{{Short description|2014 video game}} {{Infobox video game | title = Final Fantasy Record Keeper | image = Final Fantasy Record Keeper.jpeg | caption = Poster art for ''Final Fantasy Record Keeper'' | developer = [[DeNA]] | publisher = DeNA | series = ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' | engine = | platforms = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] | released = {{vgrelease|JP|September 24, 2014|WW|March 26, 2015}} | genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] | director = | producer = Ichiro Hazama<ref name="idigitaltimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.idigitaltimes.com/final-fantasy-record-keeper-2nd-anniversary-celebrate-free-11x-rare-relic-draw-free-591071|title='Final Fantasy Record Keeper' 2nd Anniversary: Celebrate With Free 11x Rare Relic Draw, Free In-Game Rewards And Special Dev Messages|date=March 25, 2017|work=idigitaltimes.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415103823/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/final-fantasy-record-keeper-2nd-anniversary-celebrate-free-11x-rare-relic-draw-free-591071|archive-date=April 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com">{{cite web|url=http://2ndanniv.finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com/|title=2nd Anniversary Presented by FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper|work=finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012748/http://2ndanniv.finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com/|archive-date=April 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | designer = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]<ref name="ffrkcentral.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffrkcentral.com/blog/2015/12/31/in-app-announcement-new-year-s-messages|title=In-App Announcement – New Year's Messages|work=ffrkcentral.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012158/https://www.ffrkcentral.com/blog/2015/12/31/in-app-announcement-new-year-s-messages|archive-date=April 15, 2017|df=mdy-all|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ffrkcentral.com/blog/2016/12/31/upcoming-in-app-announcement-new-year-s-greet|title=Upcoming In-App Announcement – New Year's Greetings from the Developers|work=ffrkcentral.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415013453/https://www.ffrkcentral.com/blog/2016/12/31/upcoming-in-app-announcement-new-year-s-greet|archive-date=April 15, 2017|df=mdy-all|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref><ref name="idigitaltimes.com" /><ref name="finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com" /> | programmer = | artist = Naomi Sanada<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyRecordKeeper/photos/a.826277900777154.1073741828.821134041291540/1037899302948345/?type=3&theater|title=FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper|work=facebook.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115191118/https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyRecordKeeper/photos/a.826277900777154.1073741828.821134041291540/1037899302948345/?type=3&theater|archive-date=January 15, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="ffrkcentral.com" /> | composer = }}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Final Fantasy Record Keeper'''''|ファイナルファンタジーレコードキーパー|Fainaru Fantajī Rekōdo Kīpā|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[free-to-play]] [[role-playing video game|role-playing]] [[gacha game]] developed and published by [[DeNA]] for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]]. The game features original characters and stories interacting with characters, scenarios, and battles from other games in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series.<ref name="ffrk1">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/17/final-fantasys-greatest-battles-remixed-final-fantasy-record-keeper/|title=Final Fantasy's Greatest Battles Remixed In Final Fantasy Record Keeper|author=Spencer|date=2014-07-17|work=Siliconera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819193413/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/17/final-fantasys-greatest-battles-remixed-final-fantasy-record-keeper/|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=2016-02-15|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was released in Japan on September 24, 2014, and worldwide on March 26, 2015.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.west.FFRK|title=FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper – Android Apps on Google Play|author=DeNA Corp.|work=google.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403043333/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.west.FFRK|archive-date=April 3, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The gameplay primarily consists of [[Active Time Battle System|Active Time Battles]] with 2D [[Sprite (graphics)|sprite graphics]]. It has reached over 10 million downloads worldwide and was available in Japanese, English, French and Spanish.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/final-fantasy-record-keeper/id964320334?mt=8 |title=iOS page |publisher=[[DeNA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325203915/https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/final-fantasy-record-keeper/id964320334?mt=8 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.west.FFRK&hl=en |title=Android page |publisher=[[DeNA]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110132150/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.west.FFRK&hl=en |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2020 all languages other than English were permanently removed. The game's service for the global version ended on September 29, 2022, leaving only the Japanese service up.
