Final Fantasy Games That Are Worth Playing Just For Their Combat

Key Takeaways

Final Fantasy
games have evolved combat systems from traditional turn-based combat to real-time hack and slash gameplay.
Final Fantasy 4
introduced the Active Time Battle system, influencing RPG history.
Final Fantasy 10
uses a conditional turn-based system, introducing a new layer of strategy.

As a long-time enthusiast of the fantastical world of Final Fantasy, allow me to share my humble opinions on these magnificent games that have graced our gaming screens over the years. Having spent countless hours traversing the realms of Gaia and beyond, I can confidently say that each title offers a unique blend of strategy, action, and captivating storytelling.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that the Final Fantasy series has become almost synonymous with the world of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG). Ever since its debut in 1987, these games have been trailblazers, leaving an indelible mark on the global RPG landscape. The recent triumph of the remake subseries for Final Fantasy 7 and the massive community playing the ongoing MMO, Final Fantasy 14, prove that this series is far from running out of steam. In fact, it seems to be gathering momentum!

One fascinating aspect of this long-standing series is its ability to transform and develop through the years.

10 Final Fantasy

Where It All Began

Back in the day, I dove headfirst into the original Final Fantasy, and let me tell you, it’s shown its age a bit compared to the more recent games. Despite multiple re-releases and remasters, there’s still a certain roughness to it that modern AAA titles seem to polish away effortlessly.

Much like many classic JRPGs from the past, the initial release of Final Fantasy was a turn-based game, yet it brought forth numerous significant advancements in gameplay mechanics that have persisted over the years. One such innovation was displaying your party on one side of the screen instead of the first-person view commonly used by games of its era. This early installment paved the way for Final Fantasy to reshape the genre, making it a must-play title for anyone interested in understanding its impact and influence on RPGs over the decades.

9 Final Fantasy 13

Real-Time Synergy

In Final Fantasy 13, the combat system deviated from the traditional active time battle system the series was recognized for, introducing a command synergy system with an unusual twist. Instead of allowing players to control all party members simultaneously, this system grants control over only one character during battles, while the remaining characters are managed by AI. These characters can be influenced through “Paradigms”, which are commands determining their actions in combat.

This one-of-a-kind, dynamic combat system is combined with a ‘stagger bar’ to offer smooth and interactive battles that take inspiration from faster-paced action games. The direct successor, Final Fantasy 13-2, built upon this distinctive battle system, providing fans of the unique mechanic with additional chances to delve deeper into it.

8 Final Fantasy Tactics

A Distinctive Tactics Twist

Although Final Fantasy Tactics isn’t one of the main series games, it still holds significant weight and is definitely worth experiencing. As its title indicates, this game offers a tactical spin on the legendary saga and captivating narratives that the franchise is renowned for. Strategy RPG enthusiasts will appreciate a fresh perspective on the subgenre’s battle mechanics in the game’s distinctive combat system.

The game maintains the sequential play style typical of tactical RPGs, yet it departs from the convention where entire armies act together in one go. Instead, each unit acts based on their speed attribute, which adds an element of unpredictability and strategic depth to battles. Defeating a swift enemy early offers the player extra time to strategize without distraction, while gradually weakening a slower but formidable unit could prevent them from acting, potentially thwarting a decisive move.

7 Final Fantasy 15

Environmental Awareness

Final Fantasy 15 further developed the fast-paced combat found in games such as Final Fantasy 13, opting for an action-oriented system that replaces menu navigation with commands assigned to specific buttons. Unlike earlier titles, fights in this game don’t move into a separate arena; instead, they occur wherever enemies are encountered, making the environment a more integral aspect of battles than it has been previously.

In combat, you’ll find that you can solely manage the primary character, Noctis. This restriction on control may seem limiting when it comes to making decisions and strategizing during fights. However, you’re able to initiate collaborative attacks with your AI-controlled companions, thereby introducing an extra dimension of tactical awareness in battles.

