hmmm maybe yes, maybe 40% who say "FFVI is the best" not touched a Snes/gameboyadvance/emulator but no want look fool saying "FFVII is the best"
And I'm willing to bet that *random percentage I pulled out of my **** of people that say 7 is the best is only because SE is milking that *** for every dime she's worth, and they are constantly throwing it back in our faces with their new spin on regurgitated, old crap.
Well, you have the best one left as dessert. ENJOY , the soundtrack is the best ever, the characters way of interacting with each others made them feel alive and you end up loving them even if they're tiny rectangle shaped sprites. It's the kind of experience FF IV partially achieved, it's colorful and any flaw it has is because it tried to innovate. There was nothing else like it back then. No game has a script of that quality. And keep in mind that 50% of the original script was removed to fit the translation in a 24-mbit cartridge...
FF VI deserves a PS3/4 remake a lot more than FF VII. Just the intro FMV on the PlayStation port gives me the chill... thinking how it could have looked, and the worldwide recognition it could have had, if only the timing had been right...
The problem is... Square had a lot of faith in FF VI when it was released here on the SNES... But what did we do with it? We bought 500000 fricken copies, what a joke... Over 3 million sold in Japan alone...
If you have only finished the commercial translations and loved FF VI (FF III on the SNES), you have to try this one. Even the ROM has been expanded to 32mbit and it's not missing a single part of the original jp script this time.
IV (*** masterpiece... I can say "***" can I?) :x
VII (XIII wouldn't be coming out if this one never happened, it was good... admit it)
IX (screw the messed up ending, this game comes near to perfection)
V (following the RPGe translation efforts, playing this was like a dream come true... nothing can describe)
XI (sucked at release, but ended up being great a few years of updates later)
I (the story of how Square was saved by this game is more interesting than the game's plot, but it deserves recognition)
III (finished on Famicom emulator and NDS, not disappointed)
XII (it's beautiful ... but... there's something wrong about this one... Ivalice?! Zodiac?! that's not the FFT series... -_-)
II (well... at least they tried incorporating a "plot")
VIII (this looked like a leaked beta of something that loosely resembles FF... just wtf where they thinking?
In complete denial, confronted to my biggest disappointment, I completed it AGAIN (twice on a PSX)...
and I still spent 25% liking it 75% wanting to smash it, that's beyond sad)
@Katarzyna : I felt a little aggressive your comment about what I said, but if you look closely, i don't like FFVII or mainly the fanboys and SE, ik FFVII is the goose that lays the golden eggs for SE and maybe sell in the cereal if they could, but each of us has an idea about FFVII and SE only want money (as everyone).
About FFVI I have the luck of play in snes and gains for me in many respects on 2D games (and 3d).
Push 8 further back on the list, push 9 forward some since it's simple-to-use yet completely perfect equip/magic/summon etc system.
In fact just replace 8 and 12 with Mariokart.
This ^
And at least the majority can agree VI def deserves to be #1. For an SNES game the cutscenes were incredible, awesome story, just awesomeness all around.
No way VI is the new VII! VII although too mainstream, was still a great game.
And at least the majority can agree VI def deserves to be #1. For an SNES game the cutscenes were incredible, awesome story, just awesomeness all around.
No way VI is the new VII! VII although too mainstream, was still a great game.
I played on the SNES originally and I'm pretty sure the cutscenes were added in with the PSX version. If they were on the SNES version my memory is letting me down as I did play the PSX after.
Also, I disagree anyway, because a cutscene isn't actually part of the game so we shouldn't really be using it to determine the rank, in my opinion anyway.
And at least the majority can agree VI def deserves to be #1. For an SNES game the cutscenes were incredible, awesome story, just awesomeness all around.
No way VI is the new VII! VII although too mainstream, was still a great game.
I played on the SNES originally and I'm pretty sure the cutscenes were added in with the PSX version. If they were on the SNES version my memory is letting me down as I did play the PSX after.
Also, I disagree anyway, because a cutscene isn't actually part of the game so we shouldn't really be using it to determine the rank, in my opinion anyway.
Ya the CS were added in on the psx version but VI on snes is one of the best rpg's of all time, not just in FF series.
I never played VI on PSX, SNES only! What I mean by cutscenes, is you know the whole Opera scene. Not the actual CGI stuff you see on PS1 and PS2 versions.
As someone people have mentioned, game play, story line, battle system, characters should be determined in these rankings. CSs (CGI or otherwise) are nice, but not necessary.
However another factor is you have to look at the game when it was initially released. It's hard to do that for II, III, and V, but download an emulator sometime and play the actual game (translate into English, but everything else is the same) and realize when this game came out. Personally I've never played any of these re-releases for PS1, PS2, GBA or w/e.
A few months ago when I didn't have internet for 2 months, I played FFI from start to finish, and it's still the hardest one to beat. The last dungeon is just brutal. Chaos wouldn't be that hard to fight if you were fully healed, magic, etc., but getting there half beaten up, and still trying to take him down is insane. No rest stops on the way, nothing but pure logistics.
