Summary
- Final Fantasy 3 introduced the Job system with swappable mechanics for engaging gameplay.
- Theatrhythm Final Bar Line honors Final Fantasy music with easy-to-understand rhythm gameplay.
- Final Fantasy Tactics is a thinking man's game, offering engaging strategy like no other.
Every entry in the Final Fantasy series is groundbreaking for one reason or another. The original game was thought to be a one-off but it went on to have a massive legacy. Final Fantasy 3 introduced the Job system with swappable mechanics. Final Fantasy 7 brought more people into the RPG genre and helped solidify the PS1 as the dominant console of its era.
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Those who don’t have much time to wait should check out these Final Fantasy games, which will hook them from the first minute.
Final Fantasy’s impact on video game history is immeasurable but this begs the question. What games have the best gameplay loops from mainline titles to spinoffs? Discounting story and graphics, let’s look at the games that are still truly engaging to play and rank them accordingly.
8 Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Nostalgia Through Music
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
- Released
- February 16, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- indieszero
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Rhythm
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is the latest entry in the Theatrhythm series and third overall not counting the one Dragon Quest spinoff. Players can go through a plethora of on-rail stages depicting music from the series. They can form a party and fight monsters to the beat of the music. It’s not complicated to understand for anyone who has engaged with a rhythm game before and the difficulty is not too challenging. It’s the perfect game for fans who love Final Fantasy music and Square Enix music in general as there are homages to other franchises too.
7 Final Fantasy Explorers
Monster Hunter Lite
Final Fantasy Explorers
- Released
- January 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix Racjin
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo 3DS
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Final Fantasy Explorers was Square Enix’s attempt to make a Monster Hunter clone. While the game didn’t blow up and become a sub-series, those who did play it loved the gameplay loop. Players could create their characters and then go hunt monsters.
Parts harvested could be used to make new weapons and armor, allowing players to then tackle stronger opponents. It was a less grind-heavy Monster Hunter game and a perfect one for beginners to this specific genre of action RPGs. It’s still fun to fire up with friends although support has tapered off since it is a 3DS game.
6 World of Final Fantasy
The Power Of Pokemon
World Of Final Fantasy
- Released
- October 25, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
There are a few entries in the franchise that have monster-catching mechanics in them like the Pokemon series. World of Final Fantasy is the best among the bunch and it’s not only a competent Pokemon clone, it’s a celebration of the franchise.
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Players can explore a multiverse wherein cuter versions of classic characters reside like Cloud from Final Fantasy 7. In turn-based combat, players can ride or stack monsters on their heads to create chained combos. It’s definitely weird but very easy to get into and hooked on quickly.
5 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
A Simpler Soulslike
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
- Released
- March 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was a collaboration between Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja and Square Enix. It was an attempt to make a Soulslike entry, but one that was easier to get into for beginners. For one, there were difficulty levels which is something this sub-RPG genre is seemingly allergic to.
Besides vast amounts of loot to collect from dungeons, there were Jobs to play with. The protagonist, Jack, can acquire any job, while his party members can only learn a few. Players could tackle their conquests alone or with friends online via co-op.
4 Final Fantasy Tactics
Chess Meets RPG
Final Fantasy Tactics
- Released
- June 20, 1997
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation (Original)
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Final Fantasy Tactics, on the PS1, is still technically the best version of the game. The PSP version, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, added more content and fixed the script, but it had bad slowdowns. While this original is not free from bugs, it does provide an engaging strategy game like no other.
The story is set on a linear path but players can explore locations and odds jobs on a world map. They can customize their story characters and hire temporary ones with equipment and a vast array of Jobs. With so many ways to tackle each battle, Final Fantasy Tactics is the thinking man’s Final Fantasy.
3 Final Fantasy 10
Did It For The Blitzball
Final Fantasy 10
- Released
- December 17, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PS2
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Final Fantasy 10 blew many out of the water when it was released on the PS2. The graphics and voice acting were praised and this was early on in the PS2’s life cycle. It changed a lot for the series too, messing with the traditional battle system and world traversal.
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The Sphere Grid replaced grinding for EXP, puzzles were heavily integrated into dungeons, it was linear and no longer an open world, and party members could be swapped mid-battle. Its biggest mini-game, Blitzball, was integrated into the story and serves as one reason to play this game alone.
2 Final Fantasy 9
Every Character Matters
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
Final Fantasy 9 was the swan song for the series on the PS1 and a goodbye to the classic style of RPG that began on the NES. It was a traditional turn-based system in a fantasy world, but it was one that felt alive and well more established than other entries that came after.
There were also mechanics that the series wouldn’t try again, making it more unique. The party separated frequently and players could choose which characters to observe. There was the world trotting Chocobo Hot and Cold mini-game along with the card game, Tetra Master. For some, it really is the most idealistic entry in the series.
1 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
A Love Letter To The Original And Series As A Whole
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second entry in the remake trilogy for Final Fantasy 7. Final Fantasy 7 Remake had a good action combat system but it was tweaked to flow better in this sequel. Players got more weapons and Materia to work with on top of new characters like Red 13 and Cait Sith to control.
The world was now open once again and there was tons to do from exploring caves to unlock Summons to tackling side quests. The game was also absolutely teaming with mini-games like it was the announcement of the grand return of the franchise as a whole. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be a hard one to top on many levels.
