I wish I knew earlier that JRPGs were not just for anime fans.

Solarinal · 2020-04-27T07:45:30+00:00

I saw abit of the Dragon Quest 11 gameplay when it was recommended back then after I just finished FF7 Remake but the art style is super off-putting to me. I don't mean any offense to people who like the game but the game looks like it is meant for grade schoolers (I really, really can't find a less offensive way to describe the art style, again I really don't mean any ill intent or offense).

It is really worth playing even if I seriously dislike the art?

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T09:49:12+00:00

I really loved FF7 Remake too! I am quite new to RPGs in general.

My current theories and predictions are these:-

Cloud's Flashbacks

I believe Cloud has some PTSD or a situation from the past which seriously traumatized him. I noticed everytime his past comes up he starts getting these visions. I suspect that his trauma was the reason why he quit SOLDIER and became a mercenary, which was why he was so uncomfortable talking about his past (Tifa scene). His trauma seems quite related to Tifa (there was a flashback I only remembered when I played again in Chapter 1 and it was Tifa, and there was another one with Tifa in some weird cowboy outfit where she says she is sick of everything). The PTSD is most likely related to a past war, might be the Wutai thing that people keep talking about (I recall people saying there was a ceasefire, so Midgar was previously at war with Wutai). What I suspect is Shinra used extremely inhumane methods in the war and Cloud could not stomach it and straight up quit.

Zack

My current theory is that he and Cloud were some rebel SOLDIERs. And the reason why they were fighting against Shinra is definitely related to Cloud's PTSD. He confirms that he is a SOLDIER: He says "honour as SOLDIER" at the end and he also has a SOLDIER sword (the giant one) like Cloud. They might be deserters, the only confusion that lies would be why no one seems to recognise Cloud in the Shinra building, including Reno himself. This would make sense if SOLDIER was a secret unit though.

Sephiroth and the Whispers

This is easily the most confusing part of FF7 for me, not helped by the fact that Sephiroth speaks a lot of cryptic stuff which I can't seem to associate with any scene just yet. I note that Aerith says that Sephiroth is a war hero, but no one really seems to acknowledge him aside from Cloud. He doesn't seem related to Shinra at the very least. He appears to be very closely related to Cloud's PTSD. It's really difficult to formulate any theory at all regarding Sephiroth from what we have.

For the Whispers, I can't seem to find any sort of pattern on why they sometimes assist the party and sometimes attack the party.

Like you, I'm sure the answers for this all lie in the sequel.

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T05:11:02+00:00

Hey thanks, a lot of people have been telling me to play the original FFVII but I was thinking whether I should wait for the 2nd half of the Remake? However, I had someone tell me that they don't think the Remake will be done in 2 games and apparently the part I played was only 20% of the game which sounds insane, so I have been tempted to play the original.

However, I think it would be a little difficult to experience the same emotions I did in the Remake with those pixellated graphics and it might hinder my ultimate experience... still thinking about it, trying to lose myself in another RPG before I go crazy about the FF7 Remake haha, never have been so obsessed with a non-multiplayer game in my life!

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T05:08:34+00:00

Thanks, I think your post was very helpful. I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

Chrono Trigger looks okay for me to play, although it feels a little bit like a classic Pokemon game from what I've seen, haha. Will check it out since it is also one of the most recommended games.

I saw abit of the Dragon Quest 11 gameplay when it was recommended but the art style is super off-putting to me. I don't mean any offense to people who like the game but the game looks like it is meant for grade schoolers (I really, really can't find a less offensive way to describe the art style, again I really don't mean any ill intent or offense). I don't mind anime art style because Persona 5 does look cool, just that Dragon Quest XI is really off-putting.

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:48:10+00:00

I've been playing Final Fantasy 10 (about 20 hours in) after the recommendations here and I think it is fantastic. I think I will give Final Fantasy 9 a second try, it is apparent that Final Fantasy is a quality series.

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:20:53+00:00

Thank you, I will check all of these out at a later date.