I would say:
1. VI - Greatest one what else can you say?
2. IV - Only reason it's not #1 is no customization of characters.
3. VII - Great graphics, but sucked in people who thought this was the series.
4. I - The one that started it all, still the hardest one to beat.
5. V - A nice story, awesome customization.
6. III - Considering when this came out (I'm not talking about when it was officially released in the US) the system was similar to V.
7. X - Great PS2 Graphics, better than the ones below it.
8. IX - A little childish and looks like a cartoon, but a relief from the awful VIII.
9. XI - Wouldn't be talking on here now without it, lol.
10. XII - Makes me want to play XI after a few battles.
11. II - Silliness. Good concept, very bad implementation. Click and cancel to level up, LOL!
12. VIII - Worse FF ever made! Horrible magic system, HELP I AM TRAPPED IN 2006 PLEASE SEND A TIME MACHINE story line, horrible ending, the only thing even remotely good about it is the GF system. Hitting buttons as fast as you can for more damage?! Turn based games aren't about hitting the buttons as fast as you can, that's what Mario Party is for! I could go on about how bad this game was, but that's enough, lol.
I agree with this order but not for some of the reasons.
I didn't read the whole thread but as far as VII goes, and I have said this before, it was a good game but no where near as good as the two listed above it in Chaosx's list. I judge a game on replay value and personally the original, VI, and IV are the only ones I can sit down and play anytime all the way through. All the others I will get bored and not touch again for a while.
I agree with this order but not for some of the reasons.
I didn't read the whole thread but as far as VII goes, and I have said this before, it was a good game but no where near as good as the two listed above it in Chaosx's list. I judge a game on replay value and personally the original, VI, and IV are the only ones I can sit down and play anytime all the way through. All the others I will get bored and not touch again for a while.
Mainly because VII I have for PC, It's hard to play it now (certain things just fly by too fast), and besides getting the golden chocobo took forever, lol.
I totally agree, IV, VI and I to this day I can still sit down and play and still have fun. As I just stated in my last post, In Nov. I played through FFI again, cause imo its the most challenging.
A few months ago when I didn't have internet for 2 months, I played FFI from start to finish, and it's still the hardest one to beat. The last dungeon is just brutal. Chaos wouldn't be that hard to fight if you were fully healed, magic, etc., but getting there half beaten up, and still trying to take him down is insane. No rest stops on the way, nothing but pure logistics.
On the original NES or a remake? They made the remake(s) easier then the original. Hell in the original if you couldn't land mute on Astos with your first cast you were ***, forget about Chaos.
A few months ago when I didn't have internet for 2 months, I played FFI from start to finish, and it's still the hardest one to beat. The last dungeon is just brutal. Chaos wouldn't be that hard to fight if you were fully healed, magic, etc., but getting there half beaten up, and still trying to take him down is insane. No rest stops on the way, nothing but pure logistics.
On the original NES or a remake? They made the remake(s) easier then the original. Hell in the original if you couldn't land mute on Astos with your first cast you were ***, forget about Chaos.
Never played the remakes. Original only. Or in the case of II,III and V, snes roms for emulators converter into English.
When I first got into emulators w/ Roms I download the original JP version of IV (translated of course), the whole fight with Cecil against himself makes more sense now, since the JP version all the characters have special abilities, like his, takes a few of his HP to do an AOE attack.
Edit: If you really like IV I'd recommend playing it all the way though with the JP version. It rocks!
A few months ago when I didn't have internet for 2 months, I played FFI from start to finish, and it's still the hardest one to beat. The last dungeon is just brutal. Chaos wouldn't be that hard to fight if you were fully healed, magic, etc., but getting there half beaten up, and still trying to take him down is insane. No rest stops on the way, nothing but pure logistics.
Unless you do it the cheap way, and every fight where you need HP, you use white robe (invis2), then use the defender on everyone (blink), then just spam healing helm (I think I had 3 of 'em) and attack with a whm or blm. Keep it up til everyone is full HP, then kill normally. (All item names are from the remake on FF Origins).
However, if you don't do that, then yes, the last dungeon is a *** :P
We count down the best games in the history of the Japanese RPG tradition.
by IGN Staff
January 4, 2010 - If there's one series that completely embodies the charm of the Japanese role-playing game, it's Final Fantasy. This legendary series, which is now more than twenty years old, has grown into a universally recognizable entity, spawning spin-off action games, movies and more. With a heavy emphasis on character-driven stories and elaborate battle systems, it's easy to see why Final Fantasy has such a devoted following.
One of the most popular debates among Final Fantasy enthusiasts is the classic question: Which Final Fantasy is the best? Here at IGN, we decided it was about time we weighed in on that discussion. Considering the upcoming launch of Final Fantasy XIII this coming March and the increased buzz surrounding Square Enix's series, we set out to work. In order to assemble the list to end all lists, we collected votes from throughout the IGN staff (restricting voting to the proper numbered installments) and then rounded up a handful of our most fervent Final Fantasy devotees in order to chat about each game.
