Most Polarizing Final Fantasy Games

Highlights

Final Fantasy games evolve with technology and audience tastes, capturing new fans while sometimes alienating old ones.
Final Fantasy 16 switched to real-time action combat, a medieval fantasy setting, and put a focus on one protagonist, a radical departure from tradition.
Final Fantasy games like 10-2, 12, and 8 stir controversy among fans due to changes in gameplay, tone, story, and character development.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the fantastical worlds of the Final Fantasy series, I must confess that my feelings towards certain entries have been as tumultuous as the most epic of battles. However, there is one game that stands out as the epitome of love-hate relationships: Final Fantasy 8.

The game series “Final Fantasy” has consistently adapted and evolved at an exceptional pace, reflecting the fast-paced changes in video gaming technology and preferences. Even as early as “Final Fantasy 2,” this series demonstrated its flexibility by embracing these shifts and promising continuous growth. Each new installment aimed to progress technologically and cater to the tastes of the audience, thus attracting new players while sometimes causing disagreement or even estrangement among existing fans.

There’s a vast array of Final Fantasy series games and spin-offs available, catering to various preferences. However, these games often spark heated debates among fans regarding their rankings, as they either excel in story, gameplay, or tone, placing them at the top, or conversely, falling flat at the bottom, with few landing in the middle due to their polarizing aspects. Each gamer’s preferences differ, and while a particular game may not resonate with everyone, it is crucial to appreciate the diversity in taste.

6 Final Fantasy 4

The Controversial Battle System Tweak

Main point of contention: The introduction of the ATB system

For longtime fans of Final Fantasy, or those who recall the series prior to its shift towards more action-focused combat, the switch from the conventional turn-based system to the “active time battle” (ATB) system in Final Fantasy 4 might be a subject of contention. In fact, it continues to generate discussion among retro RPG enthusiasts. Instead of taking turns sequentially between characters and enemies, players in ATB mode must wait for their turn on an action gauge. This change not only tested the players’ tactical abilities but also their speed in navigating menus and selecting spells or actions promptly.

Interactions with the ATB system often feel frantic, causing discomfort for gamers who valued RPGs for their strategic and planning aspects rather than their speed and timing. Although the introduction of a “wait mode” enables players to pause the game during decision-making, it does not address the system’s frequent unpredictability and randomness. On the other hand, those who found traditional RPGs slow and monotonous enjoyed the fast-paced excitement that Final Fantasy 4 introduced. Despite the mixed reactions, the ATB system persisted for over a decade, with its debut in Final Fantasy 4.

5 Final Fantasy 16

Leaving The Bright Lights And The Party Comraderie Behind

Main point of contention: The lack of party and grimdark tone

In contrast to previous installments like Final Fantasy 13, 14, and 15 that explored high-tech, mixed setting, and modern urban fantasy respectively, Final Fantasy 16 opted for a traditional medieval backdrop as it harkened back to the series’ origins. However, this title also marked a departure from one of the series’ signature features – its menu-based, turn-based combat. Instead, it embraced more dynamic, real-time action reminiscent of God of War and The Witcher 3, which attracted numerous newcomers but left some traditional fans yearning for the old format.

In addition to the array of intriguing characters in Final Fantasy 16, the narrative primarily revolves around the solo journey of Clive, making his adventures predominantly a solo act. This contrasts with the usual practice of getting to know a diverse group of adventurers who forge friendships through shared trials and tribulations. Furthermore, the somber tone reminiscent of Game of Thrones adds to the overall sense of isolation, reflecting a departure from the cheerful, optimistic, and playful tones characteristic of previous games.

4 Final Fantasy 10-2

The Series’ First Follow-Up Lets Loose

Main point of contention: the sugary tonal shift and continuation of an already-satisfying story

The initial sequel to a numbered “Final Fantasy” game was certain to provoke debate among followers, setting a trend for games initially marketed as standalone products to grow through sequels or transmedia (or, in some instances, allegedly released in an unfinished state). However, the fanbase of “FF” is split over “Final Fantasy X-2,” which undid Tidus and Yuna’s poignant final farewell and replaced it with a fairy-tale ending. Additionally, the storyline shifted towards a brighter, more whimsical direction, deviating from the original’s somber, epic narrative style.

