In December 1987, a game was released in Japan.
Before the company withdrew from the gaming business, they decided to create one last game, which was regarded as an RPG that could rival the then-popular “Monster Quest” and ultimately became a representative RPG series of Japan.
This was the iconic JRPG and the most recognized JRPG in the West, achieving over 160 million cumulative sales:
“Final Fantasy.”
But did “Final Fantasy” become the most famous JRPG game right from its initial release?
No, it did not.
The true recognition of “Final Fantasy” as the world’s best JRPG did not come from the first installment, but rather from the work that came out ten years later.
That “Final Fantasy” was released to the world on January 31, 1997.
At that time, the gaming world was in the midst of a fierce battle, distinguished by “Imtendo 64,” “Saga Saturn,” and “Game Station” consoles.
Countless masterpieces were being created amid the more intense console wars than ever before.
However, people did not know.
The true conqueror had yet to reveal itself.
Thus, “Final Fantasy” emerged at the center of this battle.
This series attempted a transformation from the classic world of swords and magic to a mechanical and modern city setting, astonishing everyone with its outstanding gameplay, touching story, and breathtaking 3D sci-fi fantasy world.
People began to rave about the game madly, and it demonstrated its immense power by turning “Game Station” into the ultimate victor in the console wars.
This is the game that sold a staggering 14 million copies as a single series and swept the 1997 game awards, becoming legendary:
“Final Fantasy 7.”
“Final Fantasy 7” also has numerous entertaining anecdotes.
More than twenty years after its release, Time magazine selected it for the All-TIME 100 Video Games list, beating out masterpieces like Super Mario and Street Fighter 2, and a Hollywood actor infamous for his role as Bat-Man mentioned in an interview that he learned about love from this game, surprising many.
At that time, North American gamers felt love from the heroines of “Final Fantasy 7,” Tina and Aerith, learning the concept of a “favorite” and becoming great fans themselves.
Why did people rave about “Final Fantasy 7”?
I think it was the result of the most dramatic synergy created through the meeting of opportunity and chance.
At that time, society was moving toward the end of the century, and there was a growing critical view of the world.
Corresponding with that atmosphere, this game boldly addressed the unpleasant realities of society, using heavy themes unlike previous RPGs that clearly defined demon lords and heroes, villains and protagonists.
The existence of a villainous mega-corporation that deceived and exploited citizens while controlling the great metropolis of Midgar, resource mismanagement and environmental destruction, terrorism from ignorant citizens and radical actions, the economic disparities represented by slums and depictions of the underground economy including the entertainment industry, inhumane scientific experiments, and the collapse of local communities due to imperialistic development and exploitation—all of these overly realistic issues were presented in a raw manner.
Even the protagonist, Cloud, had a sharp tongue right from the start.
Seeing a protagonist who interrupts comrades saying, “Let’s all hang in there and defeat the demon lord!” with a sudden “Not interested,” was bewildering.
It wasn’t just criticism, though.
In such an end-of-century scenario, the theme was that what ultimately saves people is humanity and love, and the shocking “that moment” brought tears to gamers’ eyes, allowing them to feel the pain of loss.
Even if it had ended there, it would have still been a masterpiece, but this game did not stop at just that.
The cool and beautiful, captivating characters ignited gamers’ hearts, bursting with charm, still thriving in the spotlight even 20 years later.
The battle system, created by combining skills referred to as “Runes,” along with hidden bosses showcased the deep fun of JRPGs to the world.
Each piece alone was amazing, but together, it turned into a true masterpiece.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy the game at that time, only getting to play it years after I left the orphanage.
And when I hit “that moment,” I found myself weeping.
I likely didn’t cry that much when bidding farewell to everyone as I left the orphanage.
And I vowed.
One day, I would share this sorrow—no, this joy—with everyone.
And that opportunity has now arrived.
*
“What does overwhelming quality mean, Yuren?”
Hearing my words, Sylvia asked for a more concrete explanation rather than just understanding what I meant.
“When they make 2 or 3 games, we need to create one solid game that can exert the power of 10 or 20.”
“Yuren, that’s easier said than done, isn’t it?”
“It’s possible; no, to be precise, there’s a ‘possible game’.”
