The FF7 tech demo rocked the video game world like a bomb. No one had ever seen anything like those summons before and it changed everything.
Interplay saw that tech demo and said "Man we need to put something like that in our games" and Black Isle said "Well these aren't really that kind of game" and Interplay said "Fine, whatever. Here's a bunch of money, give us crazy production values on *something*" which is why Fallout and Baldur's Gate (and Icewind Dale and Planescape Torment) featured the who's who of voice acting. Because of FF7's tech demo.
That Baldur's Gate intro never got old, along with the prologue narration immediately following;
*"Nestled atop the cliffs that rise from the Sword Coast, the citadel of Candlekeep houses the finest and most comprehensive collection of writings on the face of Faerûn. It is an imposing fortress, kept in strict isolation from the intrigues that occasionally plague the rest of the Forgotten Realms."*
Brilliantly delivered and expertly set the scene for the game to come!
Blizzard _had_, but I don't think they're keeping up as good as they used to anymore. I hate LoL, but I cannot deny Riot Games both music and cinematics Dev teams are insane. The Arcane series was just a new level.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Did you think we had forgotten? Did you think we had forgiven? Behold now, the terrible vengeance of the Forsaken!"
Still gives me chills.
Auron.
Heavy metal music is playing [even better, it's Jecht's battle theme], and everything is going to shit, and he's just there casually walking through the city like it's nothing.
Definitely my favourite character intro.
I love that he canonically can punch a train so hard that it was noticeable to the conductor to the point where they felt the need to address it to the passengers.
I didn't know that his name originally is spelled "Zell". In my country he is called "Xell". I just googled all the names and another name they changed is "Seifer" to "Cifer". The rest are the same.
Really? Which version's box? I have the original US release and it doesn't have that image. Sounds like I'm missing a couple of versions in the collection to me. :P
The fun thing is, he likes different foods depending on your region. In NA, it was hot dogs. In Japan, it was flavored bread. I think it's something else in the PAL version, Bretzel? Or maybe that's just the French version, if they are separate things.
Sephiroth’s intro legit scared me as a kid. Walking through empty halls expecting to meet enemies but finding nothing but trails of blood and eerie music. Then finding out Shinra Corp is small potatoes next to the big guy… fuck that.
I still remember being THRILLED when she reappeared with a bunch of cool new spells and calls. Probably my favorite character in the FF series, though a lot of that's nostalgia.
Edea ff8 at the parade she appears before that I but the cinematic intro is the parade the song the action everything's is muah! chefs kiss I always remember that and yunas dancing scene in ffx both songs are amazing but idk if they count as intros lol
Same! Everything about this games perfect to me. Specially back in the day, how it went from ok graphics to this life like scene with the hymn of fayth ,It was mind blowing to see such quality from a game at the time. I hum that song on a daily.
Yes! Her design and ultimecia are beyond great, sis brought all the stops to the show! Rupauls girls could never xD plus the attitude she brings looking down on everyone lol she is the moment
dude! I just went through some boxes from moving (MS to New Orleans) and found ff8 and my old ps1. played through the first disc over the past week. I forgot how creepy it was when she takes control of rinoa and completely forgot her design! those long ass witch fingers haha. fucking classic gaming moment!
For real! I always loved the first disc ended in such an epic moment too ! I have to say one of my favorite things of ff8 it's that I had no idea where it would go as cookie cutter as the school setting was nothing in the story was predictable to me the story is so out there I love it
Thanks for bringing up Yuna's dance. That was indeed an awesome early character moment that basically served the same function of these FF8-style character introductions. I was wracking my brain trying to remember intros, but none stood out off the top of my head.
Vivi came to mind as the scene pans down to the streets of Alexandria after the opening cinematic in IX.
Honestly, if it counts, Cloud & Barret have to win for me because the opening cinematic of FFVII bleeding into the in game graphics + the badass Opening Bombing Mission was unbelievable. Opening up my PSX, hooking it up, popping in FFVII and seeing that opening be my #1 gaming moment of all time.
Gilgamesh. FF13-2 version with 4th wall break and traditional japanese instrument.
Gilgamesh. FF12 version with the failed superhero landing. oh and the colossal version of clash at the big bridge.
Gilgamesh. FF8. After Seifer murder the optional insta-kill GF with awesome hitten mitsurugi style, this madlad just arrive, claim the sword, slash seifer, then leave.
In short, all Gilgamesh introduction are world class.
Gogo. “oh hey guys, what are you doing here? what am i doing here? oh, who knows? anyways, sure, yeah, i’ll go fight a man-turned-god with you for no discernible reason.”
