Final Fantasy fans! What's your favourite Final Fantasy game and why?
- Thread starter Holarchy
- Start date
Recommended Videos
Easily IX. Even though, as far as games go, others have had better leveling mechanics, skill learning systems, and more interesting bosses (almost no boss in IX requires any strategy beyond "hit it with the most powerful attacks you have, and don't die", save for the one 'Revive kills Zombie' boss).
IX just has the best story (sorry fans of VII, but your story is too much of a cluster-fuck for me) that grabs you almost immediately with lovable interesting characters who are all emotionally grabbing in there own way. Yes, even Quina. The story has already been summed up in this thread, but really, reading it like that doesn't do it justice. There's a lot more to it, from the way all the lines are written, to the animation on the cutscenes that really convey all the emotion in the cast. The very first time you meet ViVi, for instance, he gets knocked on his ass after being overwhelmed by the size and scale of the kingdom of Alexandria. Before you get to control him, or hear (or rather read) him say anything, the animation has already conveyed his personality.
Similarly, the main protagonist, Zidane, is almost impossible to not like. Unlike Cloud and Squall who are both "I'm a moody angsty ball of quiet rage with loads of unanswered questions", Zidane is a lovable rogue. He's a thief, set out to kidnap a princess, his outlook on life is optimistic, and he genuinely cares about those he finds himself stuck with, even though realistically, he should have no reason to.
IX is just generally full of memorable, entertaining moments, that, even though the cast are caught in a world that through the course of the game lurches from one bad thing to another (by the end of the game, pretty much every city has had some bad fortune or another, almost everyone's been affected) yet the game still keeps Zidane's optimistic demeanor, and despite being an incredibly dark story about a mad arms dealer who's out to conquer/destroy everything, it never feels dark.
IX doesn't usually get as much love for it as some of the other FF's, which is a shame, as it's an under appreciated gem. It may not be as innovative or as creative in terms of gameplay as some of the others in the series, but it's simple nature does it a blessing, as it allows the story to carry it, something that it does with ease.
IX just has the best story (sorry fans of VII, but your story is too much of a cluster-fuck for me) that grabs you almost immediately with lovable interesting characters who are all emotionally grabbing in there own way. Yes, even Quina. The story has already been summed up in this thread, but really, reading it like that doesn't do it justice. There's a lot more to it, from the way all the lines are written, to the animation on the cutscenes that really convey all the emotion in the cast. The very first time you meet ViVi, for instance, he gets knocked on his ass after being overwhelmed by the size and scale of the kingdom of Alexandria. Before you get to control him, or hear (or rather read) him say anything, the animation has already conveyed his personality.
Similarly, the main protagonist, Zidane, is almost impossible to not like. Unlike Cloud and Squall who are both "I'm a moody angsty ball of quiet rage with loads of unanswered questions", Zidane is a lovable rogue. He's a thief, set out to kidnap a princess, his outlook on life is optimistic, and he genuinely cares about those he finds himself stuck with, even though realistically, he should have no reason to.
IX is just generally full of memorable, entertaining moments, that, even though the cast are caught in a world that through the course of the game lurches from one bad thing to another (by the end of the game, pretty much every city has had some bad fortune or another, almost everyone's been affected) yet the game still keeps Zidane's optimistic demeanor, and despite being an incredibly dark story about a mad arms dealer who's out to conquer/destroy everything, it never feels dark.
IX doesn't usually get as much love for it as some of the other FF's, which is a shame, as it's an under appreciated gem. It may not be as innovative or as creative in terms of gameplay as some of the others in the series, but it's simple nature does it a blessing, as it allows the story to carry it, something that it does with ease.
What threads? A thread that actually highlights the series in a positive light? That's kind of a new thing around these parts. threads bashing the FF series however... those are more the norm from what I've seen.Yosharian said:
OT: obligatory mention of FFXI. Yes I went there, still playing that damn game after 8 years. But if you mean single player games, too hard to choose. They're all good for different reasons.
moments that stand out:
FF4, Cecil's path towards becoming a paladin (which doomed me to wanting to play a paladin/knight type class in any RPG where it's an option.) Also the infamous "spoony bard" line.