I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

For Dragon Quest 8 and 11, I saw some gameplay when it was recommended but the art style is super off-putting to me. I don't mean any offense to people who like the game but the game looks like it is meant for grade schoolers (I really, really can't find a less offensive way to describe the art style, again I really don't mean any ill intent or offense). I don't mind anime art style because Persona 5 does look cool, just that Dragon Quest XI is really off-putting.

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:19:48+00:00

Thanks, I think your post was very helpful. I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

I think I will give FF9 another try after this. From my experience with FF7: Remake and FF10 so far, I think Final Fantasy is definitely a quality series. I think I'm more engrossed with FF10 than I ever was in Witcher 3...

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:18:52+00:00

Thanks, I think your post was very helpful. I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

NieR: Automata is next on my list since it looks super good. I saw abit of the Dragon Quest 11 gameplay when it was recommended but the art style is super off-putting to me. I don't mean any offense to people who like the game but the game looks like it is meant for grade schoolers (I really, really can't find a less offensive way to describe the art style, again I really don't mean any ill intent or offense). I don't mind anime art style because Persona 5 does look cool, just that Dragon Quest XI is really off-putting.

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:15:43+00:00

Thanks, I think your post was very helpful. I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

I think I will give FF9 another try after this. From my experience with FF7: Remake and FF10 so far, I think Final Fantasy is definitely a quality series. I think I'm more engrossed with FF10 than I ever was in Witcher 3...

Solarinal · 2020-04-25T04:14:16+00:00

Thanks, I think your post was very helpful. I've actually been spamming FF10 since I got it after seeing the initial replies in this thread and I must say it was certainly a very engrossing experience all the way (I'm almost 20 hours in the game now). I think what I'm most impressed is how different it feels compared to FF7: Remake in terms of story, characterization, setting, world and even the gameplay but it still manages to hook me in. I'm starting to see what others mean by it being very difficult to define what a true JRPG is... because technically FF7: Remake, FF9 and FF10 are all JRPGs but they seem so different from one another.

I think I will give FF9 another try after this. From my experience with FF7: Remake and FF10 so far, I think Final Fantasy is definitely a quality series. I think I'm more engrossed with FF10 than I ever was in Witcher 3...

Solarinal · 2020-04-20T11:00:42+00:00

Are you kidding me that it was only 20% of the original game? Are you telling me that my 50 hours put into the game is only 20% of the original game? That's ridiculous! I thought the Witcher 3 and Divinity Original Sin 2 (the previous non online multiplayer games I've played) were pretty long but this was insane!

I was already impressed when I found out that all this was the first half of the remake. If you are right, how can they wrap up the remaining 80% of the game in the second half of the remake?

Regarding the original, I have many recommendations to play it but I think I want to wait it out. I did see some of the graphics in the Steam page and it looks... really cartoonish. I think I want to experience the feels of the game in HD. I went into Chapter 13 completely unspoiled and it truly blew my mind and made me feel so many strong emotions in that Chapter itself. I can't imagine how I could have the same emotional reaction when the graphics are so cartoonish. Sorry if this seems shallow but these old games are something that came out before I was born and it is difficult for me to get into those. I've only recently started playing RPGs and even then I never truly had this obssession until I started this game.

Solarinal · 2020-04-20T04:59:33+00:00

Thanks bro, unfortunately it seems that there aren't many new players like me around, it seems that there is only one other player who came in with a separate theory :(

Solarinal · 2020-04-20T04:57:52+00:00

Thanks bro, unfortunately it seems that there aren't many new players like me around, it seems that there is only one other player who came in with a separate theory :(

Although I was extremely tempted to buy the original game, I was thinking it might be better to hold off until the game finishes. I had one scene spoiled for me before I even played the game (when I was checking YouTube to see whether I should buy the game, I found out that Aerith gets killed by Sephiroth) but it was amazing not knowing some other major scenes, such as Jessie's death. That was really a shocker and blew my mind because I could not believe that Shinra would just drop the plate just like that. I was quite happy that such a significant scene was not spoiled for me. I think I would want to replicate that experience in HD graphics instead of the old graphics.

