FFXII because it's fun to play (the most important thing) and it has the best cast of characters, the best voice acting, the best music, the best art direction, the best boss battles, the best enemy designs, the best battle system, the best overworld, the best side quests and the story is good despite what everyone says. It's the best.
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Your Favorite Final Fantasy And Why
- Thread starter ClovingWestbrook
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Magicpaint
Member
VI.
Though I really love the DS remake of IV and XII as well. But VI just hit the right note for me in nearly everyway.
Though I really love the DS remake of IV and XII as well. But VI just hit the right note for me in nearly everyway.
DigitalDevil
Member
VI is definitely what "hooked" me on the series (It's still FFIII to me). I remember playing it on the SNES at my best friends house, every day before and after school for like two months. It was awesome-sauce.
I really really really enjoyed VII, had a promotional poster on my wall and everything before it came out (wish I still had that). I just recently replayed it on PSN and it's still an amazing game. Those who say it hasn't aged well can suck it.
VIII sucked as far as I'm concerned. I own the strategy guide, I own it on PC, I own two black label PS1 copies. I don't know why.
IX was great. It felt like a return to classic FF to me. Really great game.
X had high production values but the stupid laughing scene and the blitz ball ruined it for me.
never played XI.
I'm playing through XII right now and so far am enjoying it immensely. I would go so far as to say it is the best FF (to me) that has been released since VII. I don't understand people's complaints about the battle system. It works if you work it.
I really really really enjoyed VII, had a promotional poster on my wall and everything before it came out (wish I still had that). I just recently replayed it on PSN and it's still an amazing game. Those who say it hasn't aged well can suck it.
VIII sucked as far as I'm concerned. I own the strategy guide, I own it on PC, I own two black label PS1 copies. I don't know why.
IX was great. It felt like a return to classic FF to me. Really great game.
X had high production values but the stupid laughing scene and the blitz ball ruined it for me.
never played XI.
I'm playing through XII right now and so far am enjoying it immensely. I would go so far as to say it is the best FF (to me) that has been released since VII. I don't understand people's complaints about the battle system. It works if you work it.
X
It had the best story presentation in the series, imo.
Having Tidus be an outsider, and seeing Spira introduced as it was explained to him was awesome. Great soundtrack, best battle system in the series imo, great characters, awesome story, etc. I love that game.
The ending was ridiculously sad, too. Only game that's ever made me cry.
It had the best story presentation in the series, imo.
Having Tidus be an outsider, and seeing Spira introduced as it was explained to him was awesome. Great soundtrack, best battle system in the series imo, great characters, awesome story, etc. I love that game.
The ending was ridiculously sad, too. Only game that's ever made me cry.
in before avatar quote
FF VII for bestest, fastest gameplay mechanics.
FF I (GBA version) for its purity. It's just a cool little RPG, no bullshit layered on top.
FF IX for the win overall, if it weren't so slow. Looking forward to the US PSN release, so I can finally play it at the original framerate at least.
FF I (GBA version) for its purity. It's just a cool little RPG, no bullshit layered on top.
FF IX for the win overall, if it weren't so slow. Looking forward to the US PSN release, so I can finally play it at the original framerate at least.
VI.
The characters, the story, the music, and the fact that just when you've explored everywhere and the world starts to get stale, they switch everything up and let you do it all over again.
Also, Kefka rules. I miss the chaotic bad guys who are just nuts, they don't need to be someone you can empathize with.
The characters, the story, the music, and the fact that just when you've explored everywhere and the world starts to get stale, they switch everything up and let you do it all over again.
Also, Kefka rules. I miss the chaotic bad guys who are just nuts, they don't need to be someone you can empathize with.
demosthenes
Member
tribal24 said:
Thisssssssssssss.
For offline, FFX....I've played it to death.
demosthenes
Member
Edeuinu said:
This may be my reasoning as well, lol.
gamergirly
Member
Final Fantasy 7 is my favorite FF rpg and Final Fantasy Tactics is my favorite non-rpg Final Fantasy. I felt that FF7 really redefined and transitioned oldschool FF from the more recent titles. It was a major cornerstone and gave me a completely different way of looking at a rpg in terms of characters, story telling, graphics, and world interaction(world map was just genius 
). I feel that many rpgs(not all as they already had solid previous installments/developers) today wouldnt have been created if it wasnt for FF7 first.
