I’m Tired of Pretending Final Fantasy VII Is Better Than Final Fantasy VI

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Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s widely acknowledged that the gem of the Final Fantasy series is undoubtedly “Final Fantasy VII,” acclaimed as one of the best JRPG games ever made. Ever since its release, Square Enix has invested heavily in

It’s openly acknowledged that some people find Final Fantasy VI to be superior to Final Fantasy VII. Admittedly, I’ve shared this view, and I stand by it without hesitation. Released three years earlier on the SNES, Final Fantasy VI paved the way for many of the elements that would later become synonymous with its follow-up’s acclaim, such as a sweeping narrative encompassing multiple continents, an extensive roster of characters each with their own rich backstories, and a formidable antagonist. However, due to its older console, it often found itself overshadowed in the limelight.

Final Fantasy VI Perfected the Ensemble Cast Formula

The remarkable collection of characters in Final Fantasy VII is often praised as one of its standout features. Characters like Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Aerith Gainsborough, and Sephiroth are widely recognized as game industry legends. They significantly impact the storyline, but according to renowned actor Robert Pattinson, their influence extends beyond the narrative too. Interestingly, though, it was Final Fantasy VI that first introduced this extensive cast of playable characters – a total of 14.

As a devoted fan of Final Fantasy VI, let me tell you, some characters were more developed than others, but boy, those fully fleshed ones are unforgettable! Characters like Terra Branford, Locke Cole, Celes Chere, Cyan Garamonde, Shadow, and even the Figaro brothers, they all have their unique tales woven into the grand narrative.

Terra’s inner turmoil over her identity, Locke’s heart-wrenching sorrow due to lost love, Celes’ dilemma of loyalty, and the rest of their arcs are what make this game a timeless classic for me. These intricate character stories added an emotional dimension that was scarcely seen in video games when it first came out, setting Final Fantasy VI apart from other games of its time.

In the world of “Final Fantasy”, Cloud is essentially the backbone or cornerstone of “Final Fantasy VII”, and the story wouldn’t exist without him. He shares a strong connection with Sephiroth and the overall plot, despite Aerith playing a crucial role in the game’s events. In contrast, “Final Fantasy VI” dared to distribute the narrative burden among various characters. The strategic decision to have no clear main character proved fruitful. The party dynamics of “Final Fantasy VI” were later refined for a smaller cast in “Final Fantasy VII”, and it wouldn’t have been feasible for this game to emerge if “Final Fantasy VI” hadn’t set the stage first.

Final Fantasy VI Balanced Epic Stakes With Personal Drama First

One notable strength of “Final Fantasy VII” is its skillful blending of personal and global stakes, ensuring characters remain significant amidst the larger narrative. However, it’s worth noting that “Final Fantasy VI” paved the way for this approach. It skillfully intertwined intimate storytelling with a sweeping world-saving plot, even taking more risks than “Final Fantasy VII” in its execution.

In the heart of Final Fantasy VI’s narrative, an empire driven by conquest forms the primary conflict. This epic tale follows a varied band of protagonists as they challenge the empire, culminating in their confrontation with Kefka. The story intricately weaves together the characters’ pasts, aspirations, and personal battles. Despite the universe-threatening crisis at hand, the narrative skillfully balances these smaller stories, offering a deeper exploration of each character amidst the impending apocalypse.

Celes struggles with a test of loyalty, contemplating suicide, but eventually finds solace among her newfound allies. Sabin’s tale delves into themes of brotherhood and resistance against oppression, while Locke learns to move on from lost affection and develops fresh bonds. These intimate aspects make the larger fantasy story relatable through human feelings.

The classic game Final Fantasy VII undeniably delivers some emotional wallops, and much of its unexpected plot twists can be attributed to its predecessor, Final Fantasy VI. Despite being limited by 16-bit technology, Square Enix skillfully demonstrated the story’s ability to resonate on various levels and the artistic potential of stunning sprite work.

Why VI’s Innovation Still Outshines VII’s Flashy Presentation

A significant factor contributing to the popularity of Final Fantasy VII was the advanced hardware and technology available during its release. Being the first game in the series on PlayStation, it fully utilized all the features offered by the system, including 3D polygons, cinematic cutscenes, and other innovative elements. These advancements helped Final Fantasy VII gain mainstream recognition for JRPGs, a genre that was still relatively unknown in the Western market. To enhance its appeal, it also received significant marketing support to establish itself effectively in regions where JRPGs were less prevalent.

The significance of hardware capabilities and timing should never be disregarded. It’s intriguing to speculate about how differently Final Fantasy VI might have unfolded if it had access to the tools we now take for granted. Unfortunately, its narrative was confined to express itself through pixel art, dialogue boxes, and Mode 7 world maps. The cinematic cutscenes that were common on PlayStation consoles could not be implemented in Final Fantasy VI due to the limitations of the SNES. This lack of visual flair made Final Fantasy VII feel groundbreaking, even though it built upon what its predecessor had already achieved.

By setting aside the grandeur, it’s clear that Final Fantasy VI showcased both its groundbreaking innovations and daring risks. For instance, it didn’t shy away from obliterating its own world midway through the game, thereby creating a formidable villain in Kefka who stands out among the series’ antagonists. The story unfolds as a poignant narrative of redemption and reconstruction, one that players could experience by exploring the world at their leisure and saving whomever they choose to save, all within an open, non-linear structure.

It’s undeniable that the storyline of Final Fantasy VII is impressive, with both subtle moments and epic narration. However, unlike Final Fantasy VI, it is less complex in its narrative choices. Although Final Fantasy VI was powerfully engaging, it had more daring decisions that made it stand out as a superior game. If both were given the same resources and chance, I believe Final Fantasy VI would still emerge victorious.

Sephiroth May Be Iconic, but Kefka Is Truly Terrifying

In many discussions about the most memorable antagonists in video game history, Sephiroth frequently stands out. His position is justified due to his striking appearance, chilling music theme, and significant impact on the storyline. A particular scene from “Final Fantasy VII” leaves an indelible mark on fans. However, upon closer examination, it’s clear that Sephiroth’s success can be traced back to a villain who emerged earlier. Although this villain is widely recognized, his fame often fades in comparison to Sephiroth. This villain is none other than Kefka Palazzo from “Final Fantasy VI.

In contrast to Sephiroth, Kefka from Final Fantasy VI stands out as downright petrifying. While Sephiroth’s menacing presence comes from his mystery, power, and the psychological torment he inflicts on Cloud, Kefka is something else entirely. He embodies chaos and relishes in this insanity without any discernible reason, making him exceptionally terrifying and eerily distinct. This lack of rationality is what makes Kefka truly chilling.

In the storyline of Final Fantasy VI, the character Kefka draws inspiration from DC’s Joker, not just in his personality but also his appearance, which is often recognized as one of the best villains in discussion. Initially, Kefka comes across as an eccentric jester that seems more annoying than threatening to the players. However, his unpredictable nature, embrace of evil deeds, and relentless determination make him a formidable adversary.

Throughout the game, Kefka manipulates Terra’s mind, wreaks havoc by poisoning an entire city due to his impatience with a fellow general’s progress, and ultimately brings about the destruction of the world in his madness.

Kefka isn’t merely evil for the sake of being evil; instead, he is relentlessly driven by his desires and will go to any length to achieve them. Tragically, in his pursuit of ruling the world, Kefka demonstrated a willingness to obliterate it entirely. Achieving deity status, Kefka managed to win over something that very few villains can claim. However, his downfall was his failure to completely eliminate all opposition when redesigning the world according to his own vision, providing an opportunity for the heroes to ultimately defeat him. Although Sephiroth is well-known, Kefka encapsulates a less common type of villain, one whose insanity significantly altered the storyline and left players with a palpable feeling of fear.

Final Fantasy VI’s Legacy and Future

Let it be clear that my statement does not diminish the greatness of Final Fantasy VII; in fact, I adore it just as passionately now as I did when I was a child. This game is indeed a groundbreaking title that significantly influenced and popularized the JRPG genre. The current abundance of games in this category can be traced back to its release and impact on the genre. However, it seems that Final Fantasy VI has been overshadowed by its reputation.

At present, Square Enix is deeply involved in the ongoing “Final Fantasy VII Remake” series, with fans anxiously looking forward to the third installment. However, once this project is completed, the direction of Final Fantasy remains uncertain. The success of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” demonstrates that there’s still a demand for turn-based JRPGs, and remaking “Final Fantasy VII” could be an excellent way to cash in on this observation.

Octopath Traveler’s producer, Masaaki Hayasaka, has expressed a desire for an HD-2D remake of Final Fantasy VI. Although this isn’t yet an official confirmation, it offers fans some optimism that this classic game may receive the recognition it deserves. If such a remake doesn’t materialize, however, we should recognize that Final Fantasy VI remains the crown jewel of the series and appreciate how much Final Fantasy VII borrows from its groundbreaking predecessor.

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2025-09-08 22:42