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Final Fantasy is an absolute sport juggernaut that many take into account to be the unique traditional JRPG collection, in addition to Square Enix’s most acknowledged franchise. With a myriad of remakes and ports through the years, it is laborious to determine which model can be thought of definitive for all of the video games, however Metacritic has made the trouble to rank them as effectively as potential.
Fans must be conscious that these video games had been chosen individually at their highest vital proportion, so no packages just like the Gameboy model of Final Fantasy I and II might be included. Since among the older video games predate Metacritic, ports are included when obtainable. In addition, solely variations of video games which are nonetheless principally simply remasters and upgrades of the unique have been thought of, slightly than full-on remakes such because the 3D variations of Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV or the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Finally, when the unique model of a sport does have a Metacritic rating, that’s the model that’s used slightly than subsequent re-releases, with an try to think about what’s seen because the “most important” model of every sport within the case of multiplatform releases (the PlayStation 3 model of Final Fantasy XIII, for instance).
Updated August 29, 2022 by Michael Colwander: The Final Fantasy panorama is consistently altering and no Final Fantasy sport is that this extra true than Final Fantasy XIV. The critically acclaimed MMO noticed yet one more massively standard enlargement within the type of Endwalker in December 2021. Between the discharge of Endwalker and the Final Fantasy collection celebrating its thirty fifth anniversary in 2022, now could be the right time to revisit the Metacritic scores of among the finest Final Fantasy video games.
15 Final Fantasy II (Pixel Remaster Version)
Metascore: 77%, User Score: 4.3
The sequel to the unique Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II was additionally the primary sport to be set in a brand new world and embody a fancy story. Playing as younger Firion alongside along with his three pals, gamers battle in opposition to the tyrannical empire of Palamecia after their households had been killed in an invasion.
Final Fantasy II improved on what got here earlier than it whereas additionally including new high quality of life adjustments that affected the collection thereafter, together with Final Fantasy staples like chocobos. Despite this, FFII is taken into account by many critics and followers to be one of many worst Final Fantasy video games.
14 Final Fantasy III (Pixel Remaster Version)
Metascore: 79%, User Score: 5.0
The numerous ports of FFIII from the final decade or so have been distinctive amongst Final Fantasy port remasters. This sport is sort of a whole overhaul in comparison with the unique, changing virtually all the important thing features with up to date content material.
Players now management 4 characters with utterly completely different names from their authentic variations as they attempt to restore the stability of their world in opposition to the Cloud of Darkness. This is the primary Final Fantasy to concentrate on the category/job change system, which grew to become a staple in later entries like Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy V.
13 Final Fantasy I (Pixel Remaster Version)
Metascore: 80%, User Score: 5.9
The authentic that began all of it, 1987’s title is by far probably the most simplistic Final Fantasy. Taking management of 4 anonymous protagonists of various courses, followers are handled to a quest like no different.
From upgrading courses and shopping for new magic spells to the unusual time loop plot that is revealed on the finish of the sport, the Final Fantasy franchise merely would not exist if it wasn’t for the recognition of its first-ever entry. An alternate universe reimaging of FFI in Stranger in Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was launched in March 2022 by the gifted builders at Team Ninja.
12 Final Fantasy XIII (PlayStation 3 Version)
Metascore: 83%, User Score: 7.1
Arguably one of the crucial controversial Final Fantasy entries in the complete franchise, FFXIII is nonetheless a sport that has garnered acclaim by information retailers all around the world. Playing because the aloof however highly effective gunblade grasp Lightning, gamers information her and her companions’ battle in opposition to Sanctum, the federal government on the planet of Cocoon.
Attempting to save lots of Lightning’s sister, the heroes’ quest permits them to determine robust bonds as they race in opposition to time to keep away from changing into the monstrous Cie’th. FF XIII is a divisive title, however its User Score signifies that it has a stable following however.
11 Final Fantasy XI (PlayStation 2 Version)
Metascore: 85%, User Score 7.1
The first entry to strive its hand on the MMORPG style, FFXI paved the way in which to its future successor, Final Fantasy XIV. Although the PlayStation 2 model suffered from a scarcity of an inside laborious drive and wi-fi web connectivity, the sport nonetheless did comparatively nicely in its day.
Final Fantasy XI is closely reliant on class/job programs, participant interplay, and economies throughout the world. FFXI mixed the franchise’s conventional programs with a novel MMORPG gameplay type that blended Final Fantasy‘s iconic epic storytelling with player-focused narratives.
10 Final Fantasy XV (PC Version)
Metascore: 85%, User Score: 8.1
The most up-to-date mainline entry within the collection, Final Fantasy XV permits gamers to manage Noctis, the following king of Lucis, who travels along with his companions throughout Eos to rescue the crystal and cease the military of Niflheim. Using a real-time battle system and telling a novel story, FFXV is a really completely different entry that every one followers, each previous and new, ought to play.
It’s price noting that FFXV is among the first mainline Final Fantasy video games to incorporate DLC eventualities. Many critics level to the Windows launch of FF XV because the definitive model, citing it as an amazing instance of a console-to-PC port.
