Final Fantasy Games With Groundbreaking Mechanics

Summary

Final Fantasy’s innovative gameplay features, from Jobs to party swapping, have influenced RPGs inside and outside the series.
Final Fantasy 16 introduced Eikon battles where players control Summons directly, offering a thrilling and unique gameplay experience.
Final Fantasy 11 revolutionized multiplayer RPGs by being the first MMO in the series, paving the way for future multiplayer entries.

Is there a chance that the Final Fantasy series might have its last installment in the future? With the loyal fanbase supporting it, it seems unlikely to happen any time soon, as this franchise remains a vital source of income for Square Enix and has been since 1987 when Squaresoft was still an independent company.

After many years, it’s clear that the mechanics in the Final Fantasy series continue to be popular, having left an impression on almost every console and portable device available. Each new addition to the series brings about some level of innovation, not only for the series itself but also for the RPG genre as a whole. Although other games may not have directly copied these gameplay features, they are still significant due to their influence on the genre. In particular, it’s the innovative mechanics of Final Fantasy that truly make an impact, serving as inspiration for games within and beyond the series.

8. Choose Your Party (Final Fantasy)

The Legend Begins

In the realm of Japanese role-playing games, Final Fantasy was setting new trends, outpacing its main competitor, Dragon Quest. This is particularly significant when we look at Dragon Quest 3: Seeds of Salvation, which introduced a unique class system, known as Vocations. Players could switch between these classes, a concept that eventually found its way into the Job system of Final Fantasy 3.

Initially, the first installment of Final Fantasy introduced a groundbreaking feature: players could select the professions, or Jobs, for their four party members. This forward-thinking customization option played a significant role in shaping other RPGs and may have been instrumental in the development of the Job system within the Final Fantasy series as we know it today. If this feature hadn’t been implemented, the Job system within the Final Fantasy series might not have evolved as it did.

7. Level Up With Practice (Final Fantasy 2)

The Start Of A New Franchise

The sequel to the first “Final Fantasy” game, titled “Final Fantasy 2“, was a peculiar continuation and the primary feature it introduced didn’t significantly shape the future of the “Final Fantasy” series. However, the mechanics from “Final Fantasy 2” served as inspiration for the development of the SaGa series, which like the “Final Fantasy” games was produced by Squaresoft.

Instead of enhancing characters by earning Experience Points (EXP), their abilities would grow and strengthen through the actions they perform or encounter. For instance, using swords or fire magic could boost a character’s skills, mirroring the way characters develop in many SaGa series games.

6. Branching Paths (Final Fantasy 6)

Play Your Way

In simpler terms, “Final Fantasy 6” stands out as the last major installment for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and it made a significant impact with innovative features. One of these groundbreaking aspects is the early gameplay segment where the primary characters are divided into three groups that players can switch between at will. Additionally, there are instances in the game where characters must be strategically assigned to separate parties to keep powerful enemies from advancing.

Contributing to the development process of various parties played a significant role in shaping Final Fantasy 9’s Active Time Event system, an enhancement on the concept. Moreover, it’s plausible that the tactical battles served as a catalyst for the combat system design in Final Fantasy Tactics.

5. The Esper System (Final Fantasy 6)

Giving Summons A Bigger Role

One intriguing feature that drew players into Final Fantasy 6 was the central role of summons known as Espers. Unlike previous games, these Espers weren’t just plot points; they had a significant impact on the story and gameplay. Each character could bond with an Esper, learning powerful magic in the process. This system bore resemblance to the Job systems found in other editions but was more flexible.

The development of Materia in Final Fantasy 7 was significantly influenced by this, creating a more advanced and tactical method for equipping magic. Similarly, the ability learning system in Final Fantasy 9, which comes from gear, can be traced back to Espers in Final Fantasy 6. These examples merely scratch the surface.

The concept behind Materia in Final Fantasy 7 was heavily inspired by this, resulting in a more sophisticated and strategic way of arming magic. The ability learning system in Final Fantasy 9, which is acquired through equipment, can be linked to Espers in Final Fantasy 6, and these two instances are just the start.

4. Triple Triad (Final Fantasy 8)

A Mini-Game That Took On A Life Of Its Own

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the standout mini-games from the Final Fantasy franchise that left an indelible mark on my gaming experience. Among them, one game in particular captured my heart – the captivating card game known as Triple Triad, which graced the world of Final Fantasy 8. Interestingly enough, this game made a reappearance in subsequent spinoffs, adding another layer of excitement to the series.

Hot on its heels was the introduction of Tetra Master in Final Fantasy 9, another card game that shared similarities with Triple Triad but managed to carve out its unique identity within the franchise. Both games added a thrilling element to their respective adventures and continue to be fondly remembered by fans like me.

In time, it’s clear that “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” incorporated Queen’s Blood, suggesting that card games have become an integral part of the series. Even though “Final Fantasy 8” may be a controversial title within the community, Triple Triad continues to be a cherished mini-game in the series.

3. Swap Your Party (Final Fantasy 10)

Turn-Based Tactics

In the game known as Final Fantasy X, there’s an impressive array of combat mechanisms, yet the standout feature is undeniably the character-swapping system. Unlike many other games where you’re confined to a fixed team until reaching the next save point, this game allows players the flexibility to interchange party members on-the-fly during battles.

In a refreshing design choice, this game creatively excused players from being penalized for unpreparedness in unexpected battles, such as encountering magic-resistant enemies without the necessary magical characters, by not counting it against them. Moreover, the inclusion of a transparent turn order system, a feature that seems to be less popular among other games apart from the Final Fantasy series, was a valuable addition.

2. Leveling Up Multiplayer (Final Fantasy 11)

Taking The RPG Online

The first MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game in the Final Fantasy series was Final Fantasy 11, marking a significant leap in multiplayer interaction. In earlier games like Final Fantasy 4, players could delegate party members to a secondary controller on the couch, an experience that wasn’t particularly enjoyable for playing games such as Final Fantasy 4. Instead, Final Fantasy 11 was designed with the aim of fostering social interaction, allowing players to connect with either strangers or friends. This concept has inspired numerous multiplayer games within the Final Fantasy series since then.

In more straightforward terms, “Final Fantasy 14” clearly showcases its evolution from the foundations set by “Final Fantasy 11,” yet it’s important to acknowledge that even games like “Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles” hold their own merit in the realm of multiplayer gaming.

1. Eikon Battles (Final Fantasy 16)

Summons Take On A New Role

As a dedicated Final Fantasy fan, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the latest addition to the mainline series – that’s right, we’re talking about Final Fantasy 16! It’s been almost a decade since we had a new entry, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The combat system in particular was a game-changer. While I can’t predict the future, I sure hope that any sequels or spinoffs will take inspiration from this innovative aspect of Final Fantasy 16’s design. After all, who doesn’t want to see that level of innovation continued and refined in future installments?

In selected battles against bosses, Clive transforms into Ifrit, a powerful entity. For the very first time in non-turn-based combat, players assume control over an Eikon, which is similar to a Summon in Final Fantasy 16. This makes gameplay incredibly exciting, just as it is to observe. It’s suggested that more RPGs should incorporate battles of gigantic proportions like this one.

2025-08-19 10:36