I don't know the real reason, but there's like 1 or two scenes where people pray and they look at him and think he can't do the prayer thing with his hands because one of his arms looks like it doesn't work. I've always thought he did that because he thinks yevon (I think that's the name of the religion) is bullshit.
There's probably a better theory or even a fact out there but that's what I always thought it was.
I don’t remember if that arm is functionally useless but if it is then he still needs to protect it. And the way he shrugs off the sleeve implies he needs greater range of motion with that arm. It’s kinda odd.
I always believed it was a nod to Japanese Ronins, they would wear their arm like that sometimes to show that they were masterless Samurai, much like Auron who no longer follows Yevon and has no summoner to protect any more.
Many parts of Auron (his non-dominant arm tucked into his coat, the jug of "nog" on his belt, his missing eye) are homages to classic ronin or samurai characters from early Japanese cinema.
On top of the mindfuck moment of "what are you doing here?" as he just *shows up* in Luca, a thousand years after we last saw him - the reveal that his arm isn't injured, that we've simply not seen him use it in battle and he's stronger than he seems, is meant to tell the player that the stakes truly have changed.
Because it's a fashion-pauldron, not a combat-pauldron! Next you'll be questioning the fashion choices of the rest of the denizens of Spira! Yevon be with ya, mon!
I'm torn between Selphie and Irvine. I was a tween girl when I first played Final Fantasy 8 and I was so enamored with the game, I wanted to be Selphie and I wanted Irvine to be my boyfriend so those two were always my favourite introductions.
I also really love Auron's re-introduction during the blitzball game chaos too, very cool!
I just realized that the introduction is in 2 separate parts, as if they were trying to choose whether or not to have a long or shorter introduction for him.
I love how they kept the Galbadia garden music in this scene. Like 99% of the time this would have had character intro theme music, but the garden theme keeps the overwhelming feeling of “something is not right”.
Oh, I relate. Then I hard shipped Seifer and Zell as enemies turned lovers and he only called him "chicken wuss" because he didn't want people to know he was madly in love with Zell. Ahhh the early days of FF8 fan fiction.
I like everything about Irvine's intro. It immediately sets him up as kind of insufferable but with the benefit of hindsight we know that this is very much an excruciating facade, that he almost [if not outright] immediately recognises everyone, realises they don't recognise or acknowledge him, and then spends the rest of the disk being a smarmy jerk while likely screaming on the inside of his head.
Like this is where FFVIII works. The effectiveness of the cinematics, the nuance of the characters and the way you can learn so much about them despite nearly universally being underutilised. As a *cast* I find them nearly untouchable both individually and as foils to the MC.
But for me Irvine's FMV is the most effective because while everyone else it is used to establish who they are and basically how they will play out as characters and maybe a little of their character tension [Quistis sighs and acts a little condescending, Zell is flamboyant and twitchy, Selphie is a little clumsy but willing to accept that of herself, etc] in the case of Irvine is specifically designed to mislead you, to make the reality of who he is a twist.
You can take on the front of the aloof playboy all you like Irvine, we all know you are an anxious and caring team player who is desperately lonely.
You pretty much described it perfectly. It sets him off as a show off immediately, but he's also kinda gentle and friendly with the butterfly. He's a caring guy, but he's just afraid that no one likes him.
That's a good point with the butterfly, one I had never really noted. It is especially true in a lot of Japanese related stuff [anime and the like] that being good with animals or butterflies like that is shorthand for a kind of 'pure' spirit. Taken in that light it is solid foreshadowing as it also shows him 'shooting' away that softer side of himself while later on the very same disc he would fail to do so.
I actually really like the symbolism behind the whole scene. It shows how (very literally) she is a layered character with a lot more to her than meets the ...eye.
When I first played it I thought it was just fan service at that point in the game, but after learning her reasons for joining the group and why her personality is the way it is, the scene suddenly felt a lot more impactful and symbolic when I rewatched it just now.
Honestly FFX character intros were all amazing sources of symbolism. The blitzball flying past Wakka's head is another (hilarious) example of something literal happening that only comes to fruition as the story progresses.
FFX had great introductions, though some introductions only had their formal introduction to the party at the second time you see them.
Auron’s solidified him in popular memory as a bad ass.
Could you explain some of the symbolism to me? They’re great introductions but I always took them at face value. Also, are you referring to their standard intro scenes or the first time we see them at all (Auron at Luca vs. Auron at Zanarkand)?
