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But on more JRPG centric forums there are diehard FF fans who will rabidly defend it. Yet it often seems they cannot really articulate why they love it…
Overall, it's a mediocre series that I think enjoys success mainly due to nostalgia…
It's not clear if your comment target the whole series or only the last release.
If you target the whole series, I'll answer you.
I don't remember clearly what FF I played, I'm sure for 3&4, perhaps 5&7. I honestly finished only the IV.
As in most JRPG you have to go over some "qualities" that are uncommon in WRPG. For example:
- Younger heroes, any NPC with graphics picturing him like a teen despite he could be a senior, every NPC/Hero no matter the age that look a bit like kid.
- Stories faking be compatible to very young players and morale should be highlighted.
- Random encounters at high rate.
- Character building pretty different than later WRPG, where choices are less on character development itself.
- And tendency to make you grin if you don't master the combat system which will be hard for most players.
- The ton of clichés you see again and again JRPG after JRPG.
- Some more
If you can go over it, FF can have at least past the III:
- Very good writing not from shy writers or just bad writers as in most WRPG of that era.
- Good combat system if the repetitions from random encounters don't end disgust you.
- Many good tricks and secrets.
- Good exploration in many parts of the game.
- A wide world to explore and many quests and NPC.
That's enough to beat most of the concurrent of the same time, but again you need be able go over some characteristics.