Final Fantasy - An Entire Series Retrospective and Analysis

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ธ.ค. 2024

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  • @NeverKnowsBest
    @NeverKnowsBest  ปีที่แล้ว +754

    I forgot to mention Patreon in the video and I did say I would try to promote it more from now on... so I'm mentioning it here. If you want to support me you can - www.patreon.com/NeverKnowsBestTH-cam
    That's it, that's all I had to say. Thanks!

    • @RedSpade37
      @RedSpade37 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      And thank *you* for all your work!

    • @AsteroSloth
      @AsteroSloth ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I just hope you know this just became my favorite day of the week. Specially because that’s how long it’ll take me to watch it all. Thank you NeverKnowsBest you really are always the best

    • @shade0636
      @shade0636 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      The fact that you keep uploading and getting back up despite how much TH-cam beats you down is respectable. I'm glad you haven't quit because you make some of the best content on TH-cam.

    • @rayndooma5624
      @rayndooma5624 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      NKB, you are a fucking MADMAN! I can't wait to watch this whole thing on the weekend, while sipping on a cold brew. I've been a Final Fantasy fan since FF7 (original). Thank you for making this video. Cheers mate!

    • @TheR6R6R
      @TheR6R6R ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Once I graduate and get a job with a stable income, you're going to be the first TH-camr whose Patreon I'm going to prioritize to support. Hopefully you're still doing this or something greater by then.

  • @Kale13000
    @Kale13000 ปีที่แล้ว +887

    The Final Fantasy series might be the most mass appealing series ever created while simultaneously being the most niche. Every game is different and resonates differently with different people, and because of that I think everyone has something called Final Fantasy that they like, while also having something called Final Fantasy they have no interest in. I'd be fascinated to see correlation between how much an individual enjoys each Final Fantasy game and the variety of genres of stories or music they enjoy

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

    • @pastaswithnosauce3621
      @pastaswithnosauce3621 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      @@faith9505 uh what does any of this have to do with Final Fantasy?

    • @tomevans5630
      @tomevans5630 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@faith9505bore off mate

    • @DILLIGAFgaming-c8t
      @DILLIGAFgaming-c8t ปีที่แล้ว +27

      ​@@faith9505I thought these spam posts only existed on social media 😒

    • @DsaGoodies
      @DsaGoodies ปีที่แล้ว +21

      This is a really good point. Final Fantasy has always occupied a weird place in the gaming pantheon, imo. They (at least at the time of the earlier games' release) straddled a fine line between being "nerdy D&D RPG" while still remaining approachable enough for mass audiences.

  • @audio_dreamscape5236
    @audio_dreamscape5236 ปีที่แล้ว +694

    Nobody else’s production, music, and narration comes close to what you do. I watch every single video. Please continue to put out this content. You are a masterclass

    • @patatoth6646
      @patatoth6646 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      FR

    • @WonOneWun
      @WonOneWun ปีที่แล้ว +9

      his narration puts me to sleep lol

    • @audio_dreamscape5236
      @audio_dreamscape5236 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@WonOneWun I've listened to all his stuff while driving to work, walking dogs, and while doing chores. Not gonna lie though, when I need a voice to talk me to sleep, my go to is his videos that I've already listened to before.

    • @Al-ji4gd
      @Al-ji4gd ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@WonOneWun Also not much substance in his commentary.

    • @ducky36F
      @ducky36F ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Leagues above other video essayists

  • @INTJosh
    @INTJosh 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +233

    Killer phrasing in the closing comment, "find it a little disappointing how many people are so quick to praise the FF games from their childhood, yet so quick to dismiss those from someone else's".

    • @karthisplays
      @karthisplays 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Amazing for you to take such a negative from a full almost 6 hour project.

    • @razmatazz9310
      @razmatazz9310 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Why would I care about someone else liking a game that I find shitty? Why should that change my opinion in any way?

    • @Lys_sei
      @Lys_sei 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

      ​@@razmatazz9310 I think the point is more that if you take them for what they are rather than what you want them to be, each entry has likable qualities and could be magic to experience

    • @razmatazz9310
      @razmatazz9310 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Lys_sei That just sounds like Hippie talk.

    • @Vex-iy8zm
      @Vex-iy8zm 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +28

      @@karthisplays How did you manage to make it negative. OP is praising his closing comment 🤡

  • @tranjimmy
    @tranjimmy ปีที่แล้ว +410

    You weren’t kidding about how beautiful the pre rendered backgrounds were in 8, absolutely stunning

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

    • @nicolasjonasson4820
      @nicolasjonasson4820 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      The animated backgrounds are even more crazy (train mission, attack on the garden).

    • @DsaGoodies
      @DsaGoodies ปีที่แล้ว +16

      (Hopefully won't get crucified for airing an opinion on this franchise) but, speaking as a more casual FF fan, FF VIII always struck me as one of the more undervalued installments in the series.

    • @finalhearts676
      @finalhearts676 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      ​@@DsaGoodies It is 100%. One of my favs. for sure when it comes to characters and story!

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      VII to VIII was easily the biggest graphical jump in the series, _DESPITE_ being on the same platform. You can see how Square graphics team evolved when you see the prerendered cutscenes from the PS1 version of Origins and IV and compare them to ones in IV's re-release done around the same time. In later editions they just scrapped the embarrassing FMVs they trained on and IV has a newer intro movie.
      I assume backgrounds with their mix of matte paintovers and 3D renders were done by more or less the same teams that went over Full Motion Video, and it kinda shows how GOOD those are in VIII especially after VII somehow kept LEGO models even in half the prerendered stuff (curiously doing a few cutscenes like getting onto a bike and whatever was used in promo trailers half-decently).
      FF8 is where Square got consistently solid, graphically.

  • @liamgerrard2246
    @liamgerrard2246 ปีที่แล้ว +1022

    You are a credit to society, sir. Bloody love these videos.