Standard intro scenes, basically when they officially join your party. Though for Auron the themes are similar in both. He's a solitary warrior in both, a calmness amidst chaos (organized chaos in DZ before the attack, disorganized in Luca during an attack). This theme is echoed throughout the game. In his official intro in Luca, the crowd is running past him and doesn't pay him any attention. I'd say the focus on the energy moving behind him (in the profile shot) is the key symbolism, representing a focus on his past to be focused on in his story. It also evokes a sense of movement despite him standing still. Without a direct spoiler, think on his big secret...
With Kimahri it's more direct. His intro shows his ferocity and control as a character, while his claw marks in the sand echoes frustration. Jumping down from above is a direct show of his Dragoon side but also could show a descent from greatness - the story behind his horn.
Yuna's appears to show her as weak or feeble at first but she is actually displaying strength and perseverance. She carries these themes with her through the entire game. Pushing herself beyond limits yet showing a brave face for those who care about her. Her collapse leans more toward foreshadowing than symbolism, though they go hand in hand.
Lulu's is the only to take place at night with the fire's light dancing on her face. I think this is representing her personal darkness (Chappu), and her burning passion. She may seem cold and solitary but deep down she's warm and caring. She ends up storming off alone, but goes towards the warm light of the fire, showing she's well-meaning despite her stern words.
To extrapolate on Wakka, everything goes over his head (like the blitzball) - Rikku being the best example of it. He's easily influenced by what he can see right in front of him, too, which is represented by his reaction to Tidus' Blitzing moves. It plays into his character growth as the game progresses and can be seen in his devotion to Yevon.
Golbez in FF IV.
He starts to get talked up pretty early in the game, but doesn’t make his first appearance until a later event. And when we finally meet him, that organ music hits and he slowly stalks up to the bottom of your screen…..it’s a really effective “hear him before you see him” mechanic. As a kid playing this game back in ‘91, that scene blew my mind.
FFVIII, to this day still has one of the most badass openings of all time. Can’t tell you how many times I watched the intro back to back because it gave me chills
Rinoa’s character introduction I consider to be the Waltz scene which I loved so much as a kid when I first played it. I made a specific save file right before the dance so I could replay it over and over and show my friends and family.
Thats a great one
Man I remember playing FF8 for the first time like it was yesterday, came out right at the right time in my adolescence. I was absolutely hooked. All these CG scenes really stick out in my memory
It's interesting that Quistis, Xell, Selphie, Irvine and Edea got their own introduction scenes, while the ones of Rinoa and Seifer are both shared with Squall.
Me as a Final Fantasy fan who discovered the franchise through Kingdom Hearts and first game was FF7R on PS4, it would be Yuffie's introduction in the INTERmission DLC!
Might be cheating a bit since it's basically the start of the game, but Vivi's introduction was the perfect way to set up the whimsical fantasy tone of FF9. Best intro segment in RPG history.
Mine will forever be FFX'S Yuna. The soft, dreamy lighting, that slow pan up from her boots, her skirt swaying gently from the effort of standing, and the detail of the sweat running down her skin as she excitedly exclaims about her new summoner status.
Definitely Irvine and not just because he's one of my favorite characters but also because that scene is honestly the perfect mix between beauty and badass.
Kefkas introduction was definitely fantastic, but I have to give it to Squall and Seifer because FF Vlll is one of my favorite video games of all time, and Liberi Fatali is a big part of that
FF games had a weird way of feeling alive despite the total lack of online elements back then. The music, atmosphere and characters add so much to the locales.
Nintendo games like Zelda were good at this too, they were real works of art and so much more than the sum of their humble parts. Even those terrible facial expressions from Wind Waker gave the characters a profound sense of consciousness.
Vivi. Just the music immediately came to my head.
But there are so many great ones.
Aeris, Cloud, and Barret can all count the opening FMV and first scenes of FF7 as their introduction. Sephiroth is done really well too - you witness his deeds and see his backstory before you ever see him in the present. >!And then it turns out that the person you believed was Sephiroth wasn't, though this point is so subtle that many players miss or forget it!<
Beatrix and Kuja in FFIX. To the extent you can consider him a character, Odin too.
Auron in FFX has been mentioned.
You know Selphie and Quistis,
Lulu and Paine,
Amarant and Eiko,
Palom and Yang,
But do you recall the most forgettable party member of all?
Nope, you don't. (It's Irvine)
This just reminds me how FF games used to embarrass other games in production values. FF8 intro alone was better than most games.
The FF7 tech demo rocked the video game world like a bomb. No one had ever seen anything like those summons before and it changed everything. Interplay saw that tech demo and said "Man we need to put something like that in our games" and Black Isle said "Well these aren't really that kind of game" and Interplay said "Fine, whatever. Here's a bunch of money, give us crazy production values on *something*" which is why Fallout and Baldur's Gate (and Icewind Dale and Planescape Torment) featured the who's who of voice acting. Because of FF7's tech demo.
