Ultimania Alpha - Story Mode Summaries (Spoiler Warning)

[Dark and Divine]

[quote author=looneymoon link=topic=72.msg1035#msg1035 date=1228676788]
Yeah, I think Nomura may have mentioned in an interview somewhere that the original games won't be affected in thier continuity or anything. So it's pretty much AU like The Notorious MOG stated.

I can't seem to find the interview quote, but I'm sure it exists somewhere... ???
[/quote]

That was mentioned in an interview with Dissidia's director, Takeshi Arakawa.

Here it is:

- First, please tell us briefly what this "Dissidia: Final Fantasy" game is.

Takeshi Arakawa (TA): This is a fighting action game to celebrate the 20th year of the "Final Fantasy" (FF) video game series.

- Where did the idea to make a fighting action game based on the RPG series "FF" come from?

TA: Actually, Nomura, the creative director, began thinking about this concept 7 years ago and already wanted to make a fighting game. Last year, the "FF" series celebrated its 20th anniversary and this is to commemorate that. The project itself began a little before that so the development has become somewhat more lengthly than expected.

-Had it already been decided that "FF" characters would fight at that original point?

TA: Yes, that was decided at the start. We were going to have main characters appear against their rivals, selecting 2 characters from each of the FFs that had been released at that point, i.e. I to X, and fight each other.

-The "FF" series' characters which appear in this game already have their own stories but how will they be introduced?

TA: " Dissidia: Final Fantasy"'s story is not directly linked to the "FF" stories these characters come from. However, we have designed it so that, as you get closer to the game's ending, there will be some kind of link you can see relating to each one of them. Also, although this is a different world and story, the characters will keep their recognisable personalities so fans can rest assured. (Laughs)

Although characters from all the series from "I" to "X" will appear, we've yet to show all of the characters from "V", "VI" and "VII" who will appear. I think we will be able to show a few of them at this TGS.

- Since the series' history spans 20 years all the installments probably have some different fans. Is it difficult to convince them all?

TA: It was very difficult. I have worked on the main series where I have to keep asking myself "Am I making something that isn't "FF"?" That's because this isn't really a series in the conventional sense as each new instalment tries very hard to be different from the previous one. With "Dissidia: Final Fantasy" on the other hand, we have to cover 20 years of "FF". In the complete opposite from the usual goal here we have to keep asking ourselves "Is this truly "FF?" That's why the development staff had to play through the entire series and not only did they have to go over the scripts and the story, they also had to study the fan communities of each of those games. The problem was that almost all of the development staff were players of the "FF" series. Since "FF" is such a big title, the development staff's opinions as players were very diverse and so many decisions became heated debates. (Laughs)

-Of course, not only will the opinions on the series differ but also that on individual installments.

TA: Indeed. There are lots of good parts and so the view of what has to be left out is always different. Those choices were really difficult. Although alot of it eventually went to a vote, deciding everything like that would have made the game too round. So we also tried to leave in the things which we thought players would enjoy.

-To represent the characters who came to the series around the Famicom (NES) era seems particularly difficult.

TA: The graphics for the games since "VII" are quite beautiful and so those characters are carefully designed not to look too different from those images. On the other hand, with the characters from "VI" and before on the sprite-based NES installments, we tried to preserve the features that people remember of them when we render them in modern 3D. I've tried to create a design and a story that preserves the memories of all the people who have played "Final Fantasy".

-Although there are many concepts associated with fighting games, why did you settle on the style of a 3D environment you can freely move around in?

TA: This game's development team is behind the battle scenes of the PS2 Action-RPG game "Kingdom Hearts 2". I thought it would be fun if we incorporated the amount of freedom that comes with 3D into a fighting game. Because there aren't that many fighting games with an Action-RPG style concept, I thought the players' expectations would be a little low too.

-So new players could easily play it too, right?

