Make way for a 2-D classic, everyone. My personal favorite 2-D game of all time, actually: Final Fantasy VI, originally released as Final Fantasy III on the SNES.
Narshe, as we all (hopefully) know is the opening area of the game. Biggs, Wedge, and the mysterious Terra, armed with Magitek exoskeletons, march into the snowy mining town of Narshe. Their mission is to retrieve something called an Esper.
Almost christmas-y in an odd quasi-steampunk way.
While I’m not exactly a veteran of 2-D games, Final Fantasy VI is one of the few titles that lives up to the nostalgic hype surrounding it. The characters are unforgettable, the story is extremely well-told, and man is it one epic ride for a 2-D RPG. Just writing about it is making me want to seek out my copy of the GBA port, which is weird since I’m not much of a handheld gamer these days.
But what’s so great about Narshe? Well, it was the perfect setting for the game’s moody opening sequence. A humble coal mining city, blanketed in snow, with Nobuo Uematsu’s fantastically somber music playing in the background. The game begins here, and in fact returns here at a few key points – the most memorable being when Terra, the main female protagonist, finally transforms into an Esper.
(Yes, the statute of limitations on Final Fantasy VI spoilers is officially up).
But I’ll avoid gushing any longer. If you’ve played the game, I’m sure you agree with me. If you haven’t, I’d suggest you go snag a copy of the GBA port. And be here tomorrow for the sure-to-be-disappointing #1 Winterscape of the week.
‘Till then!
Tags: Final Fantasy VI, Winterscapes
The mode seven opening remains surprisingly good even to this day.
When you started this list and got me thinking of my favorite winterscapes in games, this was the first one to come to mind. The visuals, music, and setting fit together so well here and hold up graphically even after 15 years. When you listed “Aeris died, LET’S GO SNOWBOARDING!!!!!!” as one of your favorite winterscapes, I assumed it would be the only FF to make the list. Nice recovery.
Oh man, if Glenn was into skinny dudes, that comment might have been enough to turn me.
@Glenn: Fuck you and thanks.
@Ethos: You’ve long turned.
… Like week old roadkill in the summer sun, careful or Oliver will take you home for Motok family dinner!