While the role-playing game (RPG) has become a catch-all genre, now encompassing an almost silly range of games that don’t share much in common, there was one video game franchise in the 1980s that was the quintessential RPG. Yes, we’re talking about Final Fantasy from Square Enix.
The fantasy Japanese RPGs debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, but they became cultural touchstones in the ’90s as Super Nintendo games. From there, the series made an incredibly successful jump to 3D on the PlayStation 1 before the mainline series started to take more risks, including the elimination of turn-based battles and massively multiplayer online game (MMO) entries, and the latest game, Final Fantasy XVI, becoming a full-on character-action game.
If you’re just getting into Final Fantasy, though, where do you start? Most Final Fantasy games are at the very least good, while many are great — and others are masterpieces which is why we decided to rank all of the best Final Fantasy games.
Final Fantasy VI
90%
Platforms
Wii, PlayStation, Super Famicom
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Soft
Publisher
Square Enix, Square Soft, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Release
April 02, 1994
Far and away the best mainline Final Fantasy game, 1994’s Final Fantasy VI is an absolute triumph in every sense. Originally released in North America as Final Fantasy III (yes, it’s confusing), Final Fantasy VI was the last 16-bit mainline entry. It featured a stellar cast of more than a dozen characters and ushered in the steampunk-style world design that would carry over to the PlayStation games in the late ’90s. This is where high fantasy became the stuff of legend, and magic was replaced by scientific advances and the burgeoning technology from the Second Industrial Revolution. Perfectly paced, Final Fantasy VI achieved such high levels of narrative impact because of its setup. The first half introduces the cast, from the compelling starting protagonist, Terra Branford, to the rebel treasure hunter Locke Cole — all of whom want to take down the Empire. The linearity of the first half allows these characters to grow, to let you build connections with each one — an impressive feat considering there are roughly a dozen major players on your side. But the back half of the game opened things up, allowing you to complete objectives and dungeons in a nonlinear order. This level of freedom was astonishing at the time. Robust customization features, including unique magic spells, a modified summoning system, and a wealth of weapons, made the traditional active time battle system feel like a constant joy. Everything in Final Fantasy VI, from the story to the combat systems to the world, is made for a nearly flawless Final Fantasy experience. This was Square at its absolute best. While it may sound bad that Square hasn’t bested Final Fantasy VI in the 25 years since its launch, it’s really a testament to FFVI’s staggering greatness. Final Fantasy VI may very well be the best turn-based RPG ever made. You can play it now on PC, Android, and iOS.
Final Fantasy VII
90%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure
Developer
Square, Square Enix
Publisher
Square, Eidos Interactive, Square Enix, Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
January 31, 1997
Arguably the most iconic entry in the series, Final Fantasy VII‘s has a brilliant and transgressive story, featuring some of the most deservedly beloved characters, both good and villainous, in series history. The active time battle system wasn’t new, but finely tuned here and worked perfectly with the incredibly deep Materia systems. Every inch of this massive game felt deliberate, but also like you were discovering something meant to be hidden. This really felt like a massive adventure, and being the first 3D entry meant it could actually deliver a world that felt as real as our own. There’s no denying that this game earned its esteemed reputation and legacy.
Final Fantasy X
87%
Platforms
PlayStation 2
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square
Publisher
Square, Square Electronic Arts
Release
July 19, 2001
Is it controversial to say that Final Fantasy X is a top-three Final Fantasy game? Probably. But here’s the thing: Final Fantasy X is as phenomenal today as it was in 2001. The PlayStation 2 allowed the visuals to move to the next level, making the Asian-inspired lands of Spira and character models look more realistic than ever before. A mostly linear experience, Final Fantasy X has spacious and diverse environments along with dungeons featuring some excellent puzzles. Final Fantasy X also has the greatest relationship in series history. Watching Tidus and Yuna’s bond grow as he accompanies her on a quest to destroy Sin is a constant delight. The cutscenes, which featured full voice acting for the first time, were mightily impressive and still look great today. Yes, we even love the infamous laughing scene, because Tidus and Yuna are adorable. The narrative told exclusively through Tidus’ perspective, is more focused than most Final Fantasy storylines. Sure, it’s corny at times, but the corniness winds up making it more affecting. Moreover, FFX replaced the active time battle system with a truly conventional turn-based combat system. The sphere grid added depth to the leveling system, giving you far more choices that essentially let you rework a character’s intended class. And, of course, who could forget Blitzball, the underwater sport that made Tidus famous? A standalone Blitzball game would be great, right? The direct sequel isn’t as impressive, but it’s still worth playing in the HD collection for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
88%
3/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
April 10, 2020
After years and years of waiting, Final Fantasy VII Remake released with the consensus that it did the impossible and not only reimagined the beloved original but was somehow good enough to stand beside it. Aside from looking incredibly impressive, the new take on combat that combined more modern action with the ATB system of the original was a balancing act that could’ve gone terribly wrong but somehow landed perfectly. When your Buster Sword is swinging at full speed, there are few games that feel as visceral and satisfying as Final Fantasy VII Remake. The only slight downside is that the game is broken into three parts, with Rebirth still on the way, so it could be quite a few years before this new take on the story is complete.
