Final Fantasy and the Ageist Agenda: Why Being in Your 30s Feels Like Ancient History

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As a longtime enthusiast of Final Fantasy, I’ve been captivated by its grand narratives and iconic characters since it first burst onto the gaming scene in 1987. But lately, a funny Reddit post has struck a chord with me and many other players approaching our 30s: why does it feel like the game world considers us relics of the past? As we ponder the role of age in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the humor kicks in, especially when we notice how characters labeled as ‘young’ are barely out of their teens while those in their 30s might as well be ancient artifacts in a museum. This conversation has been filled with wit and irony, shedding light on a humorous yet relatable discussion about aging in a genre that often celebrates youth and metamorphosis.

Summary

  • Players in their 30s expressed frustration at how the JRPG genre often depicts characters over this age as “ancient.”
  • Comments reveal that many see age stereotypes as a common trend, not just limited to Final Fantasy.
  • While some characters have matured, like Clive in FF16, the overall portrayal remains young and fresh.
  • Humorous memes and comments illustrate the absurdity of aging perceptions in a fantasy world.

The Age of Our Heroes

In many role-playing games like Final Fantasy, the characters often appear young even when they’re supposed to be much older. This is humorously summed up by one commenter saying, “In a JRPG, if you’re 30, you might as well have already picked out your burial plot.” This joke highlights a common sentiment among players, who sometimes feel a disconnect between their real-life maturity and the youthful characters they play in these games. As gamers grow older, they may find it hard to relate to the teenage heroes on screen, whose stories seem to unfold quite differently from their own life experiences.

To clarify, it’s not only Square Enix that engages in these ageist portrayals; this issue is prevalent across various aspects of Japanese media. As another insightful user noted, “In Japanese media, once you’re over 30, you’re considered ancient.” This viewpoint mirrors a cultural bias toward youth, which often results in older characters being marginalized to less significant roles. For example, while characters like Cid and Auron have built up respect over time, their designs tend to idealize youth, offering little representation for the wisdom or experiences that come with age.

Characters Vs. Real Life: Where’s the Balance?

Discussions about the ages of these characters can go from fan theories to discussions about character development. Many commenters have pointed out characters like Gaius, who is 56, and is often considered a symbol of maturity in this world filled with young warriors. One post even said, “By the way, Gaius is 56,” along with an amusing picture highlighting the character’s wealth of experience. This clear difference demonstrates the inconsistency that gamers often discuss and debate. Why is it that a character aged 30 seems just as experienced as a wise old sage, while others are still fighting battles and casting spells in their 50s and beyond?

It’s noteworthy that some have highlighted newer games like Final Fantasy XVI, featuring characters like Clive who are 30 years old. This has been seen as a welcome shift by many gamers, particularly those who can identify with the themes of maturity in their own lives. One player succinctly captured this feeling when they said, “To be honest, having Clive be in his 30’s in FF16 was a refreshing change of pace.” It seems that there is an emerging recognition that gamers have personal experiences and life milestones, making character ages more relatable when they are not strictly confined to youthful characters.

Age: The Fantastical Fantasy Paradox

One intriguing observation is how strange it feels when aging in digital worlds intensifies real-life experiences. It’s ironic because, despite our favorite characters being designed to be young, they often reflect and magnify our concerns about growing older. A humorous take on this idea went something like, “That’s like 80 in anime/RPG years.” This implies that the developers purposefully set a ratio where each year in our world corresponds to several years in their imaginary universe, making age seem even more distorted.

As we chat, memories flood back of the iconic characters I grew up with, battling dragons and saving worlds. It’s fascinating to see how these heroes, who’ve aged just like me, now seem different in my eyes. But the topic that really stirs the pot is character design – how they’ve evolved over time. Sometimes it feels like being left on the bench, but then I remember: just because I’m not a sprightly twenty-something anymore doesn’t mean my days of heroism are over. Far from it! Aging actually adds depth to our gaming stories, making them richer and more meaningful.

Final Fantasy holds a special place in the hearts of numerous gamers, offering a nostalgic glimpse into their past while simultaneously addressing the complexities of growing older. The discussions ignited by this topic have unveiled a deep-rooted desire for harmony – a balance between cherishing one’s youthful memories and acknowledging the wisdom that maturity brings. As the characters in Final Fantasy embody an idealized vision of eternal youth, players have embraced this contradiction, finding amusement and camaraderie in their collective experiences as they traverse the fantastical realms of imagination. In the universe where 30 is equivalent to 80 in Final Fantasy, let’s confront our shared aging reality with humor, internet culture, and perhaps a few virtual weapons!

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2025-05-03 21:29