TA: Yes, by making a free-roaming 3D environment with controls that allow for simplicity in play. This is because a fighting game's rules where various characters appear to the left and right of the screen while you input various commands to execute special moves is incompatible with a free-roaming 3D environment. We tried to make it so that simple button inputs would let you fight as you like. I think it'll be so easy to fly and run up walls that you'll feel like a hero playing it.

-It seems like we'll be able to use the PSP's networking capabilities to fight.

TA: Yes, 2 players can fight each other. As well as direct confrontations, Players can exchange customized AI characters and have each other fight those. -What will battles consist of?

TA: The main game is a single player campaign where you level up and shop in order to customize your character. The main part consists of using that customized character to fight. This game's character's degree of customization varies with their levels and so you'll theoretically never see a battle among equals. It's a bit of a competition to see who can improve their character the best.

-How is the development towards the December release?

TA: Since we knew from the start that this was quite a large game, our schedule has been tighter than usual. So it's not too hectic but the development team are really giving it their all. Although even now the team is getting ideas, we are in the process of fine-tuning.

-Were there any technologically difficult points?

TA: The PSP's media, the UMD, caused some trouble. Current generation home video game consoles have quite a lot of memory so we can program them to read data off the DVD in the background to make it a stress free gaming experience. However, in the case of a handheld console like the PSP, having the UMD spin too much takes up a lot of battery. But if we don't do it at all, loading times increase and so does stress. Programmers had a hard time finding an efficient compromise.

-How is the TGS version shaping up?

TA: The Game Show will display the newest demo version and many demo consoles will be available. This time there is a choice of 6 characters. This is probably the last chance to play before the release so please come and enjoy.

-Any last message?

TA: We're trying hard to include everything Final Fantasy in time for the release date, a whole 20 years since the series was born. We've tried not to desecrate the memories of all the FF fans out there so please come and enjoy it all again.

Also, although this game is technically an action game, we have taken into account that "FF" is an RPG to try to draw in people who don't play action games by including a system with the depth of an RPG. We have made it so that, whatever your age or gender, you can get to the end.

We've also made it so that you can always save your favorite bits of the game, designed to be played in segments of 5 to 10 minutes, so that you can use the time spent commuting or of a break to maybe even play against new people.

I personally believe that this title is a new start for the "FF" brand. I am glad to be part of this title which is the culmination of overcoming differences between players and between staff.

 

[Makoeyes987]

How can it be an alternate universe when each of the characters are specifically coming from their own worlds and continuity? And it still be part of the total FF mythology?

It has its own storyline that is specifically linked to the mythos of Final Fantasy, and that alone gives it credibility. It's not just a game that throws all FF heroes and villains together for a fight (ala SSBB). It's more akin to a crossover canon event in a comic book like DC's Infinite Crisis epic, than anything else.

Also, the interview with the director Arakawa stated that Dissidia's new story has no direct tie in to any previous Final Fantasy. Meaning, it's entirely new. But he also said that this is also going to be faithful to their original personalities and back stories.

As for when it happens, it couldn't possibly be when they all died, because the characters from each FF each speak from certain reference points in their lives, like Cecil *before* the FFIV sequel, for example.

As for how it happens? Cosmos and Chaos are deities. They can easily bend reality and time to their will. They could easily make it where they were "never gone in the first place."

 

[Tetsujin]

If they are deities, they could also reconstruct their souls and restore them along with their memories only to a certain point as to fit their interests.

 

[Makoeyes987]

[quote author=Tetsujin link=topic=72.msg1038#msg1038 date=1228679690]
If they are deities, they could also reconstruct their souls and restore them along with their memories only to a certain point as to fit their interests.
[/quote]

That's true. Clearly that's something that has had to happen to at least a few of the characters from the Chaos side.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But what I don't understand is why would Cosmos pick some arbitrary moment to craft their memories from, and why would she even bother "erasing" the memory of if they were dead or if some time had occurred? It just seems more logical that the living are living, and the dead were resurrected.

