8 Classic Final Fantasy Worlds That Deserve a Comeback

Summary

Midgar from Final Fantasy 7 offers perfect aesthetics and narrative depth for future franchise entries.
Gran Pulse from Final Fantasy 13 is a world of vast potential for new stories beyond Lightning’s.
Gaia from Final Fantasy 9 is a rich medieval fantasy world that deserves exploration for fresh narratives.

Final Fantasy series is recognized for revamping its realms with each primary installment, crafting vivid worlds brimming with deep mythology, captivating characters, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Throughout the years, numerous settings have left lasting impressions due to their narrative complexity and distinctive styles, earning the loyalty of fans and even becoming backdrops for other games in the series, providing players with an unprecedented perspective of the world.

Among the most noteworthy Final Fantasy landscapes that could make a comeback, either through direct sequels, spin-offs, or contemporary adaptations, are those masterfully created by Square Enix. These timeless settings can serve as backdrops for new tales or provide a platform for beloved characters, offering ample opportunities for compelling narratives in future games developed by the studio.

8. Midgar

The City From Final Fantasy 7 Is One Of The Most Iconic In JRPGs

The classic game Final Fantasy 7 stands out in numerous ways, but one aspect that significantly boosts its appeal is the captivating region known as Midgar, arguably the most visually striking area ever designed for a video game. While a game focusing solely on this city has been partially explored, the initial chapter of the remakes delves deeper, expanding Midgar beyond its original portrayal by showcasing additional sector divisions and highlighting the oppressive tactics of Shinra Corporation, particularly in the lower levels.

From this perspective, Midgar serves as an ideal platform for upcoming franchise installments, offering a backdrop ripe for narratives that the Final Fantasy 7 world has yet to explore. Particularly, it provides a lens through which we can delve into the complex relationships between corporations like Shinra and the general public. Rather than relying on established characters, the focus should shift towards creating fresh stories and effectively utilizing Midgar’s unique setting.

7. Gran Pulse

A Wild World With Potential For New Stories

Despite dividing player opinions, the world in Final Fantasy 13 is remarkable for its expansive, enigmatic, and largely unexplored environment, notably the region called Gran Pulse. This area teems with exotic flora and fauna, remnants of ancient civilizations, and a feeling of liberty that starkly contrasts Cocoon’s regimented existence. These elements provide ample narrative possibilities that the series has yet to fully exploit.

Exploring Gran Pulse more deeply suggests there are additional cultures, tales, and disputes untold in the story of Lightning and her companions during the games. Re-visiting this part of the map, disregarding Cocoon’s floating continent, could offer a refreshing perspective for the Final Fantasy 13 universe, as its setting is one of its greatest strengths.

6. Gaia

One Of The Best Medieval Fantasy Settings In The Entire Series

In the realm of Final Fantasy, settings reminiscent of classic medieval fantasy, Gaia is one of the most intricate and multifaceted worlds, a land that leaves a lasting impression on long-term fans due to its meticulously designed geography and layered societies. Each continent within it features distinct climates, ecosystems, and cultures, enhancing player immersion and emphasizing the setting’s vast diversity for those who appreciate depth in their gaming experience.

The rich variety of this world offers numerous opportunities for further exploration in upcoming ventures, whether sequels or supplementary tales that broaden its existing lore. By seamlessly integrating elements of magic, classic monarchies, and steampunk innovation, it forms a captivating tapestry. Given the narrative’s thoughtful examination of themes like fate and the circle of life, returning to Gaia would be a wonderful opportunity to deepen the franchise’s heritage with innovative narratives and viewpoints, all rooted in its intriguing mythos.

5. The World Of Balance/Ruin

It Is One Of The Best Final Fantasy Worlds

One significant way that the settings in “Final Fantasy 6” differ from many others is that they undergo transformations far more extensive than mere cosmetic changes. At the start of the game, players explore the World of Balance/Ruin, where magic is re-emerging and the struggle against the Gestahlian Empire sets the stage. A delicate balance between hope and conflict lays the groundwork for an intricate storyline in this world.

