noticed a story element common to many games

[chi_z]

FFIV:earth, underworld, moon
FFV: attempt to save crystals, visit galuf's planet
FF7: leave Midgar after the Shinra debacle, death of Aerith
Chrono Cross: Fort Dragonia, Sea of Eden, Serge, Lynx, back to Serge
Trigger: Defeat Magus, Crono death, Crono resurrection


It seems like there are several points in countless games (these are but a few from the list of hundreds of games) that have such big polar opposite turning points. I remember playing CT and thinking that defeating Magus would be the end of the game, or thinking Fort Dragonia might be the end of CC (not quite registering the fact that there was a CD2). seems as though this makes for quite interesting games, as IMO these are all fantastic. I can't really recall from FF6 since I've barely played it, but there's an element like this to it as well. perhaps kishotenketsu? Chrono Trigger had all those sidequests and the black omen at the end, chrono cross very quickly had the dead sea, terra tower, then dream devourer. some jo-ha-kyu mayhap?

[Katie Skyye]

I've been playing Skies of Arcadia with friends and I've been pretty much nailing every plot point AND even minor story details so far.
There's a mysterious girl dressed in white--oh, is she from the moon? Yes.
There are colored moons corresponding to areas on the map? Is there also a secret, black moon? Check.
They're running away from a boss. Camera switches in front--will Fina trip? Yes.

It's kind of fun. That game is so tropey, but it's really really good. The characters are all great and I don't hate the main character for once.

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

Loved Skies of Arcadia! They talked about making a sequel but it never appeared...

Yes, the game was so cliche it wasn't even funny. But the game was as fun as heck! Have you [spoiler] build your pirate base yet? And started to gather crew for your ship?

DRACHMA FOR THE WIIIIIIIIIIN!

[utunnels]

FF9, the turning point is after the death of Brahne, maybe.

[Boo the Gentleman Caller]

FF9, the turning point is after the death of Brahne, maybe.

With one more final twist happening after the second-to-the-last boss battle.

WARNING: SPOILER

I'm referencing to once you beat Kuja, you suddenly have to fight some random super-boss known as Necron. It was so surreal and strange to me.

[HeadlessFritz]

Necron came out of nowhere... Not even a frickin hint of its existence through the game.

[Lennis]

I can't really recall from FF6 since I've barely played it, but there's an element like this to it as well. perhaps kishotenketsu?

Oh, yes.  FF6 has a huge turning point about halfway through the game.  So huge that the world is never the same again.  And it's only at that point that you realize who the true villain is.  I won't spoil it, but I remember being totally shocked at the time.  One of the best moments from the old Squaresoft days.