Final Fantasy Games That Are Difficult To Replay Nowadays

Key Takeaways

Final Fantasy games with flawed gameplay mechanics can make repeat playthroughs quite frustrating.
The dated design of older titles like FF2 and FF3 hinders their replayability due to poor systems.
Linear gameplay, lack of challenge, and shallow combat can make FF games tough to replay.

As a longtime fan of the Final Fantasy series, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia when diving into these iconic games. However, revisiting some titles has left me feeling more like a disappointed traveler returning to a once-beloved destination that’s lost its charm.

The iconic video game series, Final Fantasy, is widely recognized as one of the best in gaming history. Launched at a crucial moment when Square was on the brink of collapse, the debut Final Fantasy game served as a turning point for the company, opening doors to an unending lineup that consistently innovated and provided captivating narratives, lovable characters, and exceptional gameplay mechanics that significantly advanced the JRPG genre.

The series occasionally tries out various gameplay mechanics that might turn out to be successful or not, which is why some “Final Fantasy” games may be more challenging to revisit. This difficulty arises from weak narratives, inconsistent pacing, or gameplay patterns that aren’t as captivating as they should be.

5 Final Fantasy 2

The Complicated Leveling System Has Aged Poorly

In the sequel known as Final Fantasy 2, several elements were introduced that have since become synonymous with the series. The narrative-driven approach and the theme of overthrowing a cruel emperor resonate with many followers, yet there are factors that make this second primary installment of Final Fantasy less iconic than its counterparts. A significant factor contributing to this is the introduction of a leveling system that was perplexing and incomplete, leading to its eventual abandonment and never being revisited again.

The idea of leveling up stats based on how players act in battle is certainly a novel concept, but the system’s implementation was far from perfect and could be exploited. Having to beat party members and use magic from a pathetic MP pool makes the early game a pain. This poor impression doesn’t go away for a long time and makes subsequent playthroughs more trouble than they are worth, resulting in Final Fantasy 2 being more of a frustrating affair than a rewarding one.

4 Final Fantasy 3

The Dated Design Of This Title Makes It A Chore To Go Through At Times

From my gaming perspective, right off the bat, I could see the flaws in Final Fantasy 2 that Square eventually chose to address by beefing up the gameplay aspects. The groundbreaking introduction of summons and job-changing system in Final Fantasy 3 truly elevated the gameplay experience to a whole new level. Yet, some intricate design elements in Final Fantasy 3 make it challenging for veterans who’ve already completed the game to revisit it.

occasionally during gameplay, players may choose or be compelled to acquire certain statuses or change their roles if they aim to defeat bosses. This contradicts the essence of the recent gameplay enhancements, which emphasize player autonomy. These restrictive instances can be frustrating and not an enjoyable experience that players would willingly repeat multiple times.

3 Final Fantasy 11

Any MMORPG Is Tough To Replay, Especially One With A Small Community

It was a bold move for Final Fantasy to turn one of its mainline entries into an MMORPG, but Final Fantasy 11 brought its fair share of interesting ideas to the table that helped it stand out as one of the more notable games in the series. While this genre is known to gamers who love forming new characters to explore new jobs and replay various sections of the game, there’s a major hurdle that prevents Final Fantasy 11 players from doing the same.

The antiquated title and the high fees associated with characters are merely the beginning of its issues. A shrinking player base and combat that requires time to acclimate to also make re-playing Final Fantasy 11 a hard sell. If players had the opportunity to play this game during its peak popularity, they should cherish those memories rather than diminishing them with another playthrough in today’s era.

2 Final Fantasy 13

Most Of The Game Is Linear, Rigid, And Tough To Replay

Many followers have experienced the intense criticism leveled at Final Fantasy 13 upon its release. While the series is renowned for providing open-ended settings and the flexibility to create any party, the thirteenth installment abandoned this approach in favor of structured chapters where the team composition remains fixed until deep into the gameplay. To make matters worse, the narrative is filled with confusing jargon that players may not understand and characters who are far from endearing. Consequently, it’s easy to understand why revisiting Final Fantasy 13 feels like a laborious task.

One reason for replaying this game, which is quite linear, is that players will already be familiar with the story, so they won’t need to constantly consult their phones to understand what characters are saying. However, it doesn’t solve the issues players face while having to level up using a rudimentary system called Crystarium and navigating endless corridors without any sign of an end.

1 Final Fantasy 16

The Lack Of Depth In The Combat System Hurts The Game’s Replayability

In a daring move for the series, Final Fantasy 16 departs significantly from its predecessors. Unlike earlier mainline games that offered intermittent pauses during combat for players to catch their breath and heal, or even switch control of party members, Final Fantasy 16 solely focuses on controlling the protagonist, Clive, in a battle system resembling Devil May Cry. This change was intended to boost the game’s replayability, but certain decisions detract from the overall playing experience.

In simpler terms, without any obstacles or complex challenges, players won’t feel compelled to create intricate combos. Moreover, the monotonous enemy types go against the usual diversity found in a Final Fantasy game. Although Clive can swap Eikons and manipulate his magic arsenal, enemies don’t possess elemental vulnerabilities or resistances, making it unnecessary for players to strategically employ various Eikon abilities across different groups. The game’s difficulty only intensifies during hunts, but these instances are brief and may not warrant a repeat playthrough.

2024-09-06 11:35