Ok, here’s another crazy article of mine covering a complex (but fun) subject: This time, I want to explore the idea of RPG video games as part of a MULTIVERSE, that is, each existing in its own separate universe but reachable by dimensional travel of one type or another.
This is of course, an old idea, especially among us RPG Fanfic writers. In many of our stories, one or more characters (which may be from a game, or original) travel from Earth to an RPG World, or from one RPG world to another. KINGDOM HEARTS features a lot of interdimensional (or is it interplanetary? It’s hard to tell) travel. The very concept of SAGA FRONTIER is that an entire CIVILIZATION has developed travel between SEVERAL worlds, and people from various races travel to each other’s worlds by simply booking passage on “Inter-Region ships”! Many of our characters eventually become experienced travelers, visiting MANY worlds, often looking for specific things- to battle evil, for the thrill of it, or even (why not?) to gain power or riches.
So, I just want to set up a list that can be used as a reference when writing or reading such stories. This list would give important facts about each world, such as reasons WHY to visit (or avoid) it. For Example:
FINAL FANTASY 7: Most interdimensional travelers visit this world looking for Materia crystals, since they allow ANYONE to cast spells! And most of them (and the equipment with the slots to use them) are conveniently sold in stores!
Chocobos can also be caught and bred there, for those who want a capable riding beast, or just a cool pet. And of course, many visit just to go to the Gold Saucer, probably the greatest Theme Park in the multiverse.
On the other hand, once the star-scar plague (from FF7: ADVENT CHILDREN) begins, most travelers will avoid this world.
OK, to begin, we need a list of RPGs based ON EARTH (or at least, the Earth’s Universe) so we can see what resources (or problems) our characters may start with. Let’s see, from those I’ve played:
-Super Mario RPG: Set in another dimension, but Mario is originally from Earth, so there HAS to be a portal to it on Earth somewhere (on a sewer, most likely.) ^^
-Mega Man: Set on Earth’s near future. (Note: this is the NT WARRIOR version. MM LEGENDS might not fit in, since it takes place on a flooded Earth. But, we could place it on a Parallel Earth.)
-Xenosaga: Takes place 4000 years in our future, in another galaxy, but still within Earth’s universe.
-Xenogears: Again, in another planet and at least 10000 years in the future, but still in the Earth universe. (If we assume XG is a sequel to XS, then it is set at least 14000 years in the future!)
-The STAR OCEAN games: Again, in space in the future (only a few centuries, tho.)
-The PERSONA games: Finally! RPGs set in present-day Earth!
-Saiyuki: Set in Ancient China.
-The Parasite EVE games: Set in modern-day New York city. (Do these count as RPGs? I haven’t played them yet.)
-The EARTHBOUND games: Set on present day Earth, but might be too silly to be included. (EB fans, I need your opinions here!!)
-The .//Hack games. Set in the near future.
-Final Fantasy Tactics: Advanced- A town from Earth is transformed into (or transported to?) a medieval land.
-Illusion of Gaia: Adventures before recorded history (but involving precendents of later civilzations, like the Incas and China.)
-Secret of Evermore: Takes place on an another dimension, but starts on Earth (in 1964, then 1994.)
So far, what we know about “RPG Earth” is that:
-Our Mitochondrias are sentient, and plotting against us!! :eek: (IF PE applies.)
-Our evolution might have been influenced by aliens (Xenosaga)
-At the time of the lost civilization of Mu, there also existed earlier versions of later civilizations. (Illusion of Gaia)
- The characters from the Saiyuki legend really existed in ancient China. (Which I guess makes Buddism true! BUT, see Personas, below.)
-A book called ‘Final Fantasy’ can alter reality itself (FFTA.)
-In 1964, an experiment with a dimensional machine creates an alternate Earth. (Secret of Evermore)
-Humanity shares a common Collective Unconscious, where spirits called Personas exist, that can be summoned by certain people to use in combat. (Note, this requires permission from either Philemon (who embodies the Good side of Humanity) or Nyarlathotep (who embodies the Evil one.)
-There’s a portal to Mushroom World somewhere.
-A country called “Eagleland” exists (from Earthbound- perhaps it’s meant to be England?) and time travel IS possible (good, otherwise we couldn’t visit the games set in the past of future. Maybe we can borrow a time machine from Crono Trigger’s world? ^^ )
-Cyberspace will be invented in the near future (.Hack, MM NT warrior.)
-We’ll develop a star-traveling civilization in a few centuries (Star Ocean).
-And eventually expand to another galaxy… and forget about Earth (Xenosaga).
Ok, any other RPGs that ast least MENTION Earth? (remember: console RPGs only!!)
Up next: I’ll start making my “traveler’s guide for Interdimensional adventurers” for every game I’ve played, as I did for FF7 above. (Feel free to suggest other games and ideas, guys!!)
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness could be considered part of this world, although you’d have to say it’s the underworld. And I can just see people going there and making it the Black market of Souls. Which sounds really, really cool.
EXPLODING penguins that say ‘D00d’ a lot. There’s a difference. Oh, and the most sickeningly sweet angel I have ever seen. But, if you want more info on it, I suggest talking to GG, he’s played mroe than I have.