Would FFVII make a good novel?
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Katara
GO JUMP IN THE RIVER!
- AKA
- Wolfie
I think it could have been alright, but there are just some scenes that had a much heavier impact visually than they would with words, like when Nanaki learns the truth about his father. The visual and musical elements make that a really strong scene, and I don't think the same emotion could be given with words alone.
Though there are some things I'm not sure would work, like the optional side bosses and whatnot, and there's not really that much dialouge as far as games go. Yeah, there's some longer talking parts, but overall I'm not sure how much of Cloud's "...Yeah." someone could take before getting tired of it. And the fact that a few events in the course of the game are determined by the player's choice (like the date, stopping the train before it hits Corel, etc.). Not sure if all of that could be translated into literature well unless it became one of those "choose your adventure" stories.
Granted though, I've seen some really good post-Advent Children fanfiction that could pass as a novel, but given the variables in the game I don't know if it could be as successful.
Though there are some things I'm not sure would work, like the optional side bosses and whatnot, and there's not really that much dialouge as far as games go. Yeah, there's some longer talking parts, but overall I'm not sure how much of Cloud's "...Yeah." someone could take before getting tired of it. And the fact that a few events in the course of the game are determined by the player's choice (like the date, stopping the train before it hits Corel, etc.). Not sure if all of that could be translated into literature well unless it became one of those "choose your adventure" stories.
Granted though, I've seen some really good post-Advent Children fanfiction that could pass as a novel, but given the variables in the game I don't know if it could be as successful.
Ite
Save your valediction (she/her)
- AKA
- Ite
As a guy who novelized the game, I'm inclined to say yes. If the question is "does it work" the answer is definitely yes, as I wrote it specifically for people who don't like video games and they liked the story and characters just fine.
SandG is also working on a pretty good one. And there are a ton of other incomplete ones floating around out there. The story lends itself to a novel very well.
Obviously things get lost in translation but there are things about the written form that do things the game cannot.
SandG is also working on a pretty good one. And there are a ton of other incomplete ones floating around out there. The story lends itself to a novel very well.
Obviously things get lost in translation but there are things about the written form that do things the game cannot.
Obsidian Fire
Ahk Morn!
- AKA
- The Engineer
If there was a game to turn into a novel or rather, a series of novels, FFVII would be it.
That said, there are aspects of the game that work in the game, but would be difficult to replicate in written form. I'm talking about things like the passage of time, fights, materia, dialog etc. A lot of game mechanics would have to be given plausible reasons as well.
The other thing to keep in mind is length. FFVII is a long game with lots of backstory ect. you would have to include to make it work, as well as lots of description. In games, this isn't as much of an issue because you play the game in bits at a time. In written form, it's possible to see how long a book is before you start reading it. Also, games are more about fighting then books are. I don't see how Safer Sephiroth would be as impressive in a book where you can't appreciate how long (or not) a fight with him would be or what his Supernova attack looks like. (How would you describe his wings anyway?)
There's also the suspension of reality that naturally comes with playing games that doesn't come as naturally will books. In FFVII, nobody really cares about things like Gold Saucer's architecture not being possible because it's a game, specifically Final Fantasy; nobody expects it to make physical sense anyway. The "science" behind the Jenova Project would be the same. In the game, we have a simplistic explanation for it, but that's okay because we don't expect it to make that much sense anyway. If it was in a novel, the science would have to be more concrete.
What would be great about having it as a novel would be seeing the story from everyone's point of view. FFVII is in third person by default, but in novel form, you could get a lot further into people's thoughts. (Aerith's thoughts about Zack, what Cloud is feeling when he is controlled by Sephiroth etc.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that while having a novel of FFVII would be nice, you'd have to deal with a lot of the mechanics that work with a game. A lot would depend on who the author is and how faithful they are staying to the spirit of the game.
After all that, if you are looking for novelizations of FFVII there are quite a few of them on the net. You might want to check them out to see how they approach the game. See mr_ite's post above.^^
That said, there are aspects of the game that work in the game, but would be difficult to replicate in written form. I'm talking about things like the passage of time, fights, materia, dialog etc. A lot of game mechanics would have to be given plausible reasons as well.
