Final Fantasy 1 - An Ending

According to the game clock it took me just over 32 hours to beat Final Fantasy 1. After you factor in the many, many times that I reset the game, it was probably closer to 36 hours. By today’s standards 36 hours is an eye blink for a well made RPG, but I imagine that it was a record breaking achievement in 1987, and one that I’m proud to have experienced.

Having played most of the other games in the series, I have to admit that I expected a richer storyline and was initially confused by the lack of the usual story arch that forms a background for your actions in later games. In the course of playing the game I often felt adrift, aware of the larger scope of my actions only through the meager connection created by the opening cut scene. That said the game is challenging, more than, in some cases, and short enough that the lack of story is acceptable in the pursuit of game completion. It also provides the very first look at the story of the elemental crystals, a subject that will grow and evolve throughout the entire series.

Two of my three roommates have begun their own journey through Final Fantasy 1, bringing with them little or no previous experience with the series. Whether or not they will complete the game I can’t say for sure, but I consider their interest to be both flattering and a moderate success in achieving some of my own goals with this project.

I leave FF1 behind with a renewed sense of respect for my subject matter and of the value of the project before me. I am a Master's student studying English Literature and Creative Writing, and I feel that I must approach this endeavor with the same sincerity and depth of intention present in my approach to my studies. The Final Fantasy series does have immense value as a story telling medium and people should be encouraged to experience it. I’m happy to spend the rest of the year proving those points.