List of Final Fantasy Games in Order
In the gaming world, few franchises are more influential as compared to others, and Final Fantasy is one such franchise. It is one of the most popular games that introduced kids to the world of Role Playing Games (RPG). Final Fantasy of SquareEnix has been around since 1987, and it is the most recognized series. Here is a list of Final Fantasy games in order to help you understand this magnificent game better.
List of Final Fantasy Games
If you have played Final Fantasy games, you may be aware of the fact that no two tiles are the same. However, the series can be daunting for the new players. It is not only one of the most popular but also one of the largest franchises in the history of video games.
There are a total of 94 Final Fantasy games, including 15 games belonging to the main Final Fantasy series. If you want to play all Final Fantasy games but do not know where to start, then we are here at the rescue. Continue reading the article to explore the list of final fantasy games in order.
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Final Fantasy
Release – December 18, 1987
This is the game that introduced the Final Fantasy series to the world. It combined the technique of storytelling with an RPG combat system. The system of final fantasy games has been reproduced numerous times.
When the game was released, it’s graphics were considered highly amazing and revolutionary for the time. Moreover, the amount of content in this magnificent game was unrivalled. The story of this final fantasy game revolves around four heroes who have elemental orbs. These orbs were spoiled by dark forces, which caused devastation.
The heroes have to fight random battles to restore the pure light of powerful orbs. This game was popular for its amazing blend of technology and magic. Moreover, it also gained popularity for its wide range of races, including robots, mermaids, and humans.
Final Fantasy II
Release – December 17, 1988
The huge success of the first game in the list of Final Fantasy games led Square to release the sequel in 1988. This Final Fantasy game includes a lot of similar elements and also includes some new concepts. The story of this game was centralized around a group of protagonists who aimed to take down the villainous empire.
One of the most interesting features of this game was the Chocobo which was a big, flightless bird. It was used for transportation, and it can be seen in almost all the FF games. Another great change in this game was the elimination of the conventional experience (XP) system. IN addition to this, the game also introduced a new progression system which helped in improving the individual stats.
Final Fantasy III
Release – April 27, 1990
This Final Fantasy video game was not initially released in the United States. However, it was profoundly popular among the fans who could manage to get their hands on this FF game. The game featured a turn-based combat system and random battle encounters.
The game also introduced a new system that allows the players to change their character class or job at different points. Moreover, it also includes the original XP system, which was present in the first XP game.
The story of this best final fantasy game focuses on four light crystals and the impact of thor power. This time a strong and advanced civilization tries to control the orbs and use their energy.
Final Fantasy IV
Release – July 19, 1991
For all the Final Fantasy games fans, this was the first proper title in the list of Final Fantasy games. This game introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB). It increased the attention of classes and made the game more interesting. Moreover, it enhanced the standard turn-based battles remarkably.
Final Fantasy IV is loaded with tons of new elements into the same setting. The game includes evil sorcerers, dark knights, and elemental crystals with the power and magic to destroy the whole world. A simple change that was introduced in the game was adding the time system to all the battle encounters; It added amazing excitement as well as tension to all the battles. It required the players to reach the target before the enemy.
Final Fantasy V
Release – December 6, 1992
The game was originally released in Japan. However, it also became popular in the United States after it was ported to Gameboy Advance and Sony Playstation. It is one of the most amazing FF games in all Final Fantasy video games. This one improved the job system, which was the main source of customization.
In this game, the players can freely switch jobs like the two previous games; it allowed the players to master a set of around 22 jobs on all the playable characters. This game also includes the progression system combined with the conventions XP system in order to create an amazing, rewarding system.
Final Fantasy VI
Release – April 2. 1994
This one is considered the best Final Fantasy game and was the choice of many fans. It was the last 16-but game and was the first game that was not directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi.
The music was one of the main features of this FF game. It won multiple awards and has been used in different albums.
The game includes a diverse world and characters, which makes it more interesting as well as challenging. There are fourteen playable characters in the game, which are available at different points. Moreover, the game features amazing customization options as compared to the other FF games. It added equipable items called relics with an amazing layer so strategy to the game.
Final Fantasy VII
Release – January 31, 1997
This FF game is one of the most beloved games in the Final Fantasy series, as it was introduced after the introduction of the Playstation-era. The game introduced top-notch graphics and a compelling storyline with an amazing cast of characters.
This FF game was iconic but not necessarily the best in the list of Final Fantasy games. This game was the first one to introduce 3D graphics. Moreover, it used 2D backgrounds and 3D characters with the intent to create a unique look. Today we have better graphics, but at that time, the graphics of this game were considered revolutionary.
