Best Final Fantasy Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Final Fantasy is a renowned role-playing video game franchise that has been around since 1987. It has produced over 15 mainline games and several spin-offs, making it one of the most successful video game franchises in history. With its engaging storytelling, complex characters, and breathtaking visuals, Final Fantasy has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. In this article, we’ll be diving deep into the world of Final Fantasy to bring you the best games in the series.

Criteria for Selection

Choosing the best Final Fantasy games is no easy task. Each game in the series has its unique set of strengths and weaknesses. However, we have used the following criteria to determine our top picks:

• Storytelling
• Gameplay Mechanics
• Graphics and Visuals
• Soundtrack and Audio
• Characters
• Overall Reception and Impact

Top 10 Best Final Fantasy Games

1. Final Fantasy VI

Final Fantasy VI, released in 1994, is often regarded as the best game in the Final Fantasy series. It tells the story of a group of rebels trying to save their world from an evil empire. The game features 14 playable characters, each with their unique backstory and abilities. The game’s story is complex, and it deals with themes of love, loss, and redemption. Final Fantasy VI’s gameplay mechanics are also top-notch, with a unique magic system and a deep character customization system.

2. Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, is the game that brought the series to the mainstream. It tells the story of Cloud Strife, a mercenary hired by a group of rebels trying to save their world from an evil corporation. Final Fantasy VII’s graphics were groundbreaking at the time and helped to revolutionize the gaming industry. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is one of the best in the series. Final Fantasy VII’s combat system is also unique, with a Materia system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities.

3. Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX, released in 2000, is a love letter to the classic Final Fantasy games of the past. It tells the story of a thief named Zidane who gets caught up in a plot to save the world from an evil queen. Final Fantasy IX’s graphics are some of the best in the series, with a charming and whimsical art style. The game’s characters are also some of the most memorable in the series, with each having their unique personalities and quirks. Final Fantasy IX’s gameplay mechanics are a throwback to the classic turn-based combat system of the earlier games.

4. Final Fantasy X

Final Fantasy X, released in 2001, is one of the most visually stunning games in the series. It tells the story of Tidus, a star athlete who gets transported to a strange world where he must save a priestess named Yuna from an evil force known as Sin. Final Fantasy X’s graphics and visuals are breathtaking, with some of the most detailed and lifelike character models in the series. The game’s combat system is also unique, with a turn-based system that allows players to switch out party members on the fly.

5. Final Fantasy IV

Final Fantasy IV, released in 1991, is one of the most influential games in the series. It tells the story of Cecil, a dark knight who must uncover a plot by an evil sorcerer to destroy the world. Final Fantasy IV’s story is one of the most memorable in the series, with several plot twists and a cast of memorable characters. The game’s combat system is also unique, with a dynamic Active Time Battle system that allows players to make strategic decisions in real-time.

6. Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII, released in 1999, is one of the most divisive games in the series. It tells the story of Squall, a member of a military academy who gets caught up in a plot to save the world from an evil sorceress. Final Fantasy VIII’s graphics were groundbreaking at the time, with some of the most realistic character models in the series. The game’s combat system is also unique, with a Junction system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities.

7. Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII, released in 2006, is one of the most ambitious games in the series. It tells the story of Vaan, a young orphan who gets caught up in a plot to save his kingdom from an evil empire. Final Fantasy XII’s graphics and visuals are stunning, with some of the most detailed environments in the series. The game’s combat system is also unique, with a Gambit system that allows players to program their party members’ actions.

8. Final Fantasy V

Final Fantasy V, released in 1992, is one of the most underrated games in the series. It tells the story of Bartz, a wanderer who gets caught up in a plot to save the world from an evil sorcerer. Final Fantasy V’s gameplay mechanics are some of the best in the series, with a Job system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities. The game’s story is also memorable, with several plot twists and a cast of memorable characters.

9. Final Fantasy Tactics

Final Fantasy Tactics, released in 1997, is a spin-off of the main Final Fantasy series. It tells the story of Ramza, a young noble who gets caught up in a plot to save his kingdom from an evil church. Final Fantasy Tactics’ gameplay mechanics are some of the deepest in the series, with a Job system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities. The game’s story is also one of the most complex in the series, with several plot twists and a cast of memorable characters.

10. Final Fantasy III

Final Fantasy III, released in 1990, is one of the earliest games in the series. It tells the story of four heroes who must save the world from an evil force known as the Cloud of Darkness. Final Fantasy III’s gameplay mechanics are some of the most innovative in the series, with a Job system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities. The game’s story is also memorable, with several plot twists and a cast of memorable characters.

Honorable Mentions

There are several other Final Fantasy games that are worth mentioning, even though they didn’t make it onto our top 10 list. These include:

• Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
• Final Fantasy Type-0
• Final Fantasy XIII
• Final Fantasy XV
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

People Also Ask (FAQs)

1. What is the best Final Fantasy game?

The best Final Fantasy game is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy VII, and Final Fantasy IX are often regarded as the best games in the series.

2. Is Final Fantasy VII worth playing?

Yes, Final Fantasy VII is definitely worth playing. It is one of the most influential and groundbreaking games in the series and helped to revolutionize the gaming industry.

3. Can you play Final Fantasy games out of order?

Yes, you can play Final Fantasy games out of order. Each game in the series has its unique story and characters, so they can be played independently of each other.

4. Is Final Fantasy XIV a good game?

Yes, Final Fantasy XIV is a good game. It is an MMORPG that has received critical acclaim for its engaging story, complex characters, and immersive gameplay.

5. What is the most popular Final Fantasy game?

Final Fantasy VII is the most popular game in the series, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.