Which Final Fantasy game should I play?

Question

Well, I'm about to beat Final Fantasy XII, and I want to play a different Final Fantasy game again. I want to know which one would be best to play through again. Here are my options:

Final Fantasy (PSX)
Final Fantasy IV (PSX)
Final Fantasy V (PSX)
Final Fantasy VI (PSX)
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

I've played through most of these games once since I own all of them. I'm just trying to figure out which one is the best to play through again. I was leaning towards Final Fantasy X, but I'm listening to other opinions.

Answer 1

The two best Final Fantasy games are VII and X - the ones most popular with fans. Both are huge, but ...

VII was made for the old PSOne. Compared to the games of today, the graphics are very ropey and some of the mini-games are decidedly clunky. But there is a wonderful retro feel and the story behind it all is absolutely fantastic.

Much more accessable to the current audience is X. It was the first to have voice actors and it is truly engrosing in every way. You will very quickly forget you are playing a turn-based game when it comes to combat. The characters are just wonderful and visually, it's a total treat for the eyes.

X-2 was the first direct sequel to a Final Fantasy game. While it retains all the places of the previous game, it's not as good. The combat system changed and the idea of changing outfits and placing them on grids to use is a bit tiresome. But it's still fun and it's nice to be able to revisit all the old locations again.

XII- the latest game - is not so good. The story is clunky and the characters have no depth. XII seems to be more about lots of fighting, but the gambit system takes away almost all of the skill of combat and it really becomes an exercise in moving the party from one battle to the next and sitting and watching the battles because you have so little to do in them. The story is very weak and there is no romantic connection between the characters - something that is essential for a good Final Fantasy tale.

VIII is fun, but the spells/attack & defense bonuses system is a bit of a pain. The characters are cool though and the story is wonderful too. It was the first Final Fantasy I played and it converted me to fandom within minutes, so it has a special place in my heart.

IX is very cutesy, but it's also a lot of fun. It's perhaps the easiest one to complete too. You can see that there was an attempt to recapture some of the magic of VII, but they didn't quite pull it off.

So I say try X first. If you like it, start back-tracking through the older games.

Answer 2

Tatics takes place in Ivalice, but in a different way, so I don't know if that would be your first best jump. VII is a good game, but not the "God-RPG" that it's hyped to be. I, IV, V, VI are the older types, so coming off XII, you would be thrown into a totally different way of playing and graphics.

I suggest X, then X-2 as they are similar to XII in most respects. These two are turn-based instead of the real-time-turn-based XII.

VIII is an awesome game with a good story, you might want to give that a look. Chronicles is...not worth it honestly.

IX is a cool game, good story, throw-back to the "fantasy" of the older games.

I'm just going by the thought that you played XII first and that's the only FF you've picked up. So, my recommendation is X, then X-2.

Answer 3

I'd go with X, since you are getting ready to finish XII. All of them are great games, but X has decent graphics. I think any of the older ones would be a bit of a shock graphics-wise after XII.

Answer 4

Erm Final Fantasy VII: Dirge or Cerberus is awesomeeee.

Answer 5

ff7. Itz a game a never get bored of. i have more than 10 files in the game that ive beat. It seems that no matter how many times you play it, everytime it still feels fresh and new.

Answer 6

I do play them. i've got performed all of them, different than XI and upwards. I in basic terms performed III as much as the middle. I even play the suited myth techniques! the excellent one for me is the III, VIII and IX. i think of VII sucks, the drama is purely too lots and too fabricated for me.(i'm sorry).

Answer 7

Personally, I'm in love with FFIX. I just love the characters and the overall story's one you don't want to miss. And can't forget the card game and side quests.