Released in 1987 by Square (now Square Enix), Final Fantasy wasn’t just the beginning of a video game franchise—it was the birth of a cultural phenomenon. The first entry in the Final Fantasy series introduced players to a rich, immersive world, compelling storytelling, and a unique blend of turn-based combat and fantasy elements. While Final Fantasy wasn’t an immediate hit at the time, its success would pave the way for an entire genre of role-playing games (RPGs) and solidify its place as one of the most influential video game franchises in history.
The Genesis of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy was born out of necessity. At the time, Square (now Square Enix) was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the company needed a final project that could potentially save it. Hironobu Sakaguchi, who had joined Square as a young game designer, was tasked with creating this “last-ditch effort.” The result was a fantasy-themed RPG that would combine elements of traditional tabletop role-playing games with the capabilities of video game technology.
The game was originally conceived as a project that would be Square’s “final” game, hence the title Final Fantasy. The team poured all their creativity into making the game unique, with a sprawling world, a detailed magic system, and an innovative combat system. Despite its humble beginnings, Final Fantasy was a commercial and critical success, and its impact on the gaming industry would be felt for decades to come.
The Story and World of Final Fantasy
Set in a world called The World of Final Fantasy, the game’s plot revolves around four warriors of light who are destined to save the world from an evil force that threatens to destroy it. The warriors are tasked with collecting the four orbs of power—each representing an element of the world (earth, fire, water, and air)—to restore balance and defeat the darkness that has taken hold of the planet.
The plot of Final Fantasy is fairly simple by modern standards, but it was groundbreaking at the time. The story emphasized themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between light and dark. While the original Final Fantasy didn’t have the intricate plots and character development seen in later entries in the series, it laid the foundation for the expansive storytelling that would come to define Final Fantasy as a franchise.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Final Fantasy was its blend of high fantasy with traditional RPG mechanics. The game’s world was filled with rich lore, mythical creatures, and memorable locations, many of which would appear again in later Final Fantasy titles. From the magic-wielding Black Mages to the dragon-filled dungeons, Final Fantasy‘s world felt vast and alive—offering an escape into a universe filled with endless possibilities.
Fascinating Facts and Trivia about Final Fantasy
- The First RPG to Use “Active” Combat: While most RPGs of the time employed a turn-based combat system, Final Fantasy introduced a more dynamic form of turn-based combat. Players could select commands for their characters during battle, and the game would then resolve the actions in a set order. This system was more interactive and fast-paced than what had come before, and it became a staple of RPGs in the years to follow.
- The Creation of the Chocobo: One of the most beloved elements of the Final Fantasy series is the Chocobo, a large, bird-like creature that players can ride throughout the game world. The Chocobo made its first appearance in Final Fantasy as a means of transportation, but its popularity would grow throughout the franchise. It became a recurring symbol in future Final Fantasy games, even spawning its own minigames and spin-off titles.
- The “Warriors of Light”: The four main characters in Final Fantasy—the Warriors of Light—are often considered the prototypes for many of the iconic characters who would appear in later Final Fantasy games. Although they were not as developed in terms of backstory or personality, their design (and the concept of having multiple playable heroes) would become a hallmark of the series.
- The “Crystal” Theme: The central theme of the game revolves around the four elemental crystals, which players must recover to save the world. This concept would become a recurring motif throughout the Final Fantasy franchise, and the crystals would appear in several future titles, representing the core of the franchise’s connection to mystical and fantastical elements.
- A Financial Lifeline for Square: Final Fantasy wasn’t just a creative success; it was a financial one too. It became one of the best-selling RPGs of its time, generating enough revenue to keep Square afloat and give the company the opportunity to continue making games. In fact, Final Fantasy was so successful that it laid the foundation for a multi-billion-dollar franchise, spanning sequels, spinoffs, movies, anime, and merchandise.
- The Legacy of the Music: The music for Final Fantasy was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, whose scores would become one of the most iconic aspects of the series. The music, while limited by the technical constraints of the NES, was still memorable and effective in setting the tone for each scene. The soundtrack for Final Fantasy introduced memorable tracks such as the Prelude, Victory Fanfare, and the Main Theme, which would go on to be staples of the series.
- The Birth of the “Job” System: Final Fantasy introduced the concept of job classes for characters, where each character could be assigned a different role, such as a Warrior, Mage, or Thief. This system would be refined and expanded in later games in the series, but its roots can be traced back to the original game. The “Job System” would become one of the series’ defining features, allowing for greater flexibility in how players approached combat.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The “Secret Dungeon”: One of the most challenging aspects of the original Final Fantasy was the existence of hidden dungeons and powerful bosses. The “Secret Dungeon,” known as the Temple of Fiends, contained some of the game’s most difficult enemies, offering a serious challenge for players who were brave enough to face it.
- The Hidden Bosses: Final Fantasy included several secret bosses that players could face once they completed certain requirements. These bosses were significantly more powerful than the regular enemies in the game and required players to have mastered the game’s mechanics to defeat them. The “Chaos” boss, for example, was a formidable challenge that could only be accessed after completing the main story.
- A Secret Ending: Final Fantasy also had a secret ending that could only be unlocked under certain conditions. This hidden ending teased the next game in the series, offering a glimpse of things to come. While not as elaborate as the endings of later Final Fantasy games, this secret became an exciting easter egg for dedicated players.
- The Mysterious “NPC”: There is a character in Final Fantasy called the “Mysterious Man,” who appears in several locations in the game. This character would often give cryptic messages or lead players to hidden areas. While not a major part of the story, the Mysterious Man has become a part of Final Fantasy lore, and his presence in the game left players wondering about his significance.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Final Fantasy
- Master the Job System: As players progress through the game, they can assign different jobs to each character. This allows for strategic customization of each character’s abilities, so it’s important to experiment with different combinations to find the best setup for your party.
- Level Up Your Magic: Magic plays an essential role in combat, and making sure your characters are well-equipped with powerful spells will give you a significant advantage. Be sure to collect and level up your magic spells to make your characters more formidable in battle.
- Use the “Chocobo” to Your Advantage: Chocobos can be used for faster travel, but they can also be used to access hidden areas and items. Make sure to explore the world and use your Chocobo to uncover hidden secrets and treasures.
- Manage Your Resources: Like many RPGs of the time, Final Fantasy requires players to carefully manage their resources, such as potions, spells, and gold. Ensure that you stockpile healing items and don’t waste your magic unnecessarily, as these resources can be the difference between life and death in tougher battles.
- Save Often: Since Final Fantasy is a long game, it’s important to save your progress often. This will help you avoid losing progress in case you make a mistake or face a tough battle that you’re not yet ready for.
The Legacy and Cultural Impact of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy didn’t just spawn sequels—it spawned a franchise that would change the RPG landscape forever. With its immersive storytelling, deep gameplay, and rich world-building, Final Fantasy became a cornerstone of RPG gaming. Its success paved the way for future RPGs, and the series continues to push the boundaries of gaming with each new entry.
Beyond its commercial success, Final Fantasy helped define what it meant to experience a role-playing game. Its legacy includes not only the numerous sequels and spinoffs but also its impact on game design, storytelling, and character development.
The Final Fantasy series continues to thrive today, with Final Fantasy XV and the upcoming Final Fantasy XVI pushing the franchise to new heights. For fans of the series, the original Final Fantasy remains a cherished piece of gaming history, a game that started it
all and defined an entire genre of games that would change the industry forever.