FF6: great game, a defining entry into the series, and probably the best possible way to end the SNES era of RPG's on a high note.
FF7: Baby's first attempt at a 3D world. I'd say they pulled it off, although the graphics are painful to look at in this day and age. Only real complaint is how Square Soft/Enix kinda gave in to the hype around Cloud being emo in some later installments (Kingdom Hearts/Advent Children specifically). The Cloud from the actual game? I remember him threatening to beat small children for pissing him off. That doesn't scream emo to me, but that's just my 2 cents.
FF9: FF goes back to it's roots and delivers a story with great characters and familiar elements from the FF universe. Crystals that actually matter, summons being abusively powerful (at least in the story), etc.
FF12: Yea yea... "no FFX?" I liked FFX, but I think 12 sealed the deal for best PS2 era FF game. Probably one of the more interesting deviations from the normal formula of FF games... it actually involves things like politics and reasons besides "you're the chosen one" for your protagonists. It felt like a living, breathing world. Also the Esper battles and a cameo appearance from fuckin' Gilgamesh. 'nuff said.
There, now that I've fangasm'd all over the place I'll take my leave.
I'm leaning twards FFVI, unlike other games in the series it treats all (or at least a manjority) of the characters as important rather than just the hero, villian, and girl, it has so many secrets to find, as will as possibly the best soundtrack in all of gaming.
FFIX is close though.
FFIX is close though.
Final Fantasy VIII in my personal opinion. It's what really got me into gaming an especially JRPGs. I remember being a preteen and absolutely in love with Squall. Loner bad boy...don't judge me...and at least I've never liked Edward of twilight.
A close second for me would be Final Fantasy VII just because of how much I loved the story and characters in it, but I'm sure it's been mentioned before so I won't gush over it.
A close second for me would be Final Fantasy VII just because of how much I loved the story and characters in it, but I'm sure it's been mentioned before so I won't gush over it.
FF IX, for pretty much everything this guy says.Dr Namgge said:
Incredibly interesting characters, an amazing atmosphere and a fantastical story using elements from both fairytales and grand epics - with probably the lowest amount of plot holes in any FF-game.
Further more, it probably has the strongest female cast in any Final Fantasy (in any game) I've ever played.
Garnet is the classical "princess in distress" character, but ends up having an entire arc dealing with the death of her mother, her adoptive mother, her taking the throne (yes, a princess actually becoming a queen halfway through the game!), having to deal with her entire kingdom being set ablaze immediatly after, suffering a complete breakdown, picking herself back up and rule her kingdom once more.
Eiko is a 6-year old girl having to survive all alone in dead village with nothing but her moogles.
Beatrix, the general of the Alexandrian soldiers. She might have lost an eye, but she only needs one to wipe the floor with your group on multiple occasions. Furthermore, just as Steiner, she is loyal to the crown of Alexandria - yet is is she, not Steiner, who first accepts the the fact that the methods of the queen are unsound.
Freya Crescent, probably the strongest female character of them all. She had a story arc where she has been searching for her long lost love for over two years - that's right, the woman going on a quest for her man, not the other way around. Then when she finally finds him, he can't even remember her. Does she get pissed? Does she throw a tantrum? No, she deals with in the most understanding, selfless manner possible - she's crying on the inside, but she can deal with it. Admirable is the fact that she has an entire story act revolving about love, despite being nothing more than an anthropomorphic rat. Not some woman with bunny ears, not some cat-girl, but a rat; complete with a skinny figure, long nails on hands and feet, dressed in rain-resisting, non-revealing clothing.
Even more admirable is the fact that she stays strong even after her home gets destroyed and tons of her people die. After Cleyra gets destroyed, she breaks down for a while, but as soon as the situation demands for it, she's back on her feet, prioritizing that which matters, like a true professional. Hell, when she finally meets up with Beatrix, the person who was in large part responsible for the horrible actions done to her people, she doesn't forgive, she doesn't forget, but dammit, she will set her own pain aside to battle along Beatrix' side to offer her friends an escape window.
Eiko is a 6-year old girl having to survive all alone in dead village with nothing but her moogles.