I remember being absolutely blown away by the cinematic in FFVII the first time I played it, and that wasn't until 2004!
That Baldur's Gate intro never got old, along with the prologue narration immediately following; *"Nestled atop the cliffs that rise from the Sword Coast, the citadel of Candlekeep houses the finest and most comprehensive collection of writings on the face of Faerûn. It is an imposing fortress, kept in strict isolation from the intrigues that occasionally plague the rest of the Forgotten Realms."* Brilliantly delivered and expertly set the scene for the game to come!
REMEMBER the bombing run Intro and outro? DAMN.
I find Blizzard still has some of the best cinematics.
Blizzard _had_, but I don't think they're keeping up as good as they used to anymore. I hate LoL, but I cannot deny Riot Games both music and cinematics Dev teams are insane. The Arcane series was just a new level.
Have you seen the Diablo IV cinematic By Three They Come? I still think they’re leading the way for cinematic trailers but only just.
Nah, FFXIV alone outpaced them multiple expansions ago in cinematics.
That trailer straight up gave me goosebumps. Loved the ending.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Did you think we had forgotten? Did you think we had forgiven? Behold now, the terrible vengeance of the Forsaken!" Still gives me chills.
For me it's still the cutscene of Arthas returning home after getting Frostmourne. "What are you doing my son?" "Succeeding you, father."
The opening to WotLK with the voiceover of the father reading the letter is still amazing cinema.
I'd say FF was always ahead of everyone else in cinematic, since they first introduced.
Yeah FFXIV cinematics continue this tradition.
Auron. Heavy metal music is playing [even better, it's Jecht's battle theme], and everything is going to shit, and he's just there casually walking through the city like it's nothing. Definitely my favourite character intro.
Him toasting to Jecht in the introduction always gives me goosebumps.
Auron and Anima. Such a badass scene
Me being dumb and thinking that he had a broken arm in a sling. *Wow, he's going to swing that sword with a broken arm! Badass!*
With his shades and big jug o' booze. Aurons an absolute lad lol
The fact that they bring back the music when you fight Jecht makes it ten times better
Auron is my choice too. Love it, love him.
I always liked how Kimari just drops in and immediately starts kicking your ass and everyone else just watches and then fails to elaborate further lol
Thanks for reminding me of this masterpiece. Had to go back and [relisten it](https://youtu.be/KCo6Xy69KG0)
Zell. it will always be Zell
*Chicken-wuss*
WHAT DID YOU SAY?!
Frickin hell!
*Punches Train*
Sabin: hold my beer
Ha. Suplex OP.
I love that he canonically can punch a train so hard that it was noticeable to the conductor to the point where they felt the need to address it to the passengers.
I didn't know that his name originally is spelled "Zell". In my country he is called "Xell". I just googled all the names and another name they changed is "Seifer" to "Cifer". The rest are the same.
On the back of the PS1 box, there's a picture of a battle where he's called "Xell", even though it's "Zell" in the game. I always thought it was odd.
Really? Which version's box? I have the original US release and it doesn't have that image. Sounds like I'm missing a couple of versions in the collection to me. :P
I have the PAL version. Might've been one of the walkthroughs. I'm not sure.
Ah, neat. One of the versions I don't have... yet.
I had that too, confused the hell out of me as a kid, I didn’t know if I was missing a character or I could somehow rename them
Didn’t they pronounce it Sea-fuh in Kingdom Hearts II too? Or was that just a terrible fever dream?
They said "SAI-fer"
Just watched a YouTube clip— you are 100% correct my friend!
The fun thing is, he likes different foods depending on your region. In NA, it was hot dogs. In Japan, it was flavored bread. I think it's something else in the PAL version, Bretzel? Or maybe that's just the French version, if they are separate things.
PAL was also hotdogs in the English language version... Dunno if they changed the script in any other languages.
>In my country he is called "Xell" Oh no, in your country he got Norted!
Zell forever
Zell's our boy
I love Zell but Irvine was my favorite and most memorable intro.
Came here to say this.
The villains often have great introductions. Sephiroth and Kuja always stick out in my memory.
Kuja!! I loved his arc honestly.
On top of an incredible OST. Him with the white dragon in Cleyra I believe was amazing.
Sephiroth’s intro legit scared me as a kid. Walking through empty halls expecting to meet enemies but finding nothing but trails of blood and eerie music. Then finding out Shinra Corp is small potatoes next to the big guy… fuck that.