Final Fantasy IX
75%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Silicon Studio, Guild Studio
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
February 09, 2016
Final Fantasy IX felt like a throwback experience despite the fact that it launched near the end of PS1’s lifecycle in 2000. The world of Gaia dropped science fiction in favor of a more medieval vibe seen in early entries. The return to high fantasy made Final Fantasy IX feel quite novel at the time, especially since the visuals pretty much topped out the power of the PS1’s 32-bit capabilities. In many ways, Final Fantasy IX is the most traditional of the 3D-era Final Fantasy games. The active time battle system is at its best here. However, it stands out most because it combines the fantasy-infused medieval environments of the early games with the stellar writing of the science fiction-laced romps that would follow. The characters are interesting, the world is compelling, and the gameplay feels positively retro in the best way. Final Fantasy IX is as pure and joyous today as it was nearly 20 years ago. Be warned, though: It’s as traditional as it gets when it comes to JRPGs. Final Fantasy IX is grindy, and the vast majority of your time is spent fighting random encounters.
Final Fantasy XIV Online
50%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
September 30, 2010
Let’s be clear: Final Fantasy XIV would be on the very bottom of this list if it wasn’t for A Realm Reborn, the relaunch of the troubled 2010 MMORPG that was shut down and relaunched all in the span of three years. Final Fantasy XIV was bad. A Realm Reborn, which reappeared in 2013 on PC, PS3, and PS4 the following year, rebooted this game into what is now one of the biggest MMOs on the market. Featuring a wealth of quests, raids, and engaging PvP battles, A Realm Reborn , and the future expansions ,is the type of MMO that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into. The planet of Hydaelyn is one of the best Final Fantasy settings ever designed, and the story and lore are up there with the best of the best in terms of MMOs. Multiple great expansions have been released since launch, including the recent and excellent Endwalker. Final Fantasy XIV is the ultimate communal experience for series fans. Even if you don’t fancy yourself as an MMO fan, Final Fantasy XIV could very well change your mind.
Final Fantasy XII
85%
Platforms
PlayStation 2
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
March 16, 2006
Revisiting Final Fantasy XII via the HD remaster for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch revealed an understated truth about the 2006 PS2 classic: It’s a modern masterpiece. The first mainline, non-MMO to drop random battles in favor of real-time combat, Final Fantasy XII was divisive amongst fans. Since it played so incredibly different, it was hard to compare Final Fantasy XII to any other Final Fantasy game. More than a decade later, Final Fantasy XII remains incomparable, and that’s why it’s so high on this list. The wondrous world of Ivalice is filled with interesting characters and richly detailed environments. The combat, formally known as the Active Dimension Battle system, was incredibly deep thanks to the gambit system and modified Limit Break system called Quickenings. The License Board added further nuance to the leveling system, similar to the Sphere Grid in Final Fantasy X. Admittedly, Final Fantasy XII‘s opening handful of hours don’t excite as much as some other top-tier Final Fantasy games, but once the world opens up and you get used to the radical battle system, the world of Ivalice houses one of the deepest and most rewarding Final Fantasy experiences around.
