Which Final Fantasy Game Should You Play First?

As a seasoned gamer who has delved deep into the expansive universe of Final Fantasy, I must say that the franchise’s intricate tapestry can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. However, unlike other long-running series, the beauty of Final Fantasy lies in its standalone nature, allowing players to explore the rich lore at their own pace.

For newcomers, the expansive collection of sixteen primary titles and numerous spin-offs within the Final Fantasy series might initially appear overwhelming. But unlike many other established video game franchises with numbered sequels, the majority of these Final Fantasy games are self-contained stories, allowing players to explore them in any sequence they prefer.

Despite this, trying to figure out which Final Fantasy game to play first can still be a little tricky, as the best Final Fantasy games may not necessarily be the best Final Fantasy games for beginners. Some are a lot easier to dive into than others, with battle systems and stories that are far more accessible than some of the franchise’s other offerings.

5 Final Fantasy 13

An Underrated Relic that was Released at the Wrong Time

In 2009, I found myself deeply engrossed in the world of Final Fantasy 13 amidst a wave of popularity for open-world games. Despite its linear structure, it wasn’t the major flaw some critics suggested at the time. If released slightly earlier or later, perhaps the game would have been more warmly welcomed, but even then, the lack of exploration was not the game’s fatal flaw as some might lead you to believe.

Among the most remarkable Final Fantasy main characters ever created, Lightning’s story is definitely worth experiencing at least once. The game’s straightforward structure keeps distractions minimal, making it easier for players to connect with the protagonists who are similarly bound by a predetermined course. Additionally, two direct sequels are readily available, offering clear guidance on where to proceed next in the series.

4 Final Fantasy 16

The Least Final Fantasy-Like Final Fantasy Game to Date

Similar to Final Fantasy 13, Final Fantasy 16 received considerable criticism upon launch. The main concerns weren’t about the game’s pace or player agency, but rather the departure from the traditional formula that the series is known for. In essence, it leaned heavily towards the “action” aspect of its action RPG genre, a significant shift away from the franchise’s role-playing game (JRPG) origins.

Indeed, these alterations undeniably make the game more inviting for less experienced gamers. Simplified combat tools added at opportune moments also contribute to this ease. Consequently, it becomes one of the finest Final Fantasy titles for novices, offering a chance to immerse in the series’ celebrated mythology and narrative without overly stressing about aspects like equipment or team management.

3 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A Revitalizing Reimagining of an Awesome but Ageing Classic

Numerous people believe that “Final Fantasy 7” ranks among the greatest video games ever made. However, its graphics don’t hold up as well as some other Final Fantasy titles when you look at them side by side. Luckily, the 2020 remake of “Final Fantasy 7” enhances the visuals to meet current standards, and it also blends real-time and turn-based combat in the battle system for an improved gaming experience.

It’s important to mention that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake covers approximately one-third of the story from the original game. Consequently, certain parts may seem overly detailed. Yet, this additional content has been beneficial in developing the game’s secondary characters more deeply. This enhancement substantially deepens Cloud’s bond with Avalanche compared to the initial release. While some might still favor the original, the remake stands out as more accessible.

2 Final Fantasy 6

The Best 2D Final Fantasy Game for Beginners

In contrast to the initial launch of Final Fantasy 7, which debuted during the dawn of the 3D gaming era and featured blocky graphics and stiff animations, Final Fantasy 6 was unveiled when 2D video games were at their zenith. The pixel art by Kazuko Shibuya is still visually captivating today as it was decades ago, and the game’s narrative remains among the series’ finest, even after all these years have passed.

Despite boasting a substantial number of playable characters in the game, its combat system stands out for being surprisingly intuitive to grasp. Learning new spells and abilities is straightforward as well, even though purists might prefer the job system from earlier installments, it’s undeniable that the battle system in Final Fantasy 6 is significantly more accessible for beginners compared to the combat systems found in some of the other 2D Final Fantasy games.

1 Final Fantasy 10

The Best Final Fantasy Game for Beginners

Final Fantasy X, which was initially launched for the PlayStation 2, was the first in the series to truly capitalize on its advanced processing capabilities. The game’s 3D graphics were a visual marvel during its time and continue to impress even now, due in part to the 2013 remaster. However, it was the compelling narrative that truly distinguished Final Fantasy X, as Tidus and Yuna’s tale managed to evoke emotions from players of all ages.

As a gamer, I find the combat in Final Fantasy X incredibly intuitive yet challenging to fully master. The sphere grid system offers an overwhelming freedom when it comes to customizing my party, making each playthrough unique. Not to mention, Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack is nothing short of brilliant, perfectly complementing the game’s epic storyline.

2024-10-05 16:43