Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals | |
![]() Cover to the North American release of the anime | |
ファイナルファンタジー (Fainaru Fantajī) | |
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Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy |
Original video animation | |
Directed by | Rintaro (series director) Naoto Kanda (#2) Tomohiko Ohkuda (#3) |
Produced by | Tetsuo Daitoku Yūji Takae Yojirō Shirakawa |
Written by | Satoru Akahori |
Music by | Masahiko Sato |
Studio | Madhouse |
Licensed by | |
Released | March 21, 1994 – July 21, 1994 |
Runtime | 30 minutes each |
Episodes | 4 |
Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals, released in Japan as Final Fantasy (Japanese: ファイナルファンタジー, Hepburn: Fainaru Fantajī), is an anime OVA based on the Final Fantasy series of role-playing video games. It was released in Japan in 1994[1] and distributed by Urban Vision in 1997 in North America on VHS. Urban Vision have since lost the distribution license and to date the series hasn't been released in any other format, such as DVD, following its initial video release.
Legend of the Crystals takes place 200 years after the events of Final Fantasy V.[2] It is divided into four thirty-minute OVA episodes spanning two VHS tapes.
Plot[]
The story takes place in the same world as Final Fantasy V, named Planet R, set two hundred years in the future, where three of the four crystals have been stolen. The original heroes in Final Fantasy V are now legends of the past and a new evil, Deathgyunos, has risen on the Black Moon and must be dealt with. Mid, a recurring character from Final Fantasy V, contacts a new hero and heroine: Prettz and Linally (a descendant of Bartz). They eventually meet the sky pirate Rouge and Valkus, commander of the Iron Wing.
Characters[]
The OVA introduces several original characters and a few characters who made an appearance in Final Fantasy V.
The main protagonist Prettz is a headstrong and reckless young man with feelings for Linally who rides a motorcycle and uses a nodachi and spiked bombs as his weapons. The other protagonist Linally is a brave, young, blue-haired girl, the direct descendant of Bartz and a novice in the art of summoning (she can only summon Chocobo), and became a vessel for the Wind Crystal after the others were taken. Supporting characters include: Valkus is the bumbling general of the Tycoon air force, leading the flag-airship Iron Wing, who, despite his aggressiveness and large size, is fiercely loyal to Queen Lenna; Rouge, a scantily clad sky pirate captain, with a love for all things shiny, who attempted to take the Wind Crystal from Linally and company, but was captured by Tycoon and held prisoner until Queen Lenna offered her a full pardon if she agreed to aid the others; and Mid, Cid's grandson, an engineer who returns as a ghost to aid the heroes with his advice and general knowledge of historical events important to the series, and, although apparently unable to physically manipulate the world in this state, is clever enough to convince his living allies to complete tasks with words alone.
The antagonist of Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals is Ra Devil, a powerful wizard intent on gaining the power of the Void for his own ambition. He steals Cid's brain away in hopes of using its knowledge of the four Crystals to his advantage, assuming his true form, Deathgyunos, once he succeeds.