Final Fantasy Tactics is just freakin perfect. The entire game was just a beautifully, orchestrated soundtrack. I find that few games have gotten it right from beginning to end in that respect. Also, the character development, stats, and grid strategy is great execution. The job class is one of the most extensive and well thought out. Not to mention, the level of difficulty was something that was there for anyone. I felt that it ranged from beginner to legendary. That event plot in the last 1/3 of the game with all of the Chocobos can royally kick your arse no matter what level you're at :lol
). I feel that many rpgs(not all as they already had solid previous installments/developers) today wouldnt have been created if it wasnt for FF7 first.Final Fantasy Tactics is just freakin perfect. The entire game was just a beautifully, orchestrated soundtrack. I find that few games have gotten it right from beginning to end in that respect. Also, the character development, stats, and grid strategy is great execution. The job class is one of the most extensive and well thought out. Not to mention, the level of difficulty was something that was there for anyone. I felt that it ranged from beginner to legendary. That event plot in the last 1/3 of the game with all of the Chocobos can royally kick your arse no matter what level you're at :lol
SpacePirate Ridley
Member
Final Fantasy IX because the music is just simply incredible.
because it has an awesome art direction
because Vivi and Steiner are fucking awesome
because the main character is not an emo
because all the cities and villages are amazing
because the intro with the title in front of the Alexandria castle, with the music kicking is one of the most epic intros ever.
because its a return to its medieval fantasy roots.
because Christian L Scheurer work in it.
because it has an awesome art direction
because Vivi and Steiner are fucking awesome
because the main character is not an emo
because all the cities and villages are amazing
because the intro with the title in front of the Alexandria castle, with the music kicking is one of the most epic intros ever.
because its a return to its medieval fantasy roots.
because Christian L Scheurer work in it.
octopusman
Member
EDIT: Nevermind, it seems that everyone loves IX the amount that is considered acceptable, Freaking amazing game.
BarrenMind
Member
FFVIII. My favorite battle system and my favorite mini-game, Triple Triad.
It's also one of my earliest memories of having an emotional reaction to a game. The moment Squall has a vision / dream of Rinoa's helmet cracking while adrift in space, cutting to tears streaming down his face at the thought of losing her, gets me every time.
Also, great piano music on the soundtrack: Fisherman's Horizon
It's also one of my earliest memories of having an emotional reaction to a game. The moment Squall has a vision / dream of Rinoa's helmet cracking while adrift in space, cutting to tears streaming down his face at the thought of losing her, gets me every time.
Also, great piano music on the soundtrack: Fisherman's Horizon
malingenie
Member
FF VI. Cause I like chaos.
Then X and then IV.
Then XII, then IX then VII.
then VIII
Then the first 3.
Then I remember to forget X2
Then X and then IV.
Then XII, then IX then VII.
then VIII
Then the first 3.
Then I remember to forget X2
My personal FF list, in order:
IV - personal favorite. It isn't the best all around game but I really liked the characters, storyline, etc..
VI - the real best mainline FF. Ton of innovations, the first big step towards the current presentation standards FF holds and a perfect balance of character customization (through magicite and multiple equipment slots like relics) and character specialization.
Tactics - best console strat. RPG ever. The summation of what Tactics Ogre was trying to be, and what many games since have tried to ape.
XII - the most recent significant step forward in the series. The main storyline was janked because of the forced "lead" role for Vaan and the shoddy ending, but the first half of it was on pace to break new ground for console RPGs period. It incorporates a lot of modern RPG tenants that Square has been reticent to embrace as well. The gambit system was a significant step forward in the genre and we see games like Dragon Age embracing that concept of party scripting now.
VII - the big presentation 'boom', great ride though very linear. The characters run hot and cold but at least all of them have some worthwhile development. Characters are really only defined by their limit breaks, but the materia system did allow for a previously unknown level of customization.
I - class RPG goodness at its finest. Would rank higher if the story hadn't aged so badly.
IX - good game that pays homage to the older iterations in the series, fundamentally solid all around, you could call it the playstation era FF VI I suppose, didn't quite click for me personally though.
V - kind of a wonky story (but in a good way) and an excellent refinement of the class system that FFT's amazing gameplay was built on.
III - start of the class system and a solid game in its own right. Lack perspective though since I've only played it on DS, so I don't think I can judge it relative to its original time of creation.
X and X2 - ok games, nice take on a different aesthetic than most RPGs, but despite that very forgettable.
II - janky combat/character progression breaks the game. Interesting storyline and characters despite that, the first step towards what made FFIV great with its unique and compelling characters, but the broken combat system just ruins it.
