(Image credit: Square Enix)
Earlier this week, the much-anticipated PlayStation State of Play showcase from Sony introduced us to Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. In light of this, the original director, Yasumi Matsuno, has finally spoken about a fan-created quote that’s been misleading fans for years.
Many fans are familiar with the phrase: “If the penalty for a crime is a fine, then that law only exists for the lower class.” Despite its popularity, it was never actually a line in the 1997 RPG from Square Enix. Aftermath delved into how this meme tricked many into believing it originated from the game, only to uncover that the actual quote came from Final Fantasy Tactics and was transformed into a meme by Leftist Gamer Memes.
In reality, the game’s line goes: “What purpose do laws serve when even those who would enforce them choose not to pay them heed?” However, as claimed by Matsuno, the meme’s line isn’t entirely out of character. “I found the line that became an internet meme interesting,” Matsuno shared, even quoting the viral line known by so many in the community.
Matsuno admitted, “Of course, this line was not written by me, nor is it a line in Final Fantasy Tactics. However, it certainly sounds like something I would have written. It’s a shame I didn’t know about this funny line until today.” Numerous responses to his post revealed how many had accepted the meme as genuine, leading Matsuno to humorously suggest that it might be due to many players not progressing far in the game.
He quipped, “Wiegraf is very popular. I am sure it is because many players stop playing at Chapter 1.” Responding to another fan, Matsuno addressed the perceived political nature of the game, emphasizing that the RPG’s primary goal is to entertain: “It’s entertainment, so whether or not it’s political, the important thing is whether or not it’s entertaining.”
There’s unpredictability regarding how the line will feature in The Ivalice Chronicles upon its release on September 30 this year, but it’s almost guaranteed that new fan-generated memes will surface after the launch.
Looking for more excitement ahead? Check out some upcoming games of this year and beyond.