The other thing to keep in mind is length. FFVII is a long game with lots of backstory ect. you would have to include to make it work, as well as lots of description. In games, this isn't as much of an issue because you play the game in bits at a time. In written form, it's possible to see how long a book is before you start reading it. Also, games are more about fighting then books are. I don't see how Safer Sephiroth would be as impressive in a book where you can't appreciate how long (or not) a fight with him would be or what his Supernova attack looks like. (How would you describe his wings anyway?)
There's also the suspension of reality that naturally comes with playing games that doesn't come as naturally will books. In FFVII, nobody really cares about things like Gold Saucer's architecture not being possible because it's a game, specifically Final Fantasy; nobody expects it to make physical sense anyway. The "science" behind the Jenova Project would be the same. In the game, we have a simplistic explanation for it, but that's okay because we don't expect it to make that much sense anyway. If it was in a novel, the science would have to be more concrete.
What would be great about having it as a novel would be seeing the story from everyone's point of view. FFVII is in third person by default, but in novel form, you could get a lot further into people's thoughts. (Aerith's thoughts about Zack, what Cloud is feeling when he is controlled by Sephiroth etc.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that while having a novel of FFVII would be nice, you'd have to deal with a lot of the mechanics that work with a game. A lot would depend on who the author is and how faithful they are staying to the spirit of the game.
After all that, if you are looking for novelizations of FFVII there are quite a few of them on the net. You might want to check them out to see how they approach the game. See mr_ite's post above.^^
LicoriceAllsorts
Donator
In the hands of a good writer, clearly, yes. Mr Ite's and SandG's novelisations are both outstanding. But the emphasis has to change - much less about battle mechanics, and much more about relationships, feelings, reactions. Probably the aspect of the game that would change the least in a novelisation would be our appreciation of their physical world, since a good writer can bring a world alive with his or her descriptions. Cloud, I think, would not make such a good protagonist in a book as he does in the game. My choice for a fictional protagonist - or perhaps a sort of Doctor Watson figure, through whose eyes we view the action - would be Tifa.
.... A novel could never be the same experience as the game. But the game is an absolute inspiration for all sorts of writing.
.... A novel could never be the same experience as the game. But the game is an absolute inspiration for all sorts of writing.
Pixel
The Pixie King
Are they online anywhere? Im sure there was a novelised version somewhere on here.
I started reading one ages ago on fanfiction.net. Think it was called curse of memory or something like that. Certain aspects where quite well written, but the characters didnt feel like they had their own voice, but rather just the dialogue written in the writers style. So Barret would say something like "I feel as though i'm very angry"... ok maybe thats an exaggeration, but the characters didnt feel organic and real.
Dana Scully
Special Agent
- AKA
- YACCBS, Legato Bluesummers, Daenaerys Targaryen, Revy, Kate Beckett, Samantha Carter, Matsumoto Rangiku
As long as the writer's good (as has been mentioned, see ite's or SandGs) then it can certainly be novelized. While some parts might not have the same impact they had in the game, a novelization would allow for better dialogue and make some scenes feel not as rushed, allowing you to really get into the details. Different mediums always portray certain aspects of a story better than others, so I think a give-and-take for any adaptation is to be expected.
Ite
Save your valediction (she/her)
- AKA
- Ite
Curse of memory is quite good, although it kind of goes off the rails and ends up adding double the content of the game with original stuff.
I actually have a C2 Community on Fanfiction where I collect all novelizations, you can find that here: http://www.fanfiction.net/community/Moving_Prose_Familiar_Faces/36875/
Also, my version: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3122672/1/The_Jenova_Project
SandG's version: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5231121/1/Final_Fantasy_VII_Novel_from_ACF
http://www.fanfiction.net/community/Moving_Prose_Familiar_Faces/36875/
I actually have a C2 Community on Fanfiction where I collect all novelizations, you can find that here: http://www.fanfiction.net/community/Moving_Prose_Familiar_Faces/36875/
Also, my version: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3122672/1/The_Jenova_Project
SandG's version: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5231121/1/Final_Fantasy_VII_Novel_from_ACF
http://www.fanfiction.net/community/Moving_Prose_Familiar_Faces/36875/
ForceStealer
Double Growth
I novelized the first disc for a story in an English class once
(I know...plagiarism 
But I wasn't submitting to a contest or anything, And I'm pretty sure I noted where the plot came from.) I still have it, it was kinda fun, I admit. I'm just not the best writer in the world.
