14. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (PS5)
Crisis Core remains as cheesy and cringy as ever on PS5, but it's a much more approachable game now thanks to this largely fantastic remaster from Square Enix. With a refined combat system and gameplay mechanics, alongside much-updated visuals, the Final Fantasy VII prequel is well worth playing if you're a fan of the series-within-a-series. Just try not to take the storytelling too seriously!
13. Final Fantasy XV (PS4)
We waited for what felt like an eternity for Final Fantasy XV, and when it finally arrived, it was... well, it was good, but certainly not amazing. Some fans like it a lot more than others, and we're of the opinion that it's an entertaining but sometimes deeply flawed game. A very troubled development cycle shows in the finished product, with its disjointed storytelling and often odd quest design, but there's still a certain kind of magic to XV that's hard to explain. It's got an atmospheric open world, and the road trip structure is both unique and engaging. It's also worth noting that XV improved significantly with the Royal Edition — which packed all of the free updates and DLC into one package, making for a much more cohesive experience.
12. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Ah, the game where it all began. By today's standards, the original Final Fantasy is incredibly basic, but this is the series' gameplay formula in its purest form. The classic ATB combat still holds up, the old school monster and boss designs are cool, and the game's straightforward structure is honestly quite refreshing. An eternally solid title.
11. Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn (PS5)
Looking at it now, it's genuinely hard to believe that Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn started life as a terribly misguided and badly designed MMO that came close to sinking one of Square Enix's internal development teams. Its rebirth has been one of modern gaming's most extraordinary success stories, and the game is now widely considered to be one of the greatest MMORPGs ever made. Bolstered by multiple extremely well received expansions, A Realm Reborn has gone from strength to strength, and it continues to attract millions of players. Many would even argue that it's the best Final Fantasy game of the last decade — MMO or not.
10. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (PS4)
Final Fantasy XII was and still is a divisive game, but despite its PS2 origins, we would argue that it's aged extremely well. XII opts for a more serious story involving political puppeteering and a hefty dose of wartime drama, but it's the sense of adventure that makes the game so endearing. Excellently crafted environments are a joy to explore, and a brilliantly worked job system lets you tweak your party however you like. However, its Gambit system isn't for everyone, as it essentially lets you program your characters so that you don't have to lift a finger during combat. This allows for some impressive technical depth, but, you know, a lot of Final Fantasy fans like pushing buttons every now and then.
9. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered (PS4)
How did Squaresoft follow up the immense success of Final Fantasy VII? Why, it did something completely different, of course. Final Fantasy VIII is one of the series' most experimental mainline instalments, replacing traditional levelling mechanics with the complex, but ultimately quite rewarding, Junction system. Said system still divides opinion, but there's no doubt that it helps Final Fantasy VIII establish a unique identity. What's more, the futuristic setting, premise, and characters of VIII ensure that it's still a strikingly memorable entry in a series filled with memorable entries. It's also a game that redefined the word "whatever" for an entire generation.
8. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP)
Ask most people about Final Fantasy, and they probably won't even mention the excellent Final Fantasy Tactics. But among more hardcore enthusiasts, Tactics is often name dropped as one of the greatest strategy RPGs ever made. Superbly worked and brilliantly well realised, Tactics is an original PlayStation masterpiece — and The War of the Lions brought the experience to PSP years later. What we wouldn't do for a proper remaster or remake on modern consoles...
7. Final Fantasy V Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Final Fantasy V is arguably one of the series' most underrated mainline titles. This could be because the fantastic Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII succeeded it, but V still tells a decent (if predictable) story, and a very in-depth job system makes it a lot of fun to play. Its only real problem lies in its cast of characters, who are all fairly unmemorable — but if you're not too bothered about caring for Bartz and the gang, there's a lot of enjoyment to be found in the rock solid gameplay.
6. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)
There's no denying that Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the best Final Fantasy games in years, and Intergrade is the icing on the cake. Yes, it's only one part of the story, and yes, a few of the, er, changes are going to annoy some fans forevermore, but there's a healthy helping of Final Fantasy VII magic at the heart of Remake. Whether it's in the way that the characters have been re-realised or the outstanding boss fights (and excellent combat system), charging through Remake is a rewarding experience — especially if you're big on nostalgia.
5. Final Fantasy IX (PS4)
Many a Final Fantasy fan would tell you that Square's series peaked with Final Fantasy IX. An indisputable PlayStation classic, it first released as an utterly outstanding swansong for Sony's first console. A masterfully crafted world is inhabited by excellent characters, and it's all placed alongside more traditional RPG mechanics, refined to near perfection. With superb story pacing that whisks you from one gripping scenario to the next, it's still incredibly hard to fault Final Fantasy IX.
4. Final Fantasy X HD Remaster (PS4)
Final Fantasy has always had love stories, but few of them have resonated stronger than the one featured in Final Fantasy X. While the writing hasn't aged especially well — along with some of the voice acting — Final Fantasy X helped define the PS2 generation for a lot of people. It was something of a revolution for Square's series — a new combat system! Voice acting! Realistic looking characters! — and it remains a highly regarded fan favourite. Just don't get bogged down in trying to dodge 200 lightning bolts on your first try, okay?
3. Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Before Final Fantasy VI came along and made a whole generation realise that Japanese RPGs could tell mature stories with great characters, Final Fantasy IV basically set the standard. The plot focuses on Cecil, a warrior at odds with himself after his kingdom sparks the flames of war. Cecil's own character development is at the heart of events, but he's joined by a varied and delightful cast of characters as he seeks the truth of the world and its inhabitants. Still an expertly paced game with loads of memorable moments.
2. Final Fantasy VII (PS4)
The game that made Final Fantasy the juggernaut property that it is today, Final Fantasy VII is still the most popular and most revered instalment in Square's series. Now, let's be real for a just a minute: there are parts of Final Fantasy VII that have not aged well. The visuals are all over the place and the controls are wonky, but it's a classic RPG that's still fit to burst with charm and quality. Its battle and materia systems are timeless, and its cast of characters is outstanding. There's a reason why Square Enix is still milking Final Fantasy VII nearly 25 years after its original release.
1. Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PS4)
A true, unmistakable classic, Final Fantasy VI set the bar for the series going forward. It was, of course, followed by the staggering success of Final Fantasy VII, but even today, VI remains an example of Final Fantasy at its absolute best. Its characters are still brilliant, its storytelling is still masterful, and from a gameplay perspective, there's so much to admire. While VI isn't as strongly associated with PlayStation as its successors, it'll always demand respect.
Do you agree with these rankings? What are your favourite Final Fantasy games? Make your opinion heard in the comments section below.
Comments (100)
Just a friendly reminder that these ratings were decided by readers, not staff. So please divert your hate towards the masses.
(No but seriously, try to be nice.)
I’ve only played VII on the switch, so… might be biased a little.
Good list, tho XIII-2 is 100% much better than XIII. I love both but the gap between them shouldn’t be so high.
EDIT: wow FF7, 7R, 9 and 10 all being ranked above 6? That’s a new one to me.
Final Fantasy XI was surely rated badly by a lot of people who haven’t played it? It’s dated for sure but anyone who’s played it for more than a few hours would 100% rate it higher than a 6 if only due to the time investment required meaning players who stuck with it clearly loved it. I know we have to trust that the voters have actually played the game in question for this to mean anything but that feels massively suspicious.
Well, no arguments with the top 5. Heck, you can swap the no. 1 and no. 2 spot and I'm still okay with it. IMO, Type-0 should have been higher than any of the XIII Trilogy, in fact, I'd dare say that it is what XIII should have been (if only it was still called Agito XIII and XV is still Versus XIII). Then again, this was a vote from the fans so I won't complain much
@ShogunRok Great work.....7 all the way 👍 to all who voted.....surprised Final Fantasy XII got 8th mind you it did come out at the end of the PS2 era.
