Just when you thought the Final Fantasy series couldn’t possibly reach any higher (though it always has to be honest) the first and second games have been released on the iPhone and Touch.
It’s been many years since I was introduced to the Final Fantasy series with Final Fantasy VII on the PlayStation 1 – Quite possibly the most addictive and spell binding game I’ve ever played.
Character, plot, music, sound fx and of course, graphics were sewn together to make an absolute work of art.
Final Fantasy III is available on the Nintendo DS and can be sourced easily and at a relatively small expense now. Games VII and VIII are still exclusive to the Playstation 1 which is a shame but may change with time.
Now…where does Final Fantasy come into the classroom on iPhone/Touch, PlayStation or DS? I hear you ask…To me, the answer is in every element of the game. There’s the reading of text (both conversational and directing), problem solving (map reading, in game puzzles), memory skills, numeracy (based on character health during battle and the in game currency), character creation, story telling, creative writing, podcasting reviews, recording character voices (which are not available in the game – it’s text speech only), fan art, game creation and language learning (the game can be played in a number of different languages).
As with all games the key to effective learning is not in the act of playing but in the use of the game as a tool for engagement. In my experience the Final Fantasy games will have pupils glued to your whiteboard (if you can project your iPhone), or to their Touch’s (if you are lucky enough to have them in class) with fresh and exciting learning as a result (not to mention the enjoyment you will have playing an old favourite, or a new addiction)
My only reservation would be the cost of the game on the iPhone/Touch…currently this hasn’t been set but I imagine it will be at the higher end.
