, please consider supporting Final Fantasy Union on Patreon: tinyurl.com/yewws8ku

[@Marinanor]

Is this a re-upload? I've been watching a lot of content like this.

[@tensinkano6888]

@@Marinanorthis is just a history of ff1 and all continent released under FF 1 in years later

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Hey Marinan, thanks for the comment! This video is a spiritual success to our other series, The Complete History of Square. There's some cross-over, but this documentary goes into much more detail, while adding in a load of additional information we've uncovered since it was produced. ~Darryl

[@LisaSamaritan]

Perhaps you need to do a new re-encode/re-upload. There is some crackling in the audio.

[@Dracobyte]

Thank you for another excelwnt video!

[@seankkg]

A simple thing, but I think it is powerful, is that they named it in English to begin with. We never had to worry about any confusion like Yakuza or Harvest Moon. It was in parallel from the start. I think that helped the accessibility of creating a fandom in the early internet age and spreading its popularity.

[@oddysay]

Strongly agree

[@Kyoukichi]

It was originally called "Final Fight" tho (not Final Fantasy)

[@zeroskaterz92]

Never had to worry about any confusion? Funny because people who are new to the series confuse about the numbered titles being sequels. The switch from Yakuza to Like A Dragon isn't even as confusing as some FF weird titles.

[@Irrevenant_]

​@@KyoukichiI believe it was actually "Fighting Fantasy" and they thought people would take to calling it fi fan.

[@joshfatal]

@@Irrevenant_yes. They wanted something that could be called FF but “fighting fantasy” was copyrighted to some paper RPG in the US. They went with “Final” because this would be their last project before bankruptcy.

[@zakirstocks9514]

The History of THE Best RPG Gaming Franchise There Is from *Square Enix* Throughout the Years: *Final Fantasy!* ⚔️🗡️

[@IdentifiantE.S]

Thanks Naoki Yoshida ! 👑

[@wherewiiwentwrong]

It also spawned the gem of the Bravely Default series, so I must agree.

[@DibsEquipped]

It's Dragon Quest though

[@akiinmoonlight79]

Final Fantasy FOREVER ! ❤

[@zakirstocks9514]

@@IdentifiantE.S I Absolutely Agree! Hands Down to Naoki Yoshida! 😄😁👍👌👑

[@zacheray]

Imagine being scoffed at for wanting to take on an industry giant, leadership shows little faith when you’re finally able to finish the project, then saving the entire company. This is why risk takers rule the playground in the end.

[@stewartglencrose9023]

Hi guys, yesterday I finally got my Final Fantasy tattoo. Went for the Griever from FF8.

[@dkolendo]

hey that's rad! congrats!

[@AngelPerez-tu1nk]

Final Fantasy is THE fantasy series that speaks to my heart. I respect The Lord of the Rings among others, but Final Fantasy is wild, inventive, strong and just awesome. (Bahamut will always be the King of Dragons to me). The effort you out in this is palpable. Great work guys.

[@ChaosMechanica]

Similarly for me. It was definitely a formative experience for me growing up. Playing Final Fantasy Tactics was my Shakespeare; Final Fantasy 8 was my angsty romance with teen magic soldiers; X was an interesting examination of religion when I was examining the religion I grew up with; and so much more. I love this franchise, and hope 16 will redeem its decade of small but persistent missteps.

[@Y-two-K]

Same. FF just hits different. Ever since I was a starry eyed little boy watching my brother play FFX when it was brand spanking new...always been the only game series that I'm an ardent fan of. I like a lot of stuff, but only FF really resonates with me.

[@Sylentmana]

Man, Japanese game art from the 80s and 90s is beautiful and amazing. It has a very special feeling to it that you just don’t get with modern game art.

[@TheJML1975]

The game manuals were amazing too, like little books.. full of amazing artwork! ❤

[@infamousincubus2888]

13:10 "There were others within the management layer who felt that creating role playing game would not be a prudent financial decision. They instead, believed that players wanted fast paced action games." Isn't it comforting to know that after almost 40 years, nothing has changed? Lol From the title I did not expect that you would take such a deep dive into the time period around the birth of the series. I thought it would just be another video going over all the numbered entries. This was an extremely well done video on the origins of our beloved series. Thank you!

