Final Fantasy
1987 · RPG · NES
Overview
Final Fantasy is a 1987 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the first game in Square's Final Fantasy series, created by Hironobu Sakaguchi. The story follows four youths called the Warriors of Light, who each carry one of their world's four elemental crystals which have been darkened by the four Elemental Fiends.
Deep Dive
Final Fantasy is a 1987 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the first game in Square's Final Fantasy series, created by Hironobu Sakaguchi. The story follows four youths called the Warriors of Light, who each carry one of their world's four elemental crystals which have been darkened by the four Elemental Fiends. Together, they quest to defeat these evil forces, restore light to the crystals, and save their world.
Developer Story
Final Fantasy was designed by Hironobu Sakaguchi at Square in 1987. Square was on the verge of bankruptcy and Sakaguchi's contract was almost up — he made a final game that he called his "final fantasy." The game sold well enough to save the company. Sakaguchi's design mixed Western D&D mechanics with Japanese storytelling sensibility, creating the template for the genre. Square was saved and went on to become one of the most important RPG developers in history.
Did You Know?
- The name "Final Fantasy" was literal — Sakaguchi expected it to be his final game if it failed, and Square was near bankruptcy.
- The four crystal-based quest structure and the job class system (Warrior, Monk, Thief, White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage) became Final Fantasy series standards.
- The game was heavily inspired by Wizardry and Ultima, with Sakaguchi simplifying both while adding a more explicit narrative.
- Final Fantasy sold 500,000 copies in Japan, saving Square from bankruptcy and launching one of gaming's most successful franchises.
- Every Final Fantasy game except the MMOs has a standalone story — the "final fantasy" is always different, shared only by recurring themes and mechanics.