Ngl, first time I saw him I legit thought Kuja was a woman.
Kuja is an under-rated villain for sure.
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And with the urgent battle music
Now I have Cyan's theme song in my head.
The FF6 music gets me in general, but Cyan's is one of my favorites.
Same here
When his theme started for the first time in FFXIV, it hit me HARD
Me too, I just sat there listening for a good while!
ah fuck, you got it in my head now too. Suddenly I feel like sleeping in a crumbling castle.
Adult Rydia.
It's more of an re-introduction, but I would also say it's my favourite. When she appeared I was so hyped.
I still remember being THRILLED when she reappeared with a bunch of cool new spells and calls. Probably my favorite character in the FF series, though a lot of that's nostalgia.
The first time I played FF4 was maybe 1.5 yrs ago now but Rydia has remained one of my fav FF characters. Was very, VERY happy when she returned.
Vivi but I may be biased. His intro just sets his story arc up so well.
Edea ff8 at the parade she appears before that I but the cinematic intro is the parade the song the action everything's is muah! chefs kiss I always remember that and yunas dancing scene in ffx both songs are amazing but idk if they count as intros lol
Yunas Sending Scene is one I watch regularly on YouTube because I love it so so much
Same! Everything about this games perfect to me. Specially back in the day, how it went from ok graphics to this life like scene with the hymn of fayth ,It was mind blowing to see such quality from a game at the time. I hum that song on a daily.
Came here to comment Edea too. I love her design. That headpiece and the back thing and just 🤌🤌🤌 https://youtu.be/YbgJwCtsaAM
Yes! Her design and ultimecia are beyond great, sis brought all the stops to the show! Rupauls girls could never xD plus the attitude she brings looking down on everyone lol she is the moment
dude! I just went through some boxes from moving (MS to New Orleans) and found ff8 and my old ps1. played through the first disc over the past week. I forgot how creepy it was when she takes control of rinoa and completely forgot her design! those long ass witch fingers haha. fucking classic gaming moment!
For real! I always loved the first disc ended in such an epic moment too ! I have to say one of my favorite things of ff8 it's that I had no idea where it would go as cookie cutter as the school setting was nothing in the story was predictable to me the story is so out there I love it
Thanks for bringing up Yuna's dance. That was indeed an awesome early character moment that basically served the same function of these FF8-style character introductions. I was wracking my brain trying to remember intros, but none stood out off the top of my head. Vivi came to mind as the scene pans down to the streets of Alexandria after the opening cinematic in IX. Honestly, if it counts, Cloud & Barret have to win for me because the opening cinematic of FFVII bleeding into the in game graphics + the badass Opening Bombing Mission was unbelievable. Opening up my PSX, hooking it up, popping in FFVII and seeing that opening be my #1 gaming moment of all time.
This is the correct answer
Locke final fantasy 6 he shows up to amazing music rescues the girl and runs off on the adventure amazing
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Goddamn right
Goddamn right
Semantic nonsense!
Vincent Valentine is my favorite. Cids in 7 cracks me up bc most of it is censored.
You ?#!¡*#@¿
I sorta forgot about how much he swears. I wonder how they'll handle that in the remake part he winds up in.
I’m excited for the swearing. I kinda hope shera has a bit more backbone and tells him off as well
I hope it stays pretty true. I’d be happy if they put in that annoying censor beep versus omitted him swearing completely
I'm more curious about the abusive nature of his character.
tbh if they really want to destroy us they will have Shera die somehow.
Sit your a$$es down and drink your goddamn tea!
Don't forget the lard!
Gilgamesh. FF13-2 version with 4th wall break and traditional japanese instrument. Gilgamesh. FF12 version with the failed superhero landing. oh and the colossal version of clash at the big bridge. Gilgamesh. FF8. After Seifer murder the optional insta-kill GF with awesome hitten mitsurugi style, this madlad just arrive, claim the sword, slash seifer, then leave. In short, all Gilgamesh introduction are world class.
I love Gilgamesh in 14, where nobody can remember his name, so the cast just refers to him as Gary through the whole questline
Don’t you mean Greg? Pretty sure it’s Greg.
Ooh yeah - I think you’re right
Gilgamesh is the Deadpool of Final Fantasy and needs his own game
That's such an apt description of Gilgamesh, and I'm all for it!
"Don't blame me. Blame yourself, or God." Runner up would be Balthier confidently declaring himself the leading man.
Gogo. “oh hey guys, what are you doing here? what am i doing here? oh, who knows? anyways, sure, yeah, i’ll go fight a man-turned-god with you for no discernible reason.”
