The Top Five Final Fantasy Games

Games/Toy/ Hobbies - Video Games

By: b1gguy 11-Oct-2010

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Introduction:

Square's Final Fantasy series is one of the most beloved in the history of video games. In spite of the word "final" being prominently displayed in the name, there have been 13 games and counting in the main Final Fantasy series. With so many games, it begs the question: Which are the best?

Final Fantasy X

The tenth installment in the series was the first title to be released on the PS2. Although the game had beautiful graphics, it really set a new standard for story in video games. The first in the series to feature voice acting, the game focused on delivering a dramatic storyline in a way that none of the previous installments had. The captivating story, along with solid battle mechanics, an interesting world, and a breathtaking musical score, set this title apart from the rest of the series.

Final Fantasy VII

Countless gamers consider the seventh installment of the series to be their greatest game of all time. Bringing the series into the third dimension, Final Fantasy VII created a stark contrast to the middle ages-inspired settings featured in previous games. Taking place in the industrially damaged slums of Midgar, the game created a grungy setting that spectacularly captured the feelings of the inhabitants of Midgar. With engaging battles, a vast world to explore, interesting characters (numerous that would go on to be considered fan favorites), and an arch-villain that has inspired an unparalleled level of fanboy activity, the reason for Final Fantasy VII's success was simple: the game was just plain fun to play.

Final Fantasy IX

Upon completing Final Fantasy IX, Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) proclaimed that Final Fantasy IX was the culmination of what his original vision of Final Fantasy was. The game would turn out to be Sakaguchi's swan song, but it was a memorable and endearing one. After the more modern settings of VII and VII, IX returned to the series' roots with a middle-ages inspired fantasy kingdom. Various elements throughout the game were throwbacks honoring the earlier games in the series, with significant face lifts of course. Although the game had a much more light-hearted feel than its predecessors, the Active Time Event (ATE) system gave the player numerous insights into the feelings of the different characters. The character development provided by these "ATEs", along with its sometimes zany cast, are the most memorable aspects of Final Fantasy IX.

Final Fantasy VI

Final Fantasy VI had the largest cast of characters of any game in the series, and it seems like everyone has a different favorite. The final 2D game in the main series, VI took everything that made the previous games great and improved upon it. With a memorable soundtrack, an epic storyline, and an evil, maniacal clown that is hell-bent on destroying everything (and the seeming anti-thesis to Sephiroth from VII), Final Fantasy VI holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Final Fantasy IV

Final Fantasy IV maintains a special place not just in the history of Final Fantasy games, but of all video games. It's tale of friendship, love, and betrayal was one of the first examples of a real and viable storyline in a video game. Allowing the player to use up to 5 characters in each battle, it forced the player to think long and hard about strategy. Depending on which version you played, this game was a long, difficult grind, but the reward at the end was well worth it.