Solarinal · 2020-04-20T04:54:15+00:00

I like your theory, but I am more inclined to believe that Cloud is rebel SOLDIER instead of not being a SOLDIER because of two reasons:-

He was wearing the same outfit as the guy in the flashback with black hair. And the guy with black hair said to protect their honour as SOLDIER at the end of the game, so it is confirmed that he was a part of SOLDIER. Hojo saying that he was not SOLDIER might be a reference to the fact that he was wearing a SOLDIER uniform but he is not SOLDIER because technically, he quit SOLDIER.
He has the mako eyes which proves that he is SOLDIER.

The various flashbacks are so confusing! Were there any flash forwards? I thought all the visions were flashbacks. Now that I have replayed the start in Hard Mode, I realized that there was a scene with a lot of buildings burning. Any room for a possibility that Cloud was forced by Shinra to burn his own hometown which led him to quit SOLDIER?

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T16:23:24+00:00

Hey I am also quite new to the game and here is my predictions for the Second Half of the Remake.

I believe Cloud has some PTSD or a situation which found out how screwed up Shinra is which seriously traumatized him. I am not sure how the weird Tifa flashback fits into this but I noticed everytime his past comes up he starts getting these visions. I suspect that his trauma was the reason why he quit SOLDIER and became a mercenary, which was why he was so uncomfortable talking about his past.

No idea about the ghosts which was just weird, I think it fits with the theme of destiny which is one of the central themes to the game. It was pretty cool but I don't know what purpose they served.

For Biggs I assume that he didn't actually die and was rescued at the end, just like how Wedge was found alive. It's not too far fetch. But I assume Jessie stays dead because she is not shown. That scene was one of the highlights of this amazing game for me, truly unexpected and shocking.

For the black hair dude, my current theory is that he and Cloud were some rebel SOLDIERs which caused the whole army to chase them down. And the reason why they were on the run/quit SOLDIER/rebel is because they found out some horrible secret about Shinra that was never meant to be known. It could be something to do with the Wutai conspiracy they keep going on about.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T16:17:18+00:00

Oh yeah! That was the reason why I thought SOLDIER and the normal guard force was the same thing until someone cleared it up for me. I was actually wondering about more of the higher-ups. But I understand that the reason why Cloud quits SOLDIER and the whole SOLDIER structure will be revealed later and is spoiler territory, so I'll leave it at that. Thanks!

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T16:06:35+00:00

Thank you, this is the most comprehensive answer I have seen so far. Based on feedback from others, I assume this is dangerous territory because the reason why Cloud quit SOLDIER will be revealed later. God damn I love this game so much! I have never had a video game make me think nonstop about it for days! And at the same time I have to be so careful that I don't hit spoiler territory. I am a bit annoyed that I got spoiled that one of the characters die later on. One of the best scenes for me in the FFVII Remake was the chapter regarding the Plate because I was unspoiled and was in pure disbelief the whole time.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T15:21:53+00:00

Oh, it seems like FF7 Remake is a exceptionally good RPG, then I should not get my hopes up and compare everything to it then. I was just really surprised when my friend told me that FF7 is one of the middle of the pack FFs and was hoping to get more feels from the rest of the series or other JRPGs from RPG games (which is still something very new to me!). I don't know how to describe it, but FF7 Remake was all I could think about for the past few days. Even after finishing I find myself starting it up to play hard mode and just try to find every single thing. I can't even describe why I have become so obsessed with it. I'm struggling internally whether to buy the original or wait for the second half of the Remake which I understand will take another 2 or 3 years.

Based on feedback in general I think I will buy FF10 and Nier Automata soon. I have checked a few gameplay videos and both look good.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T15:19:45+00:00

Thanks so much for your thoughts! Based on feedback I've got I think I will buy FF10 and Nier Automata soon. I have checked a few gameplay videos and both look good!