VIII - My vote for worst FF ever. The main character is shallow and annoying. The main antagonist for much of the game is like is slightly less annoying clone. The game throws a ton of random shit in that makes no sense, and contradicts its own plot frequently. Almost the entire party is not adequately fleshed out. Worst of all, the dual storylines aspect with Squall/Laguna just underscores how badly they missed, as Laguna was an interesting character and a good game could have been made off of him.
Mystic Quest - not really FF.
XI - never played it, can't judge it.
IV - personal favorite. It isn't the best all around game but I really liked the characters, storyline, etc..
VI - the real best mainline FF. Ton of innovations, the first big step towards the current presentation standards FF holds and a perfect balance of character customization (through magicite and multiple equipment slots like relics) and character specialization.
Tactics - best console strat. RPG ever. The summation of what Tactics Ogre was trying to be, and what many games since have tried to ape.
XII - the most recent significant step forward in the series. The main storyline was janked because of the forced "lead" role for Vaan and the shoddy ending, but the first half of it was on pace to break new ground for console RPGs period. It incorporates a lot of modern RPG tenants that Square has been reticent to embrace as well. The gambit system was a significant step forward in the genre and we see games like Dragon Age embracing that concept of party scripting now.
VII - the big presentation 'boom', great ride though very linear. The characters run hot and cold but at least all of them have some worthwhile development. Characters are really only defined by their limit breaks, but the materia system did allow for a previously unknown level of customization.
I - class RPG goodness at its finest. Would rank higher if the story hadn't aged so badly.
IX - good game that pays homage to the older iterations in the series, fundamentally solid all around, you could call it the playstation era FF VI I suppose, didn't quite click for me personally though.
V - kind of a wonky story (but in a good way) and an excellent refinement of the class system that FFT's amazing gameplay was built on.
III - start of the class system and a solid game in its own right. Lack perspective though since I've only played it on DS, so I don't think I can judge it relative to its original time of creation.
X and X2 - ok games, nice take on a different aesthetic than most RPGs, but despite that very forgettable.
II - janky combat/character progression breaks the game. Interesting storyline and characters despite that, the first step towards what made FFIV great with its unique and compelling characters, but the broken combat system just ruins it.
VIII - My vote for worst FF ever. The main character is shallow and annoying. The main antagonist for much of the game is like is slightly less annoying clone. The game throws a ton of random shit in that makes no sense, and contradicts its own plot frequently. Almost the entire party is not adequately fleshed out. Worst of all, the dual storylines aspect with Squall/Laguna just underscores how badly they missed, as Laguna was an interesting character and a good game could have been made off of him.
Mystic Quest - not really FF.
XI - never played it, can't judge it.
brandonh83
Banned
Final Fantasy VIII.
Final Fantasy VIII is a very easy answer for me when someone asks what my favorite is. The only other one that rivals it is FFXII IMO.
- Blending of fantasy elements, industrialism and sci-fi provided a unique backdrop
- The art direction was great, Balamb Garden looked awesome in the promo stuff
- The soundtrack is my favorite in the series
- Thought it had a really good cast
- Enjoyed the Junction System (but not so much the drawing)
- Ending was great and satisfying unlike VII's
- Favorite string of final battles in the series
- Favorite villains in the series
- Story was good despite the lame orphanage twist
- Laguna subplots were fantastic and added depth
- The space scenario was epic as hell
- The Garden battle was amazing, had impressive scale at the time for a videogame
- The parade assassination sequence was mind-blowing w/incredible cinematics
- And all this without even mentioning Triple Triad
Final Fantasy VIII is a very easy answer for me when someone asks what my favorite is. The only other one that rivals it is FFXII IMO.
theMrCravens
Member
with nostalgia: FF IV (first SNES jrpg after having played all the NES ones)
best of the series: FF VI
I'm kinda hyped for XIII though. I don't know why.
I didn't care much for everything post VII.
best of the series: FF VI
I'm kinda hyped for XIII though. I don't know why.
I didn't care much for everything post VII.
Fimbulvetr
Member
1)Vagrant Story, because it was the most well written.
2)VI
3)Tactics
4)XII
5)X-2: I never took the story seriously(it was obviously cheesy on purpose), it made me laugh, and the battle system was awesome.
2)VI
3)Tactics
4)XII
5)X-2: I never took the story seriously(it was obviously cheesy on purpose), it made me laugh, and the battle system was awesome.
Count of Monte Sawed-Off
un33dab@dpu$$y
VI for nostalgia reasons. Would love to see a high def remake with graphics true to Amano's designs. But let Terra keep the green hair please. Oh and keep the American names too.