Final Fantasy XVI
3/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
June 22, 2023
Final Fantasy XVI, on the surface, might not even look like a Final Fantasy game. Other entries have been fully real-time before, but never quite as action-oriented as this. With staff consisting of those who previously worked on character-action games, specifically, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy XVI plays like no other entry in the series and is far lighter on the typical JRPG mechanics most would expect. While that is a matter of taste, the story is a bit more of a mixed bag. It has great potential, and a very strong opening, but fails to maintain that level of quality and intrigue for its entire duration. Still, as an entry point to the series, or for those who want a fantasy game that is more active than other entries, this is a satisfying title to get engrossed in.
Final Fantasy XV
77%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
November 29, 2016
This game goes to show that not all creative risks pay off initially. The truth is that the overall experience felt distinctly un-Final Fantasy-like, and there’s a heavy western RPG element here. Final Fantasy XV is an open-world action RPG that entirely drops random encounters in favor of a real-time battle system. Superficial glitz aside, the battles lack the same nuance FF fans have come to expect over the years and don’t feel quite right. The main characters, a group of stylish adolescents, speak and act like real friends on a road trip, lending a sense of groundedness the title relies on. The world itself is well-crafted and interesting to explore, but the story lacks punch, and while the DLC expansions do rectify many of the flaws, it was arguably too little too late. While Final Fantasy XV isn’t the worst game of the franchise, it’s certainly not anything to write home about.
Final Fantasy IV
84%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo DS, Android, iOS
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square, Matrix Software
Publisher
Square
Release
December 20, 2007
The first entry in the series for the Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy IV is basically the first Final Fantasy that truly mattered. No offense to the first three games in the series, but Final Fantasy IV turned the franchise into a juggernaut. Final Fantasy IV ushered in the active time battle era, a system that continued uninterrupted until Final Fantasy X. The class system also received a nice new layer, as each class felt designed to tell a specific aspect of the story. The story primarily follows Cecil, his love interest Rosa, and his longtime friend Kain, but a sizable cast of supporting characters contributes to the wacky story that revolves around the Lunarians, a race that lives on a fake moon near Earth. The introduction of the active time battle system and the new focus on character-driven narratives made Final Fantasy IV feel a huge cut above its predecessors. Final Fantasy IV is the most important entry in the series, and it remains one of the very best. The 3D remake on DS, PC, and mobile is the best way to play it today.
Final Fantasy II
69%
Platforms
Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Family Computer
Genre
Fighting, Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square
Publisher
Square, Square Enix
Release
December 17, 1988
Final Fantasy II was launched on Famicom almost a full 25 years before they localized it. Now you can play it on Android, iOS, and countless other platforms. Although it has its place in history, the game itself is mostly forgettable. Subbing a traditional leveling system for one that only develops what you use, Final Fantasy II‘s turn-based random battles are competent but lack weight because of the peculiar system. You won’t be too impressed by the generic plotline involving an evil empire that you have to defeat. SNES and PlayStation offered far more variety and authenticity to games from the same era. It’s not terrible, but it was clear that Square hadn’t quite found the right formula for Final Fantasy success yet.
Final Fantasy VIII
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation 3
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix, Square
Publisher
Eidos Interactive, Square Electronic Arts, Square Enix, SCE Australia, Square
Release
February 11, 1999
Final Fantasy VIII is probably the weirdest and boldest entry in the Final Fantasy franchise. That’s a big reason why we love it. Because it’s so weird, VIII never lived up to the legacy set by VII and VI, despite being one of the most unique games in the series. Time brings perspective, though, and that’s true for Final Fantasy VIII. We’ll never forget Final Fantasy VIII, which reinvented the active time battle wheel without completely abandoning the series’ roots. The new junction system replaced armor and other accessories for customization, and each main character had a set weapon that drastically affected their combat style. The biggest change, however, was the increased emphasis on summoning. Throw in a neat collectible card game and a radically different scaled leveling system, and Final Fantasy VIII felt like the first really bold step in a new direction. All of these gameplay changes worked in incredibly interesting ways, allowing players to choose how they wanted to approach the experience. The planet — a futuristic set of five landmasses based on Europe — had a level of detail we hadn’t seen in a Final Fantasy title thus far. While Final Fantasy VII introduced 3D models, Final Fantasy VIII significantly refined its designs so we could see Squall (one of the best leading protagonists) and friends in better detail. We wouldn’t recommend playing it as your first game, though. Final Fantasy VIII is dated, even with its spiffy new remaster. It’s an extremely complex game, and if you’re not prepared to handle its idiosyncrasies, it could turn you off to the entire franchise. Our picks directly above and below are far better starting points.