As the game progresses, the scene shifts to a post-apocalyptic world, known as the World of Ruin, which resulted from Kefka’s ascension to power. Revisiting this universe in a sequel or expansion could explore the repercussions and recovery efforts following the destruction, making it an intriguing setting with plenty of room for new narratives or the return of beloved characters. This world is one of the most enticing backdrops in the franchise due to its potential stories.

4. Spira

One Of The Franchise’s Most Distinct Settings

As a gamer, I can’t help but marvel at how Final Fantasy X took the franchise to unprecedented heights, leaping generations with its stunning 3D visuals and breathtaking environments. The world of Spira, a captivating blend of South Pacific and Japanese cultures, is undeniably one of the series’ most unique settings. This is evident in the architecture of the game, which adds to the allure. With diverse biomes and multiple races inhabiting this world, it becomes an incredibly engaging backdrop for future installments of this beloved JRPG.

Following the happenings in Final Fantasy 10 and its successor, it seems that the world of Spira undergoes a time of rebuilding both socially and ideologically. This transition opens up opportunities for subsequent games to delve into fresh conflicts, while also providing a rich backstory. This transitional phase could make Spira one of the franchise’s most promising settings for innovative storylines, particularly for exploring the changing dynamics between society and religion.

3. Valisthea

Square Enix Built One Of The Best Medieval-Fantasy Settings

In various JRPGs, including past Final Fantasy games, Valisthea stands out as one of Square Enix’s most captivating worlds, boasting impressive world-building. The relationships between the competing nations, the struggles over resources, and the intricate diplomacy influencing their dealings are skillfully executed, creating numerous opportunities for further investigation.

Furthermore, the visual style of Valisthea, combining traditional medieval aesthetics with a realm where magic is waning and Mothercrystals rule the landscape, firmly establishes its setting without losing its charm. Revisiting Valisthea in a future Final Fantasy game could explore the dwindling Eikons, the changing power dynamics, and the lives of common folk, thereby adding depth to the existing storyline while introducing new challenges and revelations.

2. The Earth

Plots Beyond Ultimecia Remain To Explore In This Universe

In the realm of Final Fantasy 8, much like other series within the franchise, a specific name for the world isn’t provided, yet following Ultimecia’s downfall, there remain numerous storylines waiting to be uncovered by developers. For example, SeeD was established to counteract sorceresses, and evidence in the game suggests that more sorceresses could be out there, as well as potential consequences from the manipulation of Guardian Forces that haven’t yet been explored.

As a result, this environment presents numerous opportunities for fresh tales, and it could potentially delve into uncharted territories, revealing countries apart from Galbadia and Esthar, unexplored lands, and richly developing the complex geopolitical setting of Final Fantasy 8. Exploring magic’s military applications, examining Para-Magic’s societal effects, and showcasing diverse cultural backgrounds would offer excellent ways to portray Earth in the post-Ultimecia period.

1. Ivalice

One Of The Most Classic Final Fantasy Universes

In the realm of gaming, there’s no denying that Square Enix’s Ivalice stands out among their crafted worlds. Compared to other iconic locations scattered throughout the Final Fantasy series, like the unforgettable Midgar from Final Fantasy 7, Ivalice is unique for its continuity across various installments of the franchise. It’s not just a standalone marvel; it’s an expansive universe that keeps pulling me back in.

In games like Final Fantasy 12, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, the world of Ivalice has been reimagined in different ways and continues to be one of the most captivating universes within the franchise. With stories that span from political drama to enchanting fairy tales, this diverse landscape offers immense storytelling opportunities for future installments. Consequently, it would be fitting for Ivalice to feature prominently in upcoming series entries due to its rich narrative possibilities.

2025-06-05 03:39