I just don't see any reason as to not take the storyline at face value in its narrative exposition. Heroes have come from different universes for an existential confilct, to fight against villains that were either resurrected or summoned as well.

 

[looneymoon]

Ah, so it was Arakawa. No wonder, my bad. I'm not one to keep track of the staff, lol

How can it be an alternate universe when each of the characters are specifically coming from their own worlds and continuity? And it still be part of the total FF mythology?

It has its own storyline that is specifically linked to the mythos of Final Fantasy, and that alone gives it credibility. It's not just a game that throws all FF heroes and villains together for a fight (ala SSBB). It's more akin to a crossover canon event in a comic book like DC's Infinite Crisis epic, than anything else.

Also, the interview with the director Arakawa stated that Dissidia's new story has no direct tie in to any previous Final Fantasy. Meaning, it's entirely new. But he also said that this is also going to be faithful to their original personalities and back stories.

The Arakawa interview seems to indicate that while these are the same characters and whatnot, the events of Dissidia shouldn't ruin the continuity/timeline of the original games. FF is essentially made up of different AUs but still share the common mythos. Dissidia could very well be set in an AU while still retaining the same FF mythology. The difference with Dissidia is it features the Final Fantasy gods, and all the FF universes seem to meet in one. Every Final Fantasy is essentially "new", with no direct links to any previous one. It'd be a little redundant to say Dissidia is a new story when each FF has, by nature, a new story. By being faithful, I just thought he meant he wanted the characters to remain recognizablr/nostalgic to the players.

At least, that's the impression I got out of what he was saying, anyway.

The real point of what I'm trying to say is that Dissidia's chronology shouldn't affect what we already know of the original FF stories, even though it does have its own story. Like when discussing original FF7 timeline, I don't think the creators meant to complicate it so when discussing we take into account that at point X, Cloud goes to Dissidialand to fight Sephy again. It just wouldn't make sense, and would probably screw up pretty much every game's timeline.

 

[Tetsujin]

[quote author=Makoeyes987 link=topic=72.msg1039#msg1039 date=1228680195]
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But what I don't understand is why would Cosmos pick some arbitrary moment to craft their memories from, and why would she even bother "erasing" the memory of if they were dead or if some time had occurred? It just seems more logical that the living are living, and the dead were resurrected.[/quote]

Of course the villains could have also been taken from a point of time when they were still living.
Assuming that the Gods can take them from any point of time (which has to be the case, since Tidus and Cloud come not only from different planets - but different times as well.)

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But what I don't understand is why would Cosmos pick some arbitrary moment to craft their memories from, and why would she even bother "erasing" the memory of if they were dead or if some time had occurred?

Who knows? Take Tidus for example - Jecht's and his conflict has actually been settled.
Maybe they just want to give their pawns a reason to fight against each other and remove all necessary things that could take away from that.

BTW, I still think it's weird that Jecht is a villain. Since he NEVER was a villain in the first place. He wasn't even a bad person. A bad father maybe, but not bad at heart. He sacrificed himself and then became SIN, and that's as far as his villainy goes...I wonder what his motives in Dissidia will be...?

Like when discussing original FF7 timeline, I don't think the creators meant to complicate it so when discussing we take into account that at point X, Cloud goes to Dissidialand to fight Sephy again. It just wouldn't make sense, and would probably screw up pretty much every game's timeline.

That's what I mean too. It's weird to think of them going "poof!" in their respective homeworlds and disappearing to "Walt Dissidia World" and then return as if nothing happened.

 

[Makoeyes987]

[quote author=looneymoon link=topic=72.msg1040#msg1040 date=1228680684]
Ah, so it was Arakawa. No wonder, my bad. I'm not one to keep track of the staff, lol

The Arakawa interview seems to indicate that while these are the same characters and whatnot, the events of Dissidia shouldn't ruin the continuity/timeline of the original games. FF is essentially made up of different AUs but still share the common mythos. Dissidia could very well be set in an AU while still retaining the same FF mythology. The difference with Dissidia is it features the Final Fantasy gods, and all the FF universes seem to meet in one. Every Final Fantasy is essentially "new", with no direct links to any previous one. It'd be a little redundant to say Dissidia is a new story when each FF has, by nature, a new story. By being faithful, I just thought he meant he wanted the characters to remain recognizablr/nostalgic to the players.

