Read by Gabriella Pitchford

"No matter how dark the night, morning always comes, and our journey begins anew." - Lulu, Final Fantasy X. From its initial release in 1987, Final Fantasy has gone on to become one of the most beloved series of role-playing games in history. With narratives revolving around grandiose stories of good versus evil, Final Fantasy has allowed us, as players, to witness heroic battles, experience hard-won victories, and create treasured friendships for almost 40 years. The Psychology of Final Fantasy guides gamers on a real-world quest of self-discovery so that they can surpass their own limit break. And, as part of this examination, psychologists, clinicians, video game researchers, professors, and enthusiasts who love this franchise ask: How does the storyline in Final Fantasy grab and keep our attention for so many hours of gameplay? Why do the symbols in the game, such as crystals, magic, and weapons, hold meaning about our own psychological inner workings? What are the feminine warrior and archetypes found in the game and how are they living in all of our everyday lives? How does playing Final Fantasy connect us with a larger sense of spiritual guidance as to who we are? Why is it that, by creating a group, we become whole more than we do when playing as individuals? How do the musical interludes affect our psyche and push us to become better versions of ourselves? Think you know Final Fantasy? The Psychology of Final Fantasy explores how the game resonates with a player's psychological drive toward an emotional sense of wholeness, bonding, and completion as they take part in this epic quest

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