Final Fantasy: Unlimited

Publisher
ADV
Director
Mahiro Maeda
Production
Gonzo Digimation, Square
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
25 episodes
Year
2001

Final Fantasy: Unlimited Phase 3 (eps 9-12)

By John Huxley
30th Aug 04

It's only just occurred to me, but the title of Final Fantasy Unlimited is slightly paradoxical. It's a final fantasy, yet it's also unlimited? How does that work exactly? Square Enix (at the time of production it was just plain old Square, I think) have probably chosen to use the 'unlimited' in the title because it's phonetically pleasing and the 'Final' is obviously needed to associate this with the famous videogame series, but when combined in the same title the two words are at loggerheads. Ironically considering the never-ending run of Final Fantasy videogames (the twelfth game is in production at time of writing, not taking into account the various spin-off games), this Final Fantasy will be the last in the Unlimited series due to its relatively poor reception in its native Japan. Which is a pity, because there's a lot here to recommend it to fans and non-fans alike.

Easily the most alluring aspect of Final Fantasy Unlimited (and arguably the Final Fantasy games themselves) is the wonderfully imaginative character design. Not content with mimicking the typical designs that we've come to associate with the fantasy genre, Final Fantasy Unlimited treats us to a bevy of bizarre monsters and beautiful summons. They may not always be as elegant or as stylish as you might hope, but you can guarantee that they won't be drab and uninspired. The friendly Sagi whom we meet during a particularly bizarre episode is wonderfully realised despite looking totally out of place; his quasi-celshaded looks giving him a unique appearance that might have been vetoed were this a less creative anime.

Of course, the involving and often elaborate stories have always been the focus of the Final Fantasy videogames, an area in which Final Fantasy Unlimited simply can't compare to its interactive cousin. Whilst it's not completely atrocious, the story behind Final Fantasy Unlimited's lush visuals is disappointing to say the least. Three volumes and 12 episodes down the line and it feels as we're no closer to resolving the central storylines that were introduced earlier in the series. The search for the Hayakawa's has been all but forgotten, and Lisa's motives for helping the twins traverse Wonderland still remain a total mystery. It's so frustrating that such beautiful creations are squandered on a plot that's no more involving than reading the nutritional information on the back of packet of Cornflakes. Alright, perhaps that analogy was a little harsh, but it's not as far from the truth as you might think.

Episode after episode we're subject to the same old routine. Our heroes will pop out of the train station to find themselves in some fantastical new area of Wonderland, only to bump into one of the Earl's four lords of Gaudium for a showdown. Despite their best efforts, they'll have to rely on the enigmatic Kaze's timely arrival to save the day with his monster-summoning Magun. I won't go into detail here, but I will say this: if you didn't enjoy sitting through the lengthy summon animations in Final Fantasy VII, stay well away from Final Fantasy Unlimited. At one point during this volume Kaze summons several monsters in quick succession, and with each sequence using identical animation and similar dialogue you'll understand just how quickly this can become tiresome.

To be fair, this volume also shows some improvement, even if it is negligible at best. The final episode delves a little deeper into the colourful background of one of the Earl's henchmen, a nice touch which provides some much needed variety. There's also a starring role Chobi, the resident Chocobo who has a few more tricks up his sleeve than the average yellow flightless bird. Hopefully the next volume will continue to provide us with more background information and character development rather than reverting back to its old self. Only time will tell, but the signs are positive for Final Fantasy Unlimited.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 audio, English subtitles, voice actor commentary, production sketches, key animation backgrounds, reversible cover, character booklet

Release information: UK: 19th July 2004, ADV

Notes: Another good outing for Final Fantasy Unlimited. The reversible cover and four page colour booklet make their welcome return along with the English voice actor commentary (episode 12 only) and a couple of production artwork galleries. Although it's not ADV's best DVD to date, it's certainly there or there abouts.

-- John Huxley 30th Aug 04

Final Fantasy: Unlimited Images