    • @frogglen6350
      @frogglen6350 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Unfortunately, the true credit should go to the creators of these games. Not to the youtube critics who can't create

    • @frogglen6350
      @frogglen6350 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      A lot of stupid arguments in this video. Like saying it's ok for Final Fantasy 16 to take influence from the worst game of thrones season

    • @unbearifiedbear1885
      @unbearifiedbear1885 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      ​@@frogglen6350 Get a grip 😂

    • @liamgerrard2246
      @liamgerrard2246 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@frogglen6350 wind ye neck in

    • @b1bbscraz3y
      @b1bbscraz3y ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was born in 98 so I didn't even grow up with early Final Fantasy and games like it. but even in the ps2 days I remember collecting game manuals that had actual value and information with the games. kids these days will never get to experience stuff like this anymore

  • @subwayfromsandwich
    @subwayfromsandwich 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    My biggest issue with most critique videos is that they tend to be overly negative and make people who enjoyed the thing the video is about feel stupid. I really love this video because all of the critique is valid without making each game feel like a joke. A lot of youtubers struggle with that so i genuinely appreciate you and your content haha

  • @imveryangryitsnotbutter
    @imveryangryitsnotbutter ปีที่แล้ว +126

    "Lightning lost her sister, Hope lost his mom, Snow lost his fiancee, Vanille lost several brain cells..." Goddamn, that burn was delivered so smoothly.

  • @davidclark765
    @davidclark765 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    Some days, you wake up, and a gift you were not expecting is dropped into your feed. I feel like I just had a surprise birthday gift delivered. Friend, your work is a true treasure. Thank you very much for such excellent content!

  • @therealloose
    @therealloose ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I hit “I’m feeling lucky” and got transported to a 5+ hour final fantasy video…. Ok I’m in, let’s do this

  • @jordankelly5399
    @jordankelly5399 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    So glad you’re still doing these videos despite the issues with YT monetising. Your video essays are my favourite on here and you deserve more attention. Hope you never stop!

  • @Arckke
    @Arckke ปีที่แล้ว +134

    Wow.. I was enthralled the entire 6 hours. Incredible audio mixing, music selection, writing and narration. That conclusion was brilliantly crafted and delivered. Thanks for creating this gem 🤙

    • @maraxussrafhael
      @maraxussrafhael 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      5hrs 39mins 11secs ❤😂

    • @Tcrror
      @Tcrror 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@maraxussrafhael So 21 minutes away from being 6 hours... Might as well be 6 hours..

  • @Sentinel_ICBM
    @Sentinel_ICBM ปีที่แล้ว +163

    1:48:55 This chart is impressively spot on. When you started off the discussion on how the early games changed as they were released I thought you were going to go down the route of "one title focuses on story, the next title focuses on the battle system, then the next title focuses on story again" etc etc. But your chart here is so spot on and nails the eras very very well. And god damn the golden era was such an amazing time. Truly loved growing up when these games were coming out. Even better, back then a new FF would drop about every year and a half or so. Good times.

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Amazing chart, the only major thing it's missing is character designs. You can easily see how Amano's designs were changed because of limited palettes and resolutions, in some ways improved (not everyone is blonde), but other times messed up (FF1 and FF2 hero sprites look the same). Then Nomura has his sameface black-haired women and everyone having tons of zippers and buttons... also characters following the fashion trends, I mean Tidus is wearing overalls with cargo shorts FFS! And I don't really know who made the designs from later, 13 looked like a fashion show with models skipping leg day... and then there's Ivalice games that have their own designs from a world of tan strawberry blonds.

  • @ryanstibbles7995
    @ryanstibbles7995 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    I pray youtube allows this video to succeed as I'm sure it deserves!

  • @HeinzBakedBeans_
    @HeinzBakedBeans_ ปีที่แล้ว +63

    The fact you can make a 6 hour video and keep up the quality through out the whole video is insane. You are my favorite channel on youtube. I just want you to know how much we appreciate your work.

  • @m.kienanbriscoe6009
    @m.kienanbriscoe6009 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    When I stumbled upon this video on my feed I thought: “This sounds like something I’d be interested in but there’s no way I’m buckling up for a nearly six hour video.” However, it kept popping up so I thought I’d give it a whirl, if anything to have play in the background while running dailies in FFXIV…I am so extremely glad I did. I, like many people, absolutely fell in love with FF in 1997 when FF7 came out (my first FF game). I’ll never forget the feeling I got from it. How I thought about it every moment of my day, I would bring the player’s guide to school to read during lunch, draw the characters, hurry home to return to the world, and stay up far later than I should have (or was allowed to). I’d set the controller down and just listen to the music sometimes. It marked an ongoing obsession with the series for me that has spanned into my mid-30’s. I remember how special the days were when a new FF game would release and I’d drop everything I was doing to pick up a copy. Magical Christmases when FF8 and FF9 were my favorite gifts. How I bought a PS2 JUST to play FFX. How I cut class when FF12 released so I could pick up my collectors edition and play all day. How I took time off from work when FF13 dropped so I could pull all nighters. Now that I have a career, a wife, and a family my video game days are not quite as flexible but I always make time to play the latest FF. My best friend recently passed away (almost a year ago to this date). I entered a deep grief-driven depression where I picked up a lot of unhealthy habits. One of those was videogame binges which I used to cope. And I, just like you, played through all 16 FF games sequentially within the last year (including the MMO’s) as a sort of escapism I guess. Doing so brought me back to a time where I felt the most enchanted with the world I suppose. However, I recently wrote an essay on my experiences revisiting these games and my thoughts on each - many of my thoughts echoing yours. By the end of the video where you say how FF means different things to different people and how significant it is to people’s lives it almost brought me to tears. Thank you for this, but more importantly thank you to FF for making our lives so much more magical. There simply isn’t a series that has had the same everlasting effects.

    • @barnadnl
      @barnadnl 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      that was heartwarming to read, peace brother

    • @stevenross-watt8640
      @stevenross-watt8640 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I enjoyed reading your post. I've struggled to get into FF but I enjoyed all 5+ hrs of this video. I think I want to play FF IX now. Cheers

    • @0larue0
      @0larue0 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    • @zacharyscott7904
      @zacharyscott7904 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Your comment completely encapsulates everything a video game or video game franchise can mean to someone. I am sorry for your loss and hope that you are able to live with it more peacefully now, but thank you for sharing and putting into words how a lot of people feel about different games i’m sure.

    • @GP-wu1eu
      @GP-wu1eu 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Pokemon would disagree with your last sentence. But yeah FF is good

  • @vyrus2
    @vyrus2 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    I seriously admire you man. You have such an incredible level of dedication to putting out quality work. I can't imagine the level of discipline and work that goes into putting these together but every video you release brings me a lot of joy. I am very grateful you chose to continue making videos.

