Final Fantasy VI

This Final Fantasy was the second one released here in America and was the third overall released here. It made me kind of mad when later I found out that there were three games never released here. Granted, in retrospect the three never before released were all a bit off. This one is also quite different and a good FF game. I do not enjoy this one as much as IV, VII, IX and X, but I find it is a bit better than VIII and a V and there is no question it is better than the last two I have played in XII and XIII. It starts out very strong adding many cool features that at the time I had not yet experienced in a role playing game. The story was also very strong and I do believe this FF still has the most playable characters of any in the series. It is just at a certain point in the game, it just kind of weakens a bit as the story tails off for a bit and nothing new and inventive really comes into play anymore. Still a very fun and strong game overall, it just falters a little bit the second half of the game. Obviously, I do not think it falters too much as I still give this game a nine as a score.

The story has an empire that is trying to gain the powers of magic to rule the world. They enslave a mysterious girl named Terra, who is quickly the center of attention. Soon, the empire is attacking on all fronts as your party who consists of a good deal of people must fight back. Just as you think there is going to be a peaceful end, the world is thrown into absolute chaos by one of the Emperor's subordinates, a hateful man named Kefka who wishes nothing more than to destroy!

The game play is that of your typical FF game; however, they do add some interesting things here. Every character in the game can learn all the magic spells as you equip summons (here called Espers) and they help you learn many spells. Every character though has a unique ability akin to the limit break in the next three games. Granted, you do not have to build these up, and can use them anytime. Bad news for any monsters as some characters special abilities can do massively insane damage, like Sabin's blitz the bum rush! The story is strong and features great villains, that is until the second half of the game in a place called the world of ruin where the bad guys just consist of monsters and you do not see Kefka again until you face him in the final battle.

So this game is very fun and one of the best role playing games on the SNES. I would rank only FF II (IV in Japan) and Chrono Trigger as stronger ones. I like the many characters and I like the fact that despite the fact that even though they all can learn the same magics they still have unique qualities and skills. Unlike, say part XII where everyone can pretty much do what everyone else can do. So despite the fact the game does weaken a little during the second half of the game, it is still a very strong role playing game. I would take this game and its style over the last two FF games I have played (XII and XIII).

Final Fantasy VI is one of the best games I have ever played. The plot is so good and the characters are so perfect! It is the best RPG for Super Nintendo, and the second best of all (Zelda 64 is PERFECT). You have got to play this game. Now. Go play it now. Don't read this, go play it!

Disregard other's comments on this masterpiece, for it truly is the greatest game of all time. Final Fantasy VI was the first game to truly realize the potential of games as a storytelling medium. It's characters (particularly Celes and Terra) face true hardship and identity crises. This was also the first game to tackle such issues as teen pregnancy, suicide, and death in the family. It's not a light-hearted romp like 10, or a sweeping love story like 8. It's just the best.

Dark at times, light at others. Sakaguchi balanced the tension of Terra's slow descent into madness and her inevitable rise to destiny with stories of her search for love. Celes and Locke both face pain dead on, with Cid and Rachel both falling before their times. The most powerful moment in the game, in fact, is easily Celes' decision to end it all when the world goes to hell (though the opera scene is truly emotional as well).

This game changed gaming. All the plot twists and grandure of 7-10 could not exist without 6. It's 16-bit graphics often tell more story and emotion than the others can even hope for, and it's got the best villain ever (Kefka is the man). If you haven't played it, do yourself a favor. I just finished my 5th time through, after beating 10 so thoroughly, and I find myself loving it more and more.

You know, the wonderful gameplay isn't this game's best feature. The best feature would have to be the story. The game stars 15 heroes, who are determined to demolish the Empire for separate reasons. No two characters are the same in this game, and are all unique in their own way. The game start off, like many Square Soft games (like FF4 and 7,) with the main character doing the dirty work for the evil side. When The Empire discovered she had the mysterious gift of magic, they quickly placed a slave crown on her, which put her under their control. One day while invading the town of Narshe, Terra and two other troops (Vicks and Wedge) come across a glowing crystal. Vicks and Wedge were instantly killed by stepping too close. However, the crystal has a mysterious effect on Terra, as she feels drawn towards it. Suddenly, lighting begins to flicker between Terra and the crystal, as if they're becoming one. Terra passes out, and finds that a local from Narshe took her inside once she wakes up. He takes the slave crown off her head, and for once Terra can think straight. However, she doesn't get too much time to think, as Emperial Troops soon come barging down the door. They need Terra's power back! Fearing for her life, Terra runs into a nearby hospital, where she falls down a manhole, and is knocked unconscious. The Empirials almost capture her, but a wandering thief (or he prefers, "Treasure hunter") named Locke comes in for the rescue just in time. Terra soon wakes up after being rescued, and tries to explain what happened. However, Terra has a hard time thinking after falling. Locke is frightened, as he's heard of how powerful Terra truly is. He's going to need help to save her, preferably the king of Figaro, Edgar!

If this intro intrigues you, then your jaw will drop in awe at least 7 times while playing this game. There's a total of 15 heroes, each with their own reason for joining the fight against the Empire. Characters range from Mog the Moogle (who joins your team after you save him from falling off the edge of a mountain) to Shadow (a mysterious man who is thought to be ruthless. However, he has a very soft side too, and finds love in his companions. He shows no love at all to the Empire however.) Overall, I have never been more impressed by a storyline than in this game (including books, movies, and TV dramas.)

I'm a big fan of the Final Fantasy series and this is one of my favorites. Definitely one of the best games on the SNES with its gorgeous visuals, sweeping musical score (courtesy of Nobuo Uematsu), engrossing narrative and a memorable cast of ensemble characters (my favorites include Terra, Edgar, his bro Sabin, and Celes), and one of the most unforgettable villains in video game history: Kefka. From his diabolical laugh, his power, and a feat I won't mention here in case anyone hasn't played it yet, you have to play it to find out, though I will say you'll never forget it. I haven't found all the secrets, but I've come back to this one time and time again. Add this to your VG bucket list if you haven't already done so.