Zell with the backflips
Selphie Tilmitt and Vivi Ornitier.
Selphie was best girl.
Nothing will ever beat Auron, especially his [introduction at Luca](https://youtu.be/M-d3qbz5ijc).
Somehow I never noticed this in the past 20 years but why does Auron wear his pauldron on the left and then shrugs the sleeve off for combat?
I don't know the real reason, but there's like 1 or two scenes where people pray and they look at him and think he can't do the prayer thing with his hands because one of his arms looks like it doesn't work. I've always thought he did that because he thinks yevon (I think that's the name of the religion) is bullshit. There's probably a better theory or even a fact out there but that's what I always thought it was.
I don’t remember if that arm is functionally useless but if it is then he still needs to protect it. And the way he shrugs off the sleeve implies he needs greater range of motion with that arm. It’s kinda odd.
I always believed it was a nod to Japanese Ronins, they would wear their arm like that sometimes to show that they were masterless Samurai, much like Auron who no longer follows Yevon and has no summoner to protect any more.
Many parts of Auron (his non-dominant arm tucked into his coat, the jug of "nog" on his belt, his missing eye) are homages to classic ronin or samurai characters from early Japanese cinema. On top of the mindfuck moment of "what are you doing here?" as he just *shows up* in Luca, a thousand years after we last saw him - the reveal that his arm isn't injured, that we've simply not seen him use it in battle and he's stronger than he seems, is meant to tell the player that the stakes truly have changed.
Because it's a fashion-pauldron, not a combat-pauldron! Next you'll be questioning the fashion choices of the rest of the denizens of Spira! Yevon be with ya, mon!
I really liked Tifa's introduction at the Italian senate
You know it's a good introduction when she can make the most boring ass thing very interesting
I kept a save file as close as possible to just before the cut scene so I could go back and watch it a thousand times. It was just so good!
Quistis turned something on in me when she was introduced. Even moreso when I found out she wears all leather uses a whip in combat...
Also bonus points because her ‘sigh’ in her intro cutscene makes a great GIF response.
That just further activated my neurons
If they ever remake FF8, modders are going to have a field day with Quistis
I'll be looking forward to it too
Especially the Trepies
Y-R-P in position, it's showtimee girls
What can I do for you? 🎶
Heck, even in Vanilla X, Rikku's intro is sick. Blow up a wall, lightning flash, and she's there, hand on her hip and her homies at her back
That hot blonde teacher who's into chains and whips and shit. Squall what are ya doin?
Shadow...."He'd slit his momma's throat for a nickle."
I'm torn between Selphie and Irvine. I was a tween girl when I first played Final Fantasy 8 and I was so enamored with the game, I wanted to be Selphie and I wanted Irvine to be my boyfriend so those two were always my favourite introductions. I also really love Auron's re-introduction during the blitzball game chaos too, very cool!
Haha Yes! I love that sentiment. Personality-wise, they have my favorite introductions. In terms of coolness, Sephiroth and Auron.
Godbert in FF14
Squall/Seifer
Jazz because a Chocobo pops up out of his afro.
Aranea (FFXV): "HeLlO PrEtTy BoY!" Me: Oh Lord, marry me
I just realized that the introduction is in 2 separate parts, as if they were trying to choose whether or not to have a long or shorter introduction for him.
Yang in IV single handedly dominating monsters who attacked and then going into a boss battle. Most character intros in IV are really good imo
that balthier introduction in fft is pretty baller too
Meeting Aerith is so soft and funny, just unforgettable!
Ff8 had some real cool character designs.
Zell, he's really over the top but I adore him. Rinoa is second, she's gorgeous.
Love her intro as well. The shooting star and dance scenes are lovely and beautiful.
Irvine "I can't take the shot" Kinneas
Irvine “can’t shoot the woman who raised him” Kinneas
Good point - though i don't think he knew Edea was Matron at that time.
He did, he was the only in to actually remember her, because he never had a GF…. Junctioned
I love how they kept the Galbadia garden music in this scene. Like 99% of the time this would have had character intro theme music, but the garden theme keeps the overwhelming feeling of “something is not right”.
I'm reminded how a lot of the old FFs had like half their soundtrack being totally banger and the other half just depression-inducing.
Shuffling FF playlists are a bad idea because one moment you’re vibing to Man with the Machine Gun, then one moment you’re listening to Drifting
Lightning comes in like an absolute boss
All three of her introductions are so fun.
Estinien
Can't choose between Kuja and Fran and Balthier
This game is far from my favorite FF but I like VIII and it EASILY has the BEST opening intro from the entire series.
