You Won’t Believe How These Fabula Nova Crystallis Games Changed Final Fantasy Forever!

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Summary

  • The Fabula Nova Crystallis subseries unified the Final Fantasy franchise with a central mythology based on crystals.
  • Spin-off games like Agito and Awakening offered unique gameplay experiences within the Fabula Nova Crystallis world.
  • Lightning Returns and Type-0 highlighted the depth and dark themes of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, influencing mainline entries.

Apart from the distinctive universes found in the sixteen primary “Final Fantasy” series games, Square Enix has also created exceptional offshoot universes for this franchise. These offshoot universes have even affected the core games to a considerable extent, sometimes serving as the primary setting for a numbered game. Similarly to the Ivalice Alliance previously, the “Fabula Nova Crystallis” subseries has had far-reaching effects not just on the spin-off games, but also on the main series titles.

The concept of Fabula Nova Crystallis was developed as a means to establish a shared mythology for the Final Fantasy franchise, connecting it to its roots involving crystals. Its purpose was to simplify future games in the series by creating a consistent universe that could be customized according to each development team’s preferences. This approach led to some of the most intriguing installments in the franchise’s history, such as the 13 trilogy, and even served as the backdrop for a mainline game like Final Fantasy 15. These games within the Fabula Nova Crystallis series have been graded based on their storylines, gameplay mechanics, and overall quality.

7. Final Fantasy Agito

Engaging Mobile Game Built From Early Type-0 Concepts

  • Developer: Square-Enix, Perfect World
  • Platform: iOS, Android
  • Release Date: May 14, 2014

Final Fantasy Agito originated from unused ideas during the development of Type-0, with director Hajime Tabata incorporating these elements to create a mobile game featuring classic turn-based combat reminiscent of earlier titles in the series. What made Agito stand out was that the main series had already moved towards action-based combat by this time, making it one of the more intriguing Final Fantasy games from its period.

Agito’s battles are impressive, boasting smooth animations and an endearing group of appealing characters. Much like the game Final Fantasy Awakening, which would debut four years down the line and revitalize the series, Agito offers in-depth character customization and takes place in the same universe as Type-0, preserving all its tension and martial conflict. Regrettably, Final Fantasy Agito never made it beyond Japan’s borders, despite attempts to expand its reach, and was shut down in 2015.

6. Final Fantasy Awakening

One Of The Franchise’s Best Mobile Experiences

  • Developer: Square-Enix, Perfect World
  • Platform: iOS, Android
  • Release Date: February 2, 2018

Since the 2000s, Square has been bringing its renowned JRPG series to the mobile platform. This trend continued when they released “Final Fantasy Awakening” on iOS and Android in 2018. This game is set in a parallel universe to that of “Final Fantasy Type-0” and falls under the narrative umbrella of the “Fabula Nova Crystallis” series, further showcasing the versatility within this collection. “Final Fantasy Awakening” also served as a reimagining of an unreleased mobile game from the franchise, “Agito”, which was only available in Japan.

In simpler terms, “Final Fantasy Awakening” is a scaled-down action RPG where you can personalize your characters and explore the captivating universe of “Type-0.” While it didn’t quite reach the depth and charm of the combat system and story progression in “Type-0,” it was still a decent mobile game and a valuable addition to the “Fabula Nova Crystallis” series. It was a profitable project for Square, with high sales and player numbers, but unfortunately, they shut down the servers in 2019.

5. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13

The Epic Conclusion Of The Lightning Saga

For about five years, discussions centered on the “Final Fantasy 13” series primarily revolved around the narrative of Lightning, which began in 2009. In the spectacular finale of this trilogy, “Lightning Returns,” she once again takes center stage following a more secondary role in “Final Fantasy 13-2.” This expansion of the FF13 universe made it clear that the significance of Lightning’s story was not just about one individual, but rather encompassed much larger stakes.

