Welcome to Era's Final Fantasy community thread. In here we discuss all things Final Fantasy. Before we begin there are some rules to follow;
1. Do not be rude to others about their favorite game(s) in the series. We all have our favorite and least favorite entries, but it doesn't mean you can be rude to others for different preferences.
2. You can rank your favorites and explain why you like them.
3. Post fan-art (keep it SFW please) that you enjoy.
With that in mind enjoy your stay.
So far there's 15 main games in the series (plus some that received numbered sequels). With each one being completely different from each-other, so you are free to jump in with whatever entry sounds the most interesting to you.
About: The game that started it all. Released in 1987 on the NES, Final Fantasy follows the story of four Warriors of Light in their quest to discover the mystery of the four crystals that each of them carry. The game features a lot of things that would later become staples of the series like red and white mages. Square has remade this game many times over the years and also released tons of ports so there's a lot of versions that you can try out.
Platforms: NES, MSX2, WonderSwan Color, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Nintendo 3DS
Video(s):
Original NES Opening
About: The second entry series released exclusively in Japan in 1988 on the Family Computer. As such the rest of the world did not see this game until it was released as part of a collection called Final Fantasy: Origins in 2003 (15 years later). There was plans to localize it, but that was cancelled because Final Fantasy IV happened. The game is about the Emperor of Palamecia who summons a bunch of demons from Hell to conquer the world. You play as four characters named Firion, Maria, Guy, and Leon in a quest to stop the world from being a literal living hell. Unlike the first Final Fantasy, Square eliminated earning experience points in favor of a system where you develop based on the actions you take in battle. For example you MP will increase if you use spells and your HP will if you get hit. If this doesn't sound fun then yeah it's not fun.
Platforms: Famicom (JP only), WonderSwan Color, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), iOS, Android
Video(s):
Dawn of Souls Opening
Playstation CG Opening
About: Released exclusively in Japan on the Family Computer in 1990, the game is about four Warriors of Light (or Onion Knights in the original release) who find a crystal that tells them to restore balance to the world. In the original release they didn't have names, but in the remake they do; Luneth, Arc, Refia and Ingus. This game got rid of the weird leveling system of FFII and went back to having experience points. This game introduces the job system.
Platforms: Famicom (JP only), Nintendo DS (3D Remake), iOS (3D Remake), Android (3D Remake), PlayStation Portable (3D Remake), Ouya (3D Remake), Windows Phone (3D Remake), Microsoft Windows (3D Remake)
Video(s):
Remake CG Opening
About: Square was really terrible with holding the early entries hostage to Japan only, so Final Fantasy IV was released as Final Fantasy II in NA in 1991 same with the japanese version, but it wasn't called FFII. Luckily with all other releases they changed it back. The game is about a knight named Cecil who must stop an evil sorcerer named Gobez from using the crystals to destroy everything. You're joined in this quest by several other characters. This is the game that introduces the ATB (active time battle) system that would later be used in other entries in the series along with non FF games like Chrono Trigger. There's a sequel called After Years and a midquel called Interlude. The game has been remade for the DS.
Platforms: Super NES, PlayStation, WonderSwan Color, Game Boy Advance, FOMA 903i / 703i, Wii eShop, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS (3D Remake), Microsoft Windows (3D Remake), iOS (3D Remake), Android (3D Remake)
Video(s):
Remake CG Opening
After Years CG Opening
About: Released in Japan for the Super Famicon in 1992 FFV follows the story of Bartz (Butz in the original) and his companions in their quest to save the crystals and defeat an antagonist called Exdeath. This game features the job system and uses the ATB system introduced in FFIV. Much like with previous early entries Square continued to be odd with release decisions. The original version of course never left Japan, and there was plans to release it as not FFV but as Final Fantasy Extreme. Though that never happened and was canned, then in 1997 there was plans to port the game to PC, but due to some communication problems that to was canned. In that same year though a fan-translation was released, so people were able to experience it that way if they had the means too.
Platforms: Super Famicom (JP only), PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android
Video(s):
Original Intro on SNES/SFC
PS CG Opening
About: Released in Japan in 1994 and in NA as FFIII, FFVI is about the Gestahlian empire trying to conquer the world and a rebel faction called the Returner's that seek to destroy the empire. It takes place in a fantasy steam-punk like world and is the first game in the series to not revolve around using crystals. The game featured the ability to swap out your party at anytime instead of them coming and going depending on the story.
