Terra and Setzer (Day 303)

After some training in the veldt we travel back to Narshe, the town that started it all. One of the things you notice is the detail that goes into everything for square's last 2-D Final Fantasy. The towns, houses, people, and battles; they all have been upgraded from Final Fantasy V. We see steam coming out of houses and propellors spinning in Figaro castle. There's also that scene in the Phantom forest; that scene that they raved about (was it the first scene in videogames that had 256 colors at once or something). FF6 is an achievement, and it's kind of odd to think how far we've come in the last ten years.

Back at Narshe you confront the empire after all your guys reunite after the waterfall split. New friends are introduced, like Gau, Cyan, and Celes. Here's one of FF6's specialities, you're allowed to split into three parties; it kind of reminds me of Suikoden. But yes, with this many party members, you can do that. It brings a level of strategy into the RPG. So I select my members and defend the town from Kefka, not a tough ordeal.

This of course triggers something else, the bizarre contact between Terra and the frozen esper stowed away at the cape. A bizarre connection can be made between this scene and the scene in FF12 where Fran goes berserk after being in contact with the magicite on the airship. But anyway, now I have to find Terra. It's also a sign from the developers that says, "Ok, now the world opens up to you."

Traveling south we find new towns, and new characters. One that is of significance is Setzer, the smooth-talking rake that owns an airship. Through some cajolery and slapstick antics at the opera house, we gain access to his airship. And yes, the opera scene; I'm not too sure why Square added that, but they did; and some people must have liked it, but not me. It's the beginning of "long cut scenes" for roleplaying games I guess. More story, less game play can we say?

This leads you to the next big continent, where Vector and the Empire resides. Does empires have to be bad in Final Fantasy games? Usually you're the resisitance, but why can't it be the other way around - as in you're a great kingdom trying to quelch a rebellion force? Not as interesting I guess. Root for the little guy. Next update in a few weeks I hope. No gameovers yet, hurrah!









Yes: She used magic.

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• Game Time: 18 Hours and 12 Mins