There are many iconic RPGs in the gaming industry, but none manage to be both iconic and an enigma to players as theFinal Fantasytitles are. With how each numbered entry features a different world and characters, the mechanics of every story differ between numbers greatly, which means manyFinal Fantasyplayers are often left having to learn an almost entirely new game every time they start one. Even still, there are many things that stay between games that help remind players that these RPGs are indeedFinal Fantasytitles. After all, what would aFinal Fantasygame be without moogles and chocobos, or even the hunt for the next Cid?
Many small details go into making sure thatFinal Fantasykeeps its identity even when the mechanics and gameplay are entirely different. Even aseachFinal Fantasyworld has its own lore, they all tie together in an intricate web whichFinal Fantasy 14goes to great lengths to explore. With the help ofFF16andFF14, the series seems to be embracing the way each and everyFinal Fantasytitle ties together, and materia fromFinal Fantasy 7could be a great help in this endeavor.
Final Fantasy Has Yet to Use Materia to Its Fullest Potential
Materia serves as a great way to manage players' stats, magical abilities, and summons all in one handy menu with a few collectible items inFinal Fantasy 7. While convenient, it also can make or break tough battles, or in the case of the originalFinal Fantasy 7itself, entire playthroughs should players neglect to manage their gear properly. Materia is seen in practically every game inThe Compilation of Final Fantasy 7, and it even appears inFinal Fantasy 14in a similar capacity.
InFinal Fantasy 14, Materia aren’t all that important, butduringFF14:Heavenswardand beyond, they become an important stat booster to players' gear that should be kept in mind when players find themselves struggling.
Due to howFF7has Materia streamline many basic RPG features into one simple item, it has many purposes and has great weight as an in-game reward from simple side-quests, serving as key items, and an entire character is devoted to these tasksin theFF7Remaketrilogy known as Chadley. Materia are not only a very important item in-game, but the glowing orbs have become iconic toFinal Fantasyin their own right over the years. Just as chocobo, moogles, and now the summons ofFinal Fantasyhave taken on new forms with each and every game, it may be time for Materia to do the same.
Materia and Final Fantasy 16’s Eikons Should Bring More Twists to Final Fantasy Expectations
InFinal Fantasy 16, the summons are given a much bigger spotlight than they’re usually given in that they’re tied to a character known as their “Dominant” who can use their powers, and even become them in times of great distress. It may come at the cost of the series' usual summon mechanics, but the story of the Eikons and their Dominants serves as a heavy undertone toFinal Fantasy 16’s story about fate that has certainly stuck with fans as it’s seen as one ofthe best narratives of 2023.
WithwhatFinal Fantasy 16managed to do with the summonsfresh on players' minds, it begs the question of what more could be done with Materia to flip the concept on its head in a new way in future titles. AsFinal Fantasy 16’s later plot twists seem almost like the antithesis to the web connecting the series found inFinal Fantasy 14, there could be similar twists that tackle themes like trapping magic, aether, or Mako into Materia and the ramifications that come with it versus magic’s natural uses. Or, it could simply be retooled in a way that makes the mechanic feel fresh and unique to the nextFinal Fantasyit appears in. Only time will tell where Square Enix takes the next title in the long-winded franchise, but it will most certainly be filled with surprises as always.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct games. Iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have escaped from the dystopian city Midgar and are now in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. This new adventure can be enjoyed by all players, even those who have yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake or the PlayStation original. Expect a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rich exploration across a vast world.
