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Can someone explain Final Fantasy to me?
- Thread starter PerezDeCorcho
- Start date
FFIV Collection for PSP is a really good starting point. It introduces the semi-real time turn based combat system that the next 5 games use and was in my experience the least grindy of the series. Plus the story and characters are still solid. The PSP version improves some elements of the original game without radically changing the experience like the DS version did. The sequel that comes with it is gameplay wise, both exactly the same and totally different in good ways.
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story not so much though
Perfect first post as always!
Pyrrhus
Member
Simple and to the point. Well said. I entirely agree. Those games represent the essence and the golden era of the series, before it became so big that the money men and the rope they gave Sakaguchi to hang himself with and Nomura and Toriyama and the endless fucking spinoffs made everything end in tears.
SuperChoco
Member
I think that playing Final Fantasy 9 would be a good starting point. The game itself is pretty easy to learn with a story that is fairly good. The first game also isn't a bad starting point, though I think you should start with a version made from 2004 (GBA) onward as many additions were made to be more in line with later games in the series.
DON'T start with 2, 4, 8, or 13. Not because they are bad games (which they aren't), but that they are very different from other games in the series in terms of design and pacing.
DON'T start with 2, 4, 8, or 13. Not because they are bad games (which they aren't), but that they are very different from other games in the series in terms of design and pacing.
Well here's the thing with Final Fantasy. You know you're always going to be going somewhere in a Final Fantasy game -- always going to be taken for a ride.
You know you're going to be exploring places that a full of fantasy in every single game.
At the very least, you know this. Now, slap on top that they usually have great combat systems, unique characters, high production values, great graphics (for their respective time periods), and hours of content... and youve got a winner.
If I had to recommend a first? FFX. It will prepare you for others, even the older ones. Graphics have aged well and there are remasters available if you fancy.
Trust me.
You know you're going to be exploring places that a full of fantasy in every single game.
At the very least, you know this. Now, slap on top that they usually have great combat systems, unique characters, high production values, great graphics (for their respective time periods), and hours of content... and youve got a winner.
If I had to recommend a first? FFX. It will prepare you for others, even the older ones. Graphics have aged well and there are remasters available if you fancy.
Trust me.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
Start with VI or VII. World maps are filled with memorable monsters and summons. You fight to increase your level and you go up against various people trying to take over. Chocobos are bread for riding and so forth. Many different elements stick around. It feels like a Final Fantasy in later games, so you'll notice similar aspects to newer entries too.
Play XII because it's one of my favorites in the series. VIII and IX are good because they have fantastic art and FMVs. X had a great battle system and artwork.
If you want a taste of their origin play everything under VI, III is good, but VI could be the best of the 2D FFs.
Watch both movies too (Advent Children and Spirits Within) and listen to some Gackt and/or play Dirge of Cerberus after playing VII. If you like VII play Crisis Core.
FF is a story told through characters who encounter a crisis. They're given similar abilities throughout the series to help them fight. The games are filled with memorable and sometimes emotional moments. I feel as though the aesthetics to FF (everything included) is what sets it apart from a TON of fantasy RPGs.
OST VIII is awesome too.
Play XII because it's one of my favorites in the series. VIII and IX are good because they have fantastic art and FMVs. X had a great battle system and artwork.
If you want a taste of their origin play everything under VI, III is good, but VI could be the best of the 2D FFs.
Watch both movies too (Advent Children and Spirits Within) and listen to some Gackt and/or play Dirge of Cerberus after playing VII. If you like VII play Crisis Core.
FF is a story told through characters who encounter a crisis. They're given similar abilities throughout the series to help them fight. The games are filled with memorable and sometimes emotional moments. I feel as though the aesthetics to FF (everything included) is what sets it apart from a TON of fantasy RPGs.
OST VIII is awesome too.
Every FF game I played was interesting and fun on his own. I will always have a soft spot for IX, though, since it was my first FF game ever. I spent so many hours to max that game it's unbelievable. It's hard to describe the series, you should just try and play it. Start wherever you like.
Everyone has a favorite. Each game is something different and offers something different usually with some exceptions. I've played all of them and my favorite is Final Fantasy V but I do not think it'd be the best to jump into as a start for the series. Anyway, here's how I'd cover the bases of "getting into the series" based on what appeals to you:
Best entry point - Final Fantasy IV (Final Fantasy II in USA on the SNES) In my opinion, it pretty much sets you up for what you should expect out of the series in terms of gameplay and tone. It introduces the iconic ATB battle system and is basically a perfect entry gate into the series.