Final Fantasy V
77%
Platforms
Wii, PlayStation, Super Famicom
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square
Publisher
Square
Release
December 06, 1992
Gameplay-wise, Final Fantasy V is exquisite. The last of the strict medieval-themed Final Fantasy games, this SNES classic remains as playable today as it was in 1992. The Job system received a staggering overhaul, which gave fans sheer endless possibilities for approaching the active time battles. Final Fantasy V would probably be much higher on this list if it wasn’t for the story and characters. Square obviously spent a ton of time crafting an enthralling gameplay experience, and it showed. But while writing this entry, we honestly couldn’t remember a single character’s name or any of the plot. After reading a synopsis, we remembered why we forgot it all. And we will surely play Final Fantasy V again only to forget the story all over again. The uninteresting and unmemorable story undercuts some of the best gameplay the series has ever seen.
Final Fantasy III
52%
Platforms
Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Family Computer
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
April 27, 1990
Final Fantasy III, the real Final Fantasy III, didn’t reach North America until the 2006 Nintendo DS remake. The 1990 Famicom game was actually the first in the series to really start leaning into some of Final Fantasy’s most well-known systems. Namely the Jobs and summon systems. The DS remake is interesting to examine because it is rendered in full 3D but largely plays like the NES entries. The story plays out similarly to the first game in the series. Overall, Final Fantasy III is the best of the NES-era games, as it shows a franchise in the midst of welcome change.
Final Fantasy
79%
Platforms
WonderSwan Color
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square
Publisher
Square
Release
December 09, 2000
While some iconic franchises produce memorable classics out of the gate — Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, etc. — others, like Final Fantasy, take a few entries to hit their stride. While Final Fantasy was somewhat revolutionary at the time in 1987, featuring a relatively large overworld, strategic turn-based combat, and an epic story following four Light Warriors, it has languished in relative obscurity ever since. It’s a grand RPG by NES standards, but there wasn’t enough customization or variety to keep it from devolving into tedium at times. If you’ve never played it before, you might want to check it out to see where the franchise started, but it doesn’t hold up super well and was quickly outshined in the ’90s.
Final Fantasy XIII
73%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
December 17, 2009
Final Fantasy XIII certainly looked the part when it launched on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009. The animations were beautiful, the character models were realistic, and the environmental details were fine-tuned. Final Fantasy XIII also brought back the active time battle system, but it felt far more simplified than before. The result was a series of random battles that could almost quite literally be completed by pressing the same button over and over. You could even set it to auto-battle, which honestly mirrored the mindlessness of what you did most of the time anyway. The main problem with XIII was how linear it was compared to previous games. That, added onto the rote science fiction story, made for a sort of genre movie-esque Final Fantasy experience. It was nice to return to Final Fantasy’s Japanese roots, but it felt like the safest Final Fantasy game Square Enix had ever made. It’s still a fun game, and to its credit, the story does get better if you move on to Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII when it’s over. Though Final Fantasy XIII hasn’t been ported to current-generation consoles, you can play it on Xbox One via backward compatibility or PC.
Final Fantasy XI Online
80%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox 360
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square, Square Enix
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI), Square, Square Enix
Release
May 16, 2002
Like Final Fantasy XIV, it’s hard to compare Final Fantasy XI to other mainline numbered games in the series. The first of two Final Fantasy MMOs, Final Fantasy XI started off as an average MMO experience. While not particularly surprising, no one could have expected what it would grow to become over the course of the next decade and beyond. First released on PS2 and PC, it eventually landed on Xbox 360 as the first MMO on Microsoft’s console. Set in the sprawling world of Vana’diel, Final Fantasy XI emphasized playing with friends to complete challenging dungeons and acquire better and better loot. Five expansions, numerous add-ons, and seasonal events would follow, with the final piece of content arriving in 2015. Console servers were turned off in 2016, but you can still play on PC today. Final Fantasy XI became a great, if fairly traditional, MMO over time, handsomely rewarding those who stuck with it for years.