VII is my favorite because in addition to the fun of playing it, it was such a groundbreaking game in so many ways.
I've really liked VI the several times I've started it up, but for some reason always leave it after a few hours never to go back. I haven't even made it as far as the
VIII never held any appeal for me, and the demo didn't change my mind.
Always wanted to play IX, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Played X kind of by proxy, as my dorm roommate played it in college, but honestly Tidus just annoyed the hell out of me too much.
Played XII all the way through, but I'm not sure why. Looking back I didn't really like the game at all.
Anything before VI it just white noise. Never played any of them for more than an hour or two and don't really have the desire to ever do it.
::edit::
Oh hell, didn't even think about games outside of the standard series. Tactics would easily be #2.
I've really liked VI the several times I've started it up, but for some reason always leave it after a few hours never to go back. I haven't even made it as far as the
World of Ruin.
VIII never held any appeal for me, and the demo didn't change my mind.
Always wanted to play IX, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Played X kind of by proxy, as my dorm roommate played it in college, but honestly Tidus just annoyed the hell out of me too much.
Played XII all the way through, but I'm not sure why. Looking back I didn't really like the game at all.
Anything before VI it just white noise. Never played any of them for more than an hour or two and don't really have the desire to ever do it.
::edit::
Oh hell, didn't even think about games outside of the standard series. Tactics would easily be #2.
BarrenMind said:
VIII's piano album is freaking awesome. Although I think VI's soundtrack is better overall, especially in the grand orchestra pieces like Terra's theme, VIII's piano soundtrack was amazing. Succession of Witches, Fisherman's Horizon, Slideshow Part 2, Shuffle or Boogie, Find Your way, etc. Second best soundtrack among FF I've played. (I also adore Liberi Fatali in full orchestra + chorus, despite the dumb pseudo-Latin lyrics. :lol )
Count of Monte Sawed-Off
un33dab@dpu$$y
Bernbaum said:
I'd go for War of the Lions, except for the annoying slowdown it's an outstanding version of the game. Although you can get the original off of PSN if you are so inclined.
Fimbulvetr
Member
That's my shtick, get your own.Paco said:
I actually forgot about IX, I have to edit my list now.
Bernbaum said:
WotL is better.
AKingNamedPaul
I am Homie
Great post, thanks for descriptions.Kuro Madoushi said:Hmm...
First, I do want to comment on the elitism when it comes to FF games. I see enough hating on FF7 because people "didn't play the superior games on the SNES". I never got that as I have played every single FF game (cept 11) and think FF7 was a worthwhile game.
That said, my fave is FF10. There was room for casual as well as hardcore gameplay. I loved the battle system, that actually made you think and USE ALL your fucking characters. The addition of voice acting really changed the way I felt about its inclusion in subsequent FF games. The story was very unconventional for its time, and though it could've been better, I liked what was there.
My thoughts on the series...
FF1 - Man, this was insanely hard. I hate that 4 fighters had a huge advantage and I hated how the best monks and ninjas basically had you kill those guys off and don't level them up til AFTER you get the promotion. I also hated selecting the same enemy and whiffing the attack instead of attacking something else if it died. Thank God they fixed this in re-releases.
FF2 - I really dug the music, but the gameplay was horrid! Wish I had a copy of that gif about attacking your own party members not being a good idea...Bad Kawazu! Bad!
FF3 - I loved this! Especially when the 'twist' comes. I was blown away by how much land I had to cover after the reveal. I also loved the job system and felt it was implemented extremely well, AND I really wished Square had given this game its due. I remember getting to the end and nearly dying, but then I got the sage and ninja jobs and kicked ass back to the top. Unfortunately, the last boss kicked my ass and I couldn't go back...
FF4 - I played the shit out of this game! One of my top FF games to be sure. I was so hardcore, I managed to get lvl 99 twice, got the silence staff, got the dragon whip and artemis bows, etc etc. Never got the pink tail though...fucking super rare drop! Loved the story of redemption! I do wish that Square didn't fuck with the difficulty so much and that Nintendo wasn't so draconian about its censorship.
FF5 - Seemed like it took a step back in terms of graphics and music, but I'm glad I played and beat it. Boko was cool as hell! Made me wish I had a chocobo. Job system was fantastic, and I only wish Square had also given it the 16bit due it deserved. Man...fucking companies and their tendency not to release games here cause they were 'too hard'.
