Ranking the Final Fantasy Games

Many fans and gaming sites have tried to rank the Final Fantasy games, so I thought I'd give it a shot as well. I consider the Final Fantasy series to be my all-time favorite game series. I've loved it for years, and I've played each and every game several times. So this begs the question: which game is the best in the series? This question is furiously debated, and opinions are often all over the place. Here is my personal list of the Final Fantasy games, ranked from worst to best. Note that these are just my own observations, so feel free to comment on your own thoughts.


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13. Final Fantasy XI
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Despite the game having a somewhat loyal fanbase and a somewhat sizable number of players, I can't reasonably place it within this list because it is a spin-off title of sorts. FFXI is an MMORPG, so it's not fair to compare this title to the rest of the series. Personally, I feel that the online titles could just have easily been called "Final Fantasy Online" so they wouldn't have to take a number in the series. Anyway, it gets it's spot here, outside the rankings.


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12. Final Fantasy II

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The second installment in the Final Fantasy series was the first to have unique characters instead of generic heroes characterized by their classes. It also introduced the first unique leveling system, focusing on attributes like weapons to strengthen. It attempted to step it up from FFI's straight-forward story by adding secondary characters and a layered plot. While it is, in a way, the granddaddy of what makes Final Fantasy the way it is today, its simplicity and dated technology cannot compare to its sequels. It also does not surpass its predecessor because it lacks a certain level of influence and charm that the first game oozed of.

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11. Final Fantasy I
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I realize I should treat the original Final Fantasy with more respect, but we must look objectively at these games. FFI started it all, bringing RPG's and turn-based battles to the mainstream. It started a legacy that would last decades. In terms of story, FFI does not attempt to complicate it. In the first few seconds of gameplay, the world and the main characters have already concluded that they are in need of the warriors of light to save the world. It is simple, and the gameplay is also simple. The difficulty level is relatively high in comparison to its sequels, but it is only because the game is imbalanced in terms of the availability of recovery items, limited magic usage, excessive random encounters, and sporadic save points. It's place near the bottom of the list is only fair as it acted as the beginning blueprint for its amazing sequels.


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10. Final Fantasy III
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As the Final Fantasy series continued, its gameplay continued to experiment with new things. FFIII introduced the job system, which would be seen again in FFV and pretty much of all its sequels. In terms of story, FFIII didn't take too much of a leap forward. The characters also went back to being blank slates, though this was meant to accommodate the new job system. Overall, the game improved on the model that its predecessors invented, but I can't reasonably place it above its sequels.

I'll also mention that the DS remake is impressive with its new visual style and its completely new set of unique characters. However, it did little to fix the lingering difficulty issues that had to do with its sporadic save points.


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9. Final Fantasy V
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FFV had the same dilemma as FFVIII in that it had to follow up one of the greatest RPG's of its generation. Both games would be overshadowed by its predecessor (and in this case, its sequel as well), which is why they are more or less forgotten in gaming history. Still, FFV is a great game in its own right. It perfected the job system introduced in FFIII, and though the story and characters were weak in comparison to FFIV, it was ultimately a deep and lengthy experience. It even had the ability to tug at your heart strings, with scenes related to Galuf and Syldra coming to mind. Don't be quick to dismiss this game because of its lesser popularity, it holds its own as a Final Fantasy title. It simply doesn't top the rest of this list. And don't forget, this is the game that gave birth to Gilgamesh and the Clash on the Big Bridge.


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8. Final Fantasy XIII
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Despite what a lot of fans say about FFXIII, I think it's a thoroughly enjoyable game. It dared to experiment with series tradition by ridding the gameplay of any tedium and creating a totally linear path for the story to progress. In exchange for the lack of exploring and towns, the battle system was amped up to be more action-packed and strategic than ever. And of course, its impossible to ignore the visuals, which are some of the best in this entire gaming generation.

Unfortunately, these fresh new qualities do not keep it from falling short of its predecessors. The cast isn't quite as memorable as the excellent cast from games like FFVI  and FFIV, and the story isn't quite as imaginative as the incredible narratives from FFX and FFVII. The linearity is also something that may leave much to be desired for many fans. Still, an excellent next-gen addition to the Final Fantasy series nonetheless.


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7. Final Fantasy VIII
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As I mentioned earlier, FFVIII had the enormous pressure of having to follow up one the biggest titles in gaming history (FFVII). It largely succeeded in that regard, but VIII still goes by rather unnoticed because of the shadow cast by VII. It's a shame, really, considering how FFVIII is actually an accomplished game in its own right. It vastly improved VII's blocky graphics by introducing an accurately proportioned, realistic style. The soundtrack was also equally as exciting and memorable as VII's. Content equaled, if not surpassed VII's level of quality and size. Basically, VIII was just as enormous of a game as VII was.