While many enthusiasts were thoroughly enchanted by Final Fantasy X, particularly enjoying the continuation of Yuna and her companions’ journey, they either embraced or tolerated the transition towards J-pop themes and less serious subplots. The open-ended structure sparked excitement among those yearning for a departure from the linearity that was itself a debatable alteration in FFX, offering fresh perspectives on Spira. However, some fans felt the tonal shift of the gameworld, even amidst the jubilation following Sin’s defeat, was disconcerting. The dressphere system, which allows characters to switch classes, received widespread acclaim, but the reintroduction of the active battle system in FFX-2 caused a slight divide within the fanbase.

3 Final Fantasy 12

A Fascinating But Divisive Experiment In Open-World Combat

Main point of contention: The passive gambit system

As a dedicated fan, I must say, the creators of Final Fantasy 12 boldly addressed the series’ most common complaint: those pesky random battles. They were determined to preserve the classic menu and party-based gameplay. Yet, enabling uninterrupted exploration during combat inevitably led to frequent pausing and detailed management. To find a balance, they automated each party member’s actions, including their attacks, making them fully customizable through the innovative “gambit” system. With this feature, players could design a strategic plan for every possible situation.

In time, the player takes on a role that’s more like a sidelines coach than an active player who occasionally issues commands but mostly watches. Given the extensive levels and limited rest periods between treks through monster-infested territories, the tactical gambit system makes Final Fantasy 12 either adored or disliked, despite its captivating cast, top-notch visuals, and richly developed universe.

2 Final Fantasy 11

A Player-Driven, Not Game-Driven, Online Adventure

Main point of contention: the online multiplayer element

The intensity surrounding Square’s decision to label their Final Fantasy massively multiplayer online game with a mainline number would likely have been less intense if they hadn’t done so. This observation can be extended to Final Fantasy 14, but unlike its successor, Final Fantasy 11 requires players to collaborate with others rather than playing solo, which is a joy for social gamers but may be off-putting for those who prefer playing independently or within the constraints of other players’ time, tolerance, and opinions. Alternatively, it could be said that Final Fantasy 14 allows for more self-directed play, while Final Fantasy 11 enforces a team-based approach.

Furthermore, having internet at home is commonplace now, but connecting to the web when it first launched in 2002 was more challenging. To prevent players from exhausting too much of the game too swiftly (allowing them to remain as social content for other players), Final Fantasy 11 made gameplay tougher by introducing formidable enemies and demanding grinding tasks. Death results in loss of experience points and levels, and moving from one location to another is infamously tedious and arduous. Yet, supporters of the game argue that the ability to collaborate with and build friendships with real people in a vividly crafted fantasy world provided them with an authentic sense of embarking on an adventure, rather than merely experiencing it vicariously through a team of fictional characters, as was often the case with other Final Fantasy games.

1 Final Fantasy 8

At The Juncture Of Love And Hate

Main point of contention: The protagonist and the junction system

I’ve always found myself squarely in the camp of fans who adore Final Fantasy 8. This game, unlike any other in the series, delves deeply into the emotional turmoil of its protagonist, Squall. For me, his struggle with responsibility, self-doubt, and loneliness feels incredibly relatable, adding a layer of depth that I find truly captivating.

Many critics of Final Fantasy VIII find his constant complaining annoying, the character actions illogical, and the romance contrived and frustrating. Along with problems in plot and character development, some people dislike the unusual system for joining abilities (junctioning). While others appreciate its flexibility and usefulness, others find it needlessly complicated or tedious. The game’s director, Yoshinori Kitase, has admitted that the junctioning system could be improved in a potential remake. However, fans of Final Fantasy VIII still value the innovation of their junction system and would prefer to keep it as is.

2024-08-09 09:04