When it comes to the RPG genre, the Final Fantasy series may be the best known and it has remained a staple of gaming for over 35 years since the first game was released back in 1987.
It has had its share of down points, but it has largely been consistent in delivering genre-pushing games and its popularity is as high as it has ever been. If you’re new to the series and don’t know where to start, or just want a new RPG to sink your teeth into, this list is perfect for you.
What Are The Best Final Fantasy Games?
5. Final Fantasy 14
Despite its relative success, Final Fantasy 11 could never quite find its place in the MMORPG genre alongside titans such as World of Warcraft. That all changed with Final Fantasy 14 which has become one of the most popular MMORPGs on the market today.
It has had its low points and struggles to find its footing. But after a few years of dedication, Square Enix has finally realized the potential of the Final Fantasy series as an online game.
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4. Final Fantasy 10
The leap between the PlayStation 1 and 2 was never more apparent than when comparing Final Fantasy games. The graphical and gameplay differences between the PS1 trilogy and Final Fantasy 10 can only be described as mind-blowing.
Final Fantasy 10 was the first game in the series to feature full voice acting, which was a mammoth task as the game can take well over 100 hours to fully complete. Final Fantasy 10 also spawned a spinoff game, Final Fantasy 10-2, with both now being available together as a modern remaster release, making this accessible to gamers to go back and experience a masterpiece.
3. Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9 concludes the PS1-era trilogy and what a way to go out with a bang before the transition to the sixth generation of consoles. It is interesting to note that the game was released after the launch of the PlayStation 2, but that didn’t stop its success as it has sold over 5 million copies on the PlayStation 1.
After two games that had a more futuristic setting, Final Fantasy 9 went back to its medieval style, drawing inspiration from the original titles in the series. Like Final Fantasy 7 and 8 before it, Final Fantasy 9 makes use of pre-rendered backgrounds which helps the game to still look great to play today and it is one that is worth going back to if you missed it during its original release.
There are also talks of a Final Fantasy 9 remake being in the works, which is very exciting news and something fans have been hoping would happen for a long time.
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2. Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy 6 is the final game in the mainline series to be fully 2D before the jump to 3D. It will always be debated which game is the best in the series and Final Fantasy 6 is usually in the conversation, and for good reason.
When it comes to the story, Final Fantasy 6 may have the best in the series, and it would be great to see a remake of this game with modern technology to make this masterpiece into a 3D game.
The first six Final Fantasy games were recently remastered as part of the Pixel Remaster collection, and Final Fantasy 6 has never looked better. Now is a perfect time to experience this game, even if you bypass the other games in the collection.
1. Final Fantasy 7
In 1997, Final Fantasy 7 launched on the PlayStation 1 and took the series from 2D into the modern 3D era and helped bring the RPG genre to the mainstream with over 14 million sales worldwide.
The impact that Final Fantasy 7 has had on gaming can still be felt today, which is why gamers spent the following 20 years hoping for a remake to be released, with those dreams finally being fulfilled in 2020 with Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Unfortunately, the game is set to be released in three parts, meaning it will be a while before we get to experience the full story again. But, the good news is part 2 is right around the corner with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