At least, that's the impression I got out of what he was saying, anyway.

The real point of what I'm trying to say is that Dissidia's chronology shouldn't affect what we already know of the original FF stories, even though it does have its own story. Like when discussing original FF7 timeline, I don't think the creators meant to complicate it so when discussing we take into account that at point X, Cloud goes to Dissidialand to fight Sephy again. It just wouldn't make sense, and would probably screw up pretty much every game's timeline.
[/quote]

Dissidia's story couldn't possibly ruin any FF's story anyways, because it's its own separate, unique crossover story, so that's essentially redundant. There's no confusion because Dissidia's storyline explains it all. If Dissidia for some inexplicable reason took place in one particular FF world, like FFIX's Gaia, or FFX's Spira, then yes...that would be a valid point. But the fact it's taking place somewhere new, means its not influencing or screwing up any timeline at all.

And again, why is it being postulated that Dissidia's storyline is an AU, when there's no indication whatsoever of that being the case, and if anything, it's its own chapter within the Final Fantasy saga. Crossovers happening in FF are not new. Gilgamesh is proof of that, as well as the whole Ivalice continuity. Not to mention FFIX even hinted at an even higher plane of existence where the entire cosmic universe's crystal of existence could reside...a plot point that bears some resemblance to Cosmos wanting to protect the "master crystals" of the universe.

And it's not the FF universes merging into one, its the heroes and villains being summoned to this unique universe where Chaos and Cosmos reside and are trying to end their infinitely long war. The worlds of Final Fantasy are still the same.

This reminds me of the topics when Advent Children first came out, with people saying that its an AU and just a "what if" scenario.

@Tetsujin

True, but from the way the villains talk, they seem to speak from a perspective of resentful defeat, so we'll see for sure when it comes out.

And yeah, Jecht and Tidus's conflict regarding Spira, and Sin has been settled. But that doesn't mean they still aren't going to have conflict. Tidus loves his father, but he can't stand him as a person. And if Jecht has been conscripted into joining the forces of Chaos because Chaos *chose* him, then he really doesn't have much of a choice. Even when the villains talk about their goals of deposing "the willfull god" Jecht doesn't appear too interested. He probably is the "black sheep" of the team and who knows, he may even defect.

And how is it going to be weird discussing Cloud's role in Dissidia with FFVII's timeline, when technically speaking, he's not even *in* FFVII's timeline for Dissidia? That's contradiction. That's like trying to place Cloud's time in Ivalice in relation to the FFVII story. That's a crossover. That's "missing time" which makes no change whatsoever to FFVII's timeline, only Ivalice's. The same will apply for Dissidia. As for their memories of it all, who knows.

 

[looneymoon]

Dissidia's story couldn't possibly ruin any FF's story anyways, because it's its own separate, unique crossover story, so that's essentially redundant. There's no confusion because Dissidia's storyline explains it all. If Dissidia for some inexplicable reason took place in one particular FF world, like FFIX's Gaia, or FFX's Spira, then yes...that would be a valid point. But the fact it's taking place somewhere new, means its not influencing or screwing up any timeline at all.

Hmm.. ok, I understand what you're saying. I wasn't trying to contend Dissidia's AUness, I was just trying to say that Dissidia = separate from other FF stories = doesn't affect them.

I don't think it's the case the characters where the characters are literally removed from whatever universe they're in so that they're not part of it anymore. The nature of their transportation into Dissidialand is merely speculative. In fact, Square may not choose to explain it at all.