  • @Rasc0117
    @Rasc0117 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    This is like book of historical events written by someone who lived during this time period. I just imagine someone in the future stumbling onto this, getting hooked and learning more about an important part of gaming history.

  • @heydun
    @heydun ปีที่แล้ว +985

    tinder date told me i get to pick the movie:

    • @beurtalvarez
      @beurtalvarez 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +52

      well, if they like it, that's a match

    • @hellblazerjj
      @hellblazerjj 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      Great pick

    • @brotbrotsen1100
      @brotbrotsen1100 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you smashed that night.

    • @RG2SoldiersGaming
      @RG2SoldiersGaming 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      😂😂 👏👏👏

    • @georgiedouglas9568
      @georgiedouglas9568 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      watch it at 1.5 and tell her it's the extended version

  • @nullings.
    @nullings. ปีที่แล้ว +88

    I'm so glad you keep making videos, despite what you've been through the past months. And not just any videos, but ones that take so much effort. You're an amazing creator and I appreciate your work immensely! That being said, please don't overwork yourself. When I saw how long this video is gonna be, I got a bit worried for you 😅

    • @housemana
      @housemana ปีที่แล้ว +4

      he's a grown ass man homie u worry abt urself

    • @nullings.
      @nullings. ปีที่แล้ว

      @@housemana Grown ass men are not immune to burnout.

    • @Hero_Of_Old
      @Hero_Of_Old ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@housemanathings are tough these days. Nothing wrong with support for each other.

  • @grammcourse
    @grammcourse ปีที่แล้ว +147

    It blows my mind that you are not THE most well known video game critique channel in existence. You are equally, if not more, professional than the top brass in all of TH-cam. From your Lovecraftian love letter, to the entire history of gaming, to this gem 💎 of a masterpiece. It’s all so well put together. You deserve more.

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

    • @mattpace1026
      @mattpace1026 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well, the fact that he thinks grinding is a positive is going to tip off most gamers that he's an idiot, and people don't tend to give much credibility to idiots.

    • @sendAJtospace
      @sendAJtospace ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ⁠​⁠@@mattpace1026 It’s a good thing that those people happen to be the actual idiots whose credibility we can all do just fine without.

    • @mattpace1026
      @mattpace1026 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sendAJtospace Buddy, you are defending one of the worst and least popular trends in RPGs. You are not on the winning side here, and you're not going to magically change the minds of that many people, no matter how much you glorify your awful taste.

    • @finalhearts676
      @finalhearts676 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@mattpace1026Who in the world play Final Fantasy games and don't expect to grind? Its like playing Pokemon games without expecting to catch Pokemon.

  • @15kalas15
    @15kalas15 ปีที่แล้ว +86

    This video is a masterpiece. The older I get, the more I love every single game in the series, and I haven't even gotten around to playing half of them yet.

    • @pandaman1331
      @pandaman1331 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I started my entire FF games playthrough one month ago. I can say that all games have their own charm and deserve to be liked by their respective fandom. I only made it up to 8 so far but from the ones I played I can say that the ones I'd definitely play over and over again are VI and VII. Though I will give IV another try now that I've found out how to speed up the game XD.

    • @Tcrror
      @Tcrror 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@pandaman1331You made it through 8 games in a month?!?! You and I are a different breed, haha. I only game for about a week or two out of the month, but I STILL haven't been able to finish Baldur's Gate 3 since it was released on PS5, hahahaha. That's not a bad thing, by the way. I think I would rather have a sprawling epic that contains some of the most thrilling and emotional storytelling and world building ever across hundreds of hours than shorter games. But everyone has their own tastes!
      It's also why I prefer TV shows over movies.
      Have you finished the entire series yet or are you still working on it?

    • @pandaman1331
      @pandaman1331 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Tcrror As I wrote, I only made it up to 8. But I already played 7 several times before. My love for 7 is why I decided to play through all of them to begin with. I played up to X now. But the thing is, I finished only two of those games. Only 1 and 6. I dropped the other games after 2 - 4 hours. I just can't bothered to finish a game that doesn't thiroughly entertain me. Because my backlog still contains 20 games and I generally think playing games you don't enjoy is a waste of time. I could play something I like instead. I also skipped 5, which I'm currently playing. And I definitely love it. So by the time I wrote you I played 7 games. 50 hours for 6, 10 hours for 1 and let's say an average of 3 hours for the other 5 games. That makes let's say 75 hours for all games in one month. So on average, I played 2,5 hours per day. But I definitely binged a lot in weekends. Still not a small amount of playtime but within reason. But I'm not gonna lie or make excuses. I can binge play a lot during weekends and vacations. I guess my joy for games hasn't decreased in my 30s. I also finished Ys 8 last month. Another game I loved.

    • @pandaman1331
      @pandaman1331 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Tcrror PS: I am basically done with the FF games. Currently playing 5, which I strongly recommend alongside 6 and 7. I have no Interest in anything beyond X to be honest. Besides XVI, which I will get once it's released on steam. I also have Crisis Core Reunion, FF7 Remake and FF7 Rebirth on my wishlist.

    • @pandaman1331
      @pandaman1331 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Tcrror My original comment was deleted for some reason. In short. I only finished 1 with 10 hours and 6 within 50 hours. I skipped 5, which I'm currently playing. I only played the Rest for 2 - 3 hours and didn't finish them because they weren't entertaining enough. I also played 7 several times already. It was my first FF game ever and the reason I tried the others in the first place.
      So that makes 50 hours for 6, 10 hours for 1 and let's say 3 hours for the other 4 games. That makes 72 hours in one month. So around 2,5 hours per day. Not a small amount of playtime but still within reason. I sure did binge quite a lot on weekends. Not gonna lie, I can binge a lot on weekends and vacations. Guess I still love games just as much in my 30s 😅.

  • @ProfMarkQ
    @ProfMarkQ ปีที่แล้ว +189

    Another masterpiece gets uploaded to TH-cam! I can't believe you almost stopped doing these videos, TH-cam and Gaming would have lost one of the best in the business.

    • @MrSinthesys
      @MrSinthesys ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was genuinely upset there was a chance NKB would quit. By far the best game critiques and analysis.

