As usual, a few things: 1.) I didn't want to include any major spoilers so I tried to keep the revelations contained to early narrative stuff. 2.) Since it has been mentioned in the comments, I'd like to address the idea that "Yevon utilized blitzball as a distraction to keep Spirians from digging too deep or attacking their actual problems and this undercuts your video! Blitzball is classic bread and circus!". Much like real-world sports can be viewed as major distractions from FAR more pressing concerns with infinitely more weight and consequence, that doesn't negate the positives that competition and play can extend to a populace and the participants. I didn't investigate the control Yevon exercised over Spira's engagement with tougher issues because that was outside of the scope of the video and even when brought to bear on my central claim, I do not think it is a sufficient enough counter to disprove the benefits of Blitzball to a traumatized and abused society. 3.) I also didn't want to go over the actual mechanics of blitzball as I felt that would slow down the video and wouldn't have fit the tone/pace of it. 4.) Never thought Id hear To Zanarkand playing over a clip of LeBron James, lol. 5.) I messed with some volume stuff and can definitely tell I need a new pop filter (my old one disappeared). Some of the plosives made obvious noises in the first few minutes of the video but managed to mitigate them during the rest. Let me know how it sounds.
Excellent video as always. Your videos have a way of diving into complex topics, whilst keeping them comprehensive and well paced. Keep up the good work.
I have no interest in real sports but I always loved blitzball. I remember playing a lot of it but never even trying to get wakka's weapon upgrade. I'm a big defender of X-2 in a lot of ways but the manager style version they did just wasn't the same. I never thought about it much in the context of everything else going on like you say, great points.
I was really never into sports of any kind (kinda typical for an rpg fan imo) but blitzball...was SO cool! And you're right, it really added to the world-building.
I love reviews like this. They highlight the more personable and cultural aspects of the worlds in these games. The Colosso gladiatorial games from Golden Sun also comes to mind. Keep up the great work!
Great video, especially during these current times where live sports of any sort is hard to come by. Over the years, I must have spent around 200 hours on blitzball alone. Still waiting for someone to make a standalone blitzball game someday.
Oh no coronavirus what will we do!? Hey everyone, let's all go watch the superbowl!! Hell yeah!!! *Everyone in the audience at the superbowl gets coronavirus and dies* Sorry, couldn't help myself... the memes, they're too strong.