cheeriolord
Lv. 25 Adventurer
slightly off topic here but hey for me it's friday night and i'm half tanked on red wine before i go out 
so there
anyways me and a fellow fanactic wrote a spoof version of a soap opera including kefka living in a bus shelter, sephiroth running for mayor, the blue men from earthbound and mr shine owning a car panelling shop for an english class assignment once. i've still got the original pages somewhere gonna have to dig them out for a laugh at some point and we called it SPOONY STREET after everyones favourite bard
so there anyways me and a fellow fanactic wrote a spoof version of a soap opera including kefka living in a bus shelter, sephiroth running for mayor, the blue men from earthbound and mr shine owning a car panelling shop for an english class assignment once. i've still got the original pages somewhere gonna have to dig them out for a laugh at some point and we called it SPOONY STREET after everyones favourite bard
Cthulhu
Administrator
- AKA
- Yop
It could work as a novel, but only to a very specific audience, I'd say. The fantasy / sci-fi novel audience, to be precise, possibly with a side-background in anime. The same crew that buys novelizations of things like Star Wars.
Of course, that's a pretty big audience.
...Of course, chances are that audience already did play FFVII.
And of course, hundreds of people have already novelized FFVII, either the full thing or just sections of it (or offshoots, stories based on the universe, often containing buttsecks)
Of course, that's a pretty big audience.
...Of course, chances are that audience already did play FFVII.
And of course, hundreds of people have already novelized FFVII, either the full thing or just sections of it (or offshoots, stories based on the universe, often containing buttsecks)
Argent Bell
SOLDIER DEAD CLASS
Personally I have always wanted to find a copy of one of these fan novel versions. Sometimes you want to enjoy the great world of FFVII without all the gameplay elements. I have had people who don't play games in the same room watch me play the game and I would voice out the characters while I played. They'd all tend to cry at Aerith's Death.
My point is that A Novel version would be great for everyone else unwilling to live in the gaming version of the world.... And, if there is a novelization out there, could someone point me to it?
My point is that A Novel version would be great for everyone else unwilling to live in the gaming version of the world.... And, if there is a novelization out there, could someone point me to it?
LicoriceAllsorts
Donator
Oh... Mukki.
Argent Bell
SOLDIER DEAD CLASS
No, a novelization.... Not that.... fan fic..... abomination...
LicoriceAllsorts
Donator
I am pointing at Ite with my pointy finger. Just go to ff.net and search author mr_ite.
Since I am a big fan of Moe I recommend his version, too.
Since I am a big fan of Moe I recommend his version, too.
butcherthegirl
Don't Waste Ma Time
- AKA
- butcher, Jian
My answer is as good as the rest. Yes. Mr.Ite's novelization is just pure awesomeness. I'm still reading it even now.
LicoriceAllsorts
Donator
I think it would make an amazing live action TV show. Starting from the earliest days of the founding of ShinRa, Inc., and continuing right through ACC. Peter Jackson should make it. Seriously, wouldn't that be better than a remake?
edit: I've thought of a better director: that South African guy who made District 9. I think his visual imagination might suit FFVII's world better. Imagine the Midgar he could create!
edit: I've thought of a better director: that South African guy who made District 9. I think his visual imagination might suit FFVII's world better. Imagine the Midgar he could create!
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Octo
KULT OF KERMITU
- AKA
- Octo, Octorawk, Clarky Cat, Kissmammal2000
A) I must disagree. I have had 15 years to think about this. I dont think there could be a live actual human being good enough to play Tseng (read: make excessive girl juice happen in my 'giny') Whoever they had would be hoplessly miscast! Sorry to be disgusting but wine does that...
B) However the District 9 guy Neil Blomkamp would kick ass. Failing that Ridley Scott or Katushiro Otomo becuase FFVII owes a MASSIVE FUCKING DEBT to Blade Runner and Akira.
Gonna have a sleepy now....