    • @harrylane4
      @harrylane4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      - posted 14 hours ago
      - commented 14 hours ago
      - 5 hour video
      - “another masterpiece”
      Either you’re a patreon member or you’re talking out of your ass to get a heart on your comment

    • @Funko777
      @Funko777 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      ​@@harrylane4dude, who honestly gives a shit? NKB is one of the most humble, down to earth youtubers I've conversed with and deserves every bit of praise he gets for these videos. Why go through someone's history on such a comment? Who hurt you? Lmao, SAD

    • @ProfMarkQ
      @ProfMarkQ ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@harrylane4 Or, I have watched this person's content for a long time now and that was a statement on overall video quality that he produce's rather than this specific one.
      So having watched the video fully now, yup, statement still stands was another masterpiece of quality from NKB.
      Something tells me you have absolutely nothing to worry about in your day to day life if you're policing peoples comments on TH-cam.

    • @frogglen6350
      @frogglen6350 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@Funko777
      nope. His take on Elden Ring is terrible. The fact that he enjoys final fantasy 16 makes this vlboring video ever worse!

  • @SilvethTheRadiant
    @SilvethTheRadiant ปีที่แล้ว +173

    That ending was fantastic. Thank you for making this, truly. As a lifelong FF fan, the ending really hit me hard. I always thought 7 was highly overrated, thought 9 was the best, and despised 15 for many years for its numerous flaws. But you’re right, each FF is someone’s first. And that’s what makes it magical as a series. We all play each FF on the same footing, completely fresh in a new world, yet it’s our baggage that we bring with us. Maybe it was never meant to be called Final Fantasy, maybe that story of it being the last ditch effort is false, but it is the true last fantasy of creativity in a series in the industry. No other dates to take such risks, earnestly tries to swing for the fences in an entirely new way each time. A pillar of gaming that’s often not credited enough.

    • @chomp7927
      @chomp7927 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      IMO 9 was the best, at at the least the best of the non 2d entries, personally I still think FFT takes that title. I was pretty bummed he didn't mention the amazing soundtrack of 9. For anyone that hasn't played 9, the steam version combined with the moguri mod is easily the best way to play it, stay away from the android version lol.

    • @WilloftheFans
      @WilloftheFans ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I love 7, but I think we all know 13 and 15 were trash

    • @lukeluke333lukeluke
      @lukeluke333lukeluke ปีที่แล้ว +7

      There's something to like in each FF game. Personally. I love FF9, FF10, FF4, FF6. I always go back and fourth but I think FF9 my favorite overall. FF13 and FF15 are my least favorite out of the series any though there is some good in them. Still sorting how I feel about FF16.

    • @Axultair
      @Axultair ปีที่แล้ว +6

      i liked 13 though, the battle system was so fun. Especially in the late game@@WilloftheFans

    • @uncletiff6238
      @uncletiff6238 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I sometimes try to figure out what is wrong with myself, because I have always liked 13 so much... lol. I just do... I was born in 81. Grew up playing them right from the beginning..

  • @ludokai2691
    @ludokai2691 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    Man I loved the pre-rendered backgrounds in 8. The ones in 8 as well as the ones in Parasite Eve were seriously mind-blowing when you first saw them.

  • @Ofley_Adventures
    @Ofley_Adventures ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Simply phenomenal. Thank you very kindly for all of you effort, it is truly an inspiration. Love to know more about Final Fantasy. Have a wonderful day everyone! Thanks for the vid.

  • @S0LIDSNEK
    @S0LIDSNEK ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Holy moly is this video the final boss of TH-cam?? I've played and beaten all FF's (except 1 and 13), and consider myself quite informed on the subject, so this marathon down memory lane is a welcome one. And I fully agree, FF5 is incredibly underrated and easily the best of the early installments.

  • @shredjward
    @shredjward ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I also very much appreciate the Squall-appreciation. I very much agree with your analysis of him especially with his age in his role

  • @RexSterlingLive
    @RexSterlingLive ปีที่แล้ว +78

    This video is one of the true treasures to be found on TH-cam. An incredible piece of work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

  • @Alis_Games
    @Alis_Games ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "I find it a little disappointing how many people are so quick to praise the games from their childhood yet so quick to dismiss those from someone elses". Wow, Mr. Never. Just wow. This is the best thing I've ever heard from any video game essay. You are truly a master of your craft. Thank you for the inspiration!

  • @bingobongo321
    @bingobongo321 ปีที่แล้ว +126

    WE'RE EATING GOOD TONIGHT BOYS

  • @thepiper14
    @thepiper14 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Omg! I cannot believe I was watching all your videos again for the third time and you came back with this! 🧡

  • @jen8843
    @jen8843 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    3:29:28 This is probably my favorite moment in any of NeverKnowsBest's videos, you can truly feel that he meant what he said and after hours of serious talking it was so much fun encountering this gem!

    • @NutBuster99
      @NutBuster99 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      the ff13 part was hilarious too

  • @lukasgaming82
    @lukasgaming82 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Almost 6 hours about one of my favourite series from one of my favourite people on YT? Thank you! :D

  • @chillgamereviews9686
    @chillgamereviews9686 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    You are a treasure. The care and dedication you put into the research and editing (making sure you're always showing relevant footage to your topic) and your A+++ voice set you way apart from even my other favorite creators. Please keep up the amazing work.

  • @borntochill
    @borntochill 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    i have never played any final fantasy game but watched this video in one sitting and now in the end i have some tears in my eyes.
    thank you for making so great, engaging and emotialy honest videos.

  • @draakjepet
    @draakjepet ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Took me 3 days to finish watching the video and it's 100% worth the time. Amazing content as ever.

  • @meganimanic
    @meganimanic ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I’ve always loved Final Fantasy. 10 was my first and the thing that drew me in the most was that each was incredibly unique to themselves. Despite sequels, remakes, and remasters, each time I play one of these games it gives me an experience I just couldn’t get from each within their own franchise.
    Thank you for making this video. It must have been incredibly taxing and difficult to finish. Just know your work is appreciated by many and I’ll personally revisit this video frequently until I’m capable of doing my own series playthrough.

