twaddle said:
Its just good to know how many versions of each game there are and which is fandoms favorite etc.
Only a few people seem to be actually reading my first post.
It seems everyone else is just coming in, and saying their favorite game.
I apologize for my role in the mishap. Maybe if you changed the wording in the title of this thread, people would be less likely to come in and spout their favorites like a flock of sheep. I guess I belonged in that category, so let me make it up to you:
FF I and II were most recently released for the PSP and the Wii Virtual Console, although previous versions exist dating all the way back to the original FF1 on the NES in 1990 (in America, that is). FF2 was never released outside of Japan until its initial remake. Each remake has brought on graphical upgrades, slight gameplay tweaks, and the inclusion of bonus dungeons.
- Personally, I found FFI boring and insultingly easy. I used a Phoenix Down maybe once or twice ever. I'd avoid it, in favor of the later games.
- Never played the second one, so I have no idea how it is. Fairly similar to the first game, however, so I would recommend getting a later game of those listed below over these two.
FF III was vastly overhauled for a remake on the DS, with 3D graphics and a re-balancing of the game's job system to encourage the continued use of older jobs. The original party members now have names and more fully developed back-stories and personalities.
- Never played this one either, but it was the first of many FF games to include a job system, where characters can switch between various roles with their own unique abilities and strengths.
FF IV-VI were most recently (and collectively) released on the GameBoy Advance, with the titles of FFIV Advanced, FFV Advanced, etc. However, in their original states on the SNES FF4 and FF6 were renamed FF2 and FF3 in America, as the real 2 and 3 were never released outside of Japan before remakes. The fifth game did not suffer from having its name changed in future releases, mostly in part because it never left Japan until its remake on the PS1. Each remake included the usual: graphical updates, gameplay tweaks, etc.
- If you intend to give your friend any of these titles, you could cheat and get both FF Chronicles and FF Anthology for the PS1: two combos which when combined give you FF IV-VI and the Chrono Trigger game, killing four birds with two stones.
- I personally haven't played ANY of these titles, although I recently obtained and started on FF6 Advanced. First impressions are good; the game's in-battle system will be almost immediately recognizable to your friend, as it is a similar thought-process to VII and VIII.
FF IX was released on the PS1, and has since stayed there until it was re-released on the PSN a week or two ago. As it never had a true remake, nothing has been changed about it.
- Haven't played this one either, but I hear it is one of the best of the series.
FF XII was released on the PS2, and as such remains there. The game is found to be fairly polarizing among fans, because of its departure from the romantic storylines of FF VII-X in favor of a political theme, and its psuedo-MMORPG combat system.
- I liked the game, but I would consider renting or finding a bargain copy first, as your friend may love it or hate it, depending on her tastes.
As for the other "spin-off" games there are numerous titles, too many to to display here. Of them, my personal favorite was the PSP remake of the original PS1 Final Fantasy Tactics, renamed FF Tactics: the War of the Lions. If she is any bit into turn-based strategy games, I highly recommend it. The game has been retooled with cel-shaded, pencil-style cutscenes with voice acting (a lot cooler than it sounds), a new end-game dungeon, and bonus characters and jobs, such as Cloud from FFVII and the Dark Knight class. New cutscenes and story elements have been added as well, to give more story details beyond what the main character experiences.
Sorry about my previous "fandom"-style comment, and I hope all of this helps. Good luck!
