The Secret Mythology of Final Fantasy


Book Description

Step into the world of Final Fantasy and uncover the secrets behind the mythical references that are hidden in plain sight. This unofficial guide written by a Classics and Comparative Mythology researcher, who is also a die-hard fan of the games, takes you on an enchanting journey through the series. From the first Final Fantasy game to the latest Final Fantasy XV, this guide will unravel the mystery of the many enemies and boss battles you encounter, revealing the mythical origins behind each one. Discover the inspiration behind Ifrit and Shiva, learn how the Malboro got its bad breath, explore the concept of dark knights, and unravel the role of Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian poet, in these beloved games, among many other curiosities. This book is an easy-to-follow, comprehensive guide that reveals the hidden secrets and mythological references in Final Fantasy games. It's the perfect companion for any fan looking to delve deeper into the lore and mythology behind the series.




The Legend of Final Fantasy VII


Book Description

What gamer hasn’t tried Final Fantasy VII? The game, released in 1997, is now the standard-bearer of a whole generation, and it’s also the one which catapulted Sony’s PlayStation onto center stage. To celebrate this mythic video game’s 15th anniversary, Third Editions wanted to throw itself back into this unbelievable universe. This carefully crafted publication takes a look back at all the titles that helped forge Final Fantasy VII’s mythology (including the Compilation of FF VII), and deciphers their content through examination and original analysis. This book was written by Nicolas Courcier and Mehdi El Kanafi, former authors and now publishers. The first print was release in 2011. An essential book to (re) discover the universe of the mythical series Final Fantasy! EXTRACT "To celebrate one of the most important RPGs in the history of video games, Third Editions has decided to publish a tribute book: a heartfelt edition, but also one that truly analyzes the games that revolve around this legendary RPG. Indeed, the subject of this book is not only Final Fantasy VII, but the entire Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, from Advent Children to Before Crisis, including Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus, without forgetting Last Order. To get this journey off on the right foot and refresh your memory, we begin by summarizing the Final Fantasy VII saga. For the first time ever, the full story will be told in chronological order: from the Planet’s origins to the awakening of Genesis, as depicted in the secret ending of Dirge of Cerberus. Once the entire saga has been told, we will take you behind the scenes so that you can discover how the video game compilation was created. You will learn about the people whose unexpected decisions changed the game’s design. We will also provide a number of anecdotes pertaining to the game’s overall development. A complete interpretation will then be offered for each title, paving the way for numerous reflections." ABOUT THE AUTHORS Nicolas Courcier and Mehdi El Kanafi - Fascinated by print media since childhood, Nicolas Courcier and Mehdi El Kanafi wasted no time in launching their first magazine, Console Syndrome, in 2004. After five issues with distribution limited to the Toulouse region of France, they decided to found a publishing house under the same name. One year later, their small business was acquired by another leading publisher of works about video games. In their four years in the world of publishing, Nicolas and Mehdi published more than twenty works on major video game series, and wrote several of those works themselves: Metal Gear Solid. Hideo Kojima’s Magnum Opus, Resident Evil Of Zombies and Men, and The Legend of Final Fantasy VII and IX. Since 2015, they have continued their editorial focus on analyzing major video game series at a new publishing house that they founded together: Third. Grégoire Hellot is a French freelance journalist who specializes in video games. He began his career in the field more than twenty years ago when he joined Joypad magazine. As a pioneer dealing in Japanese video games, he has contributed to the French public’s acceptance of these unique titles. Today, he contributes to the Gamekult website and is also the Managing Director of Kurokawa Editions, created in 2005 by the publishing house Univers Poche. Grégoire is also known for his role as the Silver Mousquetaire in the TV series France Five.




The Secret Mythology of Pokémon


Book Description

Are you ready to uncover the mysteries behind your favourite Pokémon species? Written by a college researcher on Classics and Comparative Mythology, this fascinating book delves into the origins and legends behind over 700 creatures from the Pokémon universe, including all the first 251 and most of those from generations III-IX. With captivating stories and curiosities about each entry, this book is essential reading for fans of the original games and Pokémon GO. Discover the fascinating world of Pokémon in a whole new way and catch'em all by ordering your copy today!




Norse Myths That Inspired Final Fantasy VII


Book Description

Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic and beloved videogame series in the world. Since its inception, its titles have adopted names, themes and stories from across global mythology, including the beliefs of the Vikings.This book embarks on a detailed exploration of how Norse lore in particular influenced the writing and design of Final Fantasy VII - arguably the most critically-acclaimed of the franchise - and its wider compilation.Why is Midgar the political centre of the Planet, and Nibelheim the home of Cloud Strife?How are the Odin Materia, the Rune Blade and Vincent Valentine connected?What are the parallels between Ragnarok and the fall of the Shinra Corporation?These questions and many more will be examined and answered by award-winning community author M. J. Gallagher. Suitable for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.This work is presented as a tribute to the metaseries Compilation of Final Fantasy(R) VII. The author proposes that the speculative comparisons between Norse mythology and the Compilation of Final Fantasy(R) VII are unique, and use original thinking and analysis to interpret the inspirations, context, and content of the metaseries.The book has not been approved, licensed, or sponsored by any entity or person involved in creating or producing Final Fantasy(R), the videogames, films, or publications.




Final Fantasy VI


Book Description

Terra the magical half-human. Shadow the mysterious assassin. Celes the tough, tender general. Kefka the fool who would be god. Each of the many unforgettable characters in Final Fantasy VI has made a huge impression on a generation of players, but why do we feel such affection for these 16-bit heroes and villains as so many others fade? The credit goes to the game’s score, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. Armed with newly translated interviews and an expert ear for sound, writer and musician Sebastian Deken conducts a critical analysis of the musical structures of FF6, the game that pushed the Super Nintendo’s sound capabilities to their absolute limits and launched Uematsu’s reputation as the “Beethoven of video game music.” Deken ventures deep into the game’s lush soundscape—from its expertly crafted leitmotifs to its unforgettable opera sequence—exploring the soundtrack’s lasting influence and how it helped clear space for game music on classical stages around the world.