Platforms: Super NES, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), SNES Classic
Video(s):
Original SNES Opening
PS CG Opening
About: Era member Ishiro 's favorite FF. Probably the most famous and well known entry in the series, when people think of Final Fantasy they most likely think of this game. With this entry Square finally stopped being weird about holding the series hostage to Japan only. Released in 1997, FFVII follows the story of Cloud Strife an ex-SOLDIER who joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE. Unlike all the other entries this one featured 3-D character models and pre-rendered backgrounds. This game is one of the most expensive games ever made, it had a huge marketing budget and was advertised as much as games are today. The game is one of the most revolutionary RPG's ever made and it got tons of people into playing JRPG's at the time of release. Due to the success Square made tons of merchandise and more games (and even a CG movie) as part of the FVII Compilation. As of now Square is remaking the game into multiple parts with the first part releasing next year.
Platforms: PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), iOS, PlayStation 4, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Video(s):
PS Original CG Opening
2005 Tech Demo Trailer
Remake Announcement Trailer
About: Era member's Wazzy 's favorite FF. Released in 1999, FFVIII follows the story of Squall Leonhart, a SeeD mercenary who carries out various jobs for Balamb Garden. This game uses the ATB system as other entries, however it experiments with a different leveling system, but it keeps levels instead of ditching them like in FFII. You draw from enemies to gain magic from the or create items to use magic and for stat progression you use the Junction system. Leveling up in this game is a little useless as enemies scale with your level and since major stat progression is in the Junction system you can ignore gaining levels. It's a strange system that many either like or dislike, so it's best to try it for yourself and see if you enjoy it. The game is currently being remastered for modern consoles and will be released sometime in 2019.
Platforms: PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN)
Video(s):
CG Opening
Remastered Announcement Trailer
About: Releases in 2000 for the PS1, FFIX follows the story of a thief named Zidane and his troupe who are are tasked with kidnapping the princess of Alexandria, Garnet. Along the way they team up to stop Queen Brahne and the sexy man known as Kuja. The game was announced alongside FFX and FFXI, something that Square would end up doing again in later years. Gameplay features the ATB system and players earn abilities by equipping items that grant them as AP is earned. The strongest weapon in the game known as Exaclibur II requires you to get to the last dungeon in under 12 hours. There's a rather infamous strategy guide for the game that can be summed up as; look it up online.
Platforms: PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 (via PSN), PlayStation Vita (via PSN), iOS, PlayStation 4, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Video(s):
Opening CG
About: Released in 2001 for the PS2, FFX follows the story of Tidus a star Blitzball player who is taken away from his home in Zanarkand after a monster called Sin attacks it. He then joins in on defeating Sin with the summoner Yuna and her guardians. Thanks to the technology advancements of the PS2, the game was the first in the series to be fully rendered in 3-D and feature voice acting. The game does away with the ATB system and instead opts for regular turn based combat. It also doesn't have a leveling system and instead you advance using a system known as the Sphere Grid that uses AP and spheres you can get from enemies. This game was my first FF and remained my favorite entry for a number of years until a more recent entry came along.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Video(s):
Remastered Intro Cutscene
CG Opening
About: Yeah Square made a sequel to X that released in 2003 for the PS2. The game takes place 2 years after the events of X and you play as Yuna who is part of a group called the Gullwings with Rikku and a new character named Paine. In this game you hunt for lots of sphere's and discover a lot of stuff. The game was the first FF to feature an all female playable cast and it brought back the job system in a new way. You equip dresspheres and with those it determines stats and abilities, though you can equip any dressphere in the game for mix and matching. This game has multiple endings with each one being more annoying than the last to unlock.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Video(s):
Opening CG
1000 Words CG Cinematic
About: Released in 2002, FFXI is the franchise's first MMO and at the time was the first cross console MMO. The game takes place in the world of Vana'diel and you the player go around doing quests and teaming up with fellow adventures to take down foes. There's many jobs you can do for a variety of different things depending on your preferences. The game did away with the ATB and TBC since this is a MMO, and instead you fight in real time. This game's console versions remained active for 13 years which is very impressive. As of now the game is actually still online with the PC version.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360
Video(s):
Opening CG
About: Released in 2006, FFXII follows the story of (looks at smudged writing) V...vaan(?) and princess Ashe along with some friends to defeat the Archadian Empire. Following in the footsteps of FFXI, the game features real time combat that is similar to that of an MMO. You can purchase licenses to gain new abilities and to equip new weapons etc. Among fans this entry is one of the more divisive entries, as it's a massive change from what the series was known for and that sparked a lot of differing opinions about the game. FFXII had a rather troubled development that ended up having a cascading effect on later entries. The original director Yasumi Matsuno ended up leaving the project and Hiroyuki Ito ended up taking charge to finish the game. Polygon has a good article detailing this history that will be linked below.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Video(s):
Opening CG
Article(s):
The making of Final Fantasy 12
About: Oh boy where to begin with this one. Released in 2009, FFXIII is the thirteenth installment in the series that made the massive jump to the HD era and is about on par with FFXV as the most divisive and polarizing entry in the series among fans. The game was announced in 2006 along with Final Fantasy Versus XIII (later renamed to Final Fantasy XV) and Final Fantasy Agito XIII (later renamed to Final Fantasy Type-0). In this game you follow the story of Lightning, a soldier of the Guardian Corps, who is on a mission to find her sister Serah who is branded as a L'Cie. The game takes place on Cocoon, a giant artificial biodome that humanity lives on and on Gran Pulse, a place where L'Cie are banished too. This game features an upgrade of the ATB system where you chain attacks together as you wait for the bar to completely fill or excute them right away. There's also a pseudo job system that utilizes a system called Paradigm Shift where you switch to different roles depending on the situation. This game also deals away with a leveling system and uses a Sphere Grid like system called the Crystarium where you spend points to upgrade your roles. As mentioned this game did go through a lot of development issues that is pretty well known and the post-mortem on the game is well worth a read.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One (via backwards compatibility), Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android
Video(s):
Opening Cinematic CG
Article(s):
Exclusive: Behind The Scenes of Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII
About: Square did indeed make a sequel to XIII that no one really asked for. Released in 2011 the game follows Lightning's sister Serah and Noel a new character in their quest to find Lightning and travel through time to stop the world from ending. The game retains the core gameplay elements of XIII, though this time you can get monsters as another companion instead of another character. Square put character switching in battle as that wasn't in XIII. They also addressed a lot of the complaints about XIII such as it's no longer a corridor simulator. There's also more things to do and quests to complete than what XIII had. This game features a pretty ballsy ending that I give them a lot of credit for.