Though of course, I'm only talking about the basics. There are plenty of reasons why I can't reasonably place VIII above the rest of the list entries. Overall, I found the game a bit...easy, especially near the end. Once I had the proper equipment, I found myself tearing enemies apart. From what I can remember, all you needed was a combination of the Aura and Meltdown spells, and you could unleash unlimited limit breaks until you inevitably overwhelmed your enemy. Even GF's were exploitable near the beginning, as they had no limit to their use. The junction and draw systems were definitely unique, but they seemed a bit unnecessary and there were clear ways to abuse them.

Some may even be turned off by the characters and plot. None from the cast really stand out as memorable. Selphie, Zell, and Rinoa are often hated for their annoying personalities, and many players were frustrated with Squall and his stoic nature. There is plenty of development that stems from FFVIII's main theme of love, but plenty of people disliked this aspect of the game.

Please note, however, that these are simply the reasons why I consider FFVIII to be an inferior game to the games above it. Overall, I found VIII to be a fun and satisfying experience. It has hours and hours of content and the level of polish expected from a Final Fantasy title.

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6. Final Fantasy XII
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Final Fantasy XII was the PS2's swan song, and it stirred up some controversy because of its new battle system. For the first time in Final Fantasy, turn-based battles were replaced with an active battle system. Random encounters were also gone, as the player characters engaged monsters in the open field. As risky as these huge transitions were, they all worked to perfection. Transition-less, active battles were a fresh change of pace, and the use of AI gambits made each battle a lot less tedious. Along with all of this, the graphics were some of the best seen on the PS2, and the orchestral soundtrack was quality at its best. Voice acting was exceptionally good as well, giving the story a more serious tone.

The plot was unlike any typical JRPG, and it was certainly less melodramatic. The narrative is incredibly sophisticated, dealing with conspiracies and war politics. Everything was very well thought out and much more professional than anything seen before in Final Fantasy. In terms of quality, this was definitely the peak of the Final Fantasy series. So why isn't it at the top of my list, you ask?

It just didn't feel like Final Fantasy to me. It was partly because of the new visual style, and the serious plot that the game was so praised for. The characters also didn't appeal to me at all. The only one who stood out was Balthier, who completely overshadowed the sort-of protagonist Vaan. Each time I finish a Final Fantasy game, I'm reminded that "parting is such sweet sorrow". Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same about FFXII. Vayne was a weak villain, and his final boss design looked silly and tacked on, so the ending really didn't do anything to leave me on a good note either. Still, I've got to praise it for its hours of content and uber-level quality. FFXII is an amazing game, just not the ideal Final Fantasy.


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5. Final Fantasy IX

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Final Fantasy IX took a bold step in a completely different direction than its immediate predecessors by returning to its traditional roots. FFIX was basically an homage to the original games. It featured vibrant fantasy settings, class-specific abilities, level-based growth, and even a soundtrack that strangely brought about a sense of nostalgia. In terms of style, IX dropped the realistic feel of VIII and opted for a more light-hearted and cartoony look. These changes obviously alienated a lot of fans, but those who could look past their bias found what is essentially the ideal Final Fantasy game.

FFIX's massive story spans across four disks. Its level of content is basically unmatched by its predecessors and many of its sequels as well. The high level of detail in its graphics is also leagues ahead of its PSX brethren; it's almost hard to believe that FFIX and VII were on the same console. There is so much to love about this game that when looked objectively, IX is one of the fullest Final Fantasy experiences in the series. Unfortunately, I couldn't put it any higher on my list because I too share some of the aforementioned bias. I've come to appreciate this game more and more as time goes by, but for now, it remains just outside of my top four.

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4. Final Fantasy X
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The top 4 were the hardest to put into order for sure. In a way, rank doesn't even matter to this point because they are each the greatest RPG's of their respective generations. Final Fantasy X is, without a doubt, the best RPG on the Playstation 2. Never has a story been so layered in thought-provoking creativity. The entire premise behind the creation of Sin, the summoning of Dream Zanarkand, and the summoner's true fate is definitely the peak of originality in the Final Fantasy series. What I love most about the plot is the main character's unfamiliarity with his surroundings. It puts the player in a fish-out-of-water situation and really gets one involved with the game's world.

Opinions may be divided on FFX's cast of characters, but one things for sure: they have great chemistry. There was something about this group that actually made them feel like a group of familiars. Of course, there is the fact that they are all guardians of summoner Yuna (who I consider one of my favorite video game girls).  The english voice acting was definitely a bit off, but don't let that get in the way of anything. The visuals were an amazing breath of fresh air for its time, and the gameplay system brought some innovative new features to the Final Fantasy series. For the first time, you could switch out party members in the midst of battle. The leveling system was also done away in favor of the unique sphere grid.