The Secret History of Fantasy


Book Description

Tired of the same old fantasy? Here are nineteen much-needed antidotes to clichâed tales of swords and sorcery. Fantasy is back, and it's better than ever!




Final Fantasy Story


Book Description

""Final Fantasy Story"" explores the evolution of one of gaming's most influential franchises, examining its technological advancements, storytelling innovations, and impact on the JRPG genre. The book traces the series' journey from a last-ditch effort by a struggling company to a global phenomenon that has shaped the gaming industry for over three decades. Readers will discover how Final Fantasy consistently pushed technological boundaries while maintaining a strong narrative focus, a combination that ensured its longevity and widespread influence. The book highlights intriguing aspects of the franchise's development, such as the transition from 2D to 3D graphics and the challenges of adapting to various gaming platforms. It also delves into the series' role in reflecting and influencing Japanese popular culture. Structured chronologically, the book guides readers through major turning points in Final Fantasy's history, from its 1987 debut to modern entries and remakes. By combining technical analysis with cultural context, ""Final Fantasy Story"" offers a comprehensive look at how technological advancements, creative vision, and market forces interplay in the evolution of a gaming phenomenon. This approach makes it a valuable resource for game developers, technology enthusiasts, and students of digital media alike.




The Hollow Gods


Book Description

2023 Ontario Author Project Winner in Adult Fiction Rich with folklore and paranormal intrigue, The Hollow Gods is an atmospheric supernatural thriller that will satisfy lovers of Hannah Whitten's FOR THE WOLF, especially those craving a fable with a darker touch. hr Black Hollow is a town with a dark secret. For centuries, residents have foretold the return of the Dreamwalker—an ominous figure from local folklore said to lure young women into the woods and possess them. Yet the boundary between fact and fable is blurred by a troubling statistic: occasionally, women do go missing. And after they return, they almost always end up dead. When Kai wakes up next to the lifeless body of a recently missing girl, his memory blank, he struggles to clear his already threadbare conscience. Miya, a floundering university student, experiences signs that she may be the Dreamwalker's next victim. Can she trust Kai as their paths collide, or does he herald her demise? And after losing a young patient, crestfallen oncologist, Mason, embarks on a quest to debunk the town's superstitions, only to find his sanity tested. A maelstrom of ancient grudges, forgotten traumas, and deadly secrets loom in the foggy forests of Black Hollow. Can three unlikely heroes put aside their fears and unite to confront a centuries-old evil? Will they uncover the truth behind the fable, or will the cycle repeat? "The writing sizzles with menace, and the dark mythology A.J. Vrana weaves from dreams and nightmares is unlike any I've ever encountered, in and out of books." – Katya de Becerra, author of OASIS and WHAT THE WOODS KEEP "Utterly consuming with palpable emotion, an engaging mystery, and absolutely delicious tension, this is one that lingers after you’ve turned the final page, an itch that needs to be scratched." – Verified Reviewer "I would highly recommend this book for anyone with interest in folklore, magical realism, and a dark touch of horror. An absolutely stunning debut from this author. I have pre-ordered my own copy of the book, and I am very much looking forward to the second book in The Chaos Cycle." – Verified Reviewer "The Hollow Gods is a striking debut about guilt, grief, and how the past sometimes finds a way to come back to haunt us. The roots of this story will be familiar to those who enjoy reading about fairytales and folklore, but Vrana has added her own touch to the genre that allows this novel to hold its own against the greats." – Verified Reviewer "A gem of a book. Can’t wait for the next one." – Verified Reviewer "Vrana crafts a unique local mythology and draws from existing lore to create a sense of creeping dread." – Publisher’s Weekly hr The Chaos Cycle Duology is best enjoyed in this order: Book 1: The Hollow Gods Book 2: The Echoed Realm




Final Fantasy XV Official Works


Book Description

A full-color, oversized, hardcover tome that faithfully adapts the original Japanese material, detailing the creation of the most recent entry in the Final Fantasy saga! Final Fantasy XV's world of Eos is filled with wonderous scenery, larger-than-life creatures, diverse cultures, and treacherous foes. Experience hundreds of pieces of detailed design work composed lovingly for fans of the unique sci-fi fantasy world. This volume collects complex lore, insightful commentary, comprehensive data, and dazzling concept art, all beautifully bound in this richly detailed hardcover! Square Enix and Dark Horse Books present a superbly curated collection of Final Fantasy XV content that any fan will cherish.




The Sage’s Secret


Book Description

What if the legend of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Vishnu, is an elaborate hoax created by Lord Krishna? In the year 2025, twenty-year-old Anirudh starts dreaming of Krishna. But these visions that keep flashing through his mind are far from an ordinary fantasy-they are vivid episodes from the god's life. Through these scenes, as Krishna's mystifying schemes are revealed, Anirudh slowly comes to terms with his real identity . . . He is the last avatar of Vishnu, sent to restore the balance between good and evil. But an ancient and powerful nemesis, burning with the fire of revenge, has already started assembling a clan of mighty sorcerers to finally be rid of the protector god and unleash depravity on earth. Will Anirudh realize his potential before it's too late? Or will the enemy destroy everything in their wake before the avatar finally manifests? This gripping read is the first part in the Kalki Chronicles, which unveils the greatest legend of the Kali yuga.