Best "defining" game - Final Fantasy VI (Final Fantasy III in USA on the SNES) or Final Fantasy VII You'll get different opinions on this, but most agree these are generally the most defining games in the entire series. They are also very similar in a lot of ways as well.
Best story/lore - The Ivalice series (Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story) If you like lore and storytelling these are the strongest in the entire series. The gameplay in these are awesome as well btw.
Best underrated game - Final Fantasy V or Final Fantasy IX Most will agree these are two of the most underrated in the entire series. Final Fantasy V is more of a love letter to all the cool game mechanics in Final Fantasy for the most part with it's massive job system, and Final Fantasy IX is a love letter to the entire series itself. Check them out, but I wouldn't suggest either as a starting point.
Best entry point - Final Fantasy IV (Final Fantasy II in USA on the SNES) In my opinion, it pretty much sets you up for what you should expect out of the series in terms of gameplay and tone. It introduces the iconic ATB battle system and is basically a perfect entry gate into the series.
Best "defining" game - Final Fantasy VI (Final Fantasy III in USA on the SNES) or Final Fantasy VII You'll get different opinions on this, but most agree these are generally the most defining games in the entire series. They are also very similar in a lot of ways as well.
Best story/lore - The Ivalice series (Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story) If you like lore and storytelling these are the strongest in the entire series. The gameplay in these are awesome as well btw.
Best underrated game - Final Fantasy V or Final Fantasy IX Most will agree these are two of the most underrated in the entire series. Final Fantasy V is more of a love letter to all the cool game mechanics in Final Fantasy for the most part with it's massive job system, and Final Fantasy IX is a love letter to the entire series itself. Check them out, but I wouldn't suggest either as a starting point.
Hibiki Kurosawa
Member
Start with FFI,II,III, and V (V is the best FF). Later on you should try XII (the other best FF). If you are only considering trying out the series and don't plan to play the majority of them, then avoid X and XIII.
Agent_ShortBus
Member
I've also never played a Final Fantasy game (I'm 24) Kinda want to start with 13 or 13- 2 only because their on Steam and kinda cheap. Not a big fan of turn based games with the exception of Pokemon and Fire emblem awakening. Do the battle systems and mechanics take a long time to get a handle on because if they are It'd be kind of a big turn off for me.
Great post. The only thing even worth mentioning that I might add would be that if you want to go and play the original Final Fantasy, the PlayStations Origins port is really good. Patience is still required, though!
If you really don't want to play a turn-based game I don't think I'd bother with the series, but you could just stick with everything post-10. (Why anyone would bother I don't know.) The battle systems and mechanics in FF13 would probably be pretty hard to figure out if you're completely foreign to the genre and the series, but I didn't go in cold so what do I know.
FFIV is on Steam pretty cheap and while it has nowhere near the production values it's an all-time classic whereas FF13 is a giant pile of crap, so all I can do is suggest you try FFIV instead. But you know what's best for you, so I'm sure you'll make your own decision.
Pyrrhus
Member
Generally the games from the SNES era forward have a pretty gentle learning curve. But if you don't like turnbased battle, that's about 60% of most titles in the series by playtime.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
This should be textbook knowledge, but I disagree about IV and V. I disagree because clarification and someone's enjoyment are like what you said different. I think most people who still enjoy FF or remember FF would agree with you. SE should do an HD Remaster of XII for Vita.
Ivalice is a fantastic world. Only game I didn't care for was Revnant Wings on DS. Tactics is great, the WOTL PSP version is on PSN for Vita too and iOS.
I don't know what newer gamers would think if it didn't have voice acting, so I start with something with more to show. That isn't the case with JRPGs because better graphics don't always mean it's better (FFXIII).
If it's too slow cast "haste"
BomberMouse
Member
It's a saga that span almost 30 years, they are all different and have a different flavor.
I'd say:
- Try one of the FF1 remakes
- Play FF4 complete on PSP
- Try to play FF6 somehow
- Play FF7 and FF9
- Play FF12
Avoid at all costs FF8, FF10.
FF13 is ok, gameplay wise it's fun and pretty but the characters and interactions are bleh.
I'd say:
- Try one of the FF1 remakes
- Play FF4 complete on PSP
- Try to play FF6 somehow
- Play FF7 and FF9
- Play FF12
Avoid at all costs FF8, FF10.
