The A-Z Of Final Fantasy: Everything You Need To Know

E - Eidolons (Summons)

Eidolons is just one of many names for the recurring summons that grace our heroes with their epic powers. Almost every FF game features summons, though some to a lesser extent. FF9, which the name Eidolons comes from, has a story that is centred around the power of these god like creatures. FFX even goes as far as allowing you to control summons as you would a party member, which is by far my favourite approach. Eidolons, Aeons, Guardian Force....whatever you call them, are a fundamental part of your game plan in any high level battle. They carry a certain risk/reward element, offering a hugely powerful attack but often at the cost of some heavy MP. Many inexperienced Final Fantasists rely too heavily on the power of summons and get them selves in a pickle, especially as summoners are often also healers which means you don't want them to run out of MP. Many of the summons have become recurring characters of sorts such as Ifrit, Shiva, Bahamut and Alexander. They are often references to myths and legends and even sometimes popular culture (see Y on this list).

F - Fanfare

The video says it all really. One of the most recognisable sounds in gaming, it has seen some reinvention recently and even been partially abandoned (which is a crying shame). The fanfare is also the source of the most crowd pleasing moment in Advent Children, but I digress.

G - Gil

Gil is the currency of the FF franchise. Seemingly the only tender you need (you don't get small change!) it is often found around dead monsters and fallen foes. You can also find it in abundance in abandoned treasure chests that turn up in the oddest places. Oh, and don't forget to sell your old gear so you can buy shiny new things that you'll get for free an hour later.

H - Hironobu Sakaguchi

Like many legends of the games industry, Hironobu Sakaguchi hasn't really become a household name. Well, in 1986 Hironobu became a director of planning and development at the newly formed Square. In 1987 Hironobu created an RPG he titled Final Fantasy and the rest, as they say, is history. Hironobu carefully built a franchise, developing the FF series all the way up to FF9 and even directing Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Hironobu has since left Square and created Mistwalker who have continued in the tradition of the classic FF games and created some great JRPGs including Lost Odyssey and The Last Story.