Don't forget to hit up the comments thread below to continue this epic debate. And for a perspective from someone who doesn't like the Final Fantasy series check out our rant video below.
Jim Reilly: Final Fantasy XI took the series online in a new MMO experience that continues to be a driving force of revenue for Square Enix. Despite the fact that the game was met with mixed criticism, Final Fantasy XI garnered an impressive community of fans. Initially launched in 2002 for the PC, the title would later find its way to consoles, making an appearance on PlayStation 2 and the Xbox 360. Years later, Final Fantasy XI also remains one of the most graphically impressive titles in the MMO genre. With solid character job classes and an everlasting item creation system, fans will probably continue to play Final Fantasy XI forever…or until Final Fantasy XIV is released.
11. Final Fantasy II
Ryan Clements: The second iteration of the Final Fantasy series was the first to introduce a main cast of characters, as opposed to interchangeable Warriors of Light like in the first game. Final Fantasy II was also much more story intensive, as it followed Firion, Maria, Guy and other heroes on their quest against an evil empire. Final Fantasy II also abandoned the experience-based levels designed for the original game and went with a very different gameplay mechanic instead. As characters were used in battle, they grew more powerful based on what actions they performed. This gave Final Fantasy II a unique feel and made it a special member of the legendary franchise.
10. Final Fantasy III
Ryan Clements: Although the original NES version of Final Fantasy III never made it to the United States, the game would eventually appear on U.S. shores in the form of Final Fantasy III for the Nintendo DS. The remake, which was a full 3D affair, gave proper names to the originally nameless protagonists and gave them individual backgrounds. Of course, the presence of the powerful crystals and approaching darkness still remained. One of Final Fantasy III's most notable additions to the series is the introduction of the job system. While Final Fantasy I did have a few classes to choose from at the start of the adventure, Final Fantasy III allowed players to switch their characters' jobs at any time during the quest, giving players plenty of freedom to design their dream party.
9. Final Fantasy XII
Ryan Clements: There is a tremendous amount of debate regarding Final Fantasy XII in the RPG community. Some praise its attempt to try something new and its eye-catching visual style. Others condemn the battle system, which could be automated in such a way as to take control away from the player. Needless to say, Final Fantasy XII is a controversial member of the series (though not nearly as surprising as XI when it was first released). But it did some things well. The visuals were excellent for the PS2 generation and the game's voice acting was some of the finest in the series. There was also a tremendous amount to do besides the game's main quest, making Final Fantasy XII an incredibly long experience overall.
8. Final Fantasy I
Jeff Haynes: Four characters known as the Warriors of Light are tasked with defeating the Four Elemental Fiends and the evil knight Garland. In the process, their adventure would spawn a franchise that would last for more than twenty years and save developer Squaresoft (later Square Enix) from financial ruin. The adventure would also revolutionize how RPGs were designed, with multiple character classes (that evolved later in the game) and different kinds of magic to be wielded in battle. By today's standards, the turn-based gameplay and 8-bit sprites may seem antiquated, but the attention to storytelling, humor and gameplay set the standard for the entire franchise. The original Final Fantasy is one to be remembered.
7. Final Fantasy IX
Eduardo Vasconcellos: Though it uses many of the most notorious JRPG cliches, Final Fantasy IX was a wholly enjoyable addition to the series because it changed the focus from bleak techno-worlds found in previous installments to a vibrant fantasy adventure starring a fun, diverse and entirely likeable cast. The fact that this installment does away with the morose protagonist in favor of the upbeat Zidane makes it that much more appealing. When you consider other memorable characters (such as the cool Vivi), solid gameplay, a great art style and an engaging narrative that culminates in an extraordinary battle (along with a truly fantastic epilogue), Final Fantasy IX is certainly a worthy installment of this venerable series.
6. Final Fantasy V
Meghan Sullivan: The fifth entry in the Final Fantasy series is best known for its impressive job system, which is similar to the one in Final Fantasy III but with notable improvements. For example, Final Fantasy V's job system allowed characters to not only learn various skills and abilities through different classes, but it also permitted some of those abilities to be transferred over to another job. The game also featured the first Active Time Battle gauge, which let the player see which character's turn was up next in battle and plan their attacks accordingly. Although Final Fantasy V was not a huge milestone in the series like Final Fantasy VII and X were, it is often cited as a fan favorite for its original storyline and memorable music and gameplay.
5. Final Fantasy VIII
Jeff Haynes: How exactly do you follow up a well-loved installment in a popular franchise? In the case of Final Fantasy VIII, you attempt to stray away from the look and gameplay of Final Fantasy VII to create a story that stands on its own. The tale revolved around Squall Leonhart, a young SeeD cadet, and his friends who find themselves continually facing off against a rival student: Seifer. Although the game will always be in the shadow of its predecessor, Final Fantasy VIII was unique in a number of ways, such as the changes it sported to the magic system, which required characters to draw spells from their opponents before they could be used. Furthermore, the ability to pull the trigger on Squall's Gunblade to provide extra damage during attacks