Blimey, there are numerous Final Fantasy video games, aren’t there? But what are the very best Final Fantasy video games on PC? From primary entries, to sequels, to spin-offs – delving into the sequence for the primary time is usually a daunting job. To enable you out, we have now compiled a listing of the actual gems within the sequence, with all of the gravity-defying hair and outfits comprised of belts that you can want for.
Here’s all the things you might want to know concerning the PC version of Final Fantasy XV.
Final Fantasy IV
The first Final Fantasy to deal with a grander storyline than the standard ‘save the crystals and save the world’ affair. It reverts the setup Square Enix had popularised by the point it got here out within the early ‘90s in favour of telling an formidable (and infrequently bonkers) story with correct character arcs. The result’s a JRPG with a implausible narrative that propels the journey every of the solid embark upon.
Even the occasion formation is decided by the occasions of the story slightly than being dictated by you. This can also be the primary Final Fantasy to make use of the Active Time Battle system, an iconic design that Square Enix used till the discharge of Final Fantasy X. All these components mixed, it’s honest to say that Final Fantasy IV is the primary really ‘epic’ Final Fantasy, and a necessary play in addition.
Final Fantasy VII
Hands down essentially the most well-known Final Fantasy, and presumably the strangest one up to now, Final Fantasy VII stays a sport that’s closely mentioned. Final Fantasy VII’s narrative is courageous even by trendy videogame requirements, with a plot outlined by tragedy that’s usually interspersed with weird story eventualities and minigames.
Its polygonal graphics could not have aged nicely however they do add to the endearing attraction of the sport – particularly when coupled with the sport’s amusingly unhealthy translation. Do not be deterred, nevertheless, as every of VII’s particular person elements – from its implausible battle system and unconventional solid, to its unimaginable rating – assist exhibit why it’s beloved to so many.
Final Fantasy VIII
Looking again, the concept of making a follow-up to a sport like Final Fantasy VII looks like an insurmountable job. In response to that problem, Square Enix ripped up the rulebook, making a sprawling sci-fi world with barely a crystal in sight for Final Fantasy VIII. While the sport’s Draw mechanic – a system that permits you to steal magic from enemies with a purpose to solid spells and enhance stats – was divisive, Final Fantasy VIII’s wonderfully-told story is completely charming.
Against a backdrop of large robots and unending warfare, Final Fantasy VIII takes you on a pleasant coming-of-age story with the kid troopers of SeeD – most notably protagonist Squall and resistance fighter Rinoa – whose relationship stays one of the vital elegantly informed love tales in video games.
Final Fantasy IX
Square Enix’s ode to Shakespeare and Greek tragedies, Final Fantasy IX’s aesthetic is rooted within the elegant nature of theatre – from its opening scenes of the efficiency carried out by the Tantalus crew, proper all the way down to the character designs themselves. A startling distinction to its two predecessors, IX boasts a good looking steampunk world realised with impeccable element. This extends to the sport’s dialogue, which has the primary characters discuss in stirring monologues whereas the remainder of the solid converse in poetry.
At first look, the plot, wherein the characters got down to save a world gripped by warfare, can appear a bit of too acquainted. However, it’s the compassionate tone of the sport, and the questions it asks about humanity and the place we belong, that proves its most mesmerising aspect. In true Final Fantasy vogue, the place misfortune looms and humour at all times follows, Final Fantasy IX excels at comedic setpieces, too. Also, sorry to all VIII followers, however Tetra Master is a greater minigame than Triple Triad.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD
One of essentially the most polarising video games within the sequence, Final Fantasy X overhauls numerous the conventions established in earlier titles. Pre-rendered backdrops are changed with absolutely 3D environments; primary characters are voiced by actors; and the ATB fight fashion is changed by a completely turn-based system that permits you to swap occasion members mid-battle.
