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00:00:00 – 00:25:37
The video delves into the evolution and characteristics of the Red Mage class across various Final Fantasy games. Originating in the first Final Fantasy game, Red Mages are noted for their unique balance of black and white magic and physical combat skills, though they do not excel in any single area. Over the series, their versatility remains a staple, even as game mechanics evolve, introducing new abilities such as Dual Cast. The video discusses how the Red Mage's role shifted through different titles, citing notable characters like Terra, Celes, Freya, and Princess Ashe who exhibit Red Mage traits. Key games like Final Fantasy III, IV, V, XI, XII, and XIV show varying implementations, with expansions like Final Fantasy XI enhancing Red Mage support roles and Final Fantasy XIV introducing a modern take on the class with a balanced gauge system. The Red Mage's recurring theme of adaptability and strategic play highlights its lasting impact and unique identity within the franchise. The video concludes by emphasizing the class's evolution from a compromise choice to a robust and standalone job, encouraging viewers to participate in the discussion.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around the origins and evolution of the Red Mage character in the Final Fantasy series. Initially introduced in the first Final Fantasy game, Red Mages were one of the six starter classes characterized by their ability to learn both black and white magic spells while also being competent fighters. This duality made them a versatile, though not specialized, option for players. The Red Mage was described as a jack of all trades but a master of none, providing a balanced approach to magic and combat without excelling in either domain. The segment highlights their ability to exploit elemental weaknesses and defend themselves physically when magic was exhausted. Upon being upgraded to Red Wizards, they could access a broader range of magic, although still limited compared to specialized classes like White Wizards or Black Wizards.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the role and characteristics of red mages in various Final Fantasy games. Red mages have access to both black and white magic but cannot use the most powerful spells like Holy and Flare. They can equip a wide range of weapons and armor, though not the best ones, and their character stats are balanced but not exceptional. A bug in the original NES version caused red mages to perform better than intended because intelligence stats were not calculated correctly. The video outlines that red mages are versatile, competent in several areas but not excelling in any, and known for their distinctive red hats. The discussion then shifts to how red mages were reintroduced in Final Fantasy 3 with limited spell access and different class change mechanics compared to Final Fantasy 1.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on the evolution and characteristics of different classes in the Final Fantasy series, particularly the Red Mage. It highlights how certain classes like the Black Mage, White Mage, and Evoker had clear upgrade paths in Final Fantasy 3, while the Red Mage did not, causing it to cap out quickly in utility. Attempts to find equivalents or betterments to the Red Mage, such as the Sage and high-level Onion Knight, are examined. The Sage could use high-level black, white, and summon magic but was poor in physical combat. The Onion Knight could use both magics and physical attacks but only at max level, surpassing the Red Mage’s jack-of-all-trades ethos. Red Mages in Final Fantasy 3 could cast only up to level 4 spells and use certain weapons and armors, limiting their overall utility. The segment also acknowledges the role of the job system in Final Fantasy 4, where no character fully embodied the Red Mage despite some like Tellah and Fusoya having similar traits. Finally, it hints at a change in the representation of Red Mages in Final Fantasy 5.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on the Red Mage’s role and evolution in the Final Fantasy series. The Red Mage returns in Final Fantasy V with the ability to cast both white and black magic up to level 3, making them a versatile but less specialized job compared to others. They can equip swords, rods, and staves, further enhancing their adaptability. To address their shortcomings, developers introduced the Dual Cast ability, allowing Red Mages to cast two spells consecutively, which becomes a significant asset for higher-level spells. In later games like Final Fantasy VI, characters like Terra and Celes exhibit traits of Red Mages, being able to learn both white and black magic and perform competently in melee combat, despite not being officially designated as Red Mages. Celes, specifically, with her balanced stats and unique Runic ability, aligns closely with the Red Mage archetype.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around the representation of the Red Mage class across various Final Fantasy games. It highlights that Red XIII from Final Fantasy 7 somewhat fits the Red Mage archetype due to his balanced stats, though it’s debatable. In Final Fantasy 8, a clear reference to Red Mage is absent. However, Freya Crescent in Final Fantasy 9 embodies Red Mage traits through her attire and multi-faceted abilities, blending dragoon and red mage characteristics. Final Fantasy 10’s Kimahri has the potential to tap into various magics but leans more towards Blue Mage attributes. Seymour Guado briefly shows some Red Mage qualities during his playable section. Finally, in Final Fantasy 11, the Red Mage class makes a robust return, featuring versatility in magic and combat, enhancing gameplay with unique spell variants.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the evolution and role of Red Mages across various Final Fantasy games and expansions. The key highlights include the introduction of new spells and abilities to Red Mages, such as dual cast (rebranded as chained spell), which allows casting two spells consecutively. This made them effective backup healers due to faster healing capabilities compared to White Mages. High-level Red Mages also gained the Refresh ability to regenerate MP. In later expansions, Red Mages were noted for their versatility in support roles, effective in both enfeebling enemies and enhancing allies. Additionally, the video touches on how sub jobs diluted the Red Mage’s status as a jack-of-all-trades in Final Fantasy XI. In Final Fantasy XII’s International Zodiac Job System and The Zodiac Age, the Red Battle Mage was introduced, expanding their range of magic to include time and arcane magic, further cementing their role as support characters. Multi-classing options returned, allowing them to enhance their abilities in specific areas.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around the evolution and role of the Red Mage across various Final Fantasy games. It highlights how the Battle Mage, a role similar to the Red Mage, has unique augments for MP recovery in particular games. Princess Ashe from different versions of the game is identified as an honorary Red Mage due to her balanced attack and magic stats, especially in the Zodiac editions. In Final Fantasy 13, the Red Mage concept was adapted through the paradigm system, with characters like Lightning embodying the role without traditional dual casting but representing core abilities. In Final Fantasy 14, Red Mage was introduced in the Stormblood expansion with significant differences from prior iterations. Starting at level 50 as a ranged magic DPS, the Red Mage utilizes a rapier and healing magic, diverging from traditional black and white magic splits by focusing on elemental distinctions. The game’s backstory influences these mechanics, with new spells and the innovative balanced gauge that tracks accumulated white and black mana.
00:21:00
In this segment, the video details the evolution and representation of Red Mages in various Final Fantasy games and spin-offs. Key points include the enhancement of weapon skills, the dual cast ability introduced at level 1, and their unique but consistent role. Notably, Red Mages were omitted in Final Fantasy XV due to incompatible game mechanics. However, they were featured in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, record-keeper, dimensions, and Mobius, with adaptations to match each game’s systems. The segment also highlights their significant cameo in the Bravely series, illustrating their sustained influence across the franchise. Over time, Red Mages transitioned from a compromise class to viable standalone jobs, particularly benefiting from the dual cast ability and expanded spell repertoire.
00:24:00
In this segment, the discussion focuses on the Red Mage class in gaming, highlighting its flexibility and strategic play rather than merely sacrificing stats for versatility. The class encourages creative and thoughtful playing by knowing when to switch skills and support the party unpredictably. Various offshoots like Battle Mage, Sage, Scholar, Onion Knight, Summoner, and Rune Fencer share similar traits. Interestingly, Red Mages are often associated with notable female characters, while male equivalents are fewer. The video urges viewers to like, share, subscribe, and share their favorite incarnation of the Red Mage in the comments. The segment concludes with a thank you to supporters and an invitation for further interaction.