The Ultimate Guide to the Final Fantasy Series

Final Fantasy is one of the most historic, prestigious, and influential video game franchises ever. It’s hard to overstate its importance. The game franchise helped to introduce the world to Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). It was one of the first-ever games to introduce cinematic, movie-like storytelling to the medium. And it has some of the most well-known and iconic music in all video games. The music is so well-known that they played it in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Yet, there are also a lot of common misconceptions about it.

No, you don’t need to have played all the previous games to play the most recent one.

For those just getting into the series or wanting to know how to get started, please allow me to guide you through it and explain why this series means so much to me. Feel free to use this guide wherever and whenever you’d like. Also, feel free to jump around as I break down one of gaming’s greatest franchises.

Why I Enjoy the Final Fantasy Series

My oldest brother loved Final Fantasy. But as a kid, I actively disliked it. “This game is so boring. Why do you like it?” “The combat is so weird. They just stand there and wait their turns.” 

Consider this my public apology to my oldest brother. Sorry, Jeremy.

There are plenty of reasons why people love Final Fantasy. From its nail-biting bosses to the number of side quests players can complete and the amazing monsters, there’s a lot to love. However, as I grew older, what initially made me reconsider my stance was the emotional stories these games tell.

I enjoy these games for: 

1) Their deeply moving, heartfelt, and philosophical stories are bound to make you think. These games feature themes of religion, friendship, fate, environmentalism, capitalism, the cycle of life and death, war and peace, existentialism, and the power of love, just to name a few.

2) The amazing worlds that I can get lost in. These games combine the aesthetics of cyberpunk, steampunk, medieval fantasy, sci-fi, and religious iconography. These locations are very different from our own. Yet, they hold up a mirror to our world, showing us something new about ours we may have never realized.

3) The many intriguing and fully fleshed-out characters. Take, for example, Final Fantasy VII, which has nine different characters in the main party. There’s Cloud Strife, the brooding, no-nonsense main character. There’s Aerith Gainsborough, the caring, sweet, and sassy magic-user. There’s Cid Highwind, the potty-mouthed, grumpy pilot. Then there are oddball characters like Red XIII, a talking dog. Or there’s Vincent Valentine, the mysterious, vampire-like sharpshooter. Every Final Fantasy game has a colorful cast of characters — all with their own unique stories — that players can form relationships with and identify with.

4) The music. If you’ve been around video games for a while, you’ll most likely have heard Final Fantasy’s music, even if you’ve never played it. Listen to the series’ classic victory fanfare, where the game celebrates the player’s combat victories with trumpets and pomp. Or listen to “The Prelude,” featured at the start of these games, where the harp climbs up and down the melodic scale, representing the ups and downs of the adventure. Or listen to “One-Winged Angel,” one of the first-ever instances of a video game incorporating a choir into its music. Playing through Final Fantasy feels like sitting in on a world-class symphony concert. It is top-of-the-line, classical music fit for royalty.

Final Fantasy VII focuses on a group of environmental activists named Avalanche. The group seeks to liberate the planet from an evil megacorporation called Shinra, which is draining the planet of an energy source called “mako.” But along the way, the group will uncover an ancient evil with other intentions.

Final Fantasy VII: Remake retells the original game's story with a few changes. The combat has also evolved, making it more frenetic. The game takes full advantage of newer technology to make the world and visuals feel even more alive while keeping the original game’s art style and visual design.  

If you want to understand why this franchise is so special, I recommend playing Final Fantasy VII: Remake. It honors the legacy of classic Final Fantasy games while showing how the series continues to evolve and remain relevant even in modern gaming.

Note that the story of Final Fantasy VII: Remake continues into the sequel, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, released in 2024. Remake and Rebirth are part of a three-game series that retells the original Final Fantasy VII story. The third entry is due sometime in the future.

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Even with Final Fantasy VII: Remake, the original game, released in 1997, is still worth playing. Not only does the game still hold up, but it also has a lot of historical relevance, as its influence can still be seen today.

