Top Ten Final Fantasy Games

It is no secret to anyone that knows me that Final Fantasy is my favourite gaming franchise of all time. I've played nearly every entry the series has to offer and the best ones I've played numerous times. On my old blog, I made a top ten list, but my rankings have changed since then and have wanted to created an updated one for this new website of mine.

So let's get into it...

10.) Final Fantasy VII (Including Remake / Rebirth)

While the classic entry in this long-standing franchise is widely considered to be one of, if not the best in the series. For me, I was never as enamoured by it as others clearly were. However, despite that, it is still a great entry I've played a couple of times. Sephiroth is a such a memorable villain to this day that unfortunately, he outshines most of the rest of the cast including the main character, Cloud.

The music still stands the test of time, with so many incredible pieces to choose from. One Winged Angel will always be one of the greatest of all time. The recent Remake and Rebirth added a lot more depth to the characters and had such brilliant changes to the combat. All in all, VII is a great game, but for me it just doesn't hit the spot compared to the other on this list.

9.) Final Fantasy IV

My first experience of this entry was the DS remake. Cecil's adventure was a thrilling step up from its' predecessors in the storytelling department. The supporting cast was great, from Rosa, Rydia, and Kain, to even the more interesting antagonists, Golbez and The Four Fiends.

The change to the ATB system for battling added more urgency and speed to each encounter. Maintaining the strategic aspect while adding a layer of tension helped the pacing of every encounter. This together with the excellent music and and solid story made for a classic Final Fantasy that I go back to regularly, made easier now with the pixel remasters.

8.) Final Fantasy XV

The one that spent so long in development hell, originally starting as part of a new spin-off series with XIII. That eventually fell apart, before being resurrected and re-branded as the fifteenth mainline entry.

Unfortunately, those troubled early years did indeed the final product in some capacity. The game at launch felt fractured and was incomplete narratively, it wasn't until later updates and DLC did its initial potential get mostly met. By that point, it's a great entry that moves completely away from the turn-based origins of the series to full, realtime action combat. It's fairly simple, but the movements and animations really hold it together. Alongside some great characters (the four main protagonists in particular), epic music and post-release content; XV is great entry for newcomers to the series, particularly those that aren't a huge fan of turn-based combat.

7.) Final Fantasy Tactics

This one really surprised me, having only played it for the first time when it was remastered last year. It's one I'd always wanted to play as the tactical combat looked right up my street. Having finally gotten the opportunity, I can easily say it did not disappoint and actually exceeded my expectations.

The story was the biggest surprise - just how emotional and dark the game can get shocked me. The music and characters were strong, but there were some things that end up letting it down. Final Fantasy Tactics ends up being quite the grind to unlock certain jobs, where unless you spend time doing that grind, you will likely not unlock a number of jobs if you just play through the story missions. The combat can also get a tad repetitive towards the end.

6.) Final Fantasy XII

This one is a little odd for me. When I first played this entry when I was younger back on the PS2, I just couldn't get into at all. The story didn't grab me and the very slow beginning didn't help. However, with the release of the remaster on PS4, I decided to give it another shot...I ended up loving it!

Final Fantasy is know for changing up it's gameplay/combat with most entries, and XII saw the biggest departure up to that point. The gambit system allowed a lot of strategic, customisation for you to automate battles if you are savvy enough. But you could always still take direct control over part member actions if needed. The comparisons of the story to Star Wars are obvious, but it definitely made for an epic quest. Where aside from Vaan and Penelo, the roster of heroes were excellent.

5.) Final Fantasy III

I know this will be one of the surprising spots in this list. From a quality point of view, III would be lower, but for me it has a special place for one reason. It was the very first Final Fantasy I ever played. When I got my DS back in the day, I had seen my brother play X on the PS2 so I knew of the series at the time. I picked up the DS remake of III and became obsessed with it. Playing it multiple times back-to-back, it was from that point I needed to experience more of the series, beginning my love of one of my favourite gaming franchises of all time.

4.) Final Fantasy IX

The return to medieval fantasy was a welcome change from the more futuristic of the prior few entries. Everything about this entry gives off such cosy and nostalgic vibes, from the art-style, to the music and characters. It might not revolutionise the series' gameplay or general format, and could be considered 'playing it safe', for me, I love that about it.

This is definitely one that I like to go back to regularly - reliving Zidane and Garnet's adventure will always be a comfort experience.

3.) Final Fantasy XIII (Including XIII-2 / Lightning Returns)

I am well aware that XIII and it's sequels are often considered the black sheep of the franchise amongst most fans. But for me, I have always enjoyed the games a lot, the first in the trilogy in particular. The criticisms never really held up much when looked at with any slight scrutiny. The linearity argument in particular always felt hypocritical when the series for the most part has been very linear with the illusion of freedom. It's certainly not perfect, with other criticisms or issues being fair, however, XIII has one of the best narratives in the series (I always get confused by people claiming the story is confusing, it isn't in the slightest if you actually pay even vague attention). Lightning is brilliant, the combat requires you to constantly be on your toes and willing to change up at any moment. The music is phenomenal, while the visuals still hold up incredibly well today.

While the two sequels aren't as strong, they still are great additions to the world and story, with the ending in Lightning Returns is *chef's kiss*. Overall, the XIII trilogy is one of my favourites in gaming and I am still waiting for them to be given the remastered treatment and brought to modern consoles.

2.) Final Fantasy XVI

The first two things that spring to mind when I think of FFXVI are Clive and the epic boss battles. For me, Clive is one of the best protagonists in the series, masterfully voiced by Ben Starr, who brings such raw emotion and subtlety to the role. The battle with Behamut will go down as one of the greatest boss fights of all time from a cinematic point of view.

One point of contention amongst fans is the combat. Many longtime fans of the series are opposed to the move towards full-action combat, missing the turn-based combat of the series' roots. For me however, turn-based is not what makes Final Fantasy what it is. In fact, constant changing and reinvention of itself and formula is at the heart of the franchise. I loved the combat in XVI, with its fluid, flashy movements and style. The story is exceptional - full of emotional highs and lows, and an ending that was both beautiful and poignant to the themes the narrative had. The characters were memorable and it was all tied up with a stellar soundtrack I was lucky enough to hear live from the Distant Worlds orchestra.

If it wasn't for Baldur's Gate 3, this would have been my GOTY from 2023.

1.) Final Fantasy X (Including X-2)

It could simply be no other. Final Fantasy X is without a doubt the best in the franchise to me. From the opening cutscene with the stunning 'Zanarkand' playing in the background, filling the scene with emotion and atmosphere despite not knowing who any of these characters are - simply masterful. The story of Tidus and Yuna is bleak on the surface, but underneath is really about hope, perseverance, and having the courage to break the norm in the face of such trials. With a stellar cast of characters and sinister villain, this game will keep you engaged from start to finish.

For me, it also has the best turn-based combat in the series, complimented by the best summoning mechanic the series has. Directly controlling the Aeons like a normal party member was such a breath of fresh air from them just being a more flashy magic move. X is the one I've replayed the most, coming back to every few years to experience all over again. It's also one of my top 5 games of all time. While its direct sequel doesn't reach anywhere near the same level, it still offers a great experience with new mechanics. The dressphere system (it's form of jobs), was brilliant.

So there you have it - I know that some of the rankings will be controversial, but these are my personal ones. I'd love to hear what your favourites are. So let me know in the comments below, or on X if you follow me there :)