That line in the middle about how the social dominator already lives in the lawless world which their followers fear so much was a line that sent chills down my spine. This video was haunting and while it covered the themes in much the same way that I've already been considering for my own writing work it still gave me some new things to think about. It also taught me about this really cool game which I had never really appreciated compared to its sequel FF7.
FFVI was the reason I learned English by myself (and a pocket dictionary I asked my dad to buy for me in 97) so I could understand what was going on. Every other year I replay it myself, trying to make different challenges or just picking one of those hard mode hacks. But that's not the point of my comment. The story really takes a turn that even the pre-teen me felt it was "too real". Things don't always go as planned. Things can go wrong and we can't go back. It's still by far my favorite entry in the series, followed by Tactics, IV and IX and your video really brought me back that feeling of discovering, deciphering word by word and watch that isn't (at least for a big part) a happy story. Thank you for the upload, also I really like your voice too. Subscribed!
I love how you look at kefka as representative of nihilistic evil with institutional power People whether through denial or naive optimism, seem to act like there’s no way certain types of people in power can just be monstrous people. But the more power people have, the more scrutiny they should be examined with, we have to, to avoid us all being in danger
Thank you so much. This game is really important for me, as I was motivated by it in many ways, it's a source for creativity and joy and a place of comfort for me at the same time. And I am happy that such analysis exists. I believe FFVI deserves it. I am writing something for the game (although only for myself and my friend), and it's a really big project where I want to really dive into characterisation and world-building, so I found your analysis. Not only you have voiced my thoughts, but also gave me new information to discover. I always will have a whole lot to learn. Yes, the video is long, but it doesn't drag & I hope that more people, including those who know and love FFVI, will watch it. You did a tremendous work (I think) and the finale was beautiful, answering my afterthoughts about this game. And as always, I apologise for any mistakes made.
What a great dive into the brilliant FF6! My favourite game of all time. I love what you had to say about Kefka. One thing I find quite interesting about Kefka and how he relates to the game, is this idea that *he* is the main character of FF6. The argument is that he drives most of the plot, and we're mostly reacting to what he sets in motion. It's an interesting idea, even though I can't find myself to be entirely on board with it.
I think it's very common for villains to be the active force behind the plot while the heroes react. It's why there are so many stories that go like "everything is well -> villains disturbs the force, putting the plot into motion -> heroes respond to villain's actions restoring the world as it was before"
Andrewism is definitely a channel also worth checking out. For more history on the nukes/Japan: Shaun has a breakdown of primary sources countering popular misconceptions Source ref 29 is far too common, so I appreciate the doc.
It's a little-known fact that John Locke would steal the clothes right off a merchant whenever the urge would strike him. I'm glad you touched on it 💯 Fun video too, I think you did a nice job on it; I'll have to check out the next one as well
Really excellent video, I wish more people would see it! If everyone were willing to grapple with the themes and subject matter in their favorite games (and other artforms!) then the world would be well on its way to becoming a better place. I'll share this with everyone I know, at least!
I was just a baby when this game first came out, and I never got into FFVI until I got the GBA remake of the game back when they were still out back then.
So you're telling me FFVI is a Communist game? As a Comunist, I call bullshit. While magic disappearing from the world of FFVI is arguably a good thing, Terra losing her powers is factually a bad thing. Since she always used them for good and she was pretty much the only non-evil Esper left. Magic disappearing doesn't level the playfield, as our very own world shows. People would just build weapons out of machines and rule with steel not sparkle. The problem isn't magic but people like Terra, who can wield such power beind so few and so reluctant to do so, and usually giving away or losing their powers. Now excuse me cause I got to go to a senate session and get stabbed by a dozen senators.
Kefka isn't the Joker. Kefka is Donald Trump. Authoritarian, self-important, takes delight in placing himself above others in some cosmic hierarchy, endorses collective punishment, uses the apparatus and trappings of the state to give his abuses a veneer of normalcy, lacks empathy utterly, sees the "weak" as deserving whatever happens to them, and pursues power despite no ideological mooring besides serving himself. Sorry if some don't like it, but this is the more apt comparison. So go be a Returner, not one of those goons cheering the Emperor on, who probably all marched to their demise by the end of the first half.
This is reminds me of that south park episode where they write a book and everyone reads sooo deep into it. Simply put its just a game and take it for the fantasy it is instead of putting all these narratives into it.
That line in the middle about how the social dominator already lives in the lawless world which their followers fear so much was a line that sent chills down my spine. This video was haunting and while it covered the themes in much the same way that I've already been considering for my own writing work it still gave me some new things to think about. It also taught me about this really cool game which I had never really appreciated compared to its sequel FF7.