The game was not only about the graphics; it also had amazing music, an advanced combat system, and the story, which made it one of the most well-known games in the series.
Final Fantasy VIII
Release – February 11, 1999
This Final Fantasy game was one of the fastest-selling in the entire franchise due to the success of its predecessor. The game includes a wide range of changes in the usual gameplay elements, which made it unique in the list of Final Fantasy games.
In this game, the emphasis was made on summoning, and each character was introduced with a unique weapon. Another amazing feature of this game was the opening cutscene, which led this game to the second rank in the list of top ten video games by Game Informer.
To succinctly describe, Final Fantasy VIII followed the same formula, and it worked out really well.
Final Fantasy IX
Release – July 7, 2000
This game in the list of Final Fantasy video games was released after 13 years of the first game. During this time, all the efforts were made to expand, develop, and improve the primary game system, and it really went well.
The game offered a wide range of selling points, and all were different from the previous games. The story of this game was highly amazing and noteworthy. Moreover, the characters were also crafted perfectly. Each character of this FF game is unique and likeable in one way or another.
This Final Fantasy game also introduced new activities and side quotes which made the fans love this game. Another thing that made this game interesting was the use of a medieval setting combined with exquisite storytelling to create an engaging adventure that felt nostalgic as well as modern.
Final Fantasy X
Release – July 19, 2001
This FF game is one of the best Final Fantasy games. It features incredible graphic quality and a turn-based approach. Moreover, the cut scenes also comprised the first-ever voice acting scenes which did wonders to improve the story. Moreover, the game centralizes the story of two primary characters Yuna and Tidus.
The other games in the list of Final Fantasy games also include 3D graphics, but it features completely 3D background and characters. This game does not contain an ATB combat system and includes the Conditional Time-Based system. Not all the fans of the FF series loved this game as it removed the excitement provided by the combat scenarios.
Final Fantasy XI: Online
Release – May 16, 2002
This one was the first online and MMO game. It introduced the first Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). It allowed the players to play together online on the PC and PlayStation 2.
This game was not as popular as the other games in the Final Fantasy series but introduced the trend of MMO games in the series.
Final Fantasy XII
Release – May 16, 2002
Final Fantasy XII originally hit shelves in the year 2006, and it sold around 1.5 million copies which made it one of the best Final Fantasy games. It was loved by the fans as well as critics, and people appreciated the changes introduced in this game. This game received an amazing score from the popular gaming magazine Famitsu.
One change that was not appreciated by fans was the elimination of random encounters. The encounters were the backbone of the game and were also the levelling system of all Final Fantasy games except the Final Fantasy XI: Online.
In this game, the players can clearly see the enemies on the world map. Other features of the game include combat controls, an open-world map, and an entirely new set of equipment set and skills.
Final Fantasy XIII
Release – December 17, 2009
First of all, this game was released on Playstation 3, and expectations were way too high for this game. A wide range of changes was introduced to the core of this game which divided the fans, critics, and the players. The visuals of this game were stunning, and the gameplay was also profoundly exciting. However, it lacked lots of character and flavour, which was the core of all Final Fantasy games.
The fans were not too happy about the linear nature of the gameplay and story. In this game, fans were introduced to the concept of the open-world concept, and fans loved it.
Final Fantasy XIV: Online
Release – September 30, 2010
It was the second MMO in the list of Final Fantasy games. However, it was the most hated game, and if it was not released by Realm Reborn, it would have been more hated by the fans. This game was a complete failure. It was the worst launch due to various serious issues with the gameplay and various bugs in the game.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Release – August 27, 2013
A Realm Reborn was an amazing example of a Cinderella Story, and many considered it one of the best MMOs in the market. This Final Fantasy game used a completely different game engine and was a success. Today also it is one of the most popular MMORPGs.
This game was developed by a completely new development team and executed a new game engine in order to overcome various technical issues. It held amazing game graphics and magnificent musical score with a new interface, gameplay, and infrastructure.
Final Fantasy XV
Release – November 29, 2016
This one is the most recent game on the list of Final Fantasy games. It has a laid back approach to storytelling which was not much appreciated by the fans. This Final Fantasy video game includes western RPG style as compared to the other games of this series. It lacks the core feel of the Final Fantasy game.
The game includes some individual missions and new skill additions for the characters, which makes it intriguing. The game makes you feel like you can invest some energy in the characters, other than the lead.
Final Words
Final Fantasy series is one of the most popular RPG games series. It was released in 1987, and since then, the franchise has released various games. If you are planning to start this game, make sure to go through the list of Final Fantasy games so that you can have a better understanding of it. Now try this amazing game and share your experience with us by dropping a comment.