[@REVOLVERE]

Thank you for bringing such amazing content for all of us. You guys are greatly appreciated!

[@BurnoutsAndBourbon]

This was INCREDIBLE. Please do every single one. How can we make this happen!?

[@akiinmoonlight79]

The first FF is one of the most important games ever created ❤

[@wiseguy240Winston]

Welp time to get my popcorn, kick up my feet, and put this on my big screen. 🍿

[@taylon5200]

While I wait for ff16 with much anticipation, this was the perfect watch 🖤 you guys deserve all the support! Incredible video

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much for the support Taylon, that means so much to us

[@dannyelson9473]

How do I donate?

[@breakfastatepiphanies]

When I was a small child my much older cousin was living with us and he had Final Fantasy for the NES. I remember seeing it and thinking the music was awesome but it was a little above my pay grade at the time but years later I played through Dawn of Souls on a long bus ride. Excellent remake and I finally got to experience the original story.

[@charliericker274]

My 7 year old nephew and his dad just finished playing the first final fantasy on NES and he loved it... timeless.

[@billcox8870]

As someone who started playing this series with the original on the NES, I thank you for all the wonderful Final Fantasy content

[@advent-adam7247]

The world needs to know about Nasir. This guy's genius carried the early industry with important titles

[@dallinjc]

Just started listening to this... But excellent, all the same! Thanks for your dedication as chronologer of the franchise! FF-Plebians like myself appreciate it.

[@Phantasiafan87]

Thanks guys. I broke my back again this morning and this is a lovely way to rest for a bit.

[@LPcrazy_88]

The way you captured and illustrated the passion of this game was astounding. I don't even care all that much about the early FFs but this was captivating and pure entertainment. Thank you!

[@SonicBahasa]

Rest in Peace Billy, you shall always be missed and forever be one of my favorite voice actors.

[@georgebohorquez8462]

Dissidia and Dissidia 012 are CRIMINALLY underrated. Fantastic video by the way!!!!

[@Lord__Soul]

The best channel on KZbin strikes again

[@earthian3658]

You guys are wonderful with all of the content constantly coming through! I get lost in all the fantastic videos. I truly appreciate all of you!

[@kentuckyjerk323]

I am a Final Fantasy fanboy. Loved the video. Dragon Warrior 4 (Quest) was my first love of RPG games. Final Fantasy 3 (6 in Japan) was my favorite SNES game. 7 is my second favorite game of all-time. My female beagle is named Aerith.

[@RossOrlando]

For years I've wanted FFU to create long-form documentaries for each mainline game in the series. Definitive histories of these games have arrived.

[@nicoperez1064]

Keep the long form videos coming. Been an avid fan of the FF games, most Square games actually especially around the SNES and PS era. For the FF games, 4-12 are the ones I mostly liked and still replay now and then with 9 probably being my favourite. I think the fact that it's regularly left out of the conversation when talking about the best FF game is a crime. Either way, long or short, I love the videos you guys put out. Keep 'em coming, and I keep on watching.

[@James-gj8rn]

WooHoo this will be a fun one, i absolutely loved your History of Square series, so this will be great, i'm looking forward to this one :)

[@oddysay]

Whose your favorite square enix artist ?!

[@James-gj8rn]

@@oddysay A bit of an obvious choice but Yoshitaka Amano (i absolutely love his Key Art for the titles, i think Final Fantasy VI has my favourite logo

[@oddysay]

@@James-gj8rn i LOVE YOSHITAKA - even dedicated myself to studying his style for a while are you also an artist ?

[@James-gj8rn]

@@oddysay i'd love to be good aat drawing but no i'm not an artist

[@captainmidnight]

Incredibly well-researched video filled with stuff I didn't know. Thank you so much for making it!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I've enjoyed many of your videos!

[@RyuHirakashi1]

It pains me that I never had the chance to play the original FF on the NES. I didn’t discover FF until later when Final Fantasy “2” was released on the SNES. I was simply blown away by the quality Final Fantasy 2 that I needed the next game. Only to find out that North America didn’t get every Final Fantasy game. I’ve always wondered as to why this was the case. This documentary was incredible made me a lifetime fan Nobou Uemtsu’s music. I bought every Soundtrack up until 10. It pains me that I can’t support square enix’s current efforts, because it deviates too much from what Sakaguchi originally envisioned. Till this day I still love turn based, menu driven Jrpgs. Hopefully in the future I would love to support your channel. There is a high level of detail and professionalism to your videos that I’ve very rarely have seen in KZbin channels. Please produce more documentaries like this. I love them!

