QUOTE said:
with gameplay that is different from that of the main series
Different hmmm? A spin off FF not being a real FF because its different is something I don't want to hear.
The Spinoff games often use different Storylines while still keeping the same "Final Fantasy" themes (Just like the main games have been doing themselves for over 20 years).
Does the game have HP/MP? Check.
Does the game have Stats and Elemental properties? Check.
Does the game allow you to level up as you gain Exp? Check.
Does the game let you use Magic? Check.
Does the Magic have Tiers? Check.
Does the game have Buffs like Haste and Protect? Check.
Does it have DeBuffs like Poison and Blind. Check.
Does the game have familiar items? Check.
Does the game have references to other FF's? Check.
Does the game have familiar Mascots and names? Check.
Does the game have a Battle system thats different? Check.
Does the game have a different story? Check.
Does the game often preach about hope, love, or the awesome power of friendship? Check
Get the point yet? Because I can go on and on...
Final Fantasy spinoffs and the main Final Fantasy games abide by the same Final Fantasy themes while still being it's own game that sets itself apart from the rest. Final Fantasy is just a name of a franchise; and if you don't consider Echoes of Time or other spinoffs to be a real Final Fantasy because it's "different" then I don't consider Final Fantasy 7 a real FF because its different than 8, or FF13 a real FF because its different than 3. You can't just dismiss FF spinoffs as not real FF's just because it seems convenient to you. :\