The video game series Final Fantasy has rich content and spans several decades. The series is recognized as one of the most influential role-playing games in the RPG gaming genre. Spanning several platforms, including a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) platform, there is no stopping or denying the epic adventure that is Final Fantasy. Here, we dive into the development and milestones achieved by this extraordinary adventure series.
The Final Fantasy video game launched on the Nintendo Evaluations System in the late 80s and has not stopped releasing versions since that event. Let’s observe each era of gaming consoles and how the FF series made moves in those eras. Come back in time to the late 80’s and move through this series to today! Finally, we will take a look at some of the top game releases in this series and define what makes them awesome!
The Origin and Early Years of the Video Game
The first Final Fantasy video game, Final Fantasy I, was released in 1987 by the developer Square, later Rebranded Square Enix. This first game in the series was released on the Nintendo Evaluations System (NES) platform. An interesting piece of information that many do not know is that the game was initially developed in an attempt to save the company, which is why it was titled Final Fantasy. The game was a success, saving the company from certain bankruptcy.
From 1988 through 1990, Final Fantasy II and III were also released on the NES platform. Final Fantasy II introduced story-driven content, and a unique leveling system centered around skill usage. Final Fantasy III introduced the ability to switch roles and classes through a job system.The story lines introduced at that time set a standard for RPGs moving forward. This element and the ability to captivate are one of the reasons the Final Fantasy Series has seen such wonderful success.
The SNES Era of the Video Game
From 1991 to 1994 the video game series continued to thrive by releasing IV to VI on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). These additions to the series added an improvement to the gaming experience. This focus on innovation is a staple in the dynamic that keeps gamer’s interested over time. IV introduced the Active Time Battle or ATB system. This created a more rich narrative and character development. V focused on expanding the job system, and VI is renowned for its epic storytelling, cast of characters, and more mature themes.
The PlayStation Era of the Video Game
In 1997, Final Fantasy VII was released on the PlayStation platform. This launch pushed the series into the 3D graphics world, surpassed previous success, and the series’ popularity experienced a significant boost. From 1999 to 2001, the series released VIII and IX on the PlayStation platform. VIII introduced features like realistic character design and a love story, while IX returned to a more traditional fantasy setting.
The PlayStation 2 Era of the Video Game
Between 2001 and 2006, Final Fantasy X to XII was released on the PlayStation 2. These versions introduced some exciting new features and innovations. X brought on the Sphere Grid leveling system. FF10 was also a unique experience for gamers with visually stunning characters and environments. XI was an MMORPG, introducing the series’ first attempt at entering the world of online gaming. Final Fantasy XII introduced amazing features like open-world play, real-time combat, and an intriguing new narrative.
The Modern and Current Era of the Video Game
From 2009 to 2016, the franchise launched XIII through XV of the Final Fantasy Series. XIII, though a linear progression system as opposed to open-world, had great graphics and an engaging battle system. XIV was an MMORPG that was originally launched in 2010. It was not as successful as anticipated, and in 2013, it was successfully relaunched as A Realm Reborn. XV was another open-world game in the series that included real-time combat and focused on the main characters’ engagement.
In 2020, the series launched a remake of Final Fantasy VII that the video game community greatly accepted and anticipated. The series intends to keep evolving, releasing remakes, and building in new content and story lines for XVI. Gamer’s dedicated to this series can rest assured that there is a solid future for the Final Fantasy adventure!
Ranking the Top Five Final Fantasy Releases
Ranking the best Final Fantasy video games into a list of the top 5 is a challenging task. Everyone has a different opinion of what makes a release stand apart from the lineup in this video game series. Is it the story line and setting, the strength of the characters, or the battle system each incorporates? Who knows if there is a correct answer, but this gamer has tried to keep all these factors in mind for this ranking endeavor. The focus here is the mainline gaming versions, so no consideration will be taken for spin-offs, which are pretty great and worth a play!
Number 5: Final Fantasy 16: A Realm Reborn
Final Fantasy XIV (16): A Realm Reborn is number five on our list of video games in this series. It is now known simply as Final Fantasy Online. It is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Its predecessor, Final Fantasy XIV, was released in 2010 but was plagued with many issues, leading to its discontinuation.
With intricate storytelling and a strong foundation of support, this version shows no signs of stopping. At the time of this article, it is renowned as one of the best MMORPGs on the market. This video game is available on the PlayStation 5 and Windows PC.
The gameplay is set in the world of Valisthea, on the continents of Ash and Storm. Gamers follow story-driven content through enclosed dungeon environments, community environments, and open-world travel. The online game offers hundreds of hours of game play! In the story-based progression, our hero, Clive, and allies set out to destroy Mothercrystals found across the world. These crystals are causing conflict by draining aether from the land.
