Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic series in gaming. The series is always changing and innovating with each mainline title. How many series have over forty titles and are still going strong? Almost every mainline title would define and set the standards for RPGs of that generation.
The top-notch visuals, storytelling, and music will always set Final Fantasy apart from the pack. Let’s look at ten of the best Final Fantasy games in the series.
Final Fantasy VII
You’ll be labeled a terrorist, but don’t worry; you’re the good guys.
FF VII was the first 3D title in the series. 3D models combined with per-rendered backgrounds created a visually striking game. Pairing the game’s presentation with an emotionally charged story forged something that resonated strongly with players, and the story really sticks with you once you played it. Watching a legendary hero descend into madness and become a bone chilling antagonist is shocking. Still not over the death of you know who.
A cast of misfits finds their way into your heart with an unforgettable experience filled with ups and downs.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI is celebrated as one of the best in the series for its groundbreaking storytelling, large, unique cast of characters, and the innovation of the new combat system.
Many of the cast, like Terra, Locke, and Celes, each have compelling arcs, and on the flip side of the coin, we see Kefka’s descent into madness, which makes him an unforgettable villain. The game’s second half, set in a shattered world, offers unparalleled freedom and emotional weight. It lets you experience when a villain carries out their plan.
With its flexible Esper system, rich world-building, and timeless pixel art, Final Fantasy VI remains a masterpiece that redefined RPGs and continues captivating players.
Final Fantasy XII
FFXII is one of the most underrated games in the Final Fantasy series. It dared to be different with its combat system and the new setting of Ivalice, which was used for Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story.
The story is filled with dirty politics, betrayals, and conspiracy. It will remind the player of something like Game of Thrones. The ATB turn-based combat paired with the gambit system makes one of the best JRPG combat systems ever. The party has some of the best characters in the series.
Being able to fully customize each character to play how you want them in the heat of battle while unraveling a huge political conspiracy.
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Final Fantasy IX
After all the steampunk and futuristic settings, FFIX returns to the series’ roots with a traditional medieval world.
The story explores themes like life, death, love, and the meaning of existence through the lens of your party. The setting isn’t the only returning feature with traditional turn-based combat. The cartoon art style has aged well, helping solidify FFIX as a timeless classic.
Final Fantasy IX was created to celebrate the series’ history, and returning to the basics made it a classic.
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII has one of the best intros in all of gaming. Two characters battling to the song “Leberi Fatali” while showing some story events showed the progression of graphics.
Love it or hate it, FFVIII tried to do new things and takes risks. The polarizing Junction System and Draw System were like nothing the series had done before, for better and worse. Unlike most Final Fantasy titles, VIII focuses heavily on romance. Triple Triad was a stand-out mini-game that is still popular today.
Final Fantasy VIII is one of the series’s most experimental entries and may have some fans divided, but you can’t deny its greatness.
Final Fantasy V
The most underappreciated Final Fantasy in the whole series due to releasing way later than IV and VI in America.
FFV didn’t see release until 1998 on the PS1. The long wait made fans so angry it became one of the first fan-translated games. The return of the job system with a revamp really gave a lot of freedom to make your party exactly how you wanted. The story’s pacing is great, and the moment-to-moment points happen quickly. FFV’s story plays out and feels like a shōnen anime.
Final Fantasy V is the biggest of the first five games. While it may stumble at times, it never falters. It manages to stick the landing in the finale, which is one of the things the series has always struggled with.
Final Fantasy IV
The original release on the SNES may have had a terrible translation, but FFIV was the start of the Final Fantasy we know and love today.
Released in North America as Final Fantasy II, it was the first game in the series with an orchestrated soundtrack and the first time fans would see an ATB turn-based system. The story revolves heavily around redemption. Cecil starts as a character people are terrified of due to his past actions, but he slowly fights for redemption and becomes a hero.
Final Fantasy IV brought the series into the 16-bit era and was vital to the series gaining popularity in the West. Without it, the series might not be what it has become today.
Final Fantasy X
One of the deepest stories in the whole series is backed up with a lot of goofy moments. No one can forget the Tidus laugh, heard around the world.
FFX was a technological marvel that became the precedent for RPGs on the PS2. You had a newly designed combat system, full 3D-modeled characters, and, for the first time in the series, fully voiced characters. You had full customization over your party with the Sphere Grid System, which allowed you to unlock abilities and stat increases for the characters.
Final Fantasy X’s story will move you deeply, and the ending will have you sobbing. Very few Final Fantasy games will stick in your brain like FFX did. Don’t forget, it has Blitzball.
Final Fantasy XV
Have you ever wanted to hop into your car and pick up the bros for a road trip? Imagine doing that while also fighting monsters. That is FFXV in a nutshell, and we love it.
FFXV’s development had fans wondering if it would ever be released. Ten years after the original announcement, the game was released. The narrative does have its struggles, but the DLC episodes help clean it up. Action combat has replaced the turn-based systems of old and allows you to switch weapons mid-swing in battle.
While it moved away from the series’ norms, fans still appreciate this different take on Final Fantasy. Saving the world by accepting your duty makes you a true king.
Final Fantasy XVI
Bone chilling is the only way to describe the prologue at Phoenix Gate. Listening to Clive lose it while his brother is killed gave me goosebumps.
Let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room. Yes, the side quests were annoying and a hindrance, but FFXVI was still a very good game despite that. The high-octane and beautiful boss fights let you have those kaiju fights you have always dreamed of. Combat feels like Devil May Cry mixed with heavy amounts of magic abilities. The voice acting is incredible. Ben Starr gives one of the best voice acting performances this decade, bringing Clive to life. The story has a lot of memorable moments and feels like an anime version of Game of Thrones.
Final Fantasy XVI is not perfect, but it does enough right that you can turn a blind eye to the bad. Powerful voice acting enhanced by some of the best graphics this generation makes this entry special.
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