Note: This article is inspired by the Youtube video titled “Final Fantasy needs a World Map?” by Orion85.
As a young child, I remember discovering the Chronicles of Narnia books and being captivated by the maps that were included inside each one. These maps provided a visual representation of the world where the story took place. They allowed readers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative, offering a sense of adventure and an understanding of the geographical layout.
In a similar vein, Final Fantasy, a popular RPG series, has utilized the concept of a world map to great effect. The inclusion of a world map in these games adds another layer of depth to the storytelling, allowing players to explore vast landscapes, uncover hidden secrets, and engage with the characters and plot in a meaningful way.
One of the most memorable instances of a world map in Final Fantasy is in Final Fantasy VII. After spending hours in the city of Midgar, the game opens up and presents players with a sprawling world to discover. Stepping outside of Midgar is like stepping through a wardrobe into another world, much like Narnia. The sense of scale is overwhelming, and the player is able to appreciate the nature of the planet and the consequences of the ongoing conflict between the corporation and the planet. The world map serves as a visual reminder of the grand quest the characters are embarking on and adds a level of realism to the game.
But the world map goes beyond mere aesthetics. It also serves as a narrative tool, allowing for world-building and plot development. In games like Final Fantasy VI and IV, the world map becomes a cinematic window to witness natural or unnatural actions and disasters, such as the unleashing of hell by Kefka or the appearance of meteor. Without the established world map, these events would not have the same impact on the player.
Additionally, the world map forces players to consider the wider external world and the fate of the entire planet. It encourages them to think beyond individual towns or areas and reflect on the consequences of their actions. The open-ended nature of the world map allows players to choose their own path, backtrack, and create their own stories within the game. It instills a sense of freedom and agency, making the player feel like a true traveler in this vast and immersive world.
While some later entries in the series, such as Final Fantasy X, moved away from the traditional world map in favor of a more linear narrative, the absence of a world map does not necessarily detract from the overall experience. However, the inclusion of a world map adds an extra layer of depth and immersion to the game, creating a sense of scale and adventure that is difficult to replicate in an open world setting.
Final Fantasy XV attempted to create a vast and open world, but many players felt that it lacked charm, diversity, and character. The empty spaces in the game often felt repetitive and uninteresting, leading to a reliance on fast travel to bypass these areas. This highlights the importance of creating interesting and unique environments within an open world setting, as simply having a large map is not enough to engage players.
In conclusion, the inclusion of a world map in Final Fantasy games adds depth, immersion, and a sense of adventure to the storytelling. It serves as a visual representation of the world, allowing players to explore, uncover secrets, and engage with the narrative on a deeper level. While the absence of a world map does not necessarily ruin the experience, it can be a missed opportunity to create a truly immersive and memorable game. As the series continues to evolve, it is important to strike a balance between open world exploration and the use of a world map to ensure that players are fully engaged in the world and its story.