6 Final Fantasy 4

Staying Active

Final Fantasy 4 was the game that first introduced the Active Time Battle system, which became a key feature in many of the Final Fantasy series games. This distinctive and recognized combat method requires players to give commands to their party members in real-time. Each character gets to act according to their own schedule, and if players are quick-witted, they can prevent an enemy from acting by casting a spell or delivering a powerful strike at the right moment.

This unique battle system created for Square Enix became so influential that it was incorporated into not just other “Final Fantasy” titles but also role-playing games like “Chrono Trigger”. Game enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in RPG history, should consider playing “Final Fantasy 4” to witness the origins of this essential game design element.

5 Final Fantasy 14

The Power Of Teamwork

As a gamer, I can attest that Final Fantasy 14, once criticized for its rocky start, has now risen to become one of the top MMORPGs out there. The game boasts an impressive selection of character classes, which means the player community is incredibly diverse. This diversity shows when we team up to conquer dungeons and defeat bosses together.

In the game “Final Fantasy 14”, battles occur in real-time and are synchronous with multiple players, creating intense and unpredictable clashes. This collaborative gameplay sets “Final Fantasy 14” apart from other games in the series, offering an exhilarating pace that’s hard to match.

4 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Refining A Classic

The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a distinctive franchise, as it constructs a largely fresh narrative using the framework of the legendary Final Fantasy 7. This novel adventure features a one-of-a-kind battle system, blending real-time action gaming with the strategic decision-making familiar to role-playing game enthusiasts.

Mastering the mix of strategic moves and real-time actions might prove challenging for novice players, as it deviates significantly from the initial game. Yet, the intricate gameplay mechanism holds immense promise. Once grasped by enthusiasts, they could execute some awe-inspiring feats in combat.

3 Final Fantasy 10

Revisiting The Turn-Based Battle

In contrast to its 2001 launch, the fight mechanism in Final Fantasy X leans heavily towards the conventional turn-based combat systems seen in earlier Final Fantasy games compared to its preceding titles. This game employs a “conditional turn-based battle system,” which adds an engaging strategic dimension to the traditional turn-based approach.

In Final Fantasy X, a character’s starting position in the battle sequence primarily depends on their Speed attribute, but actions taken during combat can affect when they can act next. Additionally, players have the option to summon potent spiritual entities, known as Aeons, to temporarily replace the party during tougher battles. This new title brought an additional strategic element to the game’s combat system, making it more appealing for both seasoned and novice players.

2 Final Fantasy 16

Hitting The Big Time

Final Fantasy 16 is generally considered as the most action-oriented game in the Final Fantasy series so far. Instead of managing a complete party as was customary in previous installments, players exclusively control the protagonist, Clive, who engages in intense real-time battles alongside an ever-changing group of AI allies. The unique bond between Clive and the Eikons, potent magical beings capable of catastrophic damage, powers his dynamic battle moves.

Although this version of the game may involve less strategic depth compared to others in the series, it remains an engaging experience due to its grandiose displays. Besides Clive’s intense battles, the game is also renowned for its Eikon battles – epic confrontations between some of the most powerful beings from the annals of Final Fantasy, which players can control in real time.

1 Final Fantasy 7

A Contest Of Champions

The influence of Final Fantasy 7 can hardly be exaggerated. This groundbreaking game ushered in a new dimension for the franchise, offering a captivating narrative and gameplay that remains unparalleled to this day. Despite a remake breathing fresh life into its characters for contemporary gamers, the original version continues to hold a special place, and it’s more than worth experiencing – not just for its combat, but for numerous other reasons as well.

The game adopts the well-known active time battle system from Final Fantasy, where each character has a meter that gradually fills, allowing them to take action during combat when full. This game is also renowned for its Limit Break feature. As characters get hit by enemies, their Limit meters fill up. When the meter is completely filled, the character can unleash a powerful Limit Break attack to shift the battle’s outcome. This combat system challenges players to weigh reward against risk as they decide when to deploy a potent move during critical moments. And it’s just one of many factors that make Final Fantasy 7 such a legendary game.

2024-09-27 01:35