[School of Everything Else 2023]
The first global blockbuster hit in this long-running series from Squaresoft. As we noted before, the excellent Final Fantasies IV, V and VI were not released in Europe (neither were I, II or III) until long after this one, and it was utilising the power of the PlayStation, so this really was the introduction to what a modern-day cinematic RPG video game could be, for an entire generation in 1997.
Playing it today, there are a number of drawbacks, some of which (annoying random battles, slow-progression) are mitigated by Quality of Life additions in recent remastered versions (the Switch version that Sharon played all the way through this adventure for the first time). However, the blocky, awkward character models and static backgrounds do warrant the glossy Remake that we are still only halfway through, and will not be taking about until it's over... in 2028.
None of these drawbacks of the PS1 original can taint the fact that this really is beloved for plenty of great reasons. We talk at length here about the story and characters, meaning and the manner of how this tale is imparted to us. Powerful bitter-sweetness is a feature, not a bug.
Next Week: Wakanda Forever
Devil’s Advocate
V for Vendetta
Ghost in the Shell
Masters of the Universe: Revelation
Gonzo Adventures: The Tower of the Sorcerer
No Country for Old Men / True Grit
The Studio Ghibli Series Part 4: Porco Rosso
In the Heights
John Wick: Chapters 2/3/4
The Flash
Batman Beyond
The Big Mermaid
F9: The Fast Saga / Fast X
Black Adam / Shazam: Fury of the Gods
Heckboy
O Brother, Where Art Thou? / Inside Llewyn Davis
The Studio Ghibli Series Part 3: Kiki’s Delivery Service
Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Final Fantasy Series / Final Fantasy IV
Tarzan
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