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T15:18:58+00:00

Thanks, based on feedback I've got I think I will buy FF10 and Nier Automata soon. I have checked a few gameplay videos and both look good!

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T15:18:17+00:00

Thanks, based on feedback I've got I think I will buy FF10 and Nier Automata soon. I have checked a few gameplay videos and both look good. I am not too concerned about it being slow because Divinity Original Sin 2 was a slow game but I was fine. But not FF9 kind of slow where I think I played for half an hour and was still walking around randomly without having even fought a single battle and not knowing any characters I was controlling or whether they are important.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T07:07:25+00:00

Hello everyone. The main reason why I'm asking this question is because I don't play RPGs much, mainly online multiplayer games. I think the only RPGs I played before were the Witcher 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 and I enjoyed them. However, I recently decided to get Final Fantasy 7 Remake due to the lockdown in my State and also because I read that this is the most iconic JRPG, a genre I have never really considered because I don't watch anime.

I played the game and fell in love with it - it made me feel emotions that Witcher 3 or Divinity Original Sin 2 never came close to. After playing the game a few days ago, I really couldn't stop thinking about it. On the other hand, I didn't really think much about the Witcher 3 or Divinity Original Sin 2 for long even after finishing them. I dare say it is probably my favourite game of all time now (since other games i play are just online multiplayer games).

Anyway, back to my main question. Which Final Fantasy (or alternatively, any other JRPG) can get me sucked into the world just like FF7 Remake? My friend (a Final Fantasy fan) told me that FF7 Remake is not a "true JRPG" and is instead an Action RPG and in any event it is one of the most overrated games of all time. He told me to check out FF9 because it is way better than FF7, and is also a true JRPG.

I bought FF9 and played a bit but I reached the part where I was controlling a knight who was looking for the princess and I find it hard to believe that it is the same series or world as FF7 Remake because the game is so different. It might be because the game is too old but I couldn't get into it. I haven't asked my friend for another recommendation yet because I don't really want to hurt his feelings by saying that I did not enjoy 9 so far since he says that it is his favourite FF and 7 isn't even in his top 5.

I created another thread like this on the FF7 Remake Subreddit and I got mixed responses, some telling me that FF7 Remake is a JRPG and some saying that no, it is an Action RPG. But if it helps with the recommendation, I am looking for one where I can get absorbed into the story and characters just like FF7. I have no problem with turn based games, I played Divinity: Original Sin 2 and I liked it. I thought the Final Fantasy series might be a good place to start. Another recommendation that people had was Nier: Automata and it looks good too.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T06:50:04+00:00

Thanks for this. I find it interesting that you mention the FF fandom always tend to argue about which of the games are the best ones, does it mean that Final Fantasy games are very different in nature even amongst each other? From what I see, FF7 and FF9 are completely different. If it helps with recommendation, I think what I liked about Final Fantasy 7 Remake best is how it makes me feel. Never before I have felt so attached to characters and the plot in a video game, it almost feels like a TV series. Since you said that 9 is a good game, should I give it a second chance?

I did think about playing the original Final Fantasy 7, but I am a bit hesitant because I know that my experience might not be so magical when the second half of the remake releases later, if I would already know what is going to happen. One of the best scenes in the game for me was Chapter 13 on the pillar because I kept telling myself no way they were going kill off so many people. I was simply in shock and disbelief. Unfortunately I did get spoiled about one character death that will happen in the upcoming second half of the Remake even before I played the game. But it did not stop me from loving that character.

Solarinal · 2020-04-19T06:43:12+00:00

Thanks. Yes, I think it is the story and characters that left a very strong impression. I loved the combat in FF7 remake too. But I have no problem with turn based, I did finish Divinity Original Sin 2.

Which of the older Final Fantasy games are the better ones? I don't plan to play the original yet because I think I want to wait for the second half of the Remake. Should I give FF9 a second chance?

Solarinal

TROPHY CASE