One thing that does show is the disappointment of Final Fantasy XV
@darkswabber I also liked XIII-2 better than XIII. It had some really cool ideas, like adding monsters to your party.
What i took away most from this list is how criminally misleading the word 'Final' is 😆
Number 1 was never in doubt. A whole generation of gamers were made to cry by that game.
@nessisonett I feel like a lot of games in this list where given low scores by people that didn’t play them.
The 13 trilogy may not be top tier but everyone I ever heard that finished them either liked them or loved them, people hating on them usually didn’t even play them because “they’re bad”.
IMO several of the “bad and mediocre” ones should 100% be above 15.
@Integrity 😆
@darkswabber Yeah, I’ve played the XIII trilogy and I do think they’re pants but they’re still better than FF II and several spin-offs. XIII-2 is genuinely decent and improves a lot on the first one so I’m surprised it’s that much lower here.
The top 5 is totally acceptable.
The best Final Fantasy game will always be Final fantasy VI
Great article! Thanks for participating everyone!
Can’t argue with 1st and 2nd place, although I could swap them around all day.
Remake coming in 3rd is a joke - not that it’s a bad game, just..no. 3rd could go to 10,8,6 or 5 I reckon.
I’d personally put Type—0 a lot higher too, I got that on PS4 for the (rubbish) FF15 demo and really enjoyed it. The combat system was lots of fun.
I’d give 13 another go if it came out as a trilogy box set. Fell off the first part half way through and had no interest in the sequels.
Can’t argue too much with that at all. Although I do wish they’d make a remake of 8 without the enemy scaling. Then I would place it higher.
@kyleforrester87 Yeah, Remake’s loved by a lot of people and has recency bias though. Irritated me no end but doesn’t surprise me it’s that high.
fishing game should be in the top ten, even though I haven't played it, it just should
The War Of The Lions was fantastic. I'm glad it made the top ten.
War of the Lions should be higher but great list and I agree with most of the placement! PushSquare readers know their FF's!
X is way too high on the list. At least Push Square's comment clarifies that it's garbage compared to the other games at the top.
For me its still a missed chance that they just didnt upgrade FF7 graphics and controls. FF7 is my favorite, FF8 close second, FF9 at third. FF Tactics was also fantastic. Crisis Core was great i just didnt like the gameplay great stort though. Dissidea on the PSP was fantastic my god did they butcher the PS4 release..... ☹️
I cannot believe the low rating 4 has. Just baffling. But with FF, it’s always a surprise where ratings end up because everyone feels differently about them all, so it’s fun to see how people feel anyway!
I sort of want to retry the XIII collection for some reason, but with the voice work turned all the way down.
WTF worst list I've ever seen because it's so random. None would normally put ffxiii higher than ffxiii2! Also, ffv a game considered one of the most hardcore in the fanbase is just 13? Then you have viii in 6. Can't say I didn't expect it though this is a franchise that divides opinion
im glad this series has different takes more often than not , the devisivness is way more amusing than companies repeating the same formula in every sequel like call of duty, also everyone knew the top 5 gonna have x , vii , vi and ix.
Yea pretty much the usual same old PS1 trio with 10 and 6 somewhere in the top 5 with them. Japan's rankings were a bit better with XIV deservedly in the top 5 even if they excluded XII from the top 10
@Judal27 i also think XIV is definitely top 5 , i think it being an mmo and much more time consuming makes it less appealing for the usual single player gamers.
This list is pretty accurate to my tastes. I would change a few around. Personally my one and two would be FF7 and FF7R but I’m highly biased and FFXII would also be higher for me.
I think FFXI and FFXIV are a little underrated also, especially 14, but probably because they aren’t as popular with the PlayStation audience and are more so on PC.
That said good list.
@ShogunRok which one is your pick for #1?