And how is it going to be weird discussing Cloud's role in Dissidia with FFVII's timeline, when technically speaking, he's not even *in* FFVII's timeline for Dissidia? That's contradiction. That's like trying to place Cloud's time in Ivalice in relation to the FFVII story. That's a crossover. That's "missing time" which makes no change whatsoever to FFVII's timeline, only Ivalice's. The same will apply for Dissidia. As for their memories of it all, who knows.

This.

That's what I mean too. It's weird to think of them going "poof!" in their respective homeworlds and disappearing to "Walt Dissidia World" and then return as if nothing happened.

...and this XD

 

[Cat Rage Room]

I'm not saying you're wrong, Mako.

It has its own storyline that is specifically linked to the mythos of Final Fantasy, and that alone gives it credibility. It's not just a game that throws all FF heroes and villains together for a fight (ala SSBB). It's more akin to a crossover canon event in a comic book like DC's Infinite Crisis epic, than anything else.

I just can't really think of it other than a SSBB or Marvel vs Capcom or Capcom vs. SNK 'let's get the guys together to fight' sort of thing. I mean I appreciate all of the thought and discussion everyone's giving it, but I just don't really think of it that deep.

 

[Makoeyes987]

But....it isn't anything like that at all, as stated by the creators. This isn't just a fighting game. This is a crossover story. The fighting game genre is merely the medium. They've already expressed that they've gone through great pains crafting a unique story for all the characters while keeping them true to themselves and making the interactions accurate. So it's apparently very "deep" at least in terms of the universe of Final Fantasy.

This isn't just a glorified Ehrgeiz.

 

[Cat Rage Room]

Oh, of course that's not to undermine the effort that they went to make it all make sense and to craft an interesting story. But

-The "FF" series' characters which appear in this game already have their own stories but how will they be introduced?

TA: " Dissidia: Final Fantasy"'s story is not directly linked to the "FF" stories these characters come from. However, we have designed it so that, as you get closer to the game's ending, there will be some kind of link you can see relating to each one of them. Also, although this is a different world and story, the characters will keep their recognisable personalities so fans can rest assured. (Laughs)

you can apply those statements to every single SSBB and Marvel vs Capcom like game that existed. Unless I missed something, or there was an interview I didn't read, there's nothing that makes this game fundamentally different than those games. It's just a fighting game with more of a story (and considering that King of Fighters has more of a plot than most FF games...) and more dialogue and attention paid to the characters. Nothing really else.

 

[Makoeyes987]

[quote author=The Notorious M.O.G. link=topic=72.msg1046#msg1046 date=1228685822]
Oh, of course that's not to undermine the effort that they went to make it all make sense and to craft an interesting story. But

-The "FF" series' characters which appear in this game already have their own stories but how will they be introduced?

TA: " Dissidia: Final Fantasy"'s story is not directly linked to the "FF" stories these characters come from. However, we have designed it so that, as you get closer to the game's ending, there will be some kind of link you can see relating to each one of them. Also, although this is a different world and story, the characters will keep their recognisable personalities so fans can rest assured. (Laughs)

you can apply those statements to every single SSBB and Marvel vs Capcom like game that existed. Unless I missed something, or there was an interview I didn't read, there's nothing that makes this game fundamentally different than those games. It's just a fighting game with more of a story (and considering that King of Fighters has more of a plot than most FF games...) and more dialogue and attention paid to the characters. Nothing really else.
[/quote]

But when the creators specifically build this game up for its plot and connection between the characters and Final Fantasy, and state that each individual storyline of every character is linked to another and gives the entire plot of the game's conflict, then this isn't just a game, it's also a story. Bartz's storyline is even getting a totally differenet style in how its storyline is going to be presented than the others.

Super Smash Bros. was done for fun and given a loose plot for the first time when for awhile, it had no true "story" at all. It didn't start advertising or having a true storyline until Brawl. So comparing the two isn't quite the same, since they were tackled in totally different ways. You can apply that statement made by Arakawa to other crossover fighting games, but that's just taking it out of context, since Dissidia's plot has been one of the most central focal points since the beginning. Not just a loose excuse to just have FF characters fight each other.

