Fight, Magic, Items

The History of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Rise of Japanese RPGs in the West

By: Aidan Moher

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

The Japanese roleplaying game (JRPG) genre is one that is known for bold, unforgettable characters; rich stories; and some of the most iconic and beloved games in the industry. Inspired by early Western RPGs and introducing technology and artistic styles that pushed the boundaries of what video games could be, this genre is responsible for creating some of the most complex, bold, and beloved games in history. In Fight, Magic, Items, Aidan Moher guides listeners through the history of JRPGs, exploring the technical challenges, distinct narrative and artistic visions, and creative rivalries that fueled the creation of countless iconic games and their quest to become the best.

Moher immerses listeners in the world of JRPGs, following the interconnected history through the lens of their creators and their stories full of hope and risk, from the tiny teams that built the foundations of the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises; Reiko Kodama pushing boundaries with Phantasy Star; the team up between Horii and Sakaguchi to create Chrono Trigger; or the mashup of Disney with Final Fantasy in Kingdom Hearts. Filled with firsthand interviews and behind-the-scenes looks into the development, reception, and influence of JRPGs, this book captures the evolution of the genre and why it continues to grab us, decades after those first iconic pixelated games released.

©2022 Aidan Moher (P)2023 Tantor

Excellent history of the JRPG genre

Fight, Magic, Items is an excellent history of the JRPG genre, taking the listener on a journey from the crude but memorable Dungeons and Dragons simulators of early computers through to the present. If you're an old school hardcore gamer or someone who just picked up their first Final Fantasy, this is for you. I came away with a few titles I have never played that I want to check out now both old and new. I wonder if I can get anywhere in the original Wizardry...

the narration is clear and very good.

Wonderful Look Into JRPG Dominance

Absolutely loved this look into JRPGs and their rise in prominence in the west. They do an amazing job giving factual details of the development, while also giving thoughts into what could have led to some decisions. This is excellent for those who love looking into the history of the video game industry.

Talking bout' my Generation!

Great full history of the Japanese Role Playing Games in their journey to the West. 100 percent my era and the author sounds to be my age give or take. So, I could relate perfectly to his upbringing. He also talks in a very optimistic way about every major game in the genre with no negative bias. I like that positivity.

Now I know, there's no way to touch on every game in this series. But there are a few that do get the light treatment of just a few sentences or so worth. The major one to me is Lunar on Sega CD. That always seems like one of the big pinnacles of raising the bar all around for the early 90s. Mind blowing if you got to experience it then too on original hardware. But beyond that small qualm, there's so much good history and information going around that I can't complain.

It's a topic that could almost have a two or three book series. Each with the length of this title here. Chronicling the 80s/90s section. Then the 2000s and up to modern. That's just how much good times there was. I really enjoyed this book thoroughly and hope that there can be a part 2 down the line. Even just a bonus book that maybe tackles deeper sections more in depth and covers some of the other games that could use some extra attention.

But still, there's an amazing overview that will get your stack of JRPGs filled to the brim. Whether it's old classics to play again, titles you may have missed over the years, and then some newer ones that sound quite interesting. The best of gaming is all chronicled here. Join the retro party!