9 Final Fantasy V (iOS Version)
Metascore: 85%, User Score: 8.5
It’s not typically {that a} cell port can stand toe to toe with the unique, however Final Fantasy V is certainly one of these uncommon instances. Arguably one of the crucial underrated Final Fantasy video games in the complete franchise, FFV took the job/class system that got here earlier than in FFIII and expanded it in ways in which had been completely unprecedented in gaming on the time.
Players take management of Bartz Klauser and his occasion members as they attempt to cease the evil Exdeath from sending the world into the Void. Metacritic tied this entry with FFXV and FFXI, which each ranked at 85% as nicely.
8 Final Fantasy IV (IOS Version)
Metascore: 89%, User Score: 8.5
Also generally known as Final Fantasy II again when it was initially launched within the United States, FFIV tells the story of Cecil Harvey, a Dark Knight who turns into disillusioned after committing the genocide of a small village.
Seeking to cease Golbez and save the world, FFIV is a robust story of redemption that’s completely beloved by many individuals around the globe. It’s arguably the primary Final Fantasy entry to have such a fancy and adored storyline.
7 Final Fantasy VIII (PlayStation Version)
Metascore: 90%, User Score: 8.7
Another controversial entry, Final Fantasy VIII is an extremely distinctive JRPG on account of its break up narrative and unprecedented battle system that includes stat junctions and Guardian Forces. FFVIII‘s battle system hasn’t been revisited to today, doubtlessly on account of its potential to overpower and break the sport.
FF VIII can be one of many first Final Fantasy entries that is closely romantic in its subtext. Players play as Squall Leonhart, a scholar at a mercenary faculty that should cease the evil Sorceress Ultimecia from controlling time.
6 Final Fantasy XIV Online: Endwalker (PC Version)
Metascore: 92%, User Score: 9.4
The second Final Fantasy MMORPG initially began out as a whole mess. Luckily, the unique FFXIV was reimagined as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. After the collection’ preliminary failure, Square Enix hit the reset button on the undertaking and finally crafted what many take into account to be among the finest MMOs at the moment available on the market.
Players are capable of expertise completely different areas based mostly on earlier Final Fantasy worlds whereas additionally enjoying a number of jobs that may be extremely difficult and addictive to play. Endwalker is the latest XIV enlargement, which concluded the primary most important story arc of XIV, generally known as the Hydaelyn–Zodiark arc. Endwalker proved to be so standard upon launch that Square Enix needed to pause gross sales of XIV to accommodate the server overload.
5 Final Fantasy XII (PlayStation 2 Version)
Metascore: 92%, User Score: 7.6
Another distinctive sport within the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XII takes place years earlier than the occasions of Final Fantasy Tactics. Taking management of the younger thief Vaan, who acts because the watchful protagonist because the occasions of the plot unfold, FFXII is understood for its distinctive battle system that’s closely based mostly on MMORPG type.
The one on show in Final Fantasy XII is arguably the perfected model of FFXI‘s system. It makes use of the controversial gambit system to make battle circulate simply.
4 Final Fantasy VI (Game Boy Advance Version)
Metascore: 92%, User Score: 8.7
Regarded by many Final Fantasy followers because the collection’ magnum opus, Final Fantasy VI is taken into account by many RPG followers to be the best Super Nintendo JRPG subsequent to Chrono Trigger. Terra Branford and her twelve different occasion members try to cease the evil jester Kefka from effectively destroying the world and becoming a god.
FFVI stands out as one of the crucial complicated Final Fantasy narratives in the complete franchise. Many critics regard this sport as the perfect GBA Final Fantasy port, and certainly among the finest RPGs on the console.
3 Final Fantasy X (PlayStation 2 Version)
Metascore: 92%, User Score: 8.9
Welcome to the world of Spira and the primary Final Fantasy sport to grace the magnificent PlayStation 2! One of probably the most beloved entries in the complete franchise, gamers take management of the younger blitzball participant Tidus as he makes an attempt to save lots of the world from the destroyer Sin.
Meanwhile, Tidus additionally has to uncover the thriller behind why he was despatched far into the long run. Although notorious for its questionable voice performing, Final Fantasy X was however a landmark launch in Final Fantasy historical past.
2 Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation Version)
Metascore: 92%, User Score: 8.9
The final JRPG for a lot of followers, Final Fantasy VII was an unique PlayStation RPG that revolutionized the franchise. Although dated now, its 3D fashions had been large for its time, and FFVII‘s engrossing narrative proved so pleasing that it spawned many spin-offs and movies.
Players management the ex-SOLDIER Cloud Strife who, together with a gaggle referred to as Avalanche, makes an attempt to cease each Shinra and Sephiroth. Notably, Sephiroth has turn into certainly one of Final Fantasy‘s most iconic villains.
1 Final Fantasy IX (PlayStation Version)
Metascore: 94%, User Score: 9.0
Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has claimed Final Fantasy IX as his favourite entry. It’s additionally the final Final Fantasy that he ever labored on, and it successfully grew to become a celebration of each Final Fantasy that got here earlier than it.
In truth, many Final Fantasy followers take into account FFIX the perfect Final Fantasy entry for the unique PlayStation. With enjoyable characters, an extremely colourful world, and a deep fight system, there are plenty of explanation why this sport ranks so extremely on Metacritic.
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