The Saddest Final Fantasy Endings

Summary

Final Fantasy games are known for bold and melancholic endings, creating memorable and emotional experiences.
Final Fantasy 10, 15, and 16 all have bittersweet endings that tug at players’ heartstrings.
Emotional gut punches, heartbreaking sacrifices, and ambiguous conclusions characterize the endings of these iconic Final Fantasy games.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the fantastical worlds of Final Fantasy, I must say that each game has its unique emotional resonance that leaves a lasting impact. However, when it comes to moments that tug at the heartstrings and leave one in a puddle of tears, nothing quite compares to the gut-wrenching scenes found within these games.

Regardless of its vibrant and fanciful landscapes and characters, the Final Fantasy series has consistently been renowned for its impactful scenes and compelling narratives. Consequently, the games are filled with emotional high points, but some of the most memorable ones can be found in several of the game’s conclusions.

Final Fantasy isn’t shy about taking risks with its conclusions, frequently opting for a somber or even dismal denouement rather than the typical joyful resolution. This daring approach is aimed at crafting an unforgettable gaming experience.

This article reveals the conclusions for numerous Final Fantasy series, namely Rebirth, Crisis Core, XVI, XV, and X.

5. Final Fantasy 10

No Winning Without Loss

In the story of Final Fantasy 10, the party manages to defeat Sin permanently, ending the recurring cycle, and saves Yuna from the tragic fate of self-sacrifice. However, their victory comes at a cost. It is eventually revealed that Tidus is a summon, much like the Aeons, a detail subtly hinted at by his ability to change his name like the Aeons do. As a result, he must return to where he originated from, just as the Aeons did after their use.

In a poignant sequence, players witness Yuna desperately attempting to hold onto Tidus, who has transformed into an insubstantial being. As they exchange their final words of love, Tidus embraces her and ascends into the heavens, vanishing. Yet, amidst this sorrowful farewell, Yuna addresses Spira’s citizens, vowing to rebuild their world now that Sin has been defeated. The ending is a blend of sweetness and sadness, leaving room for hope that future events, such as the post-credits scene or Final Fantasy 10-2, might alter things further.

4. Final Fantasy 15

Brothers Till The End

While the story is a little rough around the edges, there’s no denying that the end of Final Fantasy 15 hits like a truck. Towards the end of the long journey, Noctis has to sleep inside a crystal for 10 years to absorb the power required to defeat Ardyn and stop the Daemons. However, this is at the cost of his own life. While a self-sacrifice plot is not particularly groundbreaking, FF 15’s focus on brotherhood and the relationship Noctis shares with Ignis, Prompto, and Gladio, makes this sacrifice heartbreaking.

Square Enix added an emotional touch to the gameplay by allowing players to select their preferred photo taken by Prompto, which holds great significance for Noctis and Luna Freya in the afterlife. This moment can be either heartwarming or humorous depending on whether the player chooses a serious photo or something comical like a snap of cup noodles.

3. Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core

For Zack, All Is Not Fair In Love And War

In the expansive world of Final Fantasy 7, there are many poignant moments scattered throughout its games and additional content. Given this, it’s not surprising that one of the most heart-wrenching scenes occurs in Crisis Core, a prequel to the main storyline, featuring Zack Fair as the protagonist. After experiencing the events in Nibelheim, both Zack and Cloud are apprehended by Professor Hojo for four years, subjected to cruel experiments before managing to escape. As they flee, Zack carries an unconscious Cloud, who remains catatonic throughout their journey. Upon defeating Genesis, Zack attempts to return to Midgar, hoping to reunite with Aerith, but he is relentlessly pursued by Shinra along the way.

Following a secretive retreat with Cloud, Zack bravely confronts a band of Shinra Soldiers in a final stand reminiscent of an earlier scene from the game’s seventh installment. The player is compelled to reenact this tense encounter through combat, temporarily instilling within them the belief that Zack might survive. However, their optimism is swiftly shattered as flashbacks of his comrades ensue, culminating in an image of them that gradually vanishes.

In a puddle of his own blood, Zack lies dying, and Cloud, moving towards him, receives the Buster Sword from him with a final instruction: “Take my honor, my dreams.” With those words, Zack passes away and encounters his mentor Angeal in the Lifestream. The memories that Cloud inherits lead us to the narrative of Final Fantasy 7. Though many players are familiar with this heart-wrenching tale, experiencing it firsthand can leave a profound emotional impact.

2. Final Fantasy 16

The Flame That Burns Twice As Bright Burns Half As Long

It could be plausibly contended that among all characters in the franchise, Clive from Final Fantasy 16 has endured the most hardships. He’s experienced the tragic loss of his father and friends, been deceived by his own mother, subjected to enslavement by another kingdom, and to make matters worse, Ultima is trying to use Clive as a vessel so that the latter can take control of the former.

Following a prolonged adventure, Clive joins Dion and his supposedly deceased brother Joshua to eliminate Ultima permanently. Tragically, Dion and Joshua perish. Before battling Ultima, Clive desperately tries to resurrect his brother, but it seems unsuccessful, costing him his life for the second time. This heartrending event sets the stage for a climactic confrontation where Clive vanquishes Ultima, only to start succumbing to petrification – a malady that afflicts Bearers when they overuse magic. The scene ends with Clive appearing near death, while Torgal (his wolf) and Jill (his love interest) grieve, stirring even the most stoic individuals to shed a tear or two as the credits play.

It’s intriguing to note that one character may not meet their end yet. In a glimpse of a brighter future depicted in a novel titled “Final Fantasy,” penned by Joshua, players who successfully complete additional missions at the game’s conclusion discover clues suggesting that Clive might have survived and adopted Joshua’s name. Despite these hints, the ending remains open-ended, enabling each player to interpret it according to their own imagination.

1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Things Were Supposed To Be Different This Time

In the original “Final Fantasy 7”, Aerith meets a tragic end, an event deeply etched in players’ minds as one of the most heart-wrenching deaths in the series because it marked the loss of one of the game’s companions. There was optimism that she might survive in “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth”, given the story alterations in the remake trilogy. A moment even arises where it appears Cloud deflects Sephiroth’s fatal strike, but alas, this was not the case as Aerith is ultimately stabbed. Square Enix strategically uses this sorrowful incident to fuel the player’s determination to complete the final part. They add an extra layer of sorrow by having Cloud continue to see Aerith’s spirit and grapple with her death.

Beyond that, enhanced visuals and the actors’ convincing portrayals offer a more profound glimpse into the party’s emotional turmoil, allowing players to experience the poignancy of losing a cherished companion. In the game’s climactic scene, Aerith’s spirit is seen bidding farewell as the party departs in the Tiny Bronco. Although Square Enix has yet to reveal their plans for the trilogy’s conclusion or whether Aerith will reappear, one fact remains undeniable: The anticipation of what lies ahead is palpable.

2024-12-25 07:05