Final Fantasy Single-Player Main Series Ranked
No MMOs.
Direct console sequels have been included, whereas handheld (or WiiWare) sequels/prequels have been excluded (as well as more spin-off-ey sequels, e.g. Dirge of Cerberus). Regarding remakes, VIIR has been included given that it is clearly intended to be distinct from the original, whereas I have included the remake of III in place of the original (which I have not played), as I understand it to be representative of the original enough to act as an acceptable replacement in the absence of an official localisation (EDIT: This was written prior to the Pixel Remaster).
FFXVI looks odd but maybe quite good? I'll get round to it at some point. FFVII Rebirth looks great, not sure when I'll get round to it.
Direct console sequels have been included, whereas handheld (or WiiWare) sequels/prequels have been excluded (as well as more spin-off-ey sequels, e.g. Dirge of Cerberus). Regarding remakes, VIIR has been included given that it is clearly intended to be distinct from the original, whereas I have included the remake of III in place of the original (which I have not played), as I understand it to be representative of the original enough to act as an acceptable replacement in the absence of an official localisation (EDIT: This was written prior to the Pixel Remaster).
FFXVI looks odd but maybe quite good? I'll get round to it at some point. FFVII Rebirth looks great, not sure when I'll get round to it.
17 Games
Messy emotions and messy mechanics combine for a thematically cohesive experience. The music and visuals are are stunning and emotionally resonant.
1
Incredibly bold in its storytelling. All the other elements work to complement said story wonderfully.
2
Perfectly paced, great mechanics, fun story with serious emotional payoff, and a mid-game switch-up for the ages... what more could you ask for?
3
FFIX delivers in spades on everything the series had been known for up to that point. Not quite as distinctive as the prior PS1 titles, but excellent in every way.
4
The most mechanically liberating FF, V sacrifices story for gameplay and it turned out so very good.
5
A bold postmodern statement which I did not expect. Such a risk, yet I think it worked well. It helps that the game develops such good-will with great combat and characters. I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of this sub-series.
6
Set the standard for what FF would become, with the introduction of the ATB system and more involved storytelling. Holds up to this day. The 3D remake is great if you want a more challenging version, but is a slightly weaker game overall for its presentational faults.
7
So much fun, honestly. The combat system is a wonder, and the cheesy tone sells a world celebrating its liberation so well. It's divisive, but I loved it. Stop taking yourselves so seriously!
8
Awkward in its voice acting and cinematography, but most other elements work amazingly to deliver a wonderful FF game.
9
Drags on a bit, but the world and mechanics are very compelling.
10
The combat system and difficulty curve are incredible. If the length were shorter, and the customisation options open earlier, we'd have a mechanical marvel of a game. If you need convincing, just watch a speedrun - mindblowing stuff, honestly. Story is eh.
11
The most mixed bag that has ever been mixed. I loved the game in concept and often in execution, but there's rarely a moment outside of combat where it's not dropping the ball in some major way.
12
Good, but a bit basic. The final dungeon has no business being so punishing.
13
Though it makes some positive steps in opening up the combat options early, the structure is so unappealing it makes me long for the days of FFXIII's hallways. At least there was a sense of momentum in those.
14
Chilling with the boys was fun. The way exp wouldn't apply until you're all sat round a campfire really sold the comradery. Unfortunately, the combat is a disastrous mess, and the last few hours are a dreadful dirge.
15
Too basic to be honest. It's a fine starting point, but we've far surpassed this.
16
Genuinely quite bad. An improve-as-you-use system (à la Elder Scrolls) either does not work for a JRPG or they simply failed to make it work here.
17