Number 4: Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4 was revolutionary in the video game world. It introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) combat system and breathtaking attention to detail. The ATB combat system allowed players to input orders for the character in real time, while previous game styles were turn-based. This video game release set a standard that developers continue to follow. FF4 was full of intriguing characters and plot twists that delighted the gamer.
This release in the Final Fantasy series is credited as one of the greatest RPGs ever. It is a pioneer in the genre with the introduction of role-playing features and dramatic storytelling that is still encountered today. This video game version was available on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) gaming system
FF4 is set in a fictional earth-like world known as the Blue Planet. It is divided into two regions. The first is the surface, or Overworld, where humans reside. The other is underground, or Underworld, where dwarves live. Within the game, players control several characters and complete quests to progress through the story line.
The warrior Cecil must prevent a sorcerer, Golbez, from obtaining powerful crystals and, by doing so, destroying the world with their power. Players interact with people and objects in various settings throughout the adventure, including towers, caves, and forests. Fights are engaged at random, and unlike previous games, which allowed for four-character slots, FF4 allows for a five-character party.
Number 3: Final Fantasy 7
Much like FF4, Final Fantasy 7 has transformed many aspects of the RPG video game landscape. This release is credited with popularizing RPGs in the Western World. FF7 is noted for its ability to break into the 3D graphics of gaming. The video game also introduced amazing cinematics. Turn-based combat and a cast of memorable characters make this release a groundbreaking addition to the series. This video game release is available for play on the PlayStation, Windows PC, IOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
In this version, the gamer follows Cloud, a mercenary hired by an eco-terrorist group to save the world. He is up against a corporation known as Shinra. Shinra is attempting to drain the planet of its lifeblood for use as an energy source. This game utilizes the active time battle format of fighting but uses three-character slots instead of the standard four-character slot.
Ultimately, Cloud and his allies set forth to defeat Sephiroth, a superhuman villain who seeks to harness the world’s healing powers to become a god. FF7 also provides the gamer with several mini game options, from racing Chocobos, bird-like riding creatures, to snowboarding. The story ends by panning over the ruins of a region now covered in greenery showing that the planet has healed from the damage it endured.
Number 2: Final Fantasy 10
Meet the Final Fantasy video game that sold not just the game on sight but the console to play it on! Final Fantasy 10 directly impacted the sales of the PlayStation 2 (PS2). This addition to the Final Fantasy arsenal was awe-inspiring. The environment was visually stunning as never seen before with advanced environmental details and vivid colors, this game came to life! FF10 brought with it faster combat and a very transformative leveling system. This version introduced the Sphere Grid! To this day, the Sphere Grid is one of the best leveling systems in terms of character customization and progression. This release was only available on the PS2.
The world of FF10 is set in a fantasy land known as Spira. In this video game, the hero, Tidus, and a group of adventurers embark on a quest to defeat a creature called Sin. Tidus is a superstar athlete in a sport known as Blitzball. Throughout the adventure, the group aims to stop a cycle of rebirth and spirit imprisonment, which is accomplished in the end when Yuna, one of the playable characters, sends Sin to a place known as the Farplane.
From a development standpoint, Final Fantasy 10 is played in the third-person perspective and introduces a combat style called Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB). This is a switch-up from the popular ATB system of combat previously mentioned. CTB is turn-based and pauses the battle during each player’s turn to attack. Progression through this version is linear and provides a single path forward. Like most of the releases before it, FF10 offers various mini games, including the addition of Blitzball!
Number 1: Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy 6 is known as one of the best video games of all time in the gaming world. In many ways, this release is an homage to all the previous versions. FF6 was an amazing expansion on its predecessors in that it set a new standard in RPGs moving forward. To this day, the narrative is considered one of the most memorable developed with a more extensive cast of characters not previously seen in the franchise. The release also introduced the best turn-based combat system up to that point. In fact, the system is still inspiring retro-based developers presently.
FF6 is set in the first half of the game within a fictional world called the World of Balance, which is divided into three continents. Mid-game, an apocalyptic event changes the planet into the World of Ruin. The event fractures the landmasses and transforms them into numerous islands surrounding a single giant continent. The lands are subjugated by a group known as the Empire, and an organization called the Returners seeks to free them.
The video game starts with the player playing a character known as Terra. While Terra isn’t specifically the hero of the story, she is one of the most prominent. Terra joins the Returners early on in the story line. The adventure proceeds as the party faces off against the Empire. Along the way, the party focuses on Kefka, the leader of an Empire group of soldiers. In the end, the party destroys Kefka and escapes his crumbling tower. The group watches as the world heals itself throughout the flight to freedom.
Notable Mentions for FF4 and FF7
Over the years, Final Fantasy 4 has been transitioned to various platforms. It has seen remakes on mobile, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and even PC. The video game has been listed in countless rankings as the best game of all time. Some of these rankings include IGN, Game Informer, and GameSpot, to name a few.
Final Fantasy 7 had a long-awaited remake release in April 2020. This release was announced way back in 2015. The launch was positively received and praised for many aspects. It received positive feedback in areas including graphics, narrative, and music. The updated battle system and visual effects were also positively received, but side-questing and massive repetition were criticized by reviewers and gamer’s alike. Even with some criticism, the game was one of the fastest-selling PS4 games in history. The release sold 3.5 million copies in the first three days and 7+ million by September 2023.
Authors Choice: Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9 is admittedly and unapologetically this gamer’s number one choice. That is hard to claim because FF7 and FF10 were pretty great experiences as I was coming up. Still, FF9 is my go to when I am feeling nostalgic. This release brought with it some new features to the Final Fantasy series, an intriguing story line, and characters that I thoroughly enjoy.
Active Time Event (ATE) Cut scenes and an updated skills system were introduced by the developers in this video game. A feature that I am quite fond of is the Mognet system because who doesn’t love those adorable little Moogles? I also like the challenge of delivering all of the various letters in side quests throughout the game.
FF9 was released to great success. It sold over 5.5 million copies by March of 2016. Initially, the game was only available on PlayStation. Now it can be found on mobile, PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. This Final Fantasy video game version had an amazing soundtrack and was the last game in the series to be composed strictly by Nobuo Uematsu. This fact is only noticeable to me and others like me. Nobuo is a great composer, and this author misses his style in the series.
In this video game, we follow Zidane, a thief, and a growing team of characters throughout the game’s progression. The world that this version is set in is called Gaia. The world is separated into four nations, with most inhabitants living on the Mist Continent. At the beginning of the adventure, he kidnaps a princess, Garnet. Soon, he joins her and others to take down the Princess’s mother. Queen Brahne has started a war and must be stopped. Once the Queen is defeated, Garnet takes the throne. At the end of the journey, there are revelations about the cast of characters a year after Garnet’s coronation, which I enjoyed.
Mini-games are a big part of the Final Fantasy series. Final Fantasy 9 is renowned for its variety of engaging mini-games. There are 9 mini-games in total within the main narrative that gamers can engage in. Moogle Mail in the Mognet system is one of my favorites but there are a couple others that are quite enjoyable. Chocobo Hot and Cold is my favorite. In this mini-game, the player rides a Chocobo, awesome! and searches for treasure in different locations. This pastime opens up other areas and rewards as the gamer progresses through the game.
Tetra Master is a card collecting game that players can involve themselves in throughout the game play as well. You interact with NPCs to play the game with them and capture their cards in the process if you win the challenge. While this one can be challenging, it is strategic and entertaining. Also, taking cards can be surprisingly rewarding. Other mini-game options are frog catching, Jump Rope, Racing Hipaul, and even blackjack. This dynamic gives the player entertaining options to step out of the story line and still find hours of enjoyment.
In FF9, players move freely around the world map and can travel by foot, Chocobo, boat, and even airship at times. Combat encounters occur randomly out in the open world. When a player encounters a rival, the screen changes to a combat window. The player issues commands to each character through a menu within the battle screen. These commands include attack, item use, and character-specific skills. For example, Zidane can steal items, while Garnet can summon eidolons to assist the party in battle.
The Outlook for this Video Game Series
While nothing is ever set in stone, the Final Fantasy franchise is certainly positioned for a solid future in the gaming world. Past abilities to balance between innovation and tradition show the potential for continued success. The developer appears to be dedicated to maintaining rich story telling and innovation. Responding appropriately to trends and technological advancements in the gaming industry will prove pivotal to continued success. Square Enix does not have a problem with that if the past is a relevant factor.
Square Enix is fully expected to continue producing mainline games in the Final Fantasy series. The company has dropped hints that, given the success of the FF7 Remake, future remakes and remasters of previous versions of the video game lineup will be prioritized to some degree. This gamer views that as an exciting prospect. Rejuvenating older content with modern graphics, enhancements to game play, and expanding on story lines is a nostalgically rewarding experience.
Final Fantasy XIV (16) is a major success in the MMORPG genre. Square Enix has made it clear that this platform will be maintained. Expansions, updates, and adding new features will keep this gaming experience fresh and relevant in the gaming industry. From a gamer perspective, new class, gaming areas, and plots will most likely be a priority moving forward. These focal points will ensure continued interest in this online environment on a large player based scale.
Mobile and online gaming, in general, will probably be a continuous endeavor for the developers of this series. Game titles such as Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and War of the Visions have shown that mobile games of this nature can be very successful. More online multiplayer options are even logical. The possibilities are endless!
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