Part of what made the original Final Fantasy VII so influential was the game’s story and how it was told. Final Fantasy VII blazed a new path in 1997 when video games weren’t known for telling emotional, heartfelt stories. The original game was ahead of its time, with many surprising plot twists, beautiful character moments, and awesome scenery. These elements and surprises still apply today.

Not only that, but the way the story unfolded was also groundbreaking. Final Fantasy VII was one of the first-ever video games to use CGI cutscenes to tell its story. The game plays pre-rendered computer-generated short movies between the action and the player-controlled moments. By today's standards, the CGI might not look that impressive, but consider how games still use this strategy to tell stories. If a game ever has a moment where you put down your controller, sit back, and enjoy a movie-like performance, you have Final Fantasy VII to thank for that.

While the game is important, I recommend playing it later, especially if you’ve never played a Final Fantasy game. These early games have some mechanics and concepts that may seem somewhat dated. Mechanics like “turn-based combat” and “random battle encounters” can cause some frustration or seem archaic for those just coming in. However, these elements helped define the genre at the time. While some may consider these elements “obsolete,” I think fans should still try the game out once they develop an appreciation for these older features.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children/Crisis Core/Ever Crisis

There are several other offshoots of the original Final Fantasy VII, but I want to highlight three: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis. 

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is a computer-animated movie released in 2005. It is a direct sequel to the original Final Fantasy VII. At the time, the computer animation was breathtaking and was an impressive technical display. It helped pave the way for computer-animated movies and TV series, like Netflix’s Arcane and Love, Death and Robots. In its 2024 theatrical re-release, the movie’s directors and producers said that Advent Children helped pave the way for Final Fantasy VII: Remake by helping to create an updated style and design that developers could use for Final Fantasy VII: Remake. If you want to check this out, I recommend watching the “Complete” edition. It adds 26 minutes of additional scenes and bumps up the overall visual quality from the theatrical release.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, released in 2007, is a prequel to Final Fantasy VII. It was originally available on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) but is now on modern consoles via the new Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII Reunion edition. As a prequel, this explains the backstory behind many of Final Fantasy VII’s main characters, including Cloud Strife, Zack Fair, and Sephiroth. Of all the different offshoots of Final Fantasy VII, this is the one I recommend the most, but only after playing the original Final Fantasy VII. Even though it's a prequel, Crisis Core gives away essential plot details of the original Final Fantasy VII. These are best experienced in the original game first.

Lastly, there’s Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis. This mobile game offshoot of Final Fantasy VII shares many similarities to Final Fantasy VII: Remake, following the same designs and story structure. However, the big difference is that the mobile game features turn-based combat, similar to the original Final Fantasy VII. It is available on Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows devices.

Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI, released in 2023, is another recent release. While the game is a bit of a departure from the more traditional Final Fantasy games, that’s part of its appeal. It reaches out to different audiences, making it another suitable entry for newcomers.

Final Fantasy XVI’s story resembles classic “knights and dragons” fantasy stories. Where some later Final Fantasy games drift more into the sci-fi territory, this features medieval-style fighting, akin to the very early Final Fantasy games. It also features rival factions and a more mature tone, much like Game of Thrones.

It is also more action-heavy. Final Fantasy is typically known for its slower combat, where characters take turns like in a tabletop RPG. But Final Fantasy XVI goes for something different. It’s more akin to games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, where the player has a swath of different abilities they can string together into combos. Players can juggle opponents in the air, zip around the battlefield, and pull off insanely cool maneuvers. It also has plenty of jaw-dropping boss encounters, as giant kaiju-like monsters battle it out in insane duels.

For those who’ve maybe looked at Final Fantasy before and thought it wasn’t for you, maybe give Final Fantasy XVI a try. 

Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy has one of the most amazing communities in gaming, and there’s no better testament to that than Final Fantasy XIV. Continuing with the “it’s not like the others” theme, Final Fantasy XIV is unique in that it’s a Massively Multiplayer Online game (MMO).

MMOs include a very social aspect. Players can connect in social areas and hubs. They can embark on missions together, perform activities, or just hang out in these digital spaces. 

