Topics For The Podcast!

Thanks!

The biggest turning point was the departure of Hironobu Sakaguchi during the development of FF12, and many other key developers at the same time. Yasumi Matsuno being a huge key (he was directing 12 in the beginning but left mid-development). On top of this, Yoichi Wada becoming the president of the company at that time also changed Square's direction in a big way. He wanted to focus on sequels and spin offs and maximizing profits, something Sakaguchi had always been firmly against. That is really the one most glaring event that gives us a direct cause for the major shift from the quality games we got from Square up until 2001. As soon as Wada became president, Sakaguchi resigned, and the Enix merger went through, it's been a struggle for the company to recapture any of the magic it used to have.

Resonant Arc

We didn't grow up with Sega consoles and have only played a few games in Sega compilation rereleases in recent years. I have spent a significant time with Phantasy Star IV and thought it was really great!

Resonant Arc

I haven't played as many as I would have liked, but Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Ogre Battle 64, and Tactics Ogre. I'd really like to get into Shining Force, Vandal Hearts, Banner Saga, Jeanne d'Arc, and Front Mission at some point!

Resonant Arc

1)What Fantasy game would you like to see set a story set in a different age of that world? An earlier mythical age or a future tech age? I've often pondered on a pixel art FFVI style game set in the world of FFVII when Jenova first arrived = Final Fantasy VII: Calamity. 2) I did not want to get into the mess that is FFXV with its battle system, open world thinking and messy constantly tweaked storytelling. Do you think the pocket edition can be viable alternate way to take in the game and scratch it off the list? A new approach in simpler form (that presumably does not get overhauled every few months). 3)... I know I had a 3 when I started typing out 1 and 2... maybe it will come to me.

ChocolateRob

What are your guys' relationships with Sega consoles? What JRPGs do you recommend for each console?

This is a big one: We talk alot about JRPGS individually, but not a lot of talk goes into how we can usually predict some aspects of what we are in for by the developer making the game. For example, Tri Ace games will typically be heavy on the mechanics, a game devoloped by Sqeenix will look astounding, a Falcom title will have great characters, a Monolith title will have bonkers plot, etc. What other "developer tendencies" can you name? Are there any that coincide with preferences that you have? Do you think there are any that might cause a resurgence in JRPGS if matched to an interesting title ?

What do you think of episodic games as solution to the "games being too long" problem? E.G. Say if in Xenoblade 2, every month they released a new episode that allowed you to travel to a new titan and play the next chapter of the game, or where the game would would be released in 5-10 hour chunks over the course of a year or so. I feel like this would be a interesting way of being able to allow time for people with more real-world responsibilities to still keep up and enjoy the game, while still retaining that feeling of a grand and expansive story and scale.

Apropos of Nobuo Uematsu's hiatus, what advice would you want to give to a new generation of Final Fantasy (or other video game) composers? What musical trends or motifs would you like to see more of, and what would you like to see left behind for soundtracks in the 2020s?

What are some of your favorite strategy rpg's?

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking this, but the FF series has lost a lot of its attraction over recent years. After FF10 for me, the series was never the same again & has failed to captivate me in the same way as it used to! What is it, in your opinions, that has led to the demise of the FF series in terms of captivating and resonating with the fan base? Is it the story, the characters, the lack of background info (until later instalments - i.e. FF15), the shift in direction that the FF series has taken, etc? Or is it just me getting older & having less time to fully immerse myself in the games !? 😳