    • @mikeehrmantraut1899
      @mikeehrmantraut1899 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Btw you should try the Tales of Series you are going to have a very good time and Tales of Symphonia story plays very familiar from FFX expect gameplay though

    • @rtiq270
      @rtiq270 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mikeehrmantraut1899 I finished Tales of Arise last year and it was incredible. I even named my FFXIV character after one of the party members :)

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

    • @meganimanic
      @meganimanic ปีที่แล้ว

      @@faith9505 Get help friendo 🫡

  • @TheGunmanChannel
    @TheGunmanChannel ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This video is a masterpiece mate, I couldn't leave without saying how awesome it is.

  • @NoonDragoon
    @NoonDragoon ปีที่แล้ว +33

    I really like your conclusion that what makes Final Fantasy “Final Fantasy” is it’s originality. Each FF being different from each other IS what makes the series what it is, and what makes it different than series like Dragon Quest. It might be why I gravitate towards the FF franchise, because I really value new and different experiences. No, they don’t always land 100% but when they hit, they really hit. Great video!

  • @HeckaLives
    @HeckaLives ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This is an incredible video. The sheer amount of design and experimentation over FF's history is staggering.

  • @apex_prey
    @apex_prey ปีที่แล้ว +5

    So glad to hear someone else who adores pre-rendered backgrounds. I miss them, so god damn much. There's just nothing like 'em.

    • @pogethedoge
      @pogethedoge ปีที่แล้ว

      They're interesting, but it also limits camera freedom.

  • @bobsmith3768
    @bobsmith3768 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This channel has some of the best media analysis I've encountered. It's not just my favorite gaming channel but my favorite TH-cam channel overall. Great job!

  • @instructorsara4105
    @instructorsara4105 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    The chart at 1:48:50 is probably the most accurate thing I've ever seen on the internet. Kudos

    • @EDcaseNO
      @EDcaseNO ปีที่แล้ว +2

      it should be pinned for all discussions where people wonder which FF to play!

  • @Diatain
    @Diatain 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Final Fantasy VIII was the game that got me into gaming as a whole. It holds a special place in my heart because of that.

  • @TheGregoryodd
    @TheGregoryodd ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Happy to see you still fighting against this daft world and sharing your thoughts and insights with us

  • @L4nd0C4lr1s14n
    @L4nd0C4lr1s14n ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Hey Never, just wanted to explain one side of why so many resonate strongly with FFX’s emotional side of the story.
    While it is heavy handed, it’s very easy for people (like myself) with terrible parents to identify with someone like Tidus.
    I’ll try be brief. Me and my half sister have different dads. She used to think that her experience not really ever knowing her dad was worse than mine, but it’s not the case. My father lived no more than a 15 minute walk from where my mother did, but I never felt like his son. He was either catering to his wife, her kids, or foster and an adopted kid.
    I don’t resent them anymore, but I never had a father figure thanks to that.
    So I resent him deeply, and despite being 31 he has never treated me as my own person, an adult, a capable member of society. All things I succeed at he cannot help but try claim some responsibility for. He just can’t congratulate or just leave a thing be, because he *wants* to be a good parent, he just lacks the ability.
    Much of the Tidus and Jecht relationship resonates because of this.
    And I would say Yuna and Braska’s does for many as well, the child desperately trying to live up to their parents legacy and never feeling like an individual in their own right, just an extension of that parent’s accomplishment.
    All that being said looking back, I can agree FFX can certainly overdo it, but there are quieter moments within as well.
    As always your videos are fantastic and this inspired me to pick up and play FF7 finally, so thanks dude.

    • @SMJSmoK
      @SMJSmoK ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Makes sense. I think that Never is one of those people who are put off by stories that are too obviously trying to make them feel a certain way. My girlfriend is similar. When people like this start feeling that the story is "manipulating" them emotionally, it becomes hard for them to suspend the disbelief and immerse themselves in the emotional moments.

    • @Ageleszly
      @Ageleszly ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@SMJSmoK Well it's not like FF16 is not trying to manipulate you constantly with its epic Kaiju battles. Which otherwise to me for example feels shallow as its creates a huge gap of what you see and what you actually do.
      I rather think he feels attracted by different things but is far from immune to such manipulations as in the end I believe that is what it boils down to in cinematics, making you feel a certain way. Some things just work better in certain instance to some people.

    • @Kittzu
      @Kittzu ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Mine is simpler, long story short, my single dad was a football player who got drunk every night.

    • @Al-ji4gd
      @Al-ji4gd 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Why is it heavy-handed, though? He just says it is and moves on, he gives absolutely no reasons. This is not an analysis video, this is simply him recapping the game and giving his general opinion, nothing more. It's hardly an ''analysis''.

  • @0larue0
    @0larue0 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Damn dude. I've binged a bunch of your content recently but this one knocked it out of the park. Love your videos and your take on gaming. A voice of reason in a sea of extremism. Thank you for making what you make.

  • @Omnicloudx13
    @Omnicloudx13 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wow truly impressive video, can't imagine how much time it took to write and edit this entire retrospective. Kudos to you, I hope this video gets millions of views!

  • @ScrantRopely
    @ScrantRopely ปีที่แล้ว +26

    You raise the bar for video essays. Absolutely love your work!

  • @WhatsUpFella
    @WhatsUpFella ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is possibly my favorite piece of gaming criticism ever. You treat it as a worthy art form with its own unique merits and strengths, never morally condescending about its content, evaluating every new entry on its own terms, and grappling with the totality of it and what it means within its medium and for the people who emotionally gravitate towards it. This transcends the typical reductive and forced melodramatic nature of a lot of modern video essay style content. Bravo man.

  • @nicklarson6634
    @nicklarson6634 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The strength and dedication it must have taken to continue this path after being knocked down so hard cannot be overstated.

  • @iRemainNameless
    @iRemainNameless ปีที่แล้ว +12

    What a great day for another legendary retrospective video by the great NeverKnowsBest. Thank you for all the wonderful sleeps your videos have given me recently. Bravo!
    2:27:20
    Well whaddya know pimps, hell nah FFVII ain't got no stinkin' budget cuts
    YESSIR!

  • @KevinFrost
    @KevinFrost 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Bro, that ending though. This was an amazing retrospective! Thank you so much for your time and dedication you put into creating this masterpiece.

