I want to make a Final Fantasy VI style game, that is kind of like it but doesn't copy it. But while we're at it, let's also consider all Final Fantasy games.

1. What worked well in Final Fantasy?

2. What worked well in Final Fantasy VI?

3. Since Active Time Battles appear to be patented, what then?

4. Anything else?

Since Final Fantasy VI is one of my favourite games, I'll address the second question. I believe the most important aspects of FFVI is the character development, story development as well as scale, and the setting. Throughout the game, you are introduced to a lot of interesting characters with backgrounds that you slowly get to know. This works especially well since you rotate control of the characters throughout the game. This makes it so no character feels like the main character, and that each are equally important. There are characters that at first you don't think much of when you first meet them, but through clever character development you begin to feel a bond with each one (e.g. when Setzer's character develops when he tells the story of his ventures with Daryl). As for overall story development, it starts out in a small local area and slowly becomes larger in scope, until it eventually concerns the fate of the whole world. The setting of the world makes it a place you want to learn more about. It mixes high-fantasy with steampunk elements - swords, magic, and technology.

However, I feel that the game mechanics themselves weren't FFVI's strong point. The ATB system wasn't particularly engaging, and neither was the system for learning magic spells. Equipment and damage calculations were fairly standard for the genre, and the way combat was handled didn't differ much from many other RPGs either.

I recommend looking into this eight page article which dissects FFVI in great detail.

I recommend looking into this eight page article which dissects FFVI in great detail.

That's really good stuff. I might have to spend half of tomorrow reading that.

Upon first glance, it seems to take a medium complexity game like Final Fantasy VI and makes it look high maintenance, like The Last Story. Not that there is anything wrong with that :).