Most Ambitious Final Fantasy Games, Ranked

As a long-time enthusiast of the Final Fantasy series, I find myself both awestruck and bewildered by the rollercoaster journey that Square Enix has taken us on with these iconic games. From the seemingly flawless debut of Final Fantasy 11 to the disastrous launch of Final Fantasy 14, it’s clear that Square Enix isn’t afraid to learn from their mistakes and strive for greatness.

It’s quite fitting to characterize Square Enix as an enterprise that consistently pushes boundaries. Following their union in 2003, they essentially established themselves as a leading force in the role-playing game (RPG) industry within Japan, much like a monopoly. Prior to the merger, Square was already known for experimenting with innovative ideas across their mainline games, ranging from unique narrative twists to novel gameplay dynamics. The success of these innovations is often subjective.

As the spin-off series of Final Fantasy began emerging, the excitement among fans only intensified, as it became apparent that Square Enix was not afraid to experiment with their creations. Over the years, these games have consistently stood out, ranging from those initially released in the 90s to more recent examples. Needless to say, the journey has been nothing short of intriguing for fans.

6 Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

America Gets An Exclusive Entry

RPGs (Role-Playing Games) didn’t enjoy the same popularity on consoles back in the 80s and 90s as they do now. In a competitive market, Square aimed to create an RPG tailored for Western audiences. This is where Final Fantasy Mystic Quest fits in, a game that was later known as Final Fantasy USA in Japan. Instead of an expansive open-world map, players progressed from one level to the next, similar to the structure found in Super Mario World.

Throughout his journey, the protagonist, Benjamin, may be accompanied by multiple party members at different stages of the adventure. However, the team size never exceeds two characters. Instead of allowing players to exchange their gear as in a typical Final Fantasy game, the equipment is automatically updated. The dungeons have a Zelda-like structure with puzzles, but they are not particularly difficult. Overall, the game was relatively easy, and this simplicity was a risk that did not pay off in terms of sales, causing Square to reconsider their strategy for targeting Western audiences once more.

5 Final Fantasy 10-2

The Series’ First Direct Sequel

Final Fantasy 10-2 was the first mainline sequel in the series and after this, the floodgates broke loose. It was a big gamble for Square Enix but Final Fantasy 10 was a huge game on the PS2. Also, the ending did leave some fans sad and confused about Tidus which may be why they chose this one first to seemingly address the mysteries.

As a gamer, I can see why they chose to make Yuna search for me throughout the game. It added an interesting layer to the storyline. Luckily, the sequel was a hit, even if it veered into a more humorous role-playing game genre with its combat costumes. Although we never got a third installment, there were rumors about one, but the success of the sequel really motivated Square Enix to produce direct sequels for their main series instead.

4 Dissidia Final Fantasy

A Fighting Game Like No Other

By 2008, I found myself with an impressive collection of 12 mainline “Final Fantasy” games under Square Enix’s belt, not to mention their spinoffs. This rich tapestry of characters, from noble heroes to sinister villains, was more than enough to fuel my excitement for a fighting game spinoff on the PSP – none other than “Dissidia Final Fantasy”.

Instead of simply resembling “Street Fighter,” the game wasn’t just about fighting; it was more like watching an epic one-on-one battle that fans fondly remembered from their childhood. Characters, whether heroes or villains, could customize their gear and level up. Moreover, the game also had a comprehensive storyline. Despite the PSP not being a massive hit in North America, Square Enix was satisfied enough with “Dissidia Final Fantasy” to produce two more sequels.

3 Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn

Trying The MMO Game Again

The first MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game in the Final Fantasy series, known as Final Fantasy 11, launched smoothly and was appreciated by players despite its high costs, including the game itself, subscription fees, and necessary accessories for the PlayStation 2. Square Enix, recognizing the potential for a sequel, aimed to make it even more impressive than before. Unfortunately, when Final Fantasy 14 was released in 2010, it turned out to be a massive failure.

As a passionate fan, I must admit that the initial release of the game was ruthlessly criticized by fans and critics alike, from its repetitive gameplay to its numerous glitches. It simply wasn’t ready for prime time, and Square Enix decided to withdraw it from the market to address these issues. The game continued to exist until 2012, but was then taken down. However, in 2013, they reopened the servers under a new name: “Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn.” Fans found much more enjoyment in this revamped version. In recognition of their hard work, Square Enix entrusted Square Enix Creative Business Unit 3 with the responsibility to create a non-MMO installment, leading to the highly anticipated “Final Fantasy 16.” Despite the rocky start, Square Enix has proven their commitment to making things right.

2 Final Fantasy 15

A Cavalcade Of Media At Launch

Initially conceived as a spin-off titled Final Fantasy Versus 13, Final Fantasy 15 was later transformed into a main series game after multiple setbacks. The game didn’t hit the shelves until a decade had passed since its initial announcement. It appeared that the higher-ups also wanted to make the release of Final Fantasy 15 a major event. Rather than simply launching the game, they chose to create a series of related content ahead of time.

For the release of Final Fantasy 15, there were titles such as “A King’s Tale: Final Fantasy 15,” “Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy 15,” and “Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition.” Following this, a CG movie, anime, and a large number of DLC were planned. However, the response was varied, leading Square Enix to reconsider and ultimately cancel at least half of the DLC. Despite its rocky development process, it’s unfortunate that Final Fantasy 15, rich with offerings for fans, including the hero, Noctis, and his weapon skills, was not as well-received overall.

1 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Remaking One Game Three Times

So far, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake appears to be the most daring project that Square Enix has ever undertaken. The original PlayStation game is widely acclaimed as the finest entry in the series by many devotees, and it has inspired a vast universe of related content from spin-offs to an animated movie. However, despite hinting at a remake for years, Square Enix never followed through – until now. In 2020, the long-awaited Final Fantasy 7 Remake was finally released, with Square Enix confirming plans to produce at least three games in total.

Expanding a single game into three versions was likely no simple task, given the financial implications. If executed poorly and met with disapproval from fans, they risked losing more money in addition to completing the project as originally planned. While some players bemoan the alterations seen in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, others find them commendable. With just one game left to release, it’ll be intriguing to observe how long it takes for its launch and whether Square Enix can successfully wrap up this ambitious project.

2024-09-17 19:34