Final Fantasy-Dancing Mad, A Critical Analysis

Posted by bluesnow on 08/01/10

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kefka

If for some reason it is unknown… I am a huge fan of Final Fantasy.  Final Fantasy VI specifically is one of the best games I’ve ever played, let alone perhaps the best Final Fantasy. The story and character complexity was amazing, and the graphics were unthinkable for the Super Nintendo, but one of the elements that really made Final Fantasy VI stand above the rest was the memorable Music by Nobuo Uematsu. The Opera Song had me literally crying… At the time it felt like those sprites were really singing their hearts out (It still gets me teary eyed).  The opening theme really does an amazing job emphasizing the tragedy and despair of the world you’re entering. The battle and boss music are also impressive, but the song of the Atma Weapon still brings a chill down my spine… it gives me a feeling of “OMFG! I didn’t mean to fight you! I’m going to die! Please let me be able to run Away!” Putting these songs aside, Dancing Mad is still probably the most memorable. Besides the fact that it is more than 12 minutes long, it mish-mashes Classical Symphonies with sounds of Rock and Roll… It is both Happy and Sad… Its like the song tells a story of its own, a very chaotic story.  The title Dancing Mad is more than appropriate, and the song perfectly describes one of the most insane and confusing villains in all of video game history. This brings me to the point of my post; earlier I came across a very intriguing analysis at Destructoid that breaks this complex song apart. After reading it I not only felt a renewed love of this song, but for the first time ever I have some sense of understanding Kefka. If you have ever played this game I feel you should definitely read his analysis of this amazing song. I highly recommend the Black Mages version, but below is the full original in all its 16 bit glory.

I first played Final Fantasy VI when I was 8 years old, I was too young and naive at the time to truly understand and respect the entire story of the game, and I didn’t understand Kefka at all. All I saw in Kefka was a stupid Laughing Clown who just wouldn’t die… he reminded me more of Team Rocket than Divine Being of Destruction. I can still hear his stupid Laugh in my head if I think long enough… the only other voice in video game history that even matches his annoying Laugh is the unending “HEY LISTEN” of Navi in The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time.  There is absolutely nothing lovable about Kefka… by the end of the game you will HATE HATE HATE HATE him. But after reading the analysis of this song I feel like I have a better understanding of his character… I still hate him though… But you’re supposed to hate the villain so its ok.

Kefka Laugh

 

After this nostalgia fest I think I will spend the rest of my Winter Vacation replaying this game!

Source: Destructoid

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