As a dedicated gamer, it is hard not to recognize the Final Fantasy series as one of the most influential, accomplished series in the industry. Full of fantastic worlds, great characters, amazing cinematography, and stories that capture the hearts of its fans, Final Fantasy has engrossed fans for decades. However, this amazing series is not without its flaws. While I enjoy everything else about the game, one thing bothers me that I can't let go of: the gameplay.
Yes, that's right, the gameplay. For me, a game that is so rich in context and character is rare, and yet is is diminished because of the mechanics of the gameplay itself. The main problem I have is the battle structure of the games themselves. When one moves around in the worlds the game takes place in, rather than free for all fighting, you are forced into almost scheduled battle, where you and the computer take turns hitting each other. For me, this is just as slow and boring as watching football. You and the computer do battle, taking points with each attack you deal out or get blown, until you or the other die. For me, this is a dark spot on the game.
The creators of the series have integrated its characters into another series, one of my favorites, Kingdom Hearts. This game is similar in style, characterization, plot, and structure. However, it has the one thing that I found has been lacking in the Final Fantasy series, free form battles. Rather than having the battles set up, you are free to roam the world, and attack the enemy whenever you come across them. I feel that this is something that Final Fantasy needs to begin integrating. Even the latest game, Final Fantasy XIII, had one of the most intricate, detailed plots and relatable characters to boot, but the game mechanics left me frustrated and unable to get past the second half of the game. I know not everyone may feel this way, but I know some of you out there may agree with me, and I know for myself, the slow paced action of the series is frustrating, because everything else about the game is breathtaking. From the heartwarming and emotional plot, music, and characters to the all too realistic cinematic shown throughout, the stories told in this series are some of the most heartwarming I've ever encountered in a game. I just hope that the mechanics used in Kingdom Hearts can find their way into the Final Fantasy series some day, that way the games themselves will be complete.
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