Surprised the MMO's aren't higher in the list due to their continuous updates, massive audiences and the ability to play coop with friends and family. 1 on the NES is my favorite. Back when games had huge manuals. Fold out map and on the other side was the monsters stats and pictures.
@Ultrasmiles I know a few of my friends don't want to touch it just for being an MMO so that's definitely a reason lol. Can't be helped I guess but it really is something special
Results are sensible imo. 6-10 was peak ff. First 5 games were good for their time but the five that followed were much better as far as I'm concerned. I do think X-2 gets a lot of hate when it's gameplay was quite good. I guess the story was a bit silly and maybe people hate the main cast as well. Also think 12 is quite good but the main character should have have been someone else. 14 gets very good but it just takes too long to get through the earlier (less stellar) levelling storylines.
7, 9, 10, 8, 4/6 is my top 5ish lol
FFX-2 is the worst. FFXII is the next worst.
If ranking do not start with those two, i.e. they're the worst, your list is already wrong.
@CthulhuFhtagn Either 7 or 9, I've never been able to choose!
The hate for Tama in World of Final Fantasy is warranted BUT only in the English version. The English translation and voice acting in that game is horrendous with bad attempts at capturing Japanese humour. Tama's strange way of speaking in English is just an invention of the team handing the English version.....such a terrible decision.
FF X-2 is in my top three but I understand that makes me a giant weirdo and I'm okay with that 🥲
@eltomo I am in the opposite mindset. It's story gets a lot of hate because people wanted a different story told than the one given.
The game play and job system however was fantastic and don't get the love they deserve.
Nice to see 9 so high, my personal favourite. Crisis core doing well is refreshing to see too, though I'm surprised that your summary didn't mention the ending, easily the most memorable part of the game.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is way too high. It’s a fine game but it’s way too flawed and carried by nostalgia to be great. Way too short a narrative to be so padded, little reason to engage with its best feature (the combat), the old story beats were well done, but almost everything added was insipid fan fiction, the “quests” were terrible, etc.
I had fun playing it, but there were a hundred ways I wished it was better, as opposed to titles like VI and Tactics which were sublime experiences.
Come at me, I’ll be hiding in a sewer. Not that one, the other one.
@Juanalf
Your not the only weirdo. X-2 was actually my 1st FF I ever played believe or not and it's in my top 3 as well. 😁
I'm pretty shocked how high up the list it got honestly. I figured it would be at the bottom for sure but turns out it isn't as disliked as I thought.
I only rated the ones I've played obviously but for me it's
1. X
2. VII Remake
3. X-2
I will simply never, ever understand the love for VIII. I remember being so incredibly hyped for it after putting 120+ hours into VII, and just absolutely hating it. I slogged through that game for however long it took to get to the end, telling myself it has to get better eventually, got to Ultimecia and realized that was the end and just gave up.
Everything about that game is great, except for the main f'ing character. Squall is such a miserable, useless, utter waste of a character that could not give a sh*t about anything or anyone around him. After hate-playing that game for so long I finally realized that Squall doesn't care, so neither do I.
Regardless, and this is likely very much not a popular opinion, but the original FFVII (even though I love it) is a great game with a terrible narrative retroactively made better by Crisis Core being both the proper setup for VII's narrative and characters, and an infinitely better game.
Okay, I'm starting to question if y'all actually played half these games after looking at this list.
Thats the beauty of it though, outside of the 1-3 spots normally being locked in by the same games (usually it is VI instead of 7R though, thats odd), these lists are almost always different.
Nobody can agree on these games, and that's... kinda cool.
I guess I'm in a minority here in thinking the original VII is a bit overrated (VII Remake was much better imo), so a bit disappointed (though not terribly surprised) it ended up at the top of the list.
However, that disappointment pails in comparison to seeing Dissidia 012 rated so low (19th with a score of 6.57). Are people rating it without playing it? Or is there some reason people are rating it that low?
@darkswabber We're of a similar mind on this. FF6 is #1
Also heard 13-2 and LR: FF13 are much improved on FF13. Guessing not many played them after 13 disappointed... I didn't yet. But plan to.