This innovation resulted in vital acclaim upon launch, nevertheless, with many critiques acknowledging the revolutionary nature of the sport – even when it isn’t at all times perfect. Nevertheless, Tidus and Yuna’s arduous pilgrimage throughout Spira to defeat Sin was moulded by the emotional vulnerability of its protagonists and supporting solid, crafting a timeless story within the course of. Blitzball, nevertheless, is, and at all times be completely infuriating.
As a bonus, Final Fantasy X additionally comes packaged with its sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. An oddball entry into the sequence, X-2 sees Yuna refusing to take a time without work, as an alternative donning a pair of hotpants as she travels throughout Spira with a purpose to stop it from being blown up by a colossal historic weapon. Given the possibility, Final Fantasy X-2 is extra enjoyable than it has any proper to be, with the sport’s ‘garment grid’ – an ATB-based battle system that lets the occasion change job lessons on the fly by altering outfits – being a selected spotlight.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
War has been the backdrop for a lot of Final Fantasy video games however it’s by no means as prevalent as it’s in Final Fantasy XII. By the time you may have met the protagonists of the story, you’re already aware of how warfare has formed every of them, from demise to dishonour, and even a misplaced throne.
Set in Ivalice, additionally the house of the Final Fantasy Tactics sequence, XII brings the politics of the world to the forefront of its plot, with the ruling Empire being the group you wish to overthrow. Final Fantasy XII is famend for its big revamp of the battle system. It is comprised of actions, referred to as gambits, that primarily flip your occasion into programmable AI. While on paper it sounds tedious and boring, in apply it’s extremely satisfying to create bespoke lists of instructions after which watch them play out in battle. Just don’t imagine Ondore’s lies.
Final Fantasy XIV
There has not been a zero-to-hero story as epic as Final Fantasy XIV’s for the reason that story of Hercules himself. It overcame a disastrous launch to resurge in its second iteration, A Realm Reborn, within the course of changing into the MMO behemoth we all know as we speak.
The final playground for any followers of the sequence, XIV is a extra single-player oriented expertise than different MMOs like World of Warcraft, permitting you to grow to be the standout hero of its sturdy and prolonged story. With two huge expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood, there’s a plethora of job lessons and vocations to grasp, with loads of choices for many who don’t need to interact within the sport’s intense endgame raids and as an alternative discover consolation in mastering abilities like cooking or weaving. If you let it, Final Fantasy XIV and the world of Eorzea will swallow up all of the free time you may have, and you’ll most likely be happier for it.
World of Final Fantasy
While admittedly not a mainline entry into the sequence, the latest Final Fantasy launch on this record remains to be deserving of inclusion for the enjoyment it gives alone. World of Final Fantasy is, to place it merely, tooth-achingly candy – the sport is brimming with cute and vibrant designs, all topped off with a wholesome portion of nostalgia.
You play as Lann and Reynn, two siblings travelling the world over of Grymoire with a purpose to regain their recollections. Along the best way, additionally they meet lovable chibi variations of characters from earlier Final Fantasy video games. The sport’s slightly simplistic story takes a backseat to the pure enjoyable of the gameplay itself. Part old-school Final Fantasy, half Pokemon, the sport utilises the ATB system however with a twist: all through the sport, you seize ‘mirages’ – monsters from Final Fantasy lore – to battle alongside you in a stacked totem formation. If cute is your factor then World of Final Fantasy is unquestionably for you.
Wild card: Final Fantasy VI
Reading this record, you might discover the obtrusive omission of Final Fantasy VI, which is usually thought to be among the best within the sequence. When Square Enix ported VI over to the PC in 2015, they selected to immediately port the cellular model, bringing together with it a number of issues, together with poor decision choices, an disagreeable UI, and up to date sprites that look heinous in comparison with the SNES authentic. Yeah, not good.
Ugly aesthetic apart, Final Fantasy VI is a marvel in sport design. It has you juggle a celebration of 14 characters that you simply improve, an unconventional skill system, and a melodramatic plot that comprises as a lot comedy because it does tragedy. It additionally boasts essentially the most wicked Final Fantasy villain within the type of Kefka, a courtroom mage turned god attributable to a sequence of experiments gone awry. You have been warned.
Source