It’s also a very large and expansive game. With many additions and expansions, this game has come a long way from where it started back in 2010. The developers have continued to support the game, with new content continually added as of this writing.

Final Fantasy XIV has also just been made available for Xbox. With several ways to get in, plenty of customization options, and an ever-expanding world, Final Fantasy XIV is the perfect game to get lost in. Grab a few friends and clear up your calendar; this will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.

Final Fantasy XV

When it comes to Final Fantasy games, Final Fantasy XV is the beginning of the current “modern” era. It laid the groundwork for what we see today. What developers learned from Final Fantasy XV was then applied to more recent games like Final Fantasy VII: Remake and Final Fantasy XVI.

Final Fantasy XV’s story focuses on the themes of friendship and responsibility. The main character, Noctis, carries a heavy burden as a usurped royal. While he aims to reclaim his throne, he must also learn to rely on his friends, who always look out for him. It’s a moving and heartfelt “road trip” story in which Noctis and the player travel around a vast world, hanging out with friends.

A common thread in every Final Fantasy game is “summons.” Sometimes referred to by other names (eikons, GFs, etc.), summons are large deity-like creatures. Sometimes, the player has to fight these beasts. But, more often, the player can call upon these monsters to help them in battle. In Final Fantasy XV, summons are MASSIVE. These are as tall as skyscrapers and are a highlight of the game. Later Final Fantasy games would echo this idea, featuring summons that are ginormous titans.

The game’s soundtrack is noteworthy, with contributions from Florence + the Machine. Singer Florence Welch lends her heavenly voice to the game’s already ethereal music. But the group’s rendition of “Stand by Me,” the classic Ben E. King song, makes this game special and bolsters its coming-of-age theme.

Music is a recurring aspect I’ll point out because each one of these games has astounding scores. While every Final Fantasy game has beautiful, unique, and moving music, Final Fantasy IX has some especially memorable tracks. The beginning track, “A Place to Call Home,” sets the tone of this calm, serenading adventure through medieval lands. “Unrequited Love” makes your heartache. The melancholy ballad “Melodies of Life” is sweeping and moving and reminds you of classic ‘90s songs that would play at the end of movies.

Final Fantasy X is challenging to write about. It’s not as straightforward. It deals with — at times — weighty themes of life and what comes next. It asks tough questions about religion and love. The game will absolutely leave you sobbing in tears as soon as it starts when the first few notes of “Zanarkand” play. But it also has some very goofy and emotionally challenging moments that’ll make you go, “... huh?”

Final Fantasy X was also a big turning point for the franchise as it shifted to the PlayStation 2 console. The game takes full advantage of this, utilizing vocal tracks and state-of-the-art CGI cutscenes. The audio and visual leap from Final Fantasy IX to Final Fantasy X is outstanding. It’s almost hard to believe these games are so close together. The game is a prime example of how the series has evolved not only technically but also in telling heavy stories that leave us breathless.

Final Fantasy VI

When critics discuss the “best” Final Fantasy game, many will point to Final Fantasy VI. Not everyone agrees with this assessment, but many of this game's aspects have carried over and influenced the rest of the franchise going forward. It’s a retro classic that, while “dated,” is still worth checking out.

Final Fantasy VI is the last of the “retro” Final Fantasy games. In other words, it was the franchise's last 16-bit/32-bit game before the series transitioned to 3D graphics. Originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, there’s still something beautiful about this game's artwork, character design, and graphics, even though it’s just 2D blocks.

This was also one of the first Final Fantasy games to incorporate more typical sci-fi elements, including mechs, robots, and trains. It also has a memorable plot twist that centers around the antagonist, Kefka. Kefka is considered to be like the franchise’s “Joker,” resembling the DC comic villain’s mannerisms and prominence. In the game, he performs some surprising and wildly nefarious deeds, much like the insane Batman villain.

If you want to try out one of the “retro-styled” Final Fantasy games, Final Fantasy VI is your best bet. It’s an important and influential game that, for the most part, is still a fun time that has aged very well. 

Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII is the “dark horse” of the series. Some do not like this game. But many people, including my oldest brother, absolutely love it and think it's the best in the series. Because of that, I think you should check it out for yourself and see whether you like it.

As mentioned earlier, Final Fantasy VIII is part of the unofficial trilogy of PlayStation 1 Final Fantasy games. It had the unfortunate responsibility of following up on the outstanding Final Fantasy VII, which hurt the game in many ways. Some point out the game’s complicated “junction” system, “confusing” story, and rather “lifeless” characters as problem areas.

However, many also cite these points as reasons why they love this game. Some love the game’s “junction” and combat systems. Some like the time-traveling aspect of the story. And some really enjoy the goofy and oddball characters. 

But there are a few points that almost everyone can agree on. First, the game has some outstanding music. Check out the tracks “Liberi Fatali,” “Balamb Garden,” and “Fisherman’s Horizon” as a few examples. Second, the game’s cinematics are still beautiful. The opening cutscene is still amazing and helped raise the bar for cinematic storytelling in video games. Lastly, Final Fantasy VIII’s “Triple Triad” card game is so much fun!

Final Fantasy Tactics

While these games can be tough to track down, if you have the opportunity to play them, absolutely do so. Final Fantasy Tactics is an offshoot of the traditional Final Fantasy games and sports a different gameplay style. These games are more like a strategy board game, similar to Risk or Stratego. They also helped popularize the Tactical RPG genre, which includes games like Unicorn Overlord and Triangle Strategy.

Final Fantasy X-2, XIII-2, and Lightning Returns

I group these three games together because they are sequels to mainline Final Fantasy games. Most mainline entries do not get direct sequels that continue their stories, but these are the most prominent exceptions. Final Fantasy X-2 is a sequel to Final Fantasy X. And Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII are sequels to Final Fantasy XIII. However, most agree that the quality of these follow-up sequels falls short of the original games. Still, that’s not to say that you won't have fun, as these games tinker with different combat mechanics and allow players to spend more time in these beloved worlds.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is another series of its own. In fact, it deserves its own beginner’s guide. But I mention the Kingdom Hearts series here because Final Fantasy characters and locations appear in these games. This series is a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix (the developer and publisher of Final Fantasy). This means that Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and other Disney characters interact with the likes of Cloud Strife and Sephiroth. Buzz Lightyear, Jack Sparrow, and Jack Skellington all share the same game with Aerith Gainsborough and Squall Leonhart. Kingdom Hearts is practically a juggernaut of its own. To some, it has even eclipsed Final Fantasy. That’s in part due to this dreamlike collaboration between these huge franchises.

Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

One of the most popular gaming genres that has recently taken the world by storm is the “Soulslike” genre. Made popular with games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne, this genre also includes the likes of the Star Wars Jedi series and Lies of P. 

‍Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is also part of this genre. Developed by Team Ninja (the makers of another “Soulslike” series, Nioh), Strangers of Paradise provides a different interpretation of the events and characters from the first Final Fantasy game.

How to Collect the Final Fantasy Franchise

‍Final Fantasy spans multiple decades and multiple video game consoles. This means that, for completionists, it can be a great challenge to collect all of these games. Thankfully, however, there have been newer editions and ways to play these games without having to track down older game copies and consoles via eBay.

For starters, all of the mainline entries are available on modern consoles. The only possibly challenging exception is Final Fantasy Xl, an online MMO not available on consoles (funny enough, this game is still going with an active online community). But you can play many mainline titles if you have a PlayStation 5, PC, or even a Nintendo Switch. 

These games are also available in cost-saving bundles. The biggest bundle is the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, which bundles Final Fantasy I-VI in one nice package. And for those looking for a great starter bundle, look no further than the Final Fantasy VII: Remake & Rebirth digital twin pack.

PlayStation owners can also consider getting a PlayStation Plus Extra subscription. This subscription pass grants access to an extensive library of Final Fantasy games, including the remastered versions. Final Fantasy VII: Remake, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, and Final Fantasy XV: Royale Edition are available to PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers.