Currently on a replay of all the ones on PS Now/Game Pass. Have to say I really enjoy the Boost system in the remasters. (speed, invincibility, etc.) As someone who maxed out the timer/levels on many of these first time round I just don't have the heart, or time, to do that again.
Thankfully these boosts speed things along massively. I got through FF7 in about 25-30 hours doing everything. You could mainline it in about half that. Far more manageable. Already done 7,8,9 and currently playing 12. (which I think might move up above FF8 when done, but currently)
MY TOP 10
1. FF6
2. FF7
3. FF Tactics <-- Don't sleep on it
4. FF9
5. FF8
6. FF12
7. FF5
8. FF4
9. FF10
10. FF15
As I get older XII becomes closer to #1. VIII is still my #1. VII is top 5. As for a proper ranking. Cannot think right now.
Final Fantasy X is higher than Final Fantasy VI. The inmates are running the asylum.
Hi there fellow gamers.
Interesting poll results, with the number 1 being the usual suspect I guess.
FFVII is good, but not that good, in my opinion. It´s just the most famous that´s all. But if people love, that´s great.
My list is quite diferent and I didn´t play all of them, so it goes something like this:
Didn´t play XI nor XIV because they are online games.
Also didn´t play any of the Dissidia games.
Weird list, but it´s mine 😉
Cheers, stay safe everyone and happy JRPG gaming to us all
@RaZieLDaNtE You didn't play 12? or is #2 a typo
@themightyant Hi there friend.
I did played FF XII, I kinda forgotten about it.
Shows how much I liked that game 😉
But I edited my list, so thanks for that.
And as for FF XIII, I actualy did enjoyed the game more than most.
Sure the story is not the best, nor are the characters.
But it has one of the most different battle systems and quite fun and challenging once you play in manual mode and it has my favourite OST in a FF game.
I said it was a strange list 😜
Cheers, stay safe and have a good one
I’m probably a little older than most of the readers at 64 the first final fantasy game just blew me away. It’s a game I enjoy on my mobile phone now. It will always be very nostalgic to me!
Oh well... one can pick the relative positions, but in general seems to be right. FF8 is probably the only one higher than it deserves, but given the crap that came after, i guess hindsight makes it better.
I'm somewhat satisfied.
@RaZieLDaNtE Nothing wrong with you’re list, I was just teasing!
You're right, the battle system in 13 was brilliant (really good in X-2 as well) I just didn't care for the characters, story, linear nature and a few other things that seemed missing. Still enjoyed it. All mainline Final Fantasies are good imo, we all just prefer some to others.
Just replaying FF12 right now, it's also a black sheep in the family that many don't like as much. The gambit (fighting) system isn't for everyone but I love it.
Enjoy
@themightyant I love FF XIII and XIII-2 battle system. At first i played in auto on PS3 and it was still fun.
But once I changed to manual on PC, it just became even better. My list kinda reflects my memories and feelings of said games and have more "nostalgia" for some than others.
Also, having different favourites it´s what makes this so interesting.
FF VI blew me away when I was a kid. My second FF game.
FF VIII entrance with the love story and CGI.
FF Tactics War of the Lion was so different and challenging.
Final Fantasy games will always be special to JRPG fans.
But maybe they should drop the "Final" in the tittle though 😜
Cheers, stay safe and all the best
@RaZieLDaNtE "having different favourites it´s what makes this so interesting." 100% It's really interesting learning which others like and why.
FFVI was also my second FF. But it was leaps and bounds above what ANY game i'd ever played before, and in some ways any game since. The scope was unprecedented.
From the large and diverse cast of ragtags that got together, but still had little animosities. Most characters felt unique both in how they looked, spoke and acted but also how the played in battle.
The story had everything from political intrigue, sibling rivalry, love, suicide, genocide and world annihilation.
The big moments like the Opera House felt cinematic in how they cut back and forth. And who can forget the music! Memorable tracks for every place visited and every character having their own earworm leitmotif. This was masterfully condensed into an epic 11 minute medley at the end of the game. (link below)
As the game said at the half way point (what a bombshell moment THAT was) "On that day, the world was changed forever..." so was mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGBUj1jxpps
@themightyant You are absolutely right on the money.
That´s why FF VI blew me away at the time.
I actualy replayed the game like six years ago on PS and man, does the game holds up in everything.
The Opera House was great because a certain character learns what it´s like to be human and to express emotions.
But the scenes in The phantom train with Cyan and a certain attempted suicide of a major character.......
You know the ones. Heartbreaking stuff.
Oh and the Final Boss Dancing Mad?
I don´t know what anyone says anout how good One Winged Angel is, because it is, But Dancing Mad?
That´s Nobuo Uematsus Masterpiece right there.
I don´t know how to put links in this coment, so I´ll do it the old fashioned way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXVNKtmWnc
Also, I just have to put this comment I saw:
"Sephiroth: Final Fantasy's most Iconic villain.
He attempted to eradicate the entire world.
Kefka: Final Fantasy's most successful villain. He succeeded."
Always good to find another fan of this stuff.
Cheers, stay safe and all the best.
@RaZieLDaNtE Agree with everything you’ve said.
I’ve not heard that Kefka quote, accurate, brilliant and, channelling my inner Locke, stolen!
The things Nobuo Uematsu did with a 16 bit music chip were unbelievable. It sounded like a full orchestra and a choir. Dancing mad is absolutely a favourite.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane
One more share for you. I listen to this channel frequently as well as Kyle Landry and a few others. Perhaps you’ll enjoy as much as I do
https://youtu.be/J5mOs7O1dvg
@themightyant Right there with you friend.
Uematsu san did magic with the Snes chip.
"Thanks for the trip down memory lane" Your welcome 😉
Oh, I have checked that youtube channel you mentiones, and lo and behold, she did an amazing piece on Dacing Mad.
Thank you for sharing, apreciated.
Cheers, stay safe and happy gaming music to us all
@darkswabber Personally much preferred 13 to 13-2. Also, never played anything prior to 7 due to the 2d graphics and being tired of that in the jrpg genre, so I couldn't rank it based on that. I guess maybe that game should have seen a remake
How f***ing dare you put FF8 in anything less than top three. That game is a masterpiece.
FFVII and FFIX is where my heart is, but FFVI is easily the best in the series.
I am mad 8 wasn't higher... But I'm happy it wasn't lower. In my opinion 8 is superior to 9 (I tried to like 9, I really did, but it just bored me in the first 5 hours). I preferred 8 over 7 too, but 7 Remake is winning me over.
@Saitama117 8 is a fantastic game. It should go 10, 7 Remake then 8, with 8 being #1.
Stranger of Paradise straight in at number 9!
Can’t argue too much with that to be honest. Nicely done.
Final Fantasy 13 ❤️
@ShogunRok That’s because it’s secretly great, especially if you value gameplay over story and graphics.
More people here need to give XIV a shot. With the expansions included it’s easily the best FF game and it’s really not even close IMO.
I know there's not much news at the moment, but do these 'greatest [insert genre or series here]' articles really have to be dredged up quite so often?!
As a big fan of Lightning in the series it was a bit of a disappointment to see the series for XIII in the bottom half of the rankings, but I also know that everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to it. I’d personally put VII Remake(including the DLC) higher up than the original FFVII, but that’s just me. I wouldn’t even go so far as to say 28 of my rankings I’d just rank my top five.
5. Final Fantasy IV
4. Final Fantasy VII
3. Final Fantasy VII Remake
2. Final Fantasy Tactics
1. Final Fantasy XIII
I’m still shocked at the lack of love for FF IV!
@Scob they’re fun
Final fantasy 8 is a travesty
It should be way lower, like waaaay lower.
God does that game suck.
@LilianaQuinn83 13 especially the first one was really great i loved it. My favourite is X though.
I enjoyed all the 13 series though.
FF7R on Top 4 is the best/worst joke I've ever seen. Definitely one of the worst FFs imo
Stranger of Paradise cracked me up from start to finish. Honestly it was nice to play a Final Fantasy that didn't focus too much on the doom and gloom going on in the World.
The top 3 are my top 3. Nobody ever has those 3 as the top 3 in that order or at all. Nice!!!
Love XV, even though the annoying fanbase love to hate on it. X will always have a special place, for being the first and for having actual turn based gameplay rather than the inferior ATB. Seven on top where it very well deserves to be.
My choice:
1. FF 8
2. FF 9
3. FF 10
4. FF 12
5. FF 3 NDS
6. FF 10-2
7. FF 4 NDS
8. FF 13
I don't care what anyone says, and I'd fight them to the death. FFX-2 is one of the best Final fantasy titles. People let their nostalgia of FFX ruin their chance to experience it for the fantastic game it is. Sure it has some fan service, but I still love it all the same.
@Ashkorsair That’s the worst haiku I’ve ever read.
My top 3 are FF8, FFXII and FFXIII. Done.
It's a shame that 7R placed so high, but I'll put that down to recency bias. I just don't think it should place anywhere near those absolute classics. Better than VI, VIII and XII? Please!
So good to see ff6 not getting jerked off like always! I think ff7 is much deserved.
Final Fantasy Tactics moving up in the ranks if I'm not mistaken. Good to see you godless heathens are developing some taste. I kid, but seriously this list started off pretty odd. Final Fantasy VII Remake rightly knocked down a peg after recency bias put it in at #3 initially. Good to see the list "normalizing".
Also, more people need to try FFXIV. Subscription cost scares some people off I reckon, but the base game is actually free and you get a free month to try it out. XI being so low is a result of people who didn't actually play it assigning a ranking to it. It wasn't as big on PS2 but is highly, highly respected in the PC community.
Thirdly, I've never seen so many people list XIII as their personal favorite as I have in these comments. I knew they existed, but I never actually saw them in the wild before. Like a mystical unicorn. Next they will be telling me Dirge of Cerberus is the best shooting/action game of all time. The Hope character from XIII makes my blood boil, and not in a good "this is a well written character" way. More like an "I'm not sure Japanese devs understand actual human emotions" way. Sasz was cool/relatable though.
Dissidia 012 snubbed here as well. I think this list could be re-named most popular FF games instead of "best".
Sad to see Tactics Advance (Game Boy Advance) and FF Tactics A2 (DS) omitted as they were really solid, standalone entries. Also a lot of other spinoffs that could be ranked such as FF XII Revenant Wings (awful), Crystal Defenders (awful), Mystic Quest (alright), and so many more like the FF Legends series on the original Gameboy. There's just a ton of these games!
These rankings are bonkers, and I love it.
@nessisonett I was suprised by the low score for XI as well. It's in my profile (I rated it a 9/10) and I loved it when I played it!
ff xii is so under rated. ff xv is easily one of the worst entires by most accounts and is too high on this list.
I started XV the other day - still in the very early stages of it. My first FF experience (save for occasionally glancing over a friend's shoulder when he was playing VII way back in the early 00's on his laptop). My only gripe so far is that the menus are a bit clunky and you can't dismiss the popups that come up when you turn in a quest or a hunt, which slows down the boring bits. Combat is very different to what I'm used to, but I'm cool with having something which is a bit more chill to actually play. If that's only 13th on this list, and based on my enjoyment so far, then it looks like I'm going to have a good time poking around this franchise.
I realised my boyhood dream of reviewing a Final Fantasy game and it was the worst one. It's lower than Dirge of Cerberus.
Happy to see FFVI at the top. Even after all these years, what a remarkable title
@StrickenBiged XV is a love it or hate it title. You’ll find that FF is a very diverse series and everyone has a different opinion of every game. Very few people feel the same way. XV is maligned in some circles. For me, it’s one of my favorite games of all time. Glad you’re enjoying it!
All in for VI at the top.
im always wondering which of 6 and 7 i prefer.
7 was a revolution in many aspects, but man final 6. The story and its characters... THE MUSIC.
The main problem i got with recent final fantasies/JRPG is the voice acting during combat. All those screams... man do they like screaming. imagine that in a UFC or a boxing match. Each strike coming with a super loud EEYYAAAHH
Not surprised FF-13-3 is the lowest ranked mainline game. It made half of 13-2 which made half of 13-1. Ouch.
I always remember my first thought when I saw the trailer for the first time. Not "this is awesome" or even "this sucks", it was, "they've given her a bigger bust." And it wasn't for the reasons you think. I knew at that point they were desperate. Their attempt to make Lightning their mascot had failed and they were going the hotter and sexier X-2 route as a last ditch effort to save her. Pathetic really.
My first FF was VIII, and I really love this title, from the characters to the music and story. I know it has its flaws, and I can see it now, but the first time I heard Balamb Garden, went to the moon and back, and saw the endgame animation (I won't spoil it), my younger self couldn't find no fault with this magical game.
That said, IX is by far the best FF I've ever played, an absolute classic and a masterpice.
FF14 Oline should definitely be higher on the list, strangers should be too,, I guess I'm an outsider I really don't like 9 never did tried again recently hated it, 12 was scrap aswell nothing memorable at all, gambit system was just not refined enough granted was a little better when they remaster came,
7, 8, 10, 14, 13 trilogy and Strangers are my top
(Sorry)
I hope 13 gets a remastered collection soon. I haven't played it in years so I'd like to see what my current opinion is now that I've played through other games in the series. Even if it's bad I still want a remaster, it's just as important to remember bad games as well as good games.
My top five are these.
1. Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lion
2. Final Fantasy VII
3. Final Fantasy VI
4. Final Fantasy IX
5. Final Fantasy IV
I’m shocked IV is so low. Yes it’s a bit of a jank fest in certain versions (I originally played it on FF Chronicles) but the game is the perfect FF game to just run through. It’s a fairly simple game compared to many other titles in the franchise.
The DS version is the best version of the game. I’ll die on that hill.
FF VI needs a remake. Everyone always raves about how good it is but I just cant play 2D pixel style games, no matter how hard I have tried. I really do feel like I'm missing out, hence I would love to see it remade.
However I don't want it to get the same treatment as FFVII (although I did love it), I'd like to see it keep the same turn based strategic combat and over world exploration as the original (think modern day dragon quest or persona 5). This is the main reason I'm really not hyped for 16, anything after 10 feels like it's really lost its magic. The more action orientated the latest title gets the further away they are becoming from what made FF so enjoyable in the first place. 16 actually looks more like devil may cry or a souls-a-like.
Not all games need to be open world, reflect reality and "make sense". Photographic visuals and realism do not make a great game - art style, story telling and gameplay however....
Keep the soul. Just slightly update the presentation and lift the dialogue to a more modern standard. If it's as good as people say it is that's all it will need. There's plenty of (sorta) old school gamers like myself who would lap it up.
As the fabulous RuPaul once said 'you don't got to reinvent the wheel, the wheel's just fine".
I'm shocked 15 and stranger of paradise got so high
FF8 is still no1 for me. It came out in my angsty teenage years when I also had exams to do just like the brilliant SEED tests. One of the few titles in the series (if not only) that tested and rewarded your knowledge on the enemies, lore and mechanics. Can't believe XV scored so low that was an awesome game, also paved the way for the new gameplay mechanics that will be the norm for ff games moving forward. If at all possible please redo this after we have had a chance to play 16 I would very much like to partake in the voting next time around.
My list for main titles only:
1. V
2. VI
3. VII
4. XIII
5. XIV
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