Beatrix, the general of the Alexandrian soldiers. She might have lost an eye, but she only needs one to wipe the floor with your group on multiple occasions. Furthermore, just as Steiner, she is loyal to the crown of Alexandria - yet is is she, not Steiner, who first accepts the the fact that the methods of the queen are unsound.
Freya Crescent, probably the strongest female character of them all. She had a story arc where she has been searching for her long lost love for over two years - that's right, the woman going on a quest for her man, not the other way around. Then when she finally finds him, he can't even remember her. Does she get pissed? Does she throw a tantrum? No, she deals with in the most understanding, selfless manner possible - she's crying on the inside, but she can deal with it. Admirable is the fact that she has an entire story act revolving about love, despite being nothing more than an anthropomorphic rat. Not some woman with bunny ears, not some cat-girl, but a rat; complete with a skinny figure, long nails on hands and feet, dressed in rain-resisting, non-revealing clothing.
Even more admirable is the fact that she stays strong even after her home gets destroyed and tons of her people die. After Cleyra gets destroyed, she breaks down for a while, but as soon as the situation demands for it, she's back on her feet, prioritizing that which matters, like a true professional. Hell, when she finally meets up with Beatrix, the person who was in large part responsible for the horrible actions done to her people, she doesn't forgive, she doesn't forget, but dammit, she will set her own pain aside to battle along Beatrix' side to offer her friends an escape window.
I also love the music, it's less multi-layered and over-the-top. It's an homage to the old FF-games, using music that has a solid melody that always manages to convey a certain emotion, while never leaving your head ever again. Ever tried humming a FF XIII song? Didn't thing so, yet I could start whistling "Jesters of The Moon", "Loss of Me" or "Tantalus Theme" right here and now.
Also, like the person of the quoted post says, the amazing atmosphere makes sure the story never feels dark, yet it might be one of the darkest stories in any Final Fantasy ever. A queen trying to kill her own adopted daughter, Garland committing genocide on the Summoner race, Brahne committing genocide on the Burmecian race. Then there the whole "Black Mage" situation, creating artificial life with recycled souls and black magic - life that can walk and talk like any other human being - and then using it as weapons of war. Then there's all the personal issues about loyalty, life, death, memories and responsibility. Not to mention the fact that Kuja doesn't just try to destroy an entire world, he actually succeeded to blow up Terra completely, not even Kefka or sephiroth managed to pull that off.
It is true the "ability learning system" isn't nearly as original or customizable as the job system, grid system or materia system. I too would have liked something more unique, but at the very least, the mechanic they offer is very solid. Nonetheless, I would applaud the game for having the profession of each character in battle actually having significance in the story.
Also, in my humble opinion, best Chocobo mini-game in any FF-game ever.
Final Fantasy 3 for the DS.
It was the first F.F. game I played and every other just pales in comparion to it's greatness.
12 is pretty good, too.
It was the first F.F. game I played and every other just pales in comparion to it's greatness.
12 is pretty good, too.
I agree that the gameplay of XII was good. really good. But I did not like the summon system and I have already said that 9 is my favorite (it has ViVI therefore it wins) I liked X more than XII because I have always played FFs for the story and XII was just a badly done rip off of Retern of the Jedi.Aeonknight said:
Its VI for me. It had the weirdest group of people adventuring together in all the Final Fantasies, yet somehow, it oddly and awesomely worked. Every character stood out and I could tell each had their own distinct issues and unique personality, plus we get to know each character's background AND see the resolutions to their issues. The world is also so much better with it's subtle storytelling in each area, before and after the apocalypse, and a larger variety of enemies compared to the others. Bonus points as well 'cause it's the FF that introduced Ultros, the only villain better than Gilgamesh.
You're not alone! (Anyone spot the cunning reference to IX there? Huh? Huh? I'll get my coat.)AyreonMaiden said:
I really enjoyed XII as well, and for the same reasons. The biggest complaint levelled at that installment is that Vaan is pointless to the story. And you know what? Yeah, he kind of is - he's hanging on to everyone elses' coat tails. But I don't get why that's necessarily a bad thing, to have this character there who, as you say, isn't the Chosen One. It gives you a new perspective on things. Alright, I admit my party was mainly Balthier, Basch and Ashe / Fran, but that's a whole different matter.
