Psychological Analysis of Final Fantasy. The Emotional Picture of the Game Franchise

Everyone has at least heard of Final Fantasy — a cult series of role-playing games, one of the most beloved in the gaming industry. For almost forty years, the franchise has been telling grand stories of the struggle between good... and evil. At the center of these plots are unique characters with their own personalities, dreams, and problems. Here is a book that examines Final Fantasy from a psychological perspective. • How does the series resonate with the aspirations of the player and evoke genuine emotions? • Why does each game deviate from the original goals of the heroes and smoothly transition into a personal story for each of them? • How do the plots of Final Fantasy manage to capture our attention for dozens of hours? • Why are crystals, magic, and weapons not just objects, but items that reveal our identity? • How does the formation of a group make us more complete, unlike solo gameplay? • In what way do short musical structures affect our psyche and push us towards internal changes? The book will show how Final Fantasy helps players gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Every reader — whether a newcomer just becoming acquainted with the franchise or a veteran who knows the games by heart — will be able to discover something new. “With each new game, Final Fantasy gives birth to a new world with its own adventures, challenges, and characters. At the same time, the themes and issues raised in the series often recur. This book is an attempt to understand why we love this franchise so much and go through one game after another.” — Alexey Kulikov, administrator and editor of Final Fantasy Club, the largest fan community in Runet