For decades, the iconic franchise of Final Fantasy has stood as a cornerstone in the gaming world. With gripping narratives, unforgettable characters, and captivating gameplay, these games have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. The music in these games earns its recognition, as it has now an expectation for each Final Fantasy instalment to bring their A game.
With 16 mainline games and numerous spinoffs currently in the series, it’s evident that Final Fantasy is a gaming phenomenon. Join us, as we celebrate five standout entries that have not only left a lasting impact on the gaming community, but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the Final Fantasy franchise.
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5. Final Fantasy X
The game’s stunning graphics and cinematics, groundbreaking at the time, set new standards for RPGs on the PlayStation 2. Final Fantasy X is the first entry in the series with voice acting, though many have complaints about it (Specifically Tidus’ laugh). Gamers should remember that at the time X came out, not many games had voice acting, certainly not for a massive RPG such as this.
The iconic soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu further enhanced the overall experience, with music and melodies to get lost in. The Sphere Grid system provided a customizable character progression, adding individuality to each playthrough. With its cultural impact on the gaming industry and RPG genre, Final Fantasy X remains a standout title that continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.
4. Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX is a much-loved title in the series and the last game without voice acting. The game’s narrative weaves a tale of adventure, love, and self-discovery. The game’s visual style, a departure from the realistic graphics of its predecessor, contributes to its timeless and whimsical feel. Featuring Zidane the lovable thief, Steiner, and the princess Garnet, you are sure to form a connection with the game’s cast.
The equipment system was praised as well, where when you use gear long enough, you permanently acquire its associated skills. This feature added a dynamic layer to character progression. Remarkably, the game struck a balance, being light-hearted while remaining appealing across all age groups, never veering into overly serious territory.
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3. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of MMORPGs, captivating players with its expansive and ever-evolving world of Eorzea. It seemed like Square Enix learned from their mistakes on Final Fantasy 11, the first MMO in the series, and fixed those for XIV. With 50 million total players and roughly 950,000 daily players, it’s pretty obvious Square Enix hit it out of the park with this MMORPG.
The commitment to consistently delivering high-quality content like raids, dungeons, compelling side stories, and whole expansions keeps the player base invested and eager for more. The developers pay attention to what players have to say and tweak the game based on the feedback. It’s a big reason why the community is so tight-knit and devoted. Whether you’re diving into epic battles, messing around with the in-game economy, or just enjoying the story quests, Final Fantasy XIV has solidified itself in online gaming, always pushing what an MMORPG can do.
2. Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI, often hailed as a masterpiece in the RPG genre, remains a timeless classic that has left a mark on gaming history. As the last 2d Final Fantasy, VI went out with a bang. Final Fantasy VI’s impact extends beyond its release, influencing subsequent RPGs and earning a dedicated fanbase.
The innovative use of the Esper system allowed for diverse character customization and strategic depth in battles that RPG enthusiasts crave. Its combination of narrative depth, memorable characters, and groundbreaking gameplay cement Final Fantasy VI as a landmark title in the Final Fantasy series and a timeless gem in the world of video games.
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1. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII, a groundbreaking title in the RPG genre, holds an iconic status in gaming history. Released in 1997, it marked a significant leap forward in storytelling and technical achievement. Try and find a gamer who doesn’t know who Cloud is, he’s even in Super Smash Bros. now! Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the gaming industry with its cinematic presentation, featuring 3D graphics and pre-rendered backgrounds that were groundbreaking at the time. When people make a list of favorite Final Fantasy games, it’s almost a given that VII is their #1.
Beyond its critical acclaim, Final Fantasy VII’s cultural impact extends to non-gamers, influencing the perception of video games as a legitimate art form. The game’s enduring legacy is evident in its recent remake, demonstrating that its popularity remains over two decades later. Final Fantasy VII stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, innovation, and emotional resonance in the world of gaming. What Final Fantasy games do you think are most popular? Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!
