Final Fantasy (series)

Final Fantasy is a video game series made in Japan by the company Sqare-Enix (prior to merging with Enix, it was known as Squaresoft). Each episode involves a band of heroes on their quest to save the world.

Series

There are currently thirteen canonical games, some having spin-off or sequel games. Each game in the series stands alone.

• Final Fantasy
• Final Fantasy II
• Final Fantasy III
• Final Fantasy IV (released as Final Fantasy I in the United States)
• Final Fantasy V (released as Final Fantasy II in the United States)
• Final Fantasy VI (released as Final Fantasy III in the United States)
• Final Fantasy VII is a 3D role playing game for the PlayStation platform, set in a dystopian society that is broadly capitalist
  • There have been numerous spin-off games including Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode: Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.
  • There have also been two films, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children and Last Order: Final Fantasy VII.
• Final Fantasy VIII
• Final Fantasy IX
• Final Fantasy X
  • Final Fantasy X-2
• Final Fantasy XI is an massively multiplayer online RPG for the PC and Xbox platforms, set in a medieval/steam era
• Final Fantasy XII
• Final Fantasy XIII (to be released on the PlayStation 3 console)

Common elements

The games share a number of common elements, including:

• Most of the games include the ability to summon through magical means a variety of different creatures. Many of these have their source in mythology and religion - for example, Cerberus, Gilgamesh, Ixion, Leviathan, Odin, Shiva, Siren and Titan.
• Some characters are repeated throughout the games - Cid being a prime example, along with Biggs and Wedge.
• Chocobos are (mostly) flightless birds that can be ridden and used in various ways in the games (including digging for items in Final Fantasy IX, summoning for use in battles and racing)
• Moogles are small furry animals which have bat-like wings and behaviour resembling a cat, often found interspersing the word "kupo" in their dialog. They serve a variety of supporting roles in the games, including providing save and rest points, storing items, buying and selling items and serving various storyline purposes.
• Airships appear in many of the Final Fantasy games - although they have different appearances: some as zeppelins, some as steampunk 'flying boats'. Once one has progressed quite far in the game, it will often become possible to fly around in the airship to complete side quests.
• Gil is the currency used in the games.