FFVI was the reason I learned English by myself (and a pocket dictionary I asked my dad to buy for me in 97) so I could understand what was going on. Every other year I replay it myself, trying to make different challenges or just picking one of those hard mode hacks. But that's not the point of my comment. The story really takes a turn that even the pre-teen me felt it was "too real". Things don't always go as planned. Things can go wrong and we can't go back. It's still by far my favorite entry in the series, followed by Tactics, IV and IX and your video really brought me back that feeling of discovering, deciphering word by word and watch that isn't (at least for a big part) a happy story. Thank you for the upload, also I really like your voice too. Subscribed!
oh thank god, the kefka and joker comparison always annoyed me but i couldn't figure out how to put it into words until you came along
incredible work
I love how you look at kefka as representative of nihilistic evil with institutional power
People whether through denial or naive optimism, seem to act like there’s no way certain types of people in power can just be monstrous people. But the more power people have, the more scrutiny they should be examined with, we have to, to avoid us all being in danger
your ability to analyze video games remains as staggering as the analyses are fascinating :O
Thank you so much. This game is really important for me, as I was motivated by it in many ways, it's a source for creativity and joy and a place of comfort for me at the same time. And I am happy that such analysis exists. I believe FFVI deserves it. I am writing something for the game (although only for myself and my friend), and it's a really big project where I want to really dive into characterisation and world-building, so I found your analysis. Not only you have voiced my thoughts, but also gave me new information to discover. I always will have a whole lot to learn. Yes, the video is long, but it doesn't drag & I hope that more people, including those who know and love FFVI, will watch it. You did a tremendous work (I think) and the finale was beautiful, answering my afterthoughts about this game.
And as always, I apologise for any mistakes made.
What a great dive into the brilliant FF6! My favourite game of all time. I love what you had to say about Kefka. One thing I find quite interesting about Kefka and how he relates to the game, is this idea that *he* is the main character of FF6. The argument is that he drives most of the plot, and we're mostly reacting to what he sets in motion. It's an interesting idea, even though I can't find myself to be entirely on board with it.
I think it's very common for villains to be the active force behind the plot while the heroes react. It's why there are so many stories that go like "everything is well -> villains disturbs the force, putting the plot into motion -> heroes respond to villain's actions restoring the world as it was before"
I also did a really long narrative analysis of FFVI today! I'm glad it led to me finding your excellent channel ^_^
Andrewism is definitely a channel also worth checking out.
For more history on the nukes/Japan: Shaun has a breakdown of primary sources countering popular misconceptions
Source ref 29 is far too common, so I appreciate the doc.
It's a little-known fact that John Locke would steal the clothes right off a merchant whenever the urge would strike him. I'm glad you touched on it 💯
Fun video too, I think you did a nice job on it; I'll have to check out the next one as well
This is a superb breakdown of the themes of VI in a saturated market of bad takes on the game. How is it only around 400 views?
Really excellent video, I wish more people would see it! If everyone were willing to grapple with the themes and subject matter in their favorite games (and other artforms!) then the world would be well on its way to becoming a better place. I'll share this with everyone I know, at least!
Great video
I'm saving this for when I'm finally done with playing ffvi. Now I have even more motivation!
Great work, dude 👍
I was just a baby when this game first came out, and I never got into FFVI until I got the GBA remake of the game back when they were still out back then.
This deserves soooooo many more views.
You should analyze Xenogears.
I'm not sure when, but I've been meaning to revisit it sometime soon. :)
So you're telling me FFVI is a Communist game? As a Comunist, I call bullshit. While magic disappearing from the world of FFVI is arguably a good thing, Terra losing her powers is factually a bad thing. Since she always used them for good and she was pretty much the only non-evil Esper left. Magic disappearing doesn't level the playfield, as our very own world shows. People would just build weapons out of machines and rule with steel not sparkle. The problem isn't magic but people like Terra, who can wield such power beind so few and so reluctant to do so, and usually giving away or losing their powers. Now excuse me cause I got to go to a senate session and get stabbed by a dozen senators.
Kefka isn't the Joker. Kefka is Donald Trump. Authoritarian, self-important, takes delight in placing himself above others in some cosmic hierarchy, endorses collective punishment, uses the apparatus and trappings of the state to give his abuses a veneer of normalcy, lacks empathy utterly, sees the "weak" as deserving whatever happens to them, and pursues power despite no ideological mooring besides serving himself. Sorry if some don't like it, but this is the more apt comparison. So go be a Returner, not one of those goons cheering the Emperor on, who probably all marched to their demise by the end of the first half.
This is reminds me of that south park episode where they write a book and everyone reads sooo deep into it. Simply put its just a game and take it for the fantasy it is instead of putting all these narratives into it.
Thank you explaining ecological collapse I wanted to know why they just died no understanding