FF6 - I was blown away by the leap from 4 - 6! The story! The Espers! The magicite! The fucked up rumors of General Leo! I never really got too much into the story and never really understood Kefka, but I loved Cyan, Locke, and the others to death. Fuck Umaro though!
FF7 - This is why I love the series so much. Again, I was just totally and completely floored by the jump! While some argue that 6 was better, I argue every FF game does something better than the others do (except for 2...fucking Kawazu...). I dug the story, Aeris(th), the crazy rumours again, the zany characters, etc etc. I know it did start getting over the top with Cloud's/Sephiroth's sword, but it seemed to fit into the world. Again, while people shit on it, I don't remember any game that attempted to do what FF7 did and did so well. Also got up to lvl 99 and got all the ultimate weapons. I always had Cid and Red in my team...wish Aeris was there though :'(. Materia was awesome too!
FFT - Loved the job system. Hated the VERY nonsensical story. Hated the limited space for characters (you basically had room for 1 or 2 random NPCs if you got every recruitable character). That one on one battle was LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!
FF8 - I never understood the appeal and this ranks as the worst for me along with FF2. The story was nonsensical garbage, The characters were unforgettable. The leveling system was pointless, using magic to upgrade your stat was stupid, having spells you could ONLY get from the final boss was retarded. That fucking cowboy sniper...whatever his name is...when he can't go through with his shot, I was so godddamned pissed off at the game...making me get all the way there and then have him flake out. The time travel and witch aspect was just utter drivel along with the Laguna sections too...I wouldn't mind if they never get around to remaking this. Card game was fun though!
FF9 - I really liked the old-school return to roots style. I liked Vivi and Zidane, but the rest were meh, and Kuja was entirely forgettable. I also didn't like how you got skills as well. I remember getting stuck in this one dungeon where you had to do things in a certain order and I just got too frustrated with it. Also, the strategy guide was the stupidest thing in the world! Do this...BUT go to this website link to learn more about it...I didn't get a fucking guide to go look shit up online. That's what Gamefaqs is for...well...that and Cloud vs Sephiroth threads.
FF10 - What can I say? Loved it! Music, story, battle, voice acting. I beat it twice, and sat through it twice with TWO exes (who were my gfs at the time). Thus, I plopped over 200 hours into this sucker!
FF11 - Never touched it. Though I don't consider it canon or official or whatever you want to call it. However, I will say that any game that requires you to wait in line and waste real life time to get a fucking quest is retarded.
FF12 - I loved Balthier and Basch! Too bad about that stupid Zodiac spear though...Story was pretty good until the time around Matsuno's departure, then it just became a dungeon run over and over again. I lost track of the reason why I was even going to them. Music was pretty meh despite how much I love Sakimoto. I still blame Kawazu!
FF13 - Impressions. It doesn't look that great. I'll still get it, but I'm not very hyped for it. Maybe this will change or perhaps maybe it's me that has changed?
FF CC - I wish they never released this. It felt too...artificial? Forced? I just didn't think it was a good concept overall. Zack is boring, the missions were boring, everything...well...boring...
FF DC - Sheesh...milking this beloved universe for every last drop of that sweet sweet green. I really wish Square had never released that stupid Spirits Within movie...then they wouldn't have to recoup their losses with drivel like this.
â Narayan
Member
Final Fantasy XII. For me, it's the funnest one to play - and has the most interesting world to explore. Unfortunately, the game doesn't really have a story, but considering how awful just about every Final Fantasy story turns out to be - maybe it's for the best? I always wonder what the game would be like if Yasumi Matsuno stayed on board. Oh, how I wonder. I'm sure the game would have been perfect in every way.
hikarutilmitt
Member
FFIV (and by extension FFIVDS)
I like the characters, the simple but effective battle system and the story keeps going at a brisk pace. There wasn't a ton of plodding between dungeons and it "just feels" right. The music is still good, the things that are now cliches in RPGs were newish in FFIV and being forced to use a party allowed them to balance the game well, IMO.
That and Rydia is a massively hot destruction machine.
I like the characters, the simple but effective battle system and the story keeps going at a brisk pace. There wasn't a ton of plodding between dungeons and it "just feels" right. The music is still good, the things that are now cliches in RPGs were newish in FFIV and being forced to use a party allowed them to balance the game well, IMO.
That and Rydia is a massively hot destruction machine.