[@AT7outof10]

I remember replaying the "History of Final Fantasy" video included on the FF12 bonus disc many times; even though it was a very abridged version of the whole story. And of course, it was VERY biased to spin everything in a positive light. (seems to be posted on youtube so that's nice) Seeing as how this is 3 times the length and only about the FIRST title, I can only imagine the total runtime once you've covered every game lol

[@Blood_Ronin]

Everyone who watches this should give it a like. The work and effort is this is second to none.

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

Your first documentary on Square was very interesting and informative - I am so glad that you've released the second part! It's quite daunting to realise just how long ago the games of my youth were released. THANK YOU! I'm a retired Librarian, and documentaries like this are so important for recording the growth of videogames and their place in popular culture. You have done an excellent job! X

[@Laheebrea]

Love these long format videos! Thank you so much for taking the time and care to make them

[@TheDeChaser]

So happy to have supported this project and your channel. Thank you for all your efforts and doing the hard work of trying to be accurate relating to video game history. It can sometimes be a thankless job as folks come at you with the "Well actually"s but getting even the basis of the story right is better than it all being lost to time. Your channel is a one stop shop for this niche interest, and I recommend it to anyone, you love and care about your content and it shows in your videos.

[@zianawind2970]

Amazing video. I grew up with FF since the 80s, it was always a window to another world.. it was also the closest to opera drama and literature that I could get in as a child/teen I always wondered where this games where coming from. Had the developers (writers,artists,musicians,producers) been touched by God or channeling extra terrestrial intelligence? Lol, funny but it was that impactful on me growing up the amount of art and depth found in square games. Xenogears goes right in there for me too it’s a package. I am so pleased to be able to see the story of how this games grew up, thank you

[@shawnadyment]

Forever grateful to my MOM 💖 for being the first Final Fantasy gamer in our house and putting me onto gaming 😍

[@Zzues]

Loved this so much. I was just under 10 uears old when the first FF was released. I was blown away! I was so amazed by the ability to save the game, I thonk it was like $100 whwn my dad bought it for me, but I could be misremembering that. Thanks for the video, super excited for FF16 and also more FFXIV, story in Endwalker expansion was one of the best.

[@BeeRho]

This was beautiful and extremely well put together. Thank you FFU patron family for making this happen.

[@ashtonkerr6276]

My very first Final Fantasy game was the Final Fantasy I and II Dawn of Souls port for the Game Boy Advance. I remember standing with money in hand trying to decide what game I should buy. Originally, I went there to buy a Legend of Zelda game, but Final Fantasy caught my eye. It took a long time to decide which game I should buy. I eventually bought the Final Fantasy games. While Final Fantasy X is my favorite and made me fall in love with the Franchise, I have a lot of fun memories playing the first game.

[@Chocobo12444]

This was an amazing look into the roots of the first game and the franchise as a whole. Thank you for putting this wonderful video together and I look forward to future content like this!

[@ChrisGeo43]

What an amazing video. The work that was put into this really showcases how much the series has made an impact in all of your lives. And it's really cool to see these things play out and some of the things that led up to what is at least for me my favorite gaming franchise of all time. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see this series continue.

[@mr30belowAK]

I am a FF lore nut. I love this video so much I gave it 5 views in anticipation of 16. Thank you for turning the extensive lore behind the franchise into an easy to swallow pill for people. ❤ Mad props for the respect to Dragon Quest for being influential in the creation of FF.

[@fffrrraannkk]

When I was in 5th grade my grandma got me a sub to nintendo power magazine and it happened to come with dragon warrior. Until then I thought the game looked bad, but I'm glad she did because I've loved rpg's ever since.

[@bahamutskingdom]

First time I played this was in 1991 on the NES. I had actually not bought this game. I got Faxanadu. My sister got Final Fantasy. When I finished Faxanadu, my sister was still trying to figure out what to do to get the ship out of the beginning area. I asked if I could try, and she was all for it. She was done with games. (She did not touch another game until Elder Scrolls III Morrowind.) A month later I beat this game. I went right back into playing it again, and again, and again. As I just finished playing Final Fantasy XVI for the 3rd time, it is the series that I have remained 100% with from the beginning. It is the determining factor on what console I get in the next gen.