  • @Swagster87
    @Swagster87 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    God I’m gonna be able to sleep for 2 weeks thank you so much, how I watch your videos is I watch them at night and dose off to them, and just skip 30 minutes into the video. It’s actually like a bedtime story, and it’s an enthralling real tale. Thank you.

    • @Hero_Of_Old
      @Hero_Of_Old ปีที่แล้ว

      Haha same. Its very relaxing, listening and eventually falling asleep. Then catching up what was missed the next day.

  • @christaylor7079
    @christaylor7079 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    Despite it’s many flaws, FF8 had some of the most amazing bangers in the history of video game soundtracks

    • @666Kaca
      @666Kaca ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Best generic boss theme in the franchise

    • @mikeehrmantraut1899
      @mikeehrmantraut1899 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well FF Series is not the only one who has banger ost the Tales of Series does too

    • @mauricesteel4995
      @mauricesteel4995 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@mikeehrmantraut1899 Motoi Sakuraba and Nobuo Uematsu are giants of Videogame soundtracks.

    • @RedSpade37
      @RedSpade37 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I agree, and wanted to add the speculation that I think Uematsu was going all-out in an attempt to out-do himself after the runaway success of 7.
      FF8 has many of his best (and most experimental) tracks in the whole series.
      The "dueling leitmotifs" of Eyes on Me & Liberi Fatali/Succession of Witches was really impressive to me when I first played 8.

  • @MoreIrrelevantTwaddle
    @MoreIrrelevantTwaddle ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Easily the best 5+ hours I've spent watching something in a long long while. Well constructed, great information, and actually made me, someone who played FF1 2 days after it released in NA and every game since, to step back and think about each game again. Maybe they weren't so bad as I remember....except 13, the only one I couldn't finish.

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

  • @cronosnow6284
    @cronosnow6284 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Wake up babe, new NeverKnowsBest video just released!

    • @lorcan8407
      @lorcan8407 ปีที่แล้ว

      Before blissful sleep to his Soothing Tones

  • @serjofcinder8925
    @serjofcinder8925 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The lord has returned

  • @CarmeloPiccione
    @CarmeloPiccione ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I feel like the Bravely Default Series made the combat system so interesting and complex that auto targeting no longer trivializes the average battle.

    • @A2daM2daZ
      @A2daM2daZ 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I was just thinking as I watched this video that Bravely Default feels like a copy of the original game (minus auto-targeting) specifically regarding grinding vs knowing when to run. I just started playing both series recently.

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Grandia has auto-target but battles are dynamic enough (because of movement, chain combos and cancel system, as well as time running on a grid you can see) that it solved that problem WAY back. Problem is, Square had an allergy to good combat systems for years until FF13, and (IMO useless) ATB really ruined things for more involved combat. FFX finally get rid of that and made turn based the proper way but IIRC it was 13 that actually had hitboxes and enemy locations matter. New ones do it too I AFAIK, tho I haven't played those yet.

    • @CarmeloPiccione
      @CarmeloPiccione 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@KasumiRINAThanks for the recommendation, will check Grandia out!

    • @j0nnyism
      @j0nnyism 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Choosing the target was important in some dragon quest games too.

  • @scottwagner2566
    @scottwagner2566 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Am I really going to watch an over 5 hour video about a game series I've been playing for over 30 years and already know a buttload of info on?
    Yes. Yes I am. Excellent work sir.

    • @benl2140
      @benl2140 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Am I really going to watch an over 5 hour video about a game series I haven't played a single entry in?
      Yes. Yes I am.

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

  • @bobrown4609
    @bobrown4609 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great stuff. Strong ending. We’ll written, edited, and voiced. This may be one of your best yet.

  • @infinity3616
    @infinity3616 ปีที่แล้ว

    As someone who has been playing final fantasy games since childhood, thank you for making these videos. There is just something beautiful about knowing people also have the same interests as you.

  • @aquamidideluxe5079
    @aquamidideluxe5079 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I would really really love to see you do a Zelda series retrospective. The radical shake-ups the games can have in tone and presentation, the series' changing emphases over time, and your own outstanding production and unique perspective on what's valuable in game design would make for something really neat to watch.

    • @ramudon2428
      @ramudon2428 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oh that would be amazing.

    • @theelusivepootisberd7471
      @theelusivepootisberd7471 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Zelda and final fantasy have a lot in common in terms of divisiveness within the fanbase, so I can see him doing a video on it.

  • @ViperGTS737
    @ViperGTS737 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This is amazing, I was honestly hoping for a FF series analysis by you, there’s just a good quality to your work and I appreciate it

    • @bcyost1908
      @bcyost1908 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yep, his FFXIV video is one of my favorite videos on this whole site.

  • @stiklius
    @stiklius 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My favorite franchise of all time. Final Fantasy I on GBA and VII on PC has shaped my entire taste in games. I can already tell this will be a great video.

  • @b0hem1
    @b0hem1 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow, you really outdid yourself this time. I've watched your videos for a while now and enjoyed them, but this felt like the apex of all those that came before. Here's to more great videos and let your talent shine on!

  • @troyhaberstroh1649
    @troyhaberstroh1649 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I will never love a video game more than I love FF 8, as a lonely kid with no friends and abusive parents, I resonated with Squall so much, I fell in love with everything about it, I still remember being a young high school kid, balling my eyes out when I finally finished 8 and realised I was saying goodbye to what felt like the only real friends I had ever made in my life, even now at 34 watching something on 8 gives me a lump in my throat.

    • @Some_Guy_87
      @Some_Guy_87 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I can relate. The whole game had a lot of teenage angst vibes that I was really digging. Never expected a game of all things to be something that dives into the same fears and concerns in life that I never dared to voice amongst friends and family. After replaying the game recently I have to admit that the game is extremely weak and rushed in many aspects, but whenever I hear the Balamb Garden theme again my heart just explodes. It was a game that showed me I'm not alone with my fears, and at the same time felt so peaceful and inviting that I just got lost in it, even if it's just running through Balamb Garden and read every single line of dialogue from random NPCs enjoying the atmosphere.

    • @johanneskrohn3336
      @johanneskrohn3336 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I'm sorry, you had such a hard childhood. I hope, life is better for you, now. Thanks for sharing a part of your story. Take care.

    • @lukeluke333lukeluke
      @lukeluke333lukeluke ปีที่แล้ว

      While not my favorite in the series I do love the game and is my vote for most under rated FF game. I also related to the main character as well.