 

[Cat Rage Room]

Oh, don't get me wrong; I'm not undermining the effort it took for them to take the characters and plotlines of 20 years worth of storytelling and weave them together into something that's enjoyable and coherent, that takes skill (and we'll see if they did a good job when we all play) and that should be commended. However, what I mean to say is that I'm not looking at it from 'did the characters get whisked out of their universes' and 'is this canon relevant to this etc', because when it comes down to it (and this is somewhat supported by the interview) it IS just a fighting game, with a story (but so is King of Fighters and Street Fighter, and Tekken). That part is nothing new at all, because like I said, King of Fighters plot puts a lot of RPG plots to absolute shame. The uniqueness of Dissadia is how they're taking characters of different games and trying to make sense of it, but at the end of the day, that's what it is.

 

[Makoeyes987]

Well yeah, exactly. And it really is up to you on how much you want to look and examine the story's depth. That's what makes the story so fun and interesting. It can be enjoyed casually if you choose, but you can also look at it critically in terms of its connection to each Final Fantasy, given how much attention to detail and continuity the creators have put into it. You can look at it deeply without it eventually falling apart or you can just enjoy it for being a game.

Naturally, I prefer the former.

 

[Max Payne]

Cloud becomes depressed.

Again.

Yippie.

 

[Cat Rage Room]

Yeah it's not really the most interesting plot development.

 

[Max Payne]

I don't see why it's necessary.

People obviously are more interested in Cloud as he was in FFVII without the depression.

geez.

 

[Schala-Kitty]

Actually, his "depression" (and you guys have no idea how much I'm regretting using that term in my translation) really isn't the core of this character in this game, just his dilemma. This is from his personality section of the Ultimania -

"He straight-foward in addressing problems and composed during arguments, as he seldomly agitated while approaching these issues with his calm judgement, making him very dependable in this situation in the others' eyes. However when it comes to his personal issues, the constant question of "Why I am fighting?" leaves him frustrated."

 

[Makoeyes987]

Yeah, it's not really depression, it's more like...

"I'm really fucking sick of constantly having to fight Sephiroth all the time."

So I think people are taking his conflict in Dissidia a bit out of context and blowing it out of proportion.

 

[Max Payne]

It's still wholly unnecessary.

 

[Makoeyes987]

So you think Cloud should totally not react at all at having to face the same fucker he's killed three times already and has made it his life mission to make miserable? You don't think a slight feeling of frustration would be natural at seeing him again, doing the same old shit he did on Gaia, except this time in another world?

I mean, really. It's kind of a no-brainer Cloud's gonna wonder "WTF is this fighting for?" if he's gonna constantly have to fight Sephiroth over and over again. And considering he's being the natural leader he was at the end of FFVII, I don't see what the complaint is about.

 

[Madame Mayor]

I don't think the attack he suffered in Ivalice had anything to do with Sephiroth. It was more than likely due to the fact that he was mentally unstable and confused..having been thrust from his own world and into another.

Ah, so he's just saying his name cause he's having a mental breakdown, not because Sephiroth is actually affecting him. Thanks.

 

[Cthulhu]

Actually, I'd more expect him to start enjoying it, considering he always wins and gets to pick the girl he'd like to bone this time, .

 

[Schala-Kitty]

But there's only one viable bang-worthy girl this time around Cthulhu. At least she's an Esper in the sack. *laughs until she realizes that no one else is* I mean, sure there is Utlimecia but she is obviously sleeping with Mateus to further her position. And then the Cloud of Darkness isn't even really a woman... and I wouldn't advise anyone to have sex with it...

Okay, I'm gonna stop now before I get too off-color.

 

[Makoeyes987]

And then the Cloud of Darkness isn't even really a woman... and I wouldn't advise anyone to have sex with it...

Why not? I'm down with the darkness. I'd hit it.