Lastly, some of these games are also available on mobile devices. While I don’t recommend playing these games on your phone or tablet straight out of the gate, this may suffice for those who want to play cheaper versions or have no other options.

Tips on Enjoying the Final Fantasy Games

• These can be long games requiring commitment–ensure you’re ready. There’s nothing worse than starting a game, getting sucked into it, then realizing something has come up and you won’t be able to play it again for another week or two. So when you do get into a Final Fantasy game, try to pick a time when nothing too major is going on, and you can devote several hours to playing these.

• When playing older titles, try to view the visuals as more “charming” and “retro” rather than “outdated.” Playing older games can be hard, especially when characters and environments sometimes look like two-dimensional color blobs. Yet, a large amount of work and design has gone into these classic titles. I tend to view the older games as more “dreamlike” or "doll-like." And while the graphics may be dated, the music of these games is still timeless.

• Try finding a player’s guide, especially for the earlier titles. In the early days of gaming, some games did not tell you anything. It was up to the player to discover certain elements. While that can be fun, it can also lend itself to some frustration, as players can miss important moments without knowing it. Players can get stuck on certain sections of a game, wandering for hours, not knowing where to go. Having a player’s guide helps alleviate this and can provide much helpful info about the game and the world. Try tracking down a physical copy on eBay, looking for scanned PDFs online, viewing one on YouTube or gaming websites, or even looking up old fan-created guides on GameFAQs.

• Find someone to enjoy it with. Even though many of these games are technically single-player games, having a friend or loved one share the experience can be very rewarding. Final Fantasy has amazing stories that “backseat gamers” can enjoy and are fun to talk about.

• Remember that classic Tabletop RPGs partly inspired Final Fantasy, and that especially shows in the series’ combat. For newer gamers playing the original Final Fantasy VII or older titles, the combat may seem “slow” or “boring.” But really, “turn-based” combat follows the approach used in games like Dungeons & Dragons, where everyone takes turns and people roll the dice to see how much damage they do.

• Try out the demos. Many newer titles, including Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, have free playable demos that include good-sized portions of the game. So, if you’re on the fence, try these out. They’re free, and you’ve got nothing to lose.

• ‍Final Fantasy is heavily inspired by Japanese culture. Some storytelling techniques or moments may seem “odd” to those of us in Western audiences. But it’s important to remember that Final Fantasy has always been (and always will be) made in Japan. That means certain elements and writing may not translate well overseas, and some cultural references may be lost on us. But that is also part of the series’ charm. These are stories and games unique and formed by their cultural background and heritage.

A Series that Has Changed People’s Lives

In March of 2020, the COVID-19 virus spread worldwide. At that time, when the world was entering into lockdowns, I was also entering a dark period in my life. I was starting to feel despondent and depressed, not being able to go outside, see my friends, or attend classes in person. I felt hopeless. But in April 2020, Final Fantasy VII: Remake debuted. 

There are many moments in life when we discover the right book, movie, or video game that helps take a weight off our shoulders. For me, this was one of them. Final Fantasy VII: Remake lifted me up. I got to experience a beautiful story filled with positive, uplifting characters and beautiful worlds, and go on a grand adventure. It lifted me from a dark place and reminded me of the hope, beauty, joy, and wonder we can find in the world. Final Fantasy VII: Remake changed my life and became one of my favorite games of all time. It is a series passed on from my oldest brother to me. I also hope to pass this series on to my oldest brother’s son — my nephew — and all of you.

Talk to any Final Fantasy fan, and they’ll likely tell you a similar story. There are many testimonials out there of fans explaining how Final Fantasy changed – or even saved – their lives. Just check out this video produced by Gamespot, where a number of influencers and content creators talk about how Final Fantasy VII impacted their lives:

I Heart Final Fantasy VII (ft. The Completionist, Maximilian Dood, and More!)

Even though this series is called Final Fantasy, there is something real and heartfelt about this series. But don’t just take it from me. Give it a try for yourself and see why millions of people around the world say that their lives are all the better because of this video game series.

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