I began to explain my plan based on Final Fantasy 7 to everyone present.
First, I described the concepts of fantasy and RPG games to them.
The reason I chose Final Fantasy 7 was also part of this.
Is the fantasy we know truly fantasy in an other world of swords and magic?
Unfortunately, from the perspective of the people in that world, fantasy games become reality or real games.
Therefore, an attractive fantasy for them had to be an RPG set in a modern or future backdrop, and Final Fantasy 7 fit that condition perfectly.
“This game development will likely become the greatest challenge not only for our Irene School but also for the Edward Consortium.”
As they listened to my explanation, everyone began to show expressions of increasing astonishment.
The basic concepts, direction, and scale of the game were probably astounding enough to elicit such reactions.
Particularly, the development scale would require the maximum manpower.
Not just our school but all relevant schools from the Edward Consortium.
It would be a project of significant challenge and risk. But…
“But if we succeed in making it and can spread this game to all countries, there won’t be another game that can challenge ours for years to come.”
As I finished explaining, everyone began to ponder for themselves.
Perhaps they needed a little more time to process the understanding.
I waited for my family’s thoughts. And then…
“I get it. I’ll trust you, Yuren.”
“I believe too, my disciple!”
Starting with Sylvia and the teacher, everyone began to agree to the project.
They probably didn’t understand everything, but I felt that the fun of the game I had experienced had been slightly communicated, leading to this agreement.
However, now that the experienced game developer Noirin had become deep in thought, she asked me a question with a worried expression.
“But Yuren, isn’t there a major issue?”
“What issue?”
“The crystal ball capacity issue.”
The biggest problem with the game I mentioned was that it obviously required an enormous amount of crystal ball capacity.
If we couldn’t solve that, either the prices of the crystal balls would become ridiculously high, or we’d need to use several cheap crystal balls, creating significant inconvenience.
But this problem had already been resolved.
“Don’t worry about that. Noirin, Yuren and I have already solved it.”
“Really! How!? Did you, brother, develop a new magic?”
Noirin was astonished that we had resolved the capacity issue.
I smiled at Noirin and said.
“It’s not a new magic; we’ve acquired a territory that can supply new materials.”
Noirin seemed to still not fully grasp what my words meant.
Perhaps she had made that expression when she first learned of it.
I could not hide my refreshing smile after a successful revenge.
*
This is what happened a few weeks after Yuren’s duel with Prince Ra.
“What did you say?!”
Gray couldn’t help but be flabbergasted by the sudden contact from the Minister’s Office.
Because the news was this:
“Effective today, the territory of [Rayners] owned by the Gray Guild shall be retrieved by the Minister’s Office.”
The [Rayners] territory was rich in monsters, including slimes, that are used for magical tools, making it one of the Empire’s major sources for magical tool materials, and most of the magical tools materials sold by the Gray Guild came from this area.
“Rayners has been the territory of the Bell family for the past 200 years. What do you mean it’s being taken back so suddenly?!”
Minerva on the other side of the crystal ball responded to Gray thoroughly and matter-of-factly.
“The individual with the authority over the territory requested it from Her Majesty the Empress, just as your ancestor received that land.”
At Minerva’s words, Gray grew anxious.
Losing Rayners would inflict a devastating blow to the Gray Guild and School, meaning complications for her ongoing plans as well.
“Then at least, I would like to know who wants the territory. We will buy it back from that person.”
Gray spoke as rationally as possible.
If he knew who wanted the land, he thought he could either bribe them with money or, if necessary, disguise an accident to kill them.
However…
“I believe you know the person well. A 1st grade wizard, Yuren from the Irene School.”
“Yes! That brat Yuren?!”
Gray was taken aback by Yuren’s name.
To Gray, Minerva conveyed the message.
“When Yuren refers to himself as a brat, he asked you to relay this, ‘This is how to play pranks. Ha, ha, ha.’”
“Yes!?”
“Well, we have communicated our position from the Minister’s Office. Please proceed with evacuation measures by next month.”
When the communication from Minerva cut off, Gray’s rage filled the room.
“Yuren!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Crash!!!
Ultimately unable to contain his anger, Gray vented by smashing the innocent communication crystal ball.
The sound was the greatest reward for Yuren.