    • @alanlee67
      @alanlee67 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@Some_Guy_87I'm right there with you. Some aspects of this game are so well designed that it overcomes some extremely glaring flaws that would most likely destroy other games.

  • @DemonaNolan
    @DemonaNolan 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This was a beautiful look back at the franchise and you showed the good, the bad, and the ugly, but also reminded me, and many others, why Final Fantasy is one of, if not the best, video game franchise. The variety in gameplay, story, music, and worlds make each game a unique and fun experience and I am glad to have been able to play most of them, my exceptions being 7-9. I sincerely thank you for making this retrospect and I look forward to many years to come of more Final Fantasy.

  • @gamesareartGA
    @gamesareartGA ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Throughout the video I was trying to find the words to describe your work, the general feeling I've had each time I go through a video like this, even more so as you surpass yourself each time, and I think I found it : your work is important. The depth, care and honesty you put into it really is unique and a rare showing of deep respect for an artform, and therefore its artists, that really makes your analysis even more compelling. It's important for the artisans to be seen and for the gamers to be transported back to what made them fall in love with the medium.
    And for that I thank you :)

  • @D1N5TY
    @D1N5TY ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a joy to see such a deep dive into one of my most cherished series.

  • @Tokk_Roshi
    @Tokk_Roshi 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I never thought I could watch a 5 hours long video about FF. Now it's done and it was very interesting, thanks for your amazing work and dedication

  • @deviousskylark5767
    @deviousskylark5767 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Listening to this while playing FFXIV. You sir, are truly a gift.

  • @IronMatty
    @IronMatty ปีที่แล้ว +5

    So it’s taken me a week to work through the entire video due to other commitments and keeping having to watch it sparingly but sir - I tip my hat to you, what an incredible video you have created here. Beautifully edited, produced and voiced. Just amazing, I was entertained throughout! I love FF and have done since I was a kid and this entire video just made me feel happy and a huge nostalgic blast! Well done my friend

  • @KisekiFox
    @KisekiFox ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video is beautiful, thank you for your work.
    And you're right, it's something I will always love about this series, there genuinely is nothing else like it out there, and to be so long running and willing to do new things with every entry, regardless if they turn out well or not, is something that should be respected so damn highly.

  • @Puistokemisti
    @Puistokemisti ปีที่แล้ว +30

    You should also make something like this for the significant Final Fantasy spin-offs, but Tactics, Type-0 and Stranger of Paradise

    • @gronodon
      @gronodon 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I just counted and there’s 19 spinoffs to the main series off the top of my head 😂 thankfully they’re usually much shorter experiences

  • @imjeanxd
    @imjeanxd ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Extremely incredible and meaningful work. Those 6 hours felt like a breeze. Been watching for years and it's always a treat. Much thanks.

  • @TrvisXXIII
    @TrvisXXIII 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Out of every video, think piece, and channel, even final fantasy union, this is the best analysis video I’ve ever seen so far on FF. I’m only an hour in and every word and detail makes me want to sit through the full 5 + hours

  • @nightvision999
    @nightvision999 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I haven't watched the video any further yet, but I just have to leave a big thank you here for the FFII appreciation. I actually started this series with FFI and II on the PSP, and to me, II just seemed so much more ambitious in it's storytelling, world design, characters and even how the admittedly flawed progression system worked, and so I always preferred it over the first (and third) game and it holds quite a bit of nostalgia for me. And while I wouldn't say that it really stands a chance in comparison to later entries, it still pains me to see everyone constantly giving it a hard time without even giving it a serious try. So yeah, great work as always, keep it up.

  • @henrik1743
    @henrik1743 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My man this is gonna be a hell of a watch ❤

  • @nicholaslivingston7273
    @nicholaslivingston7273 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    As someone who played all the originals as a kid and adult 6 was a masterpiece in gaming. In context, at the time it was released, there hadn't ever been anything on that scale of character roster, music, graphics, gameplay, and having an emotional attachment to the characters personal stories in the game. The further masterpiece of this game is as i have become older and experienced more life the characters i identify with have changed. Cyan's story wasn't a big deal as a kid, but now, watching his wife and kid pass makes me tear up a bit as an adult. That is a master class in story telling. I never knew the same guy produced 6,9, and 12 as those were by far my favorite. Great video, i am honestly sorry i can only give it one thumbs up.

  • @Maggerama
    @Maggerama ปีที่แล้ว +7

    MAN, you're up after taking such a huge hit, and with a 5-hour video, no less!? Holy shit, my respect. I'm watching this with conviction.

  • @elios7623
    @elios7623 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    this gonna explode in a couple weeks, do your thing algorithm
    imma watch it later tbh

  • @GlazeonthewickeR
    @GlazeonthewickeR ปีที่แล้ว

    Can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said more articulately. Thanks for creating these with so much effort and for giving our tired minds and souls something to relax to.

  • @NaturalEntertainer85
    @NaturalEntertainer85 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is such a phenomenal video, & that last 10 minute analysis was supreme. Thanks for making it

    • @TheRetrostorian
      @TheRetrostorian 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The term "Professional Translator" didn't age very well, now that we know what we know about translators and how the "professionals" are just completely ruining the source material.

  • @darkhoundslobber2028
    @darkhoundslobber2028 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Beautifully done! Wow, that was worth every minute. Thank you, from someone who first played Final Fantasy in 1990 (***I previously said 1987, but that was when it was released in Japan. I played the North American release in 1990 when it came out***).

    • @faheemabbas3965
      @faheemabbas3965 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Playing the original in 1987? Wow.
      That was before… you know, it was really a big thing.
      If you played it in the US when it first released back in 1987, what did people think about it back then? What did America think about it? I’ve always wondered what some normal kid back in the 80s thought seeing and playing final fantasy for the first time.
      I rarely see mainstream views for such a thing if you know what I mean.

