Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals - Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals is a four-part original video animation (often abbreviated as OVA) based on the popular Japanese role-playing video game series known as Final Fantasy , which is developed and produced by Square Enix. It was released in 1994 in Japan and later distributed by Urban Vision in 1997 on VHS in North America, although they have since lost the distribution rights.

The OVA takes place 200 years after the events depicted in Final Fantasy V. The OVA series was directed by director Rintaro, but was aided by Naoto Kanda and Tomohiko Ohkuda. Production on the OVAs is credited to Tetsuo Daitoku, Yuji Takae, and Yojiro Shirakawa. The plot was written by Satoru Akahori, and the music was composed by Masahiko Sato. The OVA was released to generally mixed reviews. Some praised it, saying it captured the essence of the original Final Fantasy characters, which also served as a good follow-up to the events of the main Final Fantasy V story. Others, however, criticized the plot's lack of originality and conviction, as well as the animation, which left them wanting more.

Plot

The OVA series takes place in the same setting as Final Fantasy 5 , a world that is unnamed in the original game, but is called Planet R in the OVA. Three of the four powerful magic crystals have been stolen. The cast of Final Fantasy 5 The sky pirates have become legends of the planet and created a legacy that was later written into history. A new antagonist named Ra Devil has risen from the Black Moon and sets out to retrieve all the crystals. The Black Moon is where Ra Devil originally dwelled before transforming into Deathgyunos. Mid (a ghost from the past) contacts Prettz and Linaly, the two main characters of the story, who eventually meet the leader of the sky pirates, a lady named Rouge, and Valkus, the general of the air force and commander of the large ship called the Iron Wing. These four characters work together and become the next generation of Warriors of Light to face Deathgyunos and save the world once again.

Characters

• Prettz - The male protagonist of the OVA series. He is a stubborn and reckless young man. He has feelings for Linaly and rides a motorcycle. His weapons of choice are nodachi and spike bombs.
• Linaly - The female protagonist. She is a brave, blue-haired girl and the descendant of Bartz Klauser, the protagonist of the original Final Fantasy V. She is an amateur summoner and is only capable of summoning one Chocobo. She becomes a vessel for the Wind Crystal after the others are taken.
• Valkus - Air Force Tycoon General and commander of an airship called the Iron Wing. He is incredibly loyal to Queen Lenna, and his imposing stature and aggressive demeanor are perfect for intimidating enemies.
• Red - A sky pirate captain with a passion for treasure and a drive to acquire more and more. She attempted to steal the Wind Crystal from Linaly and her group, but was unsuccessful and ended up being captured by Tycoon and imprisoned. She was pardoned by Queen Lenna on the condition that she help others in their quest.
• Queen Lenna - The queen of Tycoon. She commands the other main characters to prevent Ra Devil from becoming Deathgyunos by retrieving the crystals. Since she is the queen of Tycoon, it can be inferred that she is a descendant of Lenna from the original Final Fantasy V.
• Mid- Cid's grandson and an engineer who appears as a ghost who aids the group with his vast knowledge of history and important events. Although a ghost, he is able to convince others to perform tasks he is incapable of, such as physically manipulating the world.
• Ra Devil – The main antagonist of the story and the commander of the Black Moon. He is determined to gain godlike powers and steal the four crystals. He manages to steal and take control of Cid's brain to achieve his goals.

Episodes

The Legend of Crystals OVA was divided into four chapters on two VHS tapes. Episodes 1 and 2 were on the first tape, and episodes 3 and 4 were on the second.

• 1. Chapter on the Wind
• 2. Chapter on Fire
• 3. Dragon Chapter
• 4. Chapter of the Stars

Reception

The OVA received mixed reviews after its initial release. It was praised by many for continuing the story of a mainline Final Fantasy video game and acting as a sequel. GameSpot staff stated that it was a quality piece of work, despite the somewhat basic animation. Charles McCarter of EX praised this as the characters were similar to those in the Final Fantasy games, and this gave the OVA credibility and substance. However, it was criticized as being unremarkable and rather insignificant compared to the various other content in the Final Fantasy franchise. Many criticized its plot and story, such as Adam Arnold of Animefringe, who called it "a dull, drawn-out retelling of Final Fantasy V." Ramsey Isler also stated that it "didn't become a favorite addition to the Final Fantasy legacy."

Links

Square Enix Official