FFX is an almost perfect balance of story and gameplay. If you're new to the series, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Final Fantasy experience more satisfying than this.


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3. Final Fantasy IV
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It's amazing how to this day, one of the earliest entries in the Final Fantasy series remains one of its best. It is hard to believe that such quality could come from Square's first entry on the Snes, but everything was managed perfectly with such limited resources. Like any quality RPG, FFIV earns its merits from its engaging plot and characters. Its plot is owed to a powerful lead character, who isn't designed to follow typical cliches. Main character Cecil struggles with the meaning of justice when he is forced to commit inhumane facts of violence in the name of his king. When met with a great evil that has been corrupting his kingdom, he realizes that he must cleanse himself clean and give up his dark sword in exchange for light. This inner struggle does an amazing job of driving the story and engaging the player.

Cecil isn't the only character who stands out either. Rydia, Edward, Tellah, and Edge all lose loved ones during the course of the story, and it's through their tragedies that they find the resolve to fight. Meanwhile, we as players are presented with one of the most challenging Final Fantasy games in the series. If you've played the original "hard type" on the Snes, you'll know that grinding and deadly enemies are constants throughout the game. While inexperienced players may feel frustrated at first, it ultimately makes for a highly rewarding experience. The soundtrack is incredibly memorable, and though the graphics may feel a bit dated, you always have the DS version to turn to. As far as remakes go, FFIV DS is one of the best in gaming history. With its new presentation and features, you'll fully realize just how great this game really is.


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2. Final Fantasy VII
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Need I say more? Really? I'm so tired of rewording the same stuff over and over again. Seriously though, Final Fantasy VII needs no introduction or explanation. This is a game that gamers dare to call the greatest video game of all time. Period. VII was my first Final Fantasy game, and is what got me into gaming in the first place. It hooked me in as a Final Fantasy fan forever, and I continue to enjoy every playthrough even as I reach my 57th or whatever playthrough. But when something gets this much love, it's got to have haters. A lot of people say it is over-rated, but I refuse to believe anything can be over-rated. It gets love simply because it is great. The idea that something gets needless amounts of love for no reason is just ridiculous.

But I should be talking about the game. VII was the first entry in the Final Fantasy series to go with 3D graphics. While it may look primitive and almost silly today, the visuals were actually considered quite good for its time. Though of course, VII's greatness comes from its story. Who could forget such key events as the raid on Shinra HQ, the first visit to the Gold Saucer, Aeris' death, hijacking the Highwind, and the final battle. And of course, Cloud's delusions about his own identity and his connection to Sephiroth are what really make the story interesting. FFVII has a fantastic sci-fi fantasy feel that is best felt during the adventures in Midgar. This was a great new direction for the Final Fantasy series, and one that would continue to influence its design for future releases. The game's amazing story, likeable cast of characters, and fun gameplay make it the legend that it is today.


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1. Final Fantasy VI
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It was difficult, but I'm quite set on my decision. Final Fantasy VI is the best Final Fantasy in the series and definitely one of the greatest RPG's of its generation. No game has ever come close to its level of creativity and depth, even beyond the 16-bit era. I think what really puts this at the top for me is its incredible ensemble of characters, which is arguably the best cast of characters in the entire series. FFVI is unique in that it has no designated main character; each character is given a significant amount of backstory and each has their moment to shine. You really grew to like these characters, and given their unique innate abilities, the party combinations were endless.

Though, just as note-worthy are the villains, who absolutely ooze personality. Side character Ultros is especially great, with his ill-timed jokes and showing up at inappropriate moments. Never has a Final Fantasy been as lively and likeable as this. Though, the main villain obviously takes the spotlight here. Kefka, who looks and acts like a clown, is as insane as he appears. Reminiscent of the Joker, Kefka enjoys the sight of innocent people suffering and much prefers to laugh and hop around childishly than to take anything he does seriously. Kefka's unorthodox nature definitely puts him up there as one of, if not the best villain in the series.

The plot itself is an incredible piece of story-telling, and memorable scenes like the opera house scene, the phantom train sequence, and the final battle are truly unforgettable. Its RPG gameplay mechanics are deep, enjoyable, and highly addictive. You'll get hours and hours of optional content, especially near the end-game. It's amazing how much they fit onto one little cartridge. With colorful graphics and an incredible soundtrack to round things off, it's no mystery why I consider Final Fantasy VI to be the greatest Final Fantasy of all time.


Parting Notes...
Thus, my biggest post ever is completed. This post took about a week to complete, and it underwent numerous rearrangements to achieve perfection. As of 5/11/13, I've done a complete re-write of the post, and I've rearranged one thing (IX and VIII have traded places). If you don't agree with my order, feel free to comment and discuss your own thoughts!