    • @darkhoundslobber2028
      @darkhoundslobber2028 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@faheemabbas3965 I meant to say 1990, not 1987 (which was the Japanese release). It's all a blur at this point in my 41 year old brain, lol.
      I can't be too sure of the overall response across the country since I was just 8 years old, but at that time me and my brothers were obsessed with Dragon Warrior (aka Dragon Quest) and were looking for more of the same to add to our relatively small NES game collection - we had an Atari before that but no good RPGs that I recall. My older brothers played a little D&D with friends too, so I think within that community these types of video games (DW, FF, and other console RPGs) were highly anticipated. I don't recall seeing any ads for FF on TV or anything. My brother had a subscription to Nintendo Power magazine though, and I think we may have first heard about it there. We definitely dove right into the Nintendo Power guide for the game when that became available, and were able to finally fight and defeat Warmech that way!
      When we played FF for the first time, the music drew me in immediately - I remember the songs ALWAYS being stuck in my head, and I would regularly hum them around the house whether it was the battle, opening screen, or some of the classic dungeon music. The game seemed less grindy than DW and way more polished in presentation, and having a party you built was super cool. We would name the characters after ourselves and shared a save game so we could take turns playing/watching each other play. In that fashion we actually beat it rather quickly. We then immediately played and beat it again with a different character class combination.
      It was the best game we had ever played up to that point, and made us all lifelong fans of the series from then on. FF 6 has my favorite story of any JRPG I have ever played to this day. We did end up playing some of the DW sequels, but never got as into it as we were into FF. They added multiple party members and battles against more than 1 monster at a time beginning in DW II, which was cool, but I don't think I ever played anything past DW III.

  • @ricardomejias5384
    @ricardomejias5384 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Stumbled upon this in my feed. Watched out of morbid curiosity and ready to vent about different games. 6 hours later I left with an absolute love and respect for each game in the franchise (including 13). Bravo.

  • @thesecorridorsoftime
    @thesecorridorsoftime ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I loved every second of this video! Watched it in 2 days! 😄
    I'll make it short. Dude.. thank you for this masterpiece full of passion!! You are amazing!

    • @faith9505
      @faith9505 ปีที่แล้ว

      Patterns of Blessing
      Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
      -Psalm 23:6
      As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”
      (Psalm 23:6)
      In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years.
      As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives.
      Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before.
      We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good”
      (Genesis 50:20)
      Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
      (Romans 2:4)
      Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy.
      And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination.
      That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective.
      When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3)
      Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope

  • @Overexposed1
    @Overexposed1 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    One of my favorite channels out there. Kudos to you, sir!
    Also, FFX is just a perfect game.

    • @schmuwu
      @schmuwu ปีที่แล้ว +2

      HA HA HA HA HA!

    • @palerider2132
      @palerider2132 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      FFX is the best FF game. No debate.

    • @DrStabkill
      @DrStabkill ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agreed. I love never but I don’t think he gave it a fair shake and focused on specific negatives

    • @brandonbagley795
      @brandonbagley795 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yep, by far my favorite as well. End game content is fantastic, the story is almost certainly the best of the modern FF's, and IMO the battle system is the best outside of... Tactics lol. I wish FFX-II had stayed a little bit truer to FFX.
      Oh and Blitzball! God, I sunk so many hours into Blitzball.

    • @Overexposed1
      @Overexposed1 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@brandonbagley795 Y'all done got me thinking I'm going to boot it up and show Nemesis who's boss.

  • @IshmelVonner
    @IshmelVonner 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent video, and a refreshing take on the whole series. I'm inclined to agree with you on your take. Though I've only had the privilege of playing handful of these games, I've always noticed how unique each entry is and just how much work goes into building and rebuilding each experience. Great job. Thumbs up all day. I know that this was massive undertaking on your part to bring together, and I'm truly appreciative.

  • @tinybee7780
    @tinybee7780 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Excellent thumbnail. Just seeing all of those FF Logos made by Amano together in one place just brings an amazing sense of nostalgia. Despite its ups and downs over the years, I'm happy to grow up with this wonderful series.
    1:47:03 Excellent breakdown. Personally I do think that we have been in the experimental/modern era for long enough. I honestly just want to see another FFV where it mostly focused on refining what FIII regarding the job system and made it significantly better. Imagine a gambit system for the AI in FFXVI for example.
    1:49:07 I've never thought of each game in this series as members of a very complicated family tree but somehow, it all makes sense now that it's layed out like this. 😂

  • @andrewreinwand4942
    @andrewreinwand4942 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    I have never played a FF game (was always curious about a few of them but just never had the time or the system) but was randomly thinking about the franchise and wondered about the legacy/history and stories and found this video. This is superb and exactly what I was looking for and will certainly follow up with some Wikipedia deep dives as well as all of this is so fascinating.

    • @FloripesTavares
      @FloripesTavares 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Did you end up playing any of them?

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you, or anyone, decide to start the series after watching this, I strongly recommend 4. It's linear and not too overwhelming (compared to 6 or 7 having too much secrets). OR play any modern ones then go back to 4, or even 1 (any version is good, personally loved Origins on PS1 for keeping the D&D style spell system).

  • @Mathias-t
    @Mathias-t 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Best video I’ve watched on TH-cam in a long time. Thank you.

  • @ACameronUK
    @ACameronUK ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Final Fantasy VII was far from the first game I played, but it’s probably the reason why I still play them as an adult 🥰 also I’m going to say congratulations on this amazing work before I’ve watched it…I know it will be good ☺️

  • @adarsops
    @adarsops 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    So, @NeverKnowsBest, you've actually played 16 massive games thoroughly in a row - to make this 6-hour video? That's impressive, man. Hats off. It took me quite a while to watch it until the end - but now I can proudly say: "I did it". Just as I imagine you could have said, when finished this gigantic work. It was worth every minute.

  • @indigoshikari
    @indigoshikari ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an incredible undertaking my friend, bravo!
    And as someone who values originality and innovation more than anything else, I couldn't agree more with your conclusion.

  • @dakotawinston7677
    @dakotawinston7677 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    It’s not just you, FFVIII is gorgeous!

  • @AtreyusNinja
    @AtreyusNinja ปีที่แล้ว +6

    oh nice, since i spent 7 years in FF11 i'm gonna watch immediately this before everything else

  • @ZETAGeTh
    @ZETAGeTh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I can't believe I watched the whole 5 and a half hours of video. It took me two days. And I loved the experience. Thanks.

  • @pulmonary_yoghurt
    @pulmonary_yoghurt ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great video! What a monumental task making this must have been... well done.
    FF8 was my first game in the series and thus it will forever be *my* Final Fantasy with its special place in my heart. ❤