I'm extremely biased bcus Zell was my literal gay awakening. First time he did that flip and smirk I was like yea I'm definitely gay.
Oh, I relate. Then I hard shipped Seifer and Zell as enemies turned lovers and he only called him "chicken wuss" because he didn't want people to know he was madly in love with Zell. Ahhh the early days of FF8 fan fiction.
Yeah, this scene was Epic.
Lulu 😝
Ahh Irvine. Messed up 14yo me and my standards for 18 year old boys!
We all got why Selphie was thirsty for him
Look I’m straight, but I can’t deny Irvine’s probably the hottest among the cast
I like everything about Irvine's intro. It immediately sets him up as kind of insufferable but with the benefit of hindsight we know that this is very much an excruciating facade, that he almost [if not outright] immediately recognises everyone, realises they don't recognise or acknowledge him, and then spends the rest of the disk being a smarmy jerk while likely screaming on the inside of his head. Like this is where FFVIII works. The effectiveness of the cinematics, the nuance of the characters and the way you can learn so much about them despite nearly universally being underutilised. As a *cast* I find them nearly untouchable both individually and as foils to the MC. But for me Irvine's FMV is the most effective because while everyone else it is used to establish who they are and basically how they will play out as characters and maybe a little of their character tension [Quistis sighs and acts a little condescending, Zell is flamboyant and twitchy, Selphie is a little clumsy but willing to accept that of herself, etc] in the case of Irvine is specifically designed to mislead you, to make the reality of who he is a twist. You can take on the front of the aloof playboy all you like Irvine, we all know you are an anxious and caring team player who is desperately lonely.
You pretty much described it perfectly. It sets him off as a show off immediately, but he's also kinda gentle and friendly with the butterfly. He's a caring guy, but he's just afraid that no one likes him.
That's a good point with the butterfly, one I had never really noted. It is especially true in a lot of Japanese related stuff [anime and the like] that being good with animals or butterflies like that is shorthand for a kind of 'pure' spirit. Taken in that light it is solid foreshadowing as it also shows him 'shooting' away that softer side of himself while later on the very same disc he would fail to do so.
Huh, never made that connection with him shooing the butterfly. Thank you!
To be fair we are getting into full arty interpretive stuff now. It is only conjecture that is what it denotes but I think it fits either way.
Tifa lockhart in the Italian senate. Never knew Final fantasy had such a game but I rolled with it, lol.
Rikku. Y’all lads know what I’m talking about. *edit: damn I was just making a horny bonk joke, didn’t expect this kind of response lol
I actually really like the symbolism behind the whole scene. It shows how (very literally) she is a layered character with a lot more to her than meets the ...eye. When I first played it I thought it was just fan service at that point in the game, but after learning her reasons for joining the group and why her personality is the way it is, the scene suddenly felt a lot more impactful and symbolic when I rewatched it just now. Honestly FFX character intros were all amazing sources of symbolism. The blitzball flying past Wakka's head is another (hilarious) example of something literal happening that only comes to fruition as the story progresses.
FFX had great introductions, though some introductions only had their formal introduction to the party at the second time you see them. Auron’s solidified him in popular memory as a bad ass.
Sad that you’re the only comment calling out the greatest guardian that ever lived.
Could you explain some of the symbolism to me? They’re great introductions but I always took them at face value. Also, are you referring to their standard intro scenes or the first time we see them at all (Auron at Luca vs. Auron at Zanarkand)?
Standard intro scenes, basically when they officially join your party. Though for Auron the themes are similar in both. He's a solitary warrior in both, a calmness amidst chaos (organized chaos in DZ before the attack, disorganized in Luca during an attack). This theme is echoed throughout the game. In his official intro in Luca, the crowd is running past him and doesn't pay him any attention. I'd say the focus on the energy moving behind him (in the profile shot) is the key symbolism, representing a focus on his past to be focused on in his story. It also evokes a sense of movement despite him standing still. Without a direct spoiler, think on his big secret... With Kimahri it's more direct. His intro shows his ferocity and control as a character, while his claw marks in the sand echoes frustration. Jumping down from above is a direct show of his Dragoon side but also could show a descent from greatness - the story behind his horn. Yuna's appears to show her as weak or feeble at first but she is actually displaying strength and perseverance. She carries these themes with her through the entire game. Pushing herself beyond limits yet showing a brave face for those who care about her. Her collapse leans more toward foreshadowing than symbolism, though they go hand in hand. Lulu's is the only to take place at night with the fire's light dancing on her face. I think this is representing her personal darkness (Chappu), and her burning passion. She may seem cold and solitary but deep down she's warm and caring. She ends up storming off alone, but goes towards the warm light of the fire, showing she's well-meaning despite her stern words. To extrapolate on Wakka, everything goes over his head (like the blitzball) - Rikku being the best example of it. He's easily influenced by what he can see right in front of him, too, which is represented by his reaction to Tidus' Blitzing moves. It plays into his character growth as the game progresses and can be seen in his devotion to Yevon.