Platforms PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One (via backwards compatibility), Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android
Video(s):
Opening CG
Ending CG (SPOILERS)
About: And then they made another sequel to XIII that no one really asked for, but they had to because of how XIII-2 ended. This game takes place 500 years after the events of XIII-2 and this time you play as Lightning in her quest to obtain souls to save the world from destruction. The game is a lot more open than its predecessors with 3 large zones to explore with quests and other activities. Gameplay is a new spin on the ATB system that combines it and an action battle system. While in battle you can switch between garbs (basically costumes that give you different abilities to use) for lots of fun. There's a lot of costumes in this game with some being highly questionable to some that are great. The game featured social media integration so you could post screenshots to Twitter or Facebook.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One (via backwards compatibility), Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android
Video(s):
Opening CG
About: Originally released in 2010, FFXIV is the second MMO in the series that was a massive failure when it came out. That's a lot to cover, so if you want to know the full story of the original game and then A Realm Reborn, I recommend watching the excellent NoClip documentary on the game. So, the game as it's known now is A Realm Reborn, the relaunch that released in 2013 and is now an acclaimed MMO that keeps on growing. Much like with FFXI, you create a character and do quests, play with others, fashion, and a bunch of other things. The game takes place a few years after the events of the original games shut down and you a Warrior of Light goes on a million fetch quests to discover the mysteries of Eorzea.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Video(s):
NoClip Documentary
1.0 Opening CG
Answers CG
Heavensward Trailer
Stormblood Trailer
Shadowbringers Trailer
About: Formally known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Final Fantasy XV released in 2016 and is the current entry in the franchise. This game receives a lot of criticisms, love, and outright hate from fans, so the game is quite controversial. Now then, the game follows the story of Noctis and his bro's as they fight to reclaim the kingdom of Lucis. In this entry the series goes full open world and is an ARPG. In it you control Noctis (and later all the bros via a switching mechanic that was added later) using a variety of weapons and magic attacks. The game has a leveling system that is done by camping, so you can store as much exp as you want and cash it in later. There's also some of the best rendered food you'll ever see in a game that has a variety of temporary buffs. As it currently stands this game replaced FFX as my favorite FF, so take that as you will.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS (Pocket Edition only), Android (Pocket Edition only), Nintendo Switch (Pocket Edition only)
Video(s):
Original Versus Announcement Trailer
FFXV Announcement Trailer
Omen Trailer
Royal Edition Announcement Trailer
Food Montage With Epic Music
Note: Temporary banner until a clean logo appears.
About: The newest and recently revealed main entry in the series. From what we know so far the story follows Clive who later becomes Punished Clive due to an incident involving his younger brother Joshua. The world that they inhabit is called Valisthea and it has six different ruling kingdoms. There's summons called Eikon's that have a dominant of who can use their powers, what this means in the grander scheme of things remains to be seen.
Platform(s): Announced for PS5.
Video(s):
Announcement trailer
Extra:
Official website
The series a ton of spin-offs. In the form of other games, game series, and mobile games. There's way to many to put in their own sections to here's just the list of a couple of them:
Final Fantasy Tactics Series
Final Fantasy Type-0
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
Final Fantasy: Brave Exivus
Final Fantasy: Mobius
Dissidia Series
And many more that you can find a list of here on Wikipedia
Come hang out and discuss your favorite FF's with a bunch of other
Hidden content
Last edited by a moderator:
