Summary
Final Fantasy’s history in the gaming industry is legendary, with fans being graced by some incredible titles that are in a class of their own. From amazing turn-based games to admirable attempts at replicating real-time combat, the franchise has seen it all and then some.
With the SquareSoft and Enix merger being cemented in the early 2000s, the company devoted extra resources to developing a wave of qualityFinal Fantasygames, spinoffs, and remakes, among other things. The best ones of the bunch made a huge splash around twenty years ago and are still talked about fondly by fans to this day.
The strong emotions caused by the mere mention ofFinal Fantasy 13make it clear that this title made a major impact back when it launched. It was the first title in the series to be launched on the Xbox, which was already major news back in the day.
While the weird story, confusing jargon, divisive character writing, and a focus on linearity didn’t sit right with many,Final Fantasy 13rewarded players for sticking with it in the long run. The game feels amazing once players reach Gran Pulse, allowing them tofinally change their party makeupand explore the world freely instead of having their hand held throughout the experience.
Final Fantasy 10-2is the sequel no one wanted, especially given how beautiful the predecessor’s ending was. However, once fans got their hands on this title, they were elated to see just how engaging the combat system was.
AnyFinal Fantasygame with a robust job system is bound to excite the masses, andFinal Fantasy 10-2didn’t disappoint in this regard. Players could switch dresspheres on the fly and employ techniques to smash their enemies with ease.
No one expectedDissidia Final Fantasyto establish itself as one of the greatestFinal Fantasygamesfans could enjoy on the PSP. This game brings the heroes and villains of multipleFinal Fantasygames together in an epic struggle between Chaos and Cosmos.
Players must improve their skills and masterfully balance Bravery and HP attacks to take out their opponent in style. Fights become really tough later on, urging players to master defensive moves instead of staying on the offense all the time.
Final Fantasy 12’s epic story will enrapture fans in no time. Even if Vaan may not be the best protagonist in the series, the game almost structures itself as an ensemble cast and gives everyone the time to shine.
The focus on huntscoupled with the grand narrative madeFinal Fantasy 12one of the best games on the PS2. The Gambit system was somewhat worth mastering if players wanted to micromanage every action that their AI-controlled party members performed in combat.
Crisis Coreis an amazingFinal Fantasygame that had no business being so compelling. Fans accusing this title of being yet another attempt to cash in onFinal Fantasy 7’s allure swallowed their words after seeing just how incredible this adventure was.
Zack Fair is a lovable protagonist who is deeply loyal to his friends, which leads to a tragic ending that will make fans tear up. It also explores Cloud’s backstory and the events leading to his memories being addled before the events ofFinal Fantasy 7.
One of the most charmingFinal Fantasygames fans can get their hands on, the ninth mainline entry boasts some of the bestFinal Fantasyparty members of all time.Characters like Zidane, Garnet, Steiner, Vivi, and Eikowill have a strong impact on fans who love the charming translation of this game.
From enacting theatrical battles to fighting for the fate of the world,Final Fantasy 9constantly wows fans by paying respect to the series' roots. It may be less spectacular than the titles that preceded it, but that should take nothing away from the sheer quality oozing out of every pore inFinal Fantasy 9.
It’s a testament to the quality ofFinal Fantasy Tacticsthat it still held up when it received an enhanced release on the PSP. The tactical combat is quite challenging but worth powering through once fans understand how to make the most of a bad situation.
Mastering jobs and leveling up is a mustfor players who don’t want to be decimated by the various infamous difficulty spikes in the game. Thankfully, the amazing story more than makes up for its drawbacks and ensures that fans will have a great time withFinal Fantasy Tacticswhen they’re done with this adventure.
To this day, many fans swear by the fact thatFinal Fantasy 10is the peak of this series. This is hefty praise that is justified when fans check out this title and see just how ahead of its time the game was in the context of JRPGs.
Smooth party-switching, a Sphere Grid that looked complicated but was deceptively simple, and a story for the ages elevatedFinal Fantasy 10to legendary status. Despite being a bit too overbearing at the start, fans will shed tears for Tidus and appreciate his dogged nature by the time this game draws to a close.