Lightning Returns goes all out to establish itself as a concluding chapter, by reinforcing Lightning’s role as a central figure and delving into relationships she has nurtured since the original Final Fantasy 13. It introduces a quicker, more streamlined combat system, which seems like a blend of features from both 13 and 13-2, while resurrecting many classic elements from the series that were absent in the first game. Shops, towns, and other iconic Final Fantasy aspects are brought back into focus, ensuring a satisfying conclusion for the 13 trilogy, as it harmoniously acknowledges both its past and future.

4. Final Fantasy Type-0

The Darkest Final Fantasy Game Ever Made

Originally launched for PSP in 2011, Final Fantasy Type-0 later received an impressive high-definition upgrade in 2015, catering to contemporary gaming platforms and featuring a sneak peek of the eagerly awaited fifteenth mainline installment. The game is set in the world of Orience, where battles for control of potent crystals among warring nations form the core of the narrative and significantly contribute to the ongoing Fabula Nova Crystallis lore.

In Type-0, a story brimming with deception unfolds, as war and its aftermath dominate the narrative. However, it’s the subtler instances of character interaction that truly shine, adding depth to the Class Zero relationships and creating some of the game’s most memorable scenes. Additionally, the combat system is top-notch, offering swift target swapping and maintaining a smooth battle flow, which continues to be one of the franchise’s standout features.

3. Final Fantasy 15

Reclaim The Throne

Initially conceived as “Versus XIII” in 2006, Final Fantasy 15 faced a precarious cycle of revisions and even a hardware shift, before it was eventually launched in 2016. This game is set in the world of Eos, where the grand narrative follows Noctis, a young man on a quest to recover a stolen crystal and reclaim his rightful place as king. The tale of Noctis represents one of the most expansive, daring stories ever woven within the Final Fantasy series, and the open world of Eos bears testament to this ambition.

Eos remains among the most stunning worlds ever created within the Final Fantasy series, and journeying through it alongside Noctis and his companions – whether on Chocobos or by upgrading the Regalia – is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The combat system is one of the franchise’s finest, and the vast landscapes provide an ideal setting for both enemies and bosses. The writing, themes, and battle mechanics all harmonize seamlessly, resulting in an exceptional gaming experience that ranks among the best entries in Final Fantasy history.

2. Final Fantasy 13-2

A Spectacular Entry In The Fabula Nova Crystallis Series

Thanks to significant groundwork laid in Final Fantasy 13, the creation process for its sequel was expedited, spanning just one and a half years. The continuation, titled Final Fantasy 13-2, advances the storyline from the original game, with Lightning mysteriously adrift in time while her sister Serah and character Noel take the lead roles. This strategic decision proved successful as Final Fantasy 13-2 effectively establishes a self-contained trilogy narrative with multiple plotlines and crucial characters.

In an effort to address criticisms about its predecessor’s linearity, Final Fantasy 13-2 expanded its world and offered more freedom, making it feel more like a typical main series game while preserving its distinctive style and swift combat system. Even today, 13-2 remains one of the most remarkable core installments in the franchise, boasting an extraordinary battle system and a thought-provoking time-travel narrative that delves into themes of family and grief.

1. Final Fantasy 13

Fabula Nova Crystallis Makes Its Debut

During its development phase, this game was known as “Colors World,” but we eventually came to know it as “Final Fantasy 13“. This ambitious project marked the beginning of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series and continued the story of Lightning. Looking back, it’s intriguing to realize how much Square was risking with 13, as it was the only mainline Final Fantasy game under development for over a decade. The franchise had already moved away from turn-based combat with FF12, and Final Fantasy 13 took it a step further by offering a more streamlined, linear gaming experience.

In a daring choice, the game created a world called Cocoon that felt restrictive and oppressive, mirroring its themes of oppression and class struggle. This story of revolution and underdogs, brimming with captivating characters, ranks among the finest in the Final Fantasy series, as each character feels distinct and individual. With its tactical combat that keeps you hooked, stunning visuals, and Fabula Nova Crystallis being a project Square invested heavily in to excite fans, Final Fantasy 13 remains one of the most intriguing and engaging entries in the franchise. It marked the beginning of something extraordinary, as Square worked diligently to make the world of Fabula Nova Crystallis appealing for return visits today.

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2025-04-29 09:36