I enjoyed wandering round Ivalice, the world was beautifully realised, the politics were murky and the Gambit system only 'played the game for you' if you let it. I love to micromanage, and had no problem doing so.Is it my favourite, though? I honestly don't think I could pick just one. There's bits in all of them that I love. VII has that special place in my heart, for being the first one I ever played, an incredibly in-depth game, great magic systems and having Vincent Valentine in it. IX was so beautiful and charming, whilst at the same time being one of the darkest plots I've come across. X was more linear, but that didn't fail to draw me in either. VI was just awesome, and with one of, if not the, best villains I've ever come across. To this day I still can't look a clown in the eye. Cecil, Rosa and Kain in IV were just great.
Each game has niggles, I won't deny this. I enjoyed VIII for example, but drawing magic for hours made me want to gouge someones' eyes out with a spork. But I just try to appreciate what each one does well.
I'd also add that the music does a wonderful job of creating the atmosphere in these. I adore the IX tracks posted above - can't listen to Jesters without smiling and thinking of the way Zorn and Thorn talk. The opening themes to VII (and VIII) are mesmerising to me. If you're a fan of the series and haven't been to a Distant Worlds concert, or listened to the CDs at least, do so - you won't regret it.
Final Fantasy VII because... lol because why not? it's the best! Seriously, I prefer VII because it was my first FF game and the first rpg I ever played in my life. It had a huge impact on me and it changed in many aspects the way I was seeing video games. It was a title of very high quality as well. In my opinion FF VII, together with Metal Gear Solid, Tomb Raider and other mega hits of the late 90's contributed a lot into the transformation of video games from a solitary hobby to a main stream form of entertainment.
Hey wait...this isn't such a positive development now that I'm thinking of it. Final Fantasy 7 in a way is responsible for Final Fantasy 13!! Oh my god! Damn you Cloud Tifa and Aeris! damn you Akira Yamaoka!
Hey wait...this isn't such a positive development now that I'm thinking of it. Final Fantasy 7 in a way is responsible for Final Fantasy 13!! Oh my god! Damn you Cloud Tifa and Aeris! damn you Akira Yamaoka!
I like various ones for different reasons.
Game mechanics and overall plot: FFX. The sphere grid allowed for a lot of customization as you levelled and the strictly turn-based mechanic meant you had more time to work out an effective stratagy. Sadly all this was overshadowed a bit by it being very easy to over level (I killed Seymour on Mt Gagazet in one attack) and the summons were unbalanced. Story wise it was an interesting take on "Chosen one saving the world" formula.
Characters: FFXIII. This is the only Final Fantasy I've played and completed twice. while the story is relatively simplistic, I'd say its got some of the best character growth in the entire series and playing again after knowing everyones backstory really changes how you see the characters. Second place is IX simply for Vivi.
Better then the sum of its parts: FFVIII. I loved the Junction system, I liked the characters, the story was bloody insane and the music was fantastic.
Honourable Mention: FFX-2. Combat and job system was a lot of fun let down by an annoying story and completion percentage. Also, I like fanservice and I don't care how it makes me look!
Game mechanics and overall plot: FFX. The sphere grid allowed for a lot of customization as you levelled and the strictly turn-based mechanic meant you had more time to work out an effective stratagy. Sadly all this was overshadowed a bit by it being very easy to over level (I killed Seymour on Mt Gagazet in one attack) and the summons were unbalanced. Story wise it was an interesting take on "Chosen one saving the world" formula.
Characters: FFXIII. This is the only Final Fantasy I've played and completed twice. while the story is relatively simplistic, I'd say its got some of the best character growth in the entire series and playing again after knowing everyones backstory really changes how you see the characters. Second place is IX simply for Vivi.
Better then the sum of its parts: FFVIII. I loved the Junction system, I liked the characters, the story was bloody insane and the music was fantastic.
Honourable Mention: FFX-2. Combat and job system was a lot of fun let down by an annoying story and completion percentage. Also, I like fanservice and I don't care how it makes me look!