Final Fantasy Games That Lived Up To The Hype

Summary

Final Fantasy has faced hype, long waits, and varied receptions over the years, but remains a major JRPG series.
Dedicated websites, trailers, and fan discussions have increased hype for new releases compared to the past.
Games like Final Fantasy 3, 4, and 14 have propelled the franchise forward, reinvigorating fan interest and approval.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Final Fantasy stands as the most prominent JRPG series in the Western world. Despite encountering fiercer competition now than ever before, enthusiasts continue to look forward eagerly to fresh installments within the franchise. In contrast to the early days of Final Fantasy, it’s simpler today to stay energized day by day due to improved information dissemination through specialized websites and trailers. Engaging in discussions about news with fellow fans on online message boards has never been more enjoyable, thereby amplifying the excitement even further.

Experiencing disappointment is common when a project, such as the much-anticipated Final Fantasy 15, doesn’t live up to expectations after a decade of development. It’s important to note that it’s not a poor game in general, but perhaps the wait wasn’t justified considering the hype built around it. However, other installments in the Final Fantasy series certainly deserved the excitement they generated, and they will be evaluated based on how well they delivered on their expectations at the time of release.

Final Fantasy 3 (DS Remake)

Decades In The Making

Enthusiasts of the Final Fantasy series were thrilled when long-delayed games began emerging on the PS1 following initial skips for Western releases. One title that Western fans had to endure a prolonged wait for – a full sixteen years – was Final Fantasy 3, initially an NES game but remade for the DS in 2006. This game marked the beginning of the series’ renowned Job system, making it undoubtedly a significant addition to the franchise.

Initially, there wasn’t much enthusiasm for the story or anything similar to that. Instead, people were focused on bridging the historical divide with the franchise. While Final Fantasy 3 didn’t create a stir throughout the DS RPG library as a whole, die-hard Final Fantasy fans found it satisfying.

Final Fantasy 4 (DS Remake)

A Favorite In Japan

Due to the modest triumph of the remake for Final Fantasy 3, Square Enix went ahead with remaking another cherished Japanese game, appreciated not only by Japanese fans but also some Western fans as well. Following this, it was Final Fantasy 4 that got a DS remake, which not only featured improved quality-of-life aspects like faster load times and smoother menu navigation, but also introduced voice acting for the first time.

All characters such as Cecil, Rosa, Cid, Yang, and others sported impressive appearances in their updated, polygonal designs. The voices were satisfactory considering the sound quality of the DS system, and the iconic music track added to the overall experience. Despite being more anticipated abroad, this release also made its way onto the shelves for many Western fans.

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn

True Believers Counted On Square Enix

Initially, the first MMO installment in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy 11, amassed a substantial fan base. Consequently, when it came to developing a new game, Final Fantasy 14 was designated as a spiritual successor. However, the launch in 2010 ended up being disastrous, leading Square Enix to discontinue the servers in 2012 and hint at a future relaunch. Doubts about a possible comeback arose due to the poor reception of Final Fantasy 13. Was Square Enix’s time with the franchise over?

As an ardent fan, I never wavered in my belief, and my trust was vindicated in 2013 when the reborn version of Final Fantasy 14 was unveiled. It rectified so many issues with the initial release that it truly felt like a fresh, new game. For those of us who have been part of its journey for over a decade now, there’s a secret understanding that this might just be one of the greatest Final Fantasy games ever created.

Final Fantasy 16

Back In A Big Way

The game Final Fantasy 13 garnered an unusual response, Final Fantasy 14 started off poorly at launch, and some felt that the anticipation for Final Fantasy 15 wasn’t justified. To put it simply, the broader gaming community didn’t have a very favorable view of the series for approximately ten years. The announcement of a new console launch, in this case, Final Fantasy 16 for the PS5, revitalized excitement not just for the console but also for the Final Fantasy series in 2020.

Despite having to wait a full three years, the anticipation surrounding the game never waned and reached its peak whenever a fresh trailer was unveiled. The ultimate release offered a grittier narrative of retribution, with influences from Western entertainment like “Game of Thrones.” It successfully re-established the franchise, but the burning question remains: Will “Final Fantasy 17” sustain the momentum for the core series?

Final Fantasy 10

Breaking In The Next Generation

At the same time, Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy 10, and Final Fantasy 11 were introduced. This simultaneous announcement was logical, as each game served a distinct purpose: Final Fantasy 9 served as a goodbye to the PS1, Final Fantasy 11 ventured boldly into the realm of MMOs for the franchise, and Final Fantasy 10 kicked off the new console generation. Could Final Fantasy 10 replicate the impact that Final Fantasy 7 had on the PS1?

In simpler terms, the PS2 surpassed the PS1 in graphic capabilities by great strides, as demonstrated by SquareSoft in the game “Final Fantasy 10”. The open-world map structure was absent, but fans hardly noticed due to the game’s overall grandeur. It was so well-received that it sparked the franchise’s first direct sequel, “Final Fantasy 10-2”.

Final Fantasy 7

The PS1’s Savior

Regardless of age, the PlayStation 1 was undeniably the trendy console in the ’90s, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Sony’s strategic move against Nintendo proved fruitful, with one game making a significant impact: Final Fantasy 7. Back then, trailers were not as prominent as they are today; instead, commercials held the spotlight. The marketing team behind Final Fantasy 7 truly excelled and deserves recognition for their efforts.

Even non-RPG enthusiasts were drawn in by Final Fantasy 7’s innovative offering, featuring stunning cinematics, an advanced combat system, and a mature narrative with explicit language. This game was edgy, which was highly popular in the media of the 90s, and by now, the influence of Final Fantasy 7 is undeniable.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A Promise Fulfilled

In time, Square Enix opted to expand the universe of Final Fantasy 7 into a self-contained franchise, introducing numerous spinoffs and movies. However, what had fans most excited wasn’t a game, but rather a 2005 tech demo for the PS3 that reimagined the opening sequence of Final Fantasy 7. Despite being merely a tech demo, it fueled fan anticipation for a genuine remake, a desire they have been patiently waiting to fulfill for over a decade.

In 2015, the announcement for the re-make of Final Fantasy 7 sparked excitement online with a teaser trailer. However, due to difficulties during development, it wasn’t until 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, that this game was finally released. Interestingly enough, fans found themselves already confined at home due to the pandemic, making this a timely release. Despite being merely the first installment in a trilogy of remakes, it lived up to many players’ expectations and left a strong impression. What truly matters, after all, is fan satisfaction.

2025-08-24 07:35