S and G
FFVII books and stuff
- AKA
- MJ Gallagher
Same as Mr Ite, I´ve been writing a version of the game for a while now (he completed his a while back and is exceptional, Well worth a read for any fan. Especially because it´s the only completed epic version online).
Some of the problems that were pointed out had to be addressed of the course of my writing. I´m sure Ite will give you a different view on this because his seems to incorporate a lot more of the non-story-related action than mine does, and also that it was written prior to the compilation becoming available. Mine incorporates a lot of references to the other titles.
Mr Ite has already provided a link to both of them.
It can sometimes be hit or miss whether or not you can capture the personality of a character. I have done the best I could to expand slightly on the dialogue, especially on important sections of the game which give a much deeper insight and history to what is actually going on. An example of this would be Rufus´first meeting with AVALANCHE. I have him sneer at them for sharing their name as the organisation that Fuhito had been part of in BC. Given Rufus´previous interaction with Fuhito, I had to give a sense of hatred but also respect, all while using dialogue that would best fit Rufus´personality. I also held back on the importance of Materia and didn´t introduce it properly until later on when it actually became relevant. These are just some of the things you have to take into account. I would like to feel that I´ve managed to capture the majority of the story elements and characterisations correct.
That´s open to debate though.
My point is that I believe a good novelisation of the story can be done but the focus will have to be different than in the game. Ie ATB are hard as fuck to write seriously!!
Some of the problems that were pointed out had to be addressed of the course of my writing. I´m sure Ite will give you a different view on this because his seems to incorporate a lot more of the non-story-related action than mine does, and also that it was written prior to the compilation becoming available. Mine incorporates a lot of references to the other titles.
Mr Ite has already provided a link to both of them.
It can sometimes be hit or miss whether or not you can capture the personality of a character. I have done the best I could to expand slightly on the dialogue, especially on important sections of the game which give a much deeper insight and history to what is actually going on. An example of this would be Rufus´first meeting with AVALANCHE. I have him sneer at them for sharing their name as the organisation that Fuhito had been part of in BC. Given Rufus´previous interaction with Fuhito, I had to give a sense of hatred but also respect, all while using dialogue that would best fit Rufus´personality. I also held back on the importance of Materia and didn´t introduce it properly until later on when it actually became relevant. These are just some of the things you have to take into account. I would like to feel that I´ve managed to capture the majority of the story elements and characterisations correct.
That´s open to debate though.
My point is that I believe a good novelisation of the story can be done but the focus will have to be different than in the game. Ie ATB are hard as fuck to write seriously!!
S and G
FFVII books and stuff
- AKA
- MJ Gallagher
On FF.net, there is a way to see the word count. I don't know Mr Ite's but I think mine is currently around the 190,000 word mark and I've only made it as far as Cosmo Canyon. Depends on how in-depth you go. Mr Ite's doesn't include any of the other compilation stuff but has a good chunk of character expansion that doesn't show up in the game
ForceStealer
Double Growth
Damn. Mine's through disc one and is ~90,000.
Ite
Save your valediction (she/her)
- AKA
- Ite
I did check out both of your novels and they are brilliantI was actually wondering what the word count for the FFVII novelization is? Mainly asking Mr Ite here as I know yours doesn't seem to be finished yet S and G
Thanks Texico! Currently The Jenova Project comes in at just over 400,000 words (for comparison, War and Peace is 460,000).
This summer, I'm going through and cutting quite a bit of the old writing out. I've been slowly editing since the first draft to make it a tighter read and to keep it on par with my current skill level as a writer.
As an example, here is what I was doing at Christmas:
Imagine 400 pages of that and you have an idea of how I'm going to spend my summer
. I anticipate scrapping another 20 or 30 thousand words before the end of 2011. The first draft from 2005 was over 500,000 words.Curse of Memory, the longest novelization out there, has a whopping 601,000+ word count.
Force, I'd love to read what you wrote! Are you gonna upload it anywhere?
Lord Noctis
Harbinger of Darkness
- AKA
- Caius Ballad
I agree with Ite. You should show us your version Force.
@Ite: Dude, given your level of skill as a writer and obvious dedication I gotta ask, have you done any proffesional writing?
@Ite: Dude, given your level of skill as a writer and obvious dedication I gotta ask, have you done any proffesional writing?