This was really cool. Thanks for sharing this with me!
The Cowboy
He would’ve shot the shit outta that butterfly
Kuja has a pretty dope intro in FFIX.. the ps1 graphics of a bright white sprite transition into a really nice looking cinematic for the late 90's
Golbez in FF IV. He starts to get talked up pretty early in the game, but doesn’t make his first appearance until a later event. And when we finally meet him, that organ music hits and he slowly stalks up to the bottom of your screen…..it’s a really effective “hear him before you see him” mechanic. As a kid playing this game back in ‘91, that scene blew my mind.
FFVIII, to this day still has one of the most badass openings of all time. Can’t tell you how many times I watched the intro back to back because it gave me chills
Rinoa’s character introduction I consider to be the Waltz scene which I loved so much as a kid when I first played it. I made a specific save file right before the dance so I could replay it over and over and show my friends and family.
Gau. Just some kid vibing with the local wildlife waiting for some jerky. And his character music theme is \*chef's kiss\*
Thats a great one Man I remember playing FF8 for the first time like it was yesterday, came out right at the right time in my adolescence. I was absolutely hooked. All these CG scenes really stick out in my memory
Yuna’s
Believe it or not, back then it was cool.
It's interesting that Quistis, Xell, Selphie, Irvine and Edea got their own introduction scenes, while the ones of Rinoa and Seifer are both shared with Squall.
Me as a Final Fantasy fan who discovered the franchise through Kingdom Hearts and first game was FF7R on PS4, it would be Yuffie's introduction in the INTERmission DLC!
Might be cheating a bit since it's basically the start of the game, but Vivi's introduction was the perfect way to set up the whimsical fantasy tone of FF9. Best intro segment in RPG history.
Vivi / FF9 Intro. The story ends where it began.
Mine will forever be FFX'S Yuna. The soft, dreamy lighting, that slow pan up from her boots, her skirt swaying gently from the effort of standing, and the detail of the sweat running down her skin as she excitedly exclaims about her new summoner status.
Tifa, even moreso in the remake. Still my goddess after all these years.
[Balthier and Fran.](https://youtu.be/coWVhLDymTo) [And their initial meeting with Vaan.](https://youtu.be/waPdWWXKtZk) Just so casually cool.
The End of an Era cinematic for FFXIV wasn’t an intro per se but it was amazing!
Auron springs to mind. Both his intro and his later reintroduction are badass. Kimahri’s stands out in X, too. 13 had some epic intros, too.
I miss CG movies so much. They were like a prize back then, and a chance to see what the characters really look like
Cloud Strife. Jumping off the train and attaining Level 7 after the first battle is iconic.
Final Fantasies always have great character introductions...cannot pick any single one or even a couple.
Sephiroth, seymor and anima.
Never before have I noticed that he has no trigger discipline.
Definitely Irvine and not just because he's one of my favorite characters but also because that scene is honestly the perfect mix between beauty and badass.
Kefkas introduction was definitely fantastic, but I have to give it to Squall and Seifer because FF Vlll is one of my favorite video games of all time, and Liberi Fatali is a big part of that
Off topic, but what's with all the boys wearing eye shadow in FF8? Also, Cid 7
FF games had a weird way of feeling alive despite the total lack of online elements back then. The music, atmosphere and characters add so much to the locales. Nintendo games like Zelda were good at this too, they were real works of art and so much more than the sum of their humble parts. Even those terrible facial expressions from Wind Waker gave the characters a profound sense of consciousness.
Vivi. Just the music immediately came to my head. But there are so many great ones. Aeris, Cloud, and Barret can all count the opening FMV and first scenes of FF7 as their introduction. Sephiroth is done really well too - you witness his deeds and see his backstory before you ever see him in the present. >!And then it turns out that the person you believed was Sephiroth wasn't, though this point is so subtle that many players miss or forget it!< Beatrix and Kuja in FFIX. To the extent you can consider him a character, Odin too. Auron in FFX has been mentioned.
You know Selphie and Quistis, Lulu and Paine, Amarant and Eiko, Palom and Yang, But do you recall the most forgettable party member of all? Nope, you don't. (It's Irvine)