== Gameplay == Players enter each ''Final Fantasy'' titles world and fight to clear dungeons.<ref name="ffrk1" /> After finishing it, they unlock new characters from those games.<ref name="ffrk1" /> Players are able to combine parties of characters from different ''Final Fantasy'' titles.<ref name="ffrk1" /> However, though using a game mechanic called "Synergy System", playing the characters that are initially from the world gives the characters a "stat bonus",<ref name=origin/> which is also applied to weapons and gear.<ref name=origin/> The game has players to reenact many climatic moments from the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as the Battle on the Big Bridge against Gilgamesh.<ref name="ffrk1" /> Characters are given weapons or abilities that are collected along the way.<ref name="ffrk1" />
In 2018, a new kind of dungeon, Record Dungeons was launched, featuring full pixel-art remakes of classic ''Final Fantasy'' scenes and dungeons, and an all-new adventure and records to explore alongside heroes of past games in the series.<ref>{{Cite press release|last=DeNA|title=FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper Launches 'Record Dungeons' in Biggest Update Since Game's Debut|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/final-fantasy-record-keeper-launches-record-dungeons-in-biggest-update-since-games-debut-300656276.html|access-date=2021-10-18|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329194251/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/final-fantasy-record-keeper-launches-record-dungeons-in-biggest-update-since-games-debut-300656276.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Plot== Tyro is a researcher who works in the history department for Dr. Mog.<ref name="ffrk1" /> Being his best student, Dr. Mog shares his magic so that Tyro can enter paintings and see memories of different worlds, which are previous ''Final Fantasy'' titles.<ref name="ffrk1" /> Tyro is also occasionally joined by original characters such as Elarra and Shadowsmith as they relive and restore the records of the great tales.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper 7.4.0 - Descargar para Android APK Gratis|url=https://www.malavida.com/es/soft/final-fantasy-record-keeper/android/|access-date=2021-10-18|website=Malavida|language=es|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020101446/https://www.malavida.com/es/soft/final-fantasy-record-keeper/android/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Development == Developer [[DeNA]] proposed doing a social role-playing game to [[Square Enix]] that would center around the ''Final Fantasy'' series, similar to a title the developer had worked on previously called ''Defender of Texel''.<ref name=beating/><ref name=origin>{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-the-producers-of-final-fantasy-record-keeper-part-one/|title=An Interview With The Producers Of 'Final Fantasy: Record Keeper', Part One|work=[[TouchArcade]]|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2015-03-25|author=Shaun Musgrave|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216172749/http://toucharcade.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-the-producers-of-final-fantasy-record-keeper-part-one/|archive-date=February 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That game used pixel graphics and characters battling in formation.<ref name=beating/> Square Enix producer Ichiro Hazama decided that DeNA had the experience to build a successful mobile game for western markets and gave the game approval to be developed.<ref name=beating/> Square Enix oversaw the game and the story, setting, and characters, but DeNA completed the backend publishing.<ref name=beating/> DeNa producer Yu Sasaki stated that international release was expected to happen upon initial launch of the game but was delayed and released after modifications were made to please western audiences.<ref name=beating/><ref name =origin />
For the international release of the game, artwork from any remakes that had been done of earlier ''Final Fantasy'' games were used, as developers felt that American audiences were connected more to later ''Final Fantasy'' games than earlier ones.<ref name=beating/><ref name =origin /> Cutscenes were looked at again and polished for the same reason.<ref name =origin /> The game was designed not to be difficult, and character profiles were also added for international release so new players could easily start enjoying the game.<ref name=origin2/> [[Tetsuya Nomura]] designed player character Tyro and supporting cast members Dr. Mog, Cid, and Elarra.<ref name=beating/><ref>{{cite web|author=FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper Official Channel|title=FFRK Producer Letter #4|website=[[YouTube]]|date=March 17, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mol7dNCreSs|access-date=2019-03-18|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705085628/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mol7dNCreSs|url-status=live}}</ref> To draw in American audiences, the first world entered in the game is from ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', and the next two are fan favorites in Japan: ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy VI|VI]]''.<ref name =origin /> When the game runs events, characters are chosen based on player popularity.<ref name=origin/> Characters are not added from games if there are not enough worlds or events from those same games.<ref name=origin/> The game's producers felt that characters should be winnable through battle, and the game's currency of mithril given generously to encourage players to keep playing.<ref name=origin/> Enemy bosses are animated, in a departure from the style of the older titles that are being referenced.<ref name=origin2>{{cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/03/26/an-interview-with-the-producers-of-final-fantasy-record-keeper-part-two/|publisher=Touch Arcade|access-date=May 23, 2020|date=March 26, 2015|title=An Interview With The Producers Of 'Final Fantasy: Record Keeper', Part Two|author=Musgrave, Shaun|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202183018/https://toucharcade.com/2015/03/26/an-interview-with-the-producers-of-final-fantasy-record-keeper-part-two/|url-status=live}}</ref> Activities such as logging in to the game earn players in-game currency, and more opportunities to obtain free game currency were added for the international release.<ref name=origin/> Western and Japanese versions of the game are on different servers, so no player communication is possible between the two versions.<ref name=beating/> Producer Ichiro Hazama stated that the core of the experience of the game is "reliving the past".<ref name=beating/> Hazama also felt there was room for original story expansion in the game's plot and the new main character Tyro.<ref name=beating/> A teaser site appeared in July 2014 with a timer counting time for the game's actual reveal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/14/final-fantasy-record-keeper-teased-square-enix-dena/|title=Final Fantasy Record Keeper Teased By Square Enix And DeNA|work=Siliconera|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2014-07-14|author=Sato|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143717/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/14/final-fantasy-record-keeper-teased-square-enix-dena/|archive-date=September 24, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The game was shut down for the global versions on September 29, 2022, but Japanese service has continued.
== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = 75/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-record-keeper/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Final Fantasy Record Keeper for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105303/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/final-fantasy-record-keeper |archive-date=November 24, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | rev1 = ''[[IGN]]'' | rev1Score = 6.2/10<ref name=IGN/> | rev2 = ''[[TouchArcade]]'' | rev2Score = 5/5<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/03/25/final-fantasy-record-keeper-review/ |title='Final Fantasy: Record Keeper' Review – My Freemium Fantasy Love Letter |last=Ford |first=Eric |publisher=[[TouchArcade]] |date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427210408/http://toucharcade.com/2015/03/25/final-fantasy-record-keeper-review/ |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> }} ''Final Fantasy Record Keeper'' received positive reviews overall. ''[[IGN]]'' praised the game's use of nostalgia for previous ''Final Fantasy'' games and fun combat and customization, but they criticized its lack of character interaction and shallow story, making it hard for the game to hold players' interest.<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/final-fantasy-record-keeper-review|title=Final Fantasy: Record Keeper Review|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2015-03-26|author=Meghan Sullivan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907221736/http://m.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/final-fantasy-record-keeper-review|archive-date=September 7, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Kotaku]]'' voiced a similar sentiment, calling the game a "fun time waster" but noting the presence of the "much loathed stamina scheme" used to entice players to pay for more play time.<ref name=Kotakureview>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-record-keeper-is-surprisingly-fun-1693897690|title=''Final Fantasy: Record Keeper'' Is Surprisingly Fun|work=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2015-03-26|author=Jason Schreier|author-link=Jason Schreier|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328185503/http://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-record-keeper-is-surprisingly-fun-1693897690|archive-date=March 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[VentureBeat]]'' said that the crafting and combining of items and weapons was "actually fun" and felt like a real ''Final Fantasy'' game, but condemned the gameplay as being boring because it is primarily a "hands-off" experience.<ref name=venture>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/04/01/final-fantasy-record-keeper-is-a-mediocre-grind-thats-easy-on-your-wallet/|publisher=Venture Beat|access-date=May 23, 2020|title=Final Fantasy: Record Keeper is a mediocre grind that's easy on your wallet|date=April 1, 2015|author=Minnotti, Mike|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709022534/https://venturebeat.com/2015/04/01/final-fantasy-record-keeper-is-a-mediocre-grind-thats-easy-on-your-wallet/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Within ten days of release, the game was downloaded over one million times.<ref name=Download>{{cite web|title=Final Fantasy Record Keeper Surpasses One Million Downloads|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/07/final-fantasy-record-keeper-surpasses-one-million-downloads/|work=Siliconera|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2014-10-07|author=Spencer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020115009/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/07/final-fantasy-record-keeper-surpasses-one-million-downloads/|archive-date=October 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After a month, the game recorded three million downloads and one billion yen.<ref name=Yen>{{cite web|title=Final Fantasy Record Keeper Raked In Over A Billion Yen|work=Siliconera|access-date=2016-02-15|date=2014-11-07|author=Spencer|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/07/final-fantasy-record-keeper-raked-billion-yen/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131113415/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/07/final-fantasy-record-keeper-raked-billion-yen/|archive-date=January 31, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game reached five million downloads in six months in Japan and was in the top five highest-grossing games in the [[Apple App Store]].<ref name=beating>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/03/25/square-enix-taps-dena-for-its-free-to-play-expertise-for-final-fantasy-record-keeper/|publisher=Venture Beat|access-date=May 23, 2020|date=March 25, 2015|title=Square Enix taps DeNA for its free-to-play expertise for Final Fantasy: Record Keeper|author=North, Dale|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404213606/https://venturebeat.com/2015/03/25/square-enix-taps-dena-for-its-free-to-play-expertise-for-final-fantasy-record-keeper/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com/ Official website]
{{Final Fantasy}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}}
[[Category:2014 video games]] [[Category:Android (operating system) games]] [[Category:Delisted digital-only games]] [[Category:DeNA]] [[Category:Final Fantasy spinoffs|Record_Keeper]] [[Category:Free-to-play video games]] [[Category:Gacha games]] [[Category:IOS games]] [[Category:Online games shut down in 2022]] [[Category:Retro-style video games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]