Production[]
The OVA was originally released in Japan on March 21, 1994, and later in North America on November 17, 1998.[3][4] It was originally titled Final Fantasy in Japan, but it was renamed to Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals when released in English. It was the first direct sequel to a Final Fantasy game.[5]
The original score was composed by Masahiko Sato and contains numerous cues to Nobuo Uematsu's original soundtrack to Final Fantasy V including the opening and the Chocobo theme.[6]
Episodes[]
Legend of the Crystals is separated into 4 episodes. It was released in VHS format with Episodes I and II contained on the first video, and episodes III and IV on the second, later released as a boxed set.[4]
No. | Title | Japanese release | English airdate |
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1 | "Wind Chapter" Transcription: "Kaze no shō" (Japanese: 風の章) | March 21, 1994 | TBA |
2 | "Fire Chapter" Transcription: "Honō no shō" (Japanese: 炎の章) | March 21, 1994 | TBA |
3 | "Dragon Chapter" Transcription: "Ryū no shō" (Japanese: 竜の章) | July 21, 1994 | TBA |
4 | "Star Chapter" Transcription: "Hoshi no shō" (Japanese: 星の章) | July 21, 1994 | TBA |
Related media[]
Several media based on the OVA was released on 1994. Two soundtracks were released for the OVA. The first volume was released on May 21 and contains tracks from the first two OVA episodes.[7] The second contains tracks from the last two episodes and was released on July 21.[8] A guidebook titled Final Fantasy Video Graffiti: Animation Perfect Guide (ファイナルファンタジー・ビデオグラフィティ―アニメーションパーフェクトガイド) was released on September 1. A two-volume manga adaptation was released on December 2. Each volume also adapts two episodes each.[9][10]
Reception[]
During its original release, the OVA received mixed reviews.[11] Ramsey Isler of IGN described it as notable for being the first sequel to a Final Fantasy title, but stated it "did not become a favourite addition to the Final Fantasy Legacy", citing its animation as "nothing special" and noting its reliance on comedy over dramatic story telling.[12] Sam Yu of T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews called it "a cruel mockery of all Final Fantasy stands for", citing it as basing the storyline off the "weakest" title in the series, and citing the finale as anti-climactic and the villain disappointing.[13] Adam Arnold of Animefringe criticized it as one of several failed attempts to translate Final Fantasy to film, calling it a "lacklustre and drawn-out retelling of Final Fantasy V".[14] Richard Eisenbeis of Kotaku called the film "a mess" for its un-Final Fantasy aesthetic and fan service.[15]
Other critics were more positive. GameSpot staff described it as a worthy adaptation of the series, and noted while the animation was "somewhat simple", the story was immersive and praised it for not meandering to include all aspects of the game.[16] Charles McCarter of EX praised the title heavily, noting the similarity to Square's existing characters helped lend credence to the Final Fantasy title. They additionally noted with exception to the backgrounds the animation was good, and the dubbed voices for the English version were believable, notably Linally's and Prettz's, and added "Final Fantasy provides a good balance of action, adventure, and just enough humour to make the characters personable."[17]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ (in Japanese) NTT Publishing Information Paper. 1994. http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/affw/ffova/graphics/ad/ffovainf.jpg. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
- ↑ "International News". Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM Media, LLC) (55): p. 78. February 1994.
- ↑ (in Japanese) NTT Publishing Information Paper. NTT Publishing. 1994. Archived from the original on 2013-11-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20131111151343/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/affw/ffova/graphics/ad/ffovainf.jpg.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Legend of the Crystals Based on Final Fantasy Complete Volumes 1 & 2 VHS". Amazon.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
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: - ↑ Shive, Chris (August 25, 2016). "Pocket Power: Final Fantasy V Advance". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Marc. "Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals (review)". Animeworld. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2007.
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: - ↑ "ファイナルファンタジー「風の章」「炎の章」". Rakuten.co.jp . Retrieved December 16, 2019.
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: - ↑ "ファイナルファンタジー「竜の章」「星の章」サウンドトラック". Suruga-ya.jp . Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
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: - ↑ "ファイナルファンタジー(前編) 風の章・炎の章 (Vジャンプブックスコミックスシリーズ)". Rakuten.co.jp . Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ "ファイナルファンタジー(後編) 竜の章・星の章 (Vジャンプブックスコミックスシリーズ)". =Rakuten.co.jp . Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ↑ Bui, Hoai-Tran (June 27, 2019). "Live-Action 'Final Fantasy' TV Series is in the Works, Based on the World of 'Final Fantasy 14'". Slash Film. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Isler, Ramsey (2007-12-17). "Gaming to Anime: Final Fantasy VI". IGN. Archived from the original on 2011-08-03. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Ross, Carlos; Raphael See; Sam Yu. "Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals". T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Archived from the original on 2012-08-16. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Arnold, Adam. "Final Fantasy: Unlimited - One Wild Ride". Animefringe. Archived from the original on 2012-08-16. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Richard Eisenbeis (February 26, 2013). "Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals is a Lot Worse Than I Remember". Kotaku. Retrieved March 10, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ "The History of Game Movies". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ McCarter, Charles (1998). "Final Fantasy". EX 2 (8). Archived from the original on 2012-08-01. https://archive.is/20120801234727/http://www.ex.org/2.8/18-anime_finalfantasy.html. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
Works of Madhouse | ||
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Films | The Fantastic Adventures of Unico (1981) • Natsu e no Tobira (1981) • Haguregumo (1982) • Harmagedon (1983) • Unico in the Island of Magic (1983) • Barefoot Gen (1983) • Lensman: Secret of The Lens (1984) • The Dagger of Kamui (1985) • Barefoot Gen 2 (1986) • Phoenix: Ho-ō (1986) • Toki no Tabibito: Time Stranger (1986) • Wicked City (1987) • Neo Tokyo (1987) • Twilight of the Cockroaches (1987) • Legend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest is the Sea of Stars (1988) • A Wind Named Amnesia (1990) • Urusei Yatsura: Always My Darling (1991) • Ninja Scroll (1993) • Anne no Nikki (1995) • Memories (segment Stink Bomb) (1995) • Yawara! Special - Zutto Kimi no Koto ga (1996) • X (1996) • Perfect Blue (1997) • Clover (1999) • Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie (1999) • Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card (2000) • Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) • Metropolis (2001) • Millennium Actress (2001) • Di Gi Charat - A Trip to the Planet (2001) • WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 (2002) • Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003) • Nasu: Summer in Andalusia (2003) • Tokyo Godfathers (2003) • The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) • Paprika (2006) • Cinnamoroll: The Movie (2007) • Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007) • Piano no Mori (2007) • Hells (2008) • Summer Wars (2009) • Mai Mai Miracle (2009) • Redline (2009) • Yona Yona Penguin (2009) • Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010) • The Tibetan Dog (2011) • The Princess and the Pilot (2011) • Wolf Children (2012) • Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013) • Death Billiards (2013) • Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission (2013) | |
Television series | Nobody's Boy: Remi (1977–1978) • Treasure Island (1978–1979) • Yawara! (1989–1992) • DNA² (1994) • Azuki-chan (1995–1998) • Trigun (1998) • Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000) • Master Keaton (1998–1999) • Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999) • Super Doll Licca-chan (1998–1999) • Pet Shop of Horrors (1999) • Jubei-chan: The Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch (1999) • Di Gi Charat (1999–2001) • Reign: The Conqueror (1999) • Magic User's Club (1999) • Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden V (1999–2000) • Boogiepop Phantom (2000) • Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran (2000) • Hidamari no Ki (2000) • Sakura Wars (2000) • Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000–2002) • Beyblade (2001) • Galaxy Angel (2001–2004) • Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars (2001) • Chance Pop Session (2001) • Magical Meow Meow Taruto (2001) • X (2001–2002) • Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution (2002) • Chobits (2002) • Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (2002) • Pita-Ten (2002) • Dragon Drive (2002–2003) • Hanada Shōnen Shi (2002–2003) • Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat (2002) • Rizelmine (2002) • Mirage of Blaze (2002) • Ninja Scroll: The Series (2003) • Texhnolyze (2003) • Gungrave (2003–2004) • Gunslinger Girl (2003–2004) • Uninhabited Planet Survive! (2003–2004) • Di Gi Charat Nyo! (2003–2004) • Gokusen (2004) • Jubei-chan: The Counter Attack of Siberia Yagyu (2004) • Paranoia Agent (2004) • Tenjho Tenge (2004) • Monster (2004–2005) • BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004–2005) • Sweet Valerian (2004) • Strawberry 100% (2005) • Akagi (2005–2006) • Paradise Kiss (2005) • Oku-sama wa Joshi Kōsei (2005) • Kiba (2006–2007) • Strawberry Panic! (2006) • NANA (2006–2007) • The Story of Saiunkoku (2006–2008) • Black Lagoon (2006) • Yume Tsukai (2006) • Otogi-Jūshi Akazukin (2006–2007) • Kemonozume (2006) • A Spirit of the Sun (2006) • Death Note (2006–2007) • Tokyo Tribe 2 (2006–2007) • Claymore (2007) • Oh! Edo Rocket (2007) • Princess Resurrection (2007) • Dennō Coil (2007) • Devil May Cry: The Animated Series (2007) • Shigurui (2007) • Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji (2007–2008) • Neuro: Supernatural Detective (2007–2008) • Mokke (2007–2008) • MapleStory (2007–2008) • Ani*Kuri15 (animated sequence) (2007–2008) • Chi's Sweet Home (2008–2009) • Allison & Lillia (2008) • Kamen no Maid Guy (2008) • Top Secret ~The Revelation~ (2008) • Kaiba (2008) • Ultraviolet: Code 044 (2008) • Casshern Sins (2008–2009) • Kurozuka (2008) • Mōryō no Hako (2008) • One Outs (2008–2009) • Stitch! (2008–2010) • Chaos;Head (2008) • Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009) • Rideback (2009) • Sōten Kōro (2009) • Needless (2009) • Kobato (2009–2010) • Aoi Bungaku (2009) • Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin (2010) • The Tatami Galaxy (2010) • Highschool of the Dead (2010) • Marvel Anime (2010–2011) • Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji: Hakairoku-hen (2011) • Hunter × Hunter (2011–2014) • Chihayafuru (2011–2013) • The Ambition of Oda Nobuna (2012) • Btooom! (2012) • Photo Kano (2013) • Sunday Without God (2013) • Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013–2014) • Ace of Diamond (2013–present) • Magical Warfare (2014) • The Irregular at Magic High School (2014) • No Game No Life (2014) • Hanayamata (2014) • Parasyte -the maxim- (2014–2015) • Death Parade (2015) • My Love Story!! (2015) • Overlord (2015) • One-Punch Man (2015) • Prince of Stride: Alternative (2016) • Alderamin on the Sky (2016) • All Out!! (2016) | |
OVAs | Wounded Man (1986–1988) • Phoenix: Yamato / Space (1987) • Bride of Deimos (1988) • Demon City Shinjuku (1988) • The Enemy's the Pirates! (1989) (episodes 1 and 2) • Goku Midnight Eye (1989) • Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990–1991) • Record of Lodoss War (1990–1991) • Devil Hunter Yohko (1990–1995) • Doomed Megalopolis (1991–1992) • Yawara! Soreyuke Koshinuke Kizzu (1992) • Tokyo Babylon (1992–1994) • Zetsuai 1989 (1992, 1994) • Battle Angel (1993) • Mermaid's Scar (1993) • The Cockpit (segment Slipstream) (1993) • Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals (1994) • Phantom Quest Corp. (1994–1995) • Clamp in Wonderland (1994, 2007 • Spirit Warrior (1994) • Bio Hunter (1995) • Birdy the Mighty (1996–1997) • Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (1997–1998) • Twilight of the Dark Master (1998) • Space Pirate Captain Herlock (2002–2003) • Trava: Fist Planet (2003) • The Animatrix (animated sequence) (2003) • Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003) • Lament of the Lamb (2003–2004) • Aquarian Age: The Movie (2003) • Di Gi Charat Theater - Leave it to Piyoko! (2003) • Tsuki no Waltz (2004) • Otogi-Jūshi Akazukin (2005) • Last Order: Final Fantasy VII (2005) • Nasu: A Migratory Bird with Suitcase (2007) • Batman: Gotham Knight (animated sequence) (2008) • Hellsing Ultimate V-VII (2008–2009) • Supernatural: The Anime Series (2011) • Arata-naru Sekai (2012) • Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013) • Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014) | |
Video games | Earnest Evans (1991) • Solatorobo: Red the Hunter (2010) • Persona 2: Eternal Punishment PSP OP (2012) • Persona 4: Golden OP (2012) • Persona 4 Arena OP (2012) • Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl (2013) • Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight (2014) |