[@DonCactuar]

Quality all around guys, watching your videos is a wonderful ride through history. I'm looking forward for what's coming next!

[@harrypuron1647]

Great video, can't wait for the next one. I have a deep fascination with the development history of Final Fantasy so this is right up my alley.

[@nicholasjackson8709]

I've been waiting for this video for a long time. You guys are my ONLY source for ff videos

[@mhiggs8001]

This was great ! I am glad y’all have decided to take this route in video production. While I enjoy most of the things you all make, I think long format, documentary style videos are where y’all truly shine. I think the long format videos are the best for Final Fantasy Contant on all of KZbin and you guys do a great job that even those involved in making the game seem to have acknowledged the few times you’ve met them. I’m going to assume everything I said was typed correctly my phone is busted the hell and I can’t even see my keyboard really. Thanks again for the great video!

[@Paeoniaes]

Thank you so much for making this series! I love Final Fantasy, and I really enjoyed learning more about this franchise! ❤

[@0zerosignal]

Incredible video, so thorough, I have no idea where you pulled half of the info for this video, all this insight on the development of the game was really mindblowing

[@LMMotoss]

This is such great research, pulling all the major staff stories together. Love it

[@Beryllahawk]

Beautiful, beautiful! This was so satisfying to watch. I'm a little sniffly now, heh! Loved the video and I too want to thank all the folks who helped make it. Every word held so much love for this franchise, and so much respect for its creators. Wonderful!!

[@arecord86]

As always, amazing work team FFU!!!! Thank you

[@Phiil1]

I’m amazed at the quality and depth of information in this video. This is amazing. Really great stuff. 10 out of 10.

[@rosem5062]

This has information I've never heard. Great job on this. It was so fun to watch!

[@HadesElderSage]

I've been watching this slowly in the mornings and I'm amazed at the stuff I wasn't aware of. Final Fantasy will forever be favorite game of all time as I replay it once or twice a year every year and I have since the packaged that of 1 and 2. Something about this game just brings me joy throughout the core off my body and soul and I'll never get tired of replaying this masterpiece. The Red Mage/Wizard will always be my favorite class and it hurts too not have minimum one in my party when replaying. Thank you for the wonderful work as always!

[@yosoyavery]

What an amazing video. Unbelievable quality of content and extremely fun. What an amazing work. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sephiroth21347]

What a wonderful video, so many little tidbits I wasnt aware of as well, I cant wait to see what future insights we get in the future!

[@Ninjacat25]

This was such a wonderful and interesting video! The way it was presented was greatly professional, and I've learned a fair amount of information I hadn't known about before! Thank you!

[@reloadpsi]

Uematsu's parents: "we're not letting you study for that undesirable career" Uematsu: (becomes one of the most revered composers of all time) Sometimes, bad parenting is just bad parenting.

[@kirablackstar6130]

Thank you for this lovely, in depth glance into the history of my favorite video game series

[@CarlMakesVideos]

The thing about all the different factions is they each get MAYBE 2 plot points. "I'm sure the plot was going somewhere with this" guess again, it wasn't! The plot just suddenly decides it's ready to end at the ending, and then an obvious villain decides to execute his grand plan, all at once. And by the ending, you still don't feel like the shop has a wide enough variety of weapons. It's like most of the interesting customization parts come from optional missions (or something, I really don't know what it was that unlocked them).

[@DroWarriorOfLight]

These are the best type of projects for a fantastic franchise like FF and from the best group of people possible for it, keep it up!

[@will-love-lvx]

Beautiful job!! I appreciate all the hard work put into this! ❤

[@timyac]

I just finished playing the original game for the first time ever thanks to the Pixel Remaster. I can’t wait to dive into this!

[@Finimator]

Everyone who works on the videos on this channel are some of the hardest working and most dedicated people I've seen on this website. Amazing video as always, and i can't wait to see the next part!

[@kingleepz]

woah what a banger video, wasn't expecting this today, thanks for all the amazing content guys.

[@mario_maniac9368]

This was such a great video! it reminded me of gaming historian, and I love that. This is one of the best videos yall made and a lot of your videos are really good

[@RecRoomPlays]

The narrative about what an uphill battle it was for them to even get an RPG approved in the first place reminds me of the story a few years back about how Square Enix was "surprised" by the success of Bravely Default. Even as someone who enjoys their more action-y games, they really just can't stop forgetting that people love RPGs, huh?

[@sijrichters]

I love your long form content! Keep it up guys!

[@IamLaTerry]

This is awesome, I learned a lot about the origins of one of my favorite franchises

[@dugfreshh93]

Thanks for all the work and love you put into this. Loving these unknown tidbits while I’m driving 11 hrs today. God bless!

[@Jcarroz]

Great job on the video. Thanks for putting it together.

[@simongilgenbach4630]

Great content as always. Keep up the strong work!

[@SethaaSchneegepard]

Great video! I enjoyed every second :) Keep up the amazing work!!

[@helikgaming]

Amazing video thank you for making this!

[@megawill04]

Who ever you guys hired to draw the thumbnail did a awesome job 👍

[@mattamamo8249]

Been waiting this for ages! Well done mate🎉

[@Khroniclas]

Great video. Super interesting, I could not look away. Final Fantasy is one of my favourite game franchises ever, FF4 in particular was one of my childhood games.

[@CrispyGamingOfficial]

Finally getting around to watching this. Can't wait to see some more of your fantastic content

[@WaifuVideoGamer]

Great effort to make this video.

[@jeast9648]

This was such a great video. You guys obviously love final fantasy as much as i do, if not more.

[@jugnerforest2448]

Amazing video, as always. Thank you!!

[@Gregoroth_Durai]

At last! Such a fantastic vid. Bravo!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much for all of the support Gregory!

[@JynxBlack13]

Another stellar production!! Well done all!

[@dkdomo6760]

I did a large power point presentation on the history of the series in college and there’s a lot here that I didn’t even know. Thank you!

[@Atlas92936]

This feels like that documentary you did on the history of square, which is my favorite videos on your channel!

[@RedSpade37]

Chills from the first minute! Excellent work!

[@thegroggydog]

What a fantastic documentary! I learned so much

[@louiseogden1296]

Just been playing FFXIV. The series has come a long way and while I'm more of a fan of the later games rather than the first ones, I can see the heritage running through the whole series.

[@alexandercorey850]

Very close second to the Zelda series. So much nostalgia. Hearing some of the old music was like talking to a long lost friend. Great vid

[@Ultima_Weapon_Rasiel]

As opposed to a very far second?

[@princegroove]

I love this channel and all things Final Fantasy. Well done!

[@LiminalMan777]

I absolutely loved this, it took me a bit longer than I wanted to to watch it but I’m so glad I did

[@AspieGamer1986]

December 17,1987 Megaman launches as a franchise. December 18th,1987 Final Fantasy launches and becomes the uncontested king of JRPGS worldwide as we know today.

[@federalcorvettelover3874]

I cannot begin to think how long this took you construct but Thank you just doesn't say Thank you enough. Very professional & very interesting for us Final Fantasy nuts & those who are just computer game nerds. Very very Well done Sir.

[@Shiftarus]

It's great hearing more about the creative and brilliant minds that made the games I love so much.

[@RaymondKarlVeasey75]

It's Wild To Think That When I Was Playing Rad Racer On My NES They Were Dreaming Up One Of My Favorite Videogame IPs Of All Time, Final Fantasy. I Got Mad Respect For Hironobu Sakaguchi.

[@RaymondKarlVeasey75]

Nobuo Uematsu's Is Permanently On My MP3's Playlists. His Music Is Awesome, & I Listen To It All The Time.

[@ericougel7858]

Don’t need know if each series does it but I do know that FF1 characters started at level 1 on the beginning. FF4 started at level 4 Cecil. FF6 terra was level 6 when she’s started. Finally, FF7, cloud starts at level 7 definitely when he jumpstarts offf the train. It’s small details like this that make us love this series

[@kainhighwind8236]

Finally getting around to watching this been looking forward to it❤❤

[@mrgreen5785]

Such an amazing video with a lot of work and effort and only having 5 k likes is criminal.