What Final Fantasy Fans Don’t Want to See in Final Fantasy XVII

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of Final Fantasy adventures under my belt, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia and anticipation as I read through this lively Reddit thread. The passion and yearning for change echoes within me, resonating with the experiences I’ve shared with these iconic games throughout my life.

Fans of Final Fantasy are quite vocal, and a recent Reddit post titled ‘What plot points would you not want to see in a potential Final Fantasy XVII?’ by user ExplanationSquare313 has generated much discussion. The post largely expresses discontent with recurring motifs, such as deity-like antagonists and the depiction of magic as forbidden. Given the intricate storylines in numerous past games, supporters are eager for a new direction, hoping upcoming editions will emphasize originality over worn-out tropes.

What are plot points you don’t want to see in a eventual Final Fantasy XVII?
byu/ExplanationSquare313 inFinalFantasy

Summary

Players are exhausted by the recurring theme of evil gods or deities serving as antagonists.
There is a widespread desire for narratives that embrace magic rather than vilify it.
A call for more diverse character arcs rather than the typical sacrifice trope.
Gamers want a stronger focus on grounded storytelling over over-the-top mythological elements.

The Exhaustion with Godly Villains

It’s undeniable that many Final Fantasy games have been marked by grand confrontations with deities. Yet, it appears fans are expressing fatigue on this theme. One user aptly summarized their feelings, saying “I’m tired of villains being evil gods or god-like beings!” This sentiment resonated in the comments, with several players praising games like Final Fantasy VII and X for their captivating stories that didn’t rely on celestial adversaries. Instead, it seems fans are yearning for narratives centered around human conflicts, personal emotions, and character development, rather than relying on distant, less relatable divine beings to fill narrative voids. Some fans question whether the intervention of gods undermines the characters’ autonomy. They seem to prefer stories where individual decisions shape outcomes, instead of following a predetermined divine narrative.

Magic: Friend or Foe?

In the realm of Final Fantasy, magic has long been a distinctive aspect. However, there’s increasing concern that upcoming games might continue the pattern of depicting magic as something sinister or harmful. A user expressed their bewilderment: “Why are so many posts talking about ‘magic is wrong’? Are we playing the same games?” It seems a substantial portion of the community prefers to honor magic, rather than vilify it, as demonstrated in games like Final Fantasy IX, where magic was presented as an essential part of the world’s enchantment and history. Players are yearning for titles like VII and VIII, which portrayed magic as a breathtaking, magical element, and hope that future stories will rekindle this perspective, avoiding grim undertones that suggest magic leads to ruin, instead focusing on embracing it as a tool for wonder and exploration.

Breaking the Mold: Character Sacrifices and Archetypes

The trope of the self-sacrificing hero has become a staple in not just Final Fantasy, but many other narratives as well. One commenter lamented, “I’d love an ending that doesn’t involve the main character sacrificing themselves,” while another echoed this sentiment with, “I’d really like them to tone down the heaviness.” The thirst for character development that is creative and engaging instead of predictable seems to be a priority. This isn’t to say that stories should avoid emotional depth, but players seek richness in character motivations and arcs beyond noble sacrifice. They want characters that grow through choice, relationships, and the consequences of their actions, rather than solely through tragedy.

Cohesion Over Chaos: Grounded Storytelling

Enthusiasts are voicing their preference for down-to-earth storylines amidst the complex and chaotic narratives of Final Fantasy games. One fan expressed, “I’d love a FF game that delivers on its promise of realism, like XV initially suggested but didn’t fully achieve.” This desire within the community underscores their longing for relatable and grounded experiences amidst the fantastical. While they appreciate magical elements and mythical beings, excessive story complexity and characters that are excessively dramatic can create a disconnect. Instead, they yearn for stories centered around themes such as friendship, romance, or overcoming everyday obstacles, which would provide players with an immersive, yet realistic world, allowing them to both relate and escape into fantasy.

As a devoted gamer immersed in the ever-expanding gaming saga of Final Fantasy, it’s unmistakable that the community yearns for a shift. They crave novel adventures that break free from the worn-out narratives steeped in old tropes, which have lingered for far too long. The collective clamor is loud and clear: less deity-centric plots, more earthbound narratives, and characters with depth beyond their role as sacrificial lambs. With bated breath, we anticipate updates on Final Fantasy XVII, hoping that the upcoming installment will weave a storytelling fabric that aligns with our aspirations for the series’ evolution.

2024-08-06 03:29