FF13 is ok, gameplay wise it's fun and pretty but the characters and interactions are bleh.
so many opinions flying around you won't even see this one...
play FF9 and if you like it go back and play all of the others. they improve as time goes on (as with most things, when nostalgia is ignored). also check out chrono cross if you have access to it /random.
my favorites are FF8 & FF10.
play FF9 and if you like it go back and play all of the others. they improve as time goes on (as with most things, when nostalgia is ignored). also check out chrono cross if you have access to it /random.
my favorites are FF8 & FF10.
Grizzlyjin
Supersonic, idiotic, disconnecting, not respecting, who would really ever wanna go and top that
I just realized that for the younger gamers around here, they might have completely missed how big the franchise was (...is?). Think about it, Final Fantasy XIII was 5 years ago. Final Fantasy XII was 8 years ago. Imagine a gamer that is 12-15 right now, it would be pretty easy for them to have missed Final Fantasy, especially since the most recent releases are related to the MMO or sequels to 13.
I think this makes a huge difference in series perception. When I started playing them, we were getting a new mainline Final Fantasy every 1-3 years. You start stretching the gaps to half a decade between games (devisely received games at that) and you start missing out on entire new groups of gamers.
I think this makes a huge difference in series perception. When I started playing them, we were getting a new mainline Final Fantasy every 1-3 years. You start stretching the gaps to half a decade between games (devisely received games at that) and you start missing out on entire new groups of gamers.
Unknown Soldier
Member
Anything as long running as Final Fantasy can't be explained in a sentence or even a paragraph.
The OP might as well have asked us to explain James Bond without having ever seen a James Bond movie. Or Godzilla without having seen a Godzilla movie.
That said, it depends on how far back you want to go.
From the NES era, play FFIV.
From the SNES era, play FFVI.
From the PS1 era, play FFVII.
From the PS2 era, play FFX.
From the PS3 era...ummm.......just play FFXII instead. Or play FFX HD Remaster.
The OP might as well have asked us to explain James Bond without having ever seen a James Bond movie. Or Godzilla without having seen a Godzilla movie.
That said, it depends on how far back you want to go.
From the NES era, play FFIV.
From the SNES era, play FFVI.
From the PS1 era, play FFVII.
From the PS2 era, play FFX.
From the PS3 era...ummm.......just play FFXII instead. Or play FFX HD Remaster.
@Grizzlyjin, it really is amazing when put into that perspective. (Born 1980) I feel like I was in the right place at the right time for the classic RPGs.
For the record I value the original Phantasy Star series over Final Fantasy, but neither should be missed if you like RPGs and are a youngin. Same with Lunar. And a whole lot of other SNES/PSX releases...
For the record I value the original Phantasy Star series over Final Fantasy, but neither should be missed if you like RPGs and are a youngin. Same with Lunar. And a whole lot of other SNES/PSX releases...
Pyrrhus
Member
FF9 is meant as a coda. It's a love letter to what the series had been up to that point, and inadvertently, a tombstone. I would not recommend playing it as your first game.
Avoid X. Play XIII.
o_0
OP get a Vita, you can play nearly all the good FF's lying in bed, RPGs are awesome like that.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
Play XII for Fran and Balthier!
If you really think someone asking what the OP is asking will actually play through every single entry in the series, I don't know what to tell you. It was basically someone asking where to start with Bowie, and while I want to say Low I instead said the greatest hits.
Pyrrhus
Member
If somebody was only going to play one I'd probably say FFVI on SNES or some flavor of FFIV. But while FFIX is great, it's chock full of call backs and references. You can play it first and it's still good, but you're missing the warm layer of nostalgia that makes it that much better.
Totally not trying to get into an argument about this because obviously we both love the series and probably every game - but that nostalgia isn't there for someone like the OP.
I think the assortment of replies to this thread just goes to show how great the series is, as much flack as it gets lately.
OP: play them all!
I actually never played FF until VI was released for the Virtual Console a couple of year ago. As a complete newbie back then, I found it to be an amazing experience and got me completely hooked on the series for life. It had amazing music, characters, locales, and one of the greatest video games villains I had the chance to oppose.
I loved that game so much that I ended up getting III and IV on my DS and VII, VIIII, IX, and XIII on my PS3. I play them all one after another that summer, which eventually lead me to spending a full year and a half playing nothing but XI after all was said and done. Great series that quickly became one of my favorite of all times.
This also reminds me that I still need to play X and XII.
I loved that game so much that I ended up getting III and IV on my DS and VII, VIIII, IX, and XIII on my PS3. I play them all one after another that summer, which eventually lead me to spending a full year and a half playing nothing but XI after all was said and done. Great series that quickly became one of my favorite of all times.
This also reminds me that I still need to play X and XII.
Laughing so hard here.
Hibiki Kurosawa
Member
IV wasn't on NES.
No, play V from SNES (SFAM) era
No, play IX from PS1 era
No, play XII from PS2 era
No, play XIV from ps3 era
There
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
There should be a remaster of XII. It's one of the best looking/best JRPGs on the PS2. I hope SE doesn't let the international version sit for very long.
Advent Children rarely gets brought up anymore. It still looks good. Everyone should watch it too!
Edit: the film has aged more than the games. I put in the BluRay tonight and was floored by how the textures have aged.
thorsilver
Member
These two posts came one right after another, which tells you all you need to know about the series: every game is so massively different that opinions are completely divergent. Best you can do is probably do a bit of reading, watching vids of each one, then taking a shot at the three most interesting ones.
For the record, my favourites are IV (love the classic 2D sprites, the music and characters, and the simple but well-realised story), X (beautiful world design, motivating and cohesive narrative, best battle system in the series), and VII (mind-blowing at the time, amazing soundtrack, materia system is great).
Least favourites are VIII (just too broken, though I liked some of the ideas and the visuals are a massive leap over VII) and XIII (gorgeous visuals and music, fun battle system, but no cohesive world-building or writing whatsoever, absolutely awful characters, and no exploration or towns or personality anywhere).
Take all that for what it's worth, hope you can make an informed choice and give the series a good try
For me, FFX stands out as having lovable characters that are well contrasted, especially the 2 leads. There's a strong sense of nature and beauty in the visuals, and I'd say water is its theme. Story is tight and metaphorical.
FFXII features a story with political intrigue, mature storytelling, and most definitely advanced English. Seriously, you almost need to be a Shakespearean fanatic to understand what they're talking about. Though, there some brilliant lines and metaphors.
FFVII's main draw I think is the complex, rich story that is all told as one epic "chase" sequence of events.
FFIX's dominant mark is definitely its lively cast. Story and gameplay, for me, was pretty by-the-book, but enjoyable.
FFVI is a game with a poignant, emotional story. Gameplay is basic turn-based affair. Strong cast.
FFVIII was a puzzle that I couldn't piece. Great CGI cutscenes for its time. Seriously, just watch the opening CGI.
All the above have incredible soundtracks. Not kidding - incredible!
FFXII features a story with political intrigue, mature storytelling, and most definitely advanced English. Seriously, you almost need to be a Shakespearean fanatic to understand what they're talking about. Though, there some brilliant lines and metaphors.
FFVII's main draw I think is the complex, rich story that is all told as one epic "chase" sequence of events.
FFIX's dominant mark is definitely its lively cast. Story and gameplay, for me, was pretty by-the-book, but enjoyable.
FFVI is a game with a poignant, emotional story. Gameplay is basic turn-based affair. Strong cast.
FFVIII was a puzzle that I couldn't piece. Great CGI cutscenes for its time. Seriously, just watch the opening CGI.
All the above have incredible soundtracks. Not kidding - incredible!
Hispanic! At the Disco
Member
Play 6! You'll laugh, you'll cry! You'll wonder why they needed to add so many characters! Is that an octopus? It also has the best villian.
Just played it a couple years ago for the first time and its one of my favorite RPGs now Great game.
Just played it a couple years ago for the first time and its one of my favorite RPGs now
Great game.For some reason I never enjoyed the 3d FF titles,
So yeah, NES / SNES fantasy all the way! I like VI the most due to different story archs which intertwine. Great game.
I have a FF on the PS2 as well which I haven't played, you play as some guy who'se in a soccer superbowl of some sorts and has really bad taste in clothes. I couldn't identify at all with him and the first few area's were so slow that I quit.
Maybe I should try again, someone here probably knows which FF this is and if it's any good, what do you say GAF?
So yeah, NES / SNES fantasy all the way! I like VI the most due to different story archs which intertwine. Great game.
I have a FF on the PS2 as well which I haven't played, you play as some guy who'se in a soccer superbowl of some sorts and has really bad taste in clothes. I couldn't identify at all with him and the first few area's were so slow that I quit.
Maybe I should try again, someone here probably knows which FF this is and if it's any good, what do you say GAF?
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
That's FFX and yes. It has fantastic music too. The characters have their own persona and that's what you need to understand. It all comes together with friendships and struggles. The beginning of FF games are somewhat building upon everything. It will always take a little time no matter what. That use to be a good thing too.
The beginning is where you meet the player. It sets up a start. Tidus is a blitzball player and the beginning sort of takes you in. The music at the beginning and the sword sync later, but it sets you off on an adventure. It's meant to be enjoyed like classical music. It's mellow and relaxing, which people now a days (and before) tend to downplay a lot.
The world will open up later on and you won't recognize what you did during the the first hour or less. The beginning is like the first chapter of a book.
Play FFXII. You get to see a lot of airships! I think you might enjoy it more.
Watch trailers for IV-XII and decide which one looks most interesting to you. So many people have so many different opinions it's pointless to recommend a starting point, in my opinion. I think it's generally regarded IV is the start of the series ascension to greatness (though the first three still have merits and fans), so just look from there.
bronk
Banned
perfect response! I would recommend starting wit IV
I'm a Final Fantasy newcomer too, and in fact I haven't played a JRPG in general in years (and even then, I only really played Pokemon). Is FF a good (re-)introduction to the genre?
If so, is there any FF game that is a good starting point for the franchise that also has a good story (or at least a likable cast of characters), requires a minimal amount of grinding, and isn't too difficult?
If so, is there any FF game that is a good starting point for the franchise that also has a good story (or at least a likable cast of characters), requires a minimal amount of grinding, and isn't too difficult?
princemarth23
Member
Personally, I really love VII-IX. IX is probably the best one.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
Play FF9. It went back to some traditional game play elements of FF and it looks fantastic. Otherwise Id say FFX because they started telling you where to go on the map with X. Wait for the rest until you finish one of the games. IX has lots of humor and dare I say loving characters. IX also has Vivi who resembles a Mage from earlier entries.
I could say FFVII or FFXII, but you want an introduction without fighting fandomism and change.
If you really want an introduction; play Chrono Trigger. I couldn't recommend that game anymore than I should for anyone looking to get into JRPGs like FF.
Gamefaqs has guides too, so don't feel bad if you get lost or want to know where hidden bosses and etc are at.
Here is my small contribution: a lot of people will probably name to you a number of games they especially love, and some they hate... This is not very relevant. As a long-time Final Fantasy fan, I would probably advise you to just start looking at screens or videos of each title and see which world/visual style appeals to you the most. As you are going to spend a lot of time inside this world and with these characters, it's best to be familiar with it a little bit before starting. The series is too wide and diverse to draw any quick conclusions--especially regarding the most recent entries.
I think as long as you look at these games in an open-minded way, you are going to find good and relevant things in each entry. The rest will be a matter of personal tastes: if you prefer your games more medieval, modern, sci-fi, fantasy... Most recent titles have started to take bigger risk by toying with the RPG genre so it is probably best to not feel too attached to that particular type of gameplay and concentrate more on the feeling of the game world, characters and storyline.
For example, XIII is by no means a bad game; it's actually very good, simply quite extreme in its direction (the game world and mythology influencing all other aspects of the game) and it is what makes it worth a try. Also the graphics and music are beyond gorgeous. Final Fantasy games have always put a huge emphasis on the quality of their visuals and art direction and it certainly plays a major role in your appreciation of a title; it's not a shallow aspect.
Personally, I have a huge fondness for Final Fantasy IX and XII, and for different reasons: the first one has a beautifully crafted universe and its wonderful story tackles deep subjects in a very touching way, while the second offers a vast and fascinating environment with one of the finest writings in JRPG history.
IMO the FFIV remake is the definitive version of the game. I've played the SNES version twice before and it's just kind of dull, whereas the host of gameplay improvements in the DS one really elevate it to a whole new level. It helps that I'm a fan of the PSX styled chibi models too though, and visually I much prefer the low poly models to the crappy NES-ish art of FFIV SNES.
I'd recommend playing any of the games that they have ported over to iOS or Google Play. I think the I,II, III, and IV have been ported over. I only recommend these because I think that playing them on the go would be the most appealing to someone who has never played a FF game. JRPGs are great stop and start games, which means that portable is the way to go.