VIII is my favorite. Mostly because of the awesome locations you get to visit. The sci fi setting
was really appealing to me. The soundtrack was phenomenal and the battle system is very fun and flexible. Loads of secrets to find too. Really lovely game. Just recently played trough it again and it hasn't aged a bit. Still great to play.
was really appealing to me. The soundtrack was phenomenal and the battle system is very fun and flexible. Loads of secrets to find too. Really lovely game. Just recently played trough it again and it hasn't aged a bit. Still great to play.
â Narayan
Member
It would have been worth it. Also, the game would have had a story.linzin said:
Final Fantasy IV, particularly if it's the J2E 10th Anniversary version; the DS version is excellent as well and often presented fresh and unique challenges.
I had rented Final Fantasy for the NES before, and got Dragon Warrior for free from Nintendo Power, but this and Super Mario World made for one hell of a Christmas present to a... 11 year old?
Granted, we had the number switcheroo and we got the Easy Type version of the game, but the full game is magnificent and I've replayed it countless times.
As for why? I enjoy the gameplay, storyline, artstyle, music, essentially everything about it. I like the mechanic of rigid character classes with a rapidly rotating cast of characters.
My main gripe with the game, and it is a mild one, is that the middle stages of the game suffer from the oft-repeated plot device of NPC heroic sacrifice that isn't really.
Next would come VI, which is edged out if only by a few modest stylistic complaints about its gameplay and story progression. Kefka made for a fantastic, incredibly iconic villain, though.
Then IX, as it's a love letter to Final Fantasies past, and sadly representative of an era ending. It was too much for the plodding hardware to handle, killing the pacing, but the gameplay and plot were excellent, with one of the best endings in the series.
VII would be fourth, if only on the strength of its characterization and storyline. I hate the gameplay, I hate materia, and much of what is wrong in latter-day FF comes from this game. But the story was riveting, and the villain was arguably more stand-out than Kefka.
After that we get into the middle-of-the-road, I-enjoyed-but-didn't-truly-love games... the Job System games, the first two games which are, of course, classics, and I appreciate them for what they are... Well, the first game was basically a D&D game, and I suppose it's good to recognize that the graphics were pretty impressive for RPGs of its time.
Bottom 3 for me?
X and XII left me kind of cold, though they had their moments. Overall, I don't really enjoy the gameplay, I don't really enjoy the plot or characters, but they had moments of brilliance in both.
The only one I do not enjoy, at all, is VIII. I do not like the characters, story, gameplay, or virtually anything else aside from its presentation values. I finished the game only out of a sense of completionist drudgery. Even as the worst FF game it still has relative merit, but I say that in the same sense I would use to describe the first two episodes of Star Wars.
I had rented Final Fantasy for the NES before, and got Dragon Warrior for free from Nintendo Power, but this and Super Mario World made for one hell of a Christmas present to a... 11 year old?
Granted, we had the number switcheroo and we got the Easy Type version of the game, but the full game is magnificent and I've replayed it countless times.
As for why? I enjoy the gameplay, storyline, artstyle, music, essentially everything about it. I like the mechanic of rigid character classes with a rapidly rotating cast of characters.
My main gripe with the game, and it is a mild one, is that the middle stages of the game suffer from the oft-repeated plot device of NPC heroic sacrifice that isn't really.
Next would come VI, which is edged out if only by a few modest stylistic complaints about its gameplay and story progression. Kefka made for a fantastic, incredibly iconic villain, though.
Then IX, as it's a love letter to Final Fantasies past, and sadly representative of an era ending. It was too much for the plodding hardware to handle, killing the pacing, but the gameplay and plot were excellent, with one of the best endings in the series.
VII would be fourth, if only on the strength of its characterization and storyline. I hate the gameplay, I hate materia, and much of what is wrong in latter-day FF comes from this game. But the story was riveting, and the villain was arguably more stand-out than Kefka.
After that we get into the middle-of-the-road, I-enjoyed-but-didn't-truly-love games... the Job System games, the first two games which are, of course, classics, and I appreciate them for what they are... Well, the first game was basically a D&D game, and I suppose it's good to recognize that the graphics were pretty impressive for RPGs of its time.
Bottom 3 for me?
X and XII left me kind of cold, though they had their moments. Overall, I don't really enjoy the gameplay, I don't really enjoy the plot or characters, but they had moments of brilliance in both.
The only one I do not enjoy, at all, is VIII. I do not like the characters, story, gameplay, or virtually anything else aside from its presentation values. I finished the game only out of a sense of completionist drudgery. Even as the worst FF game it still has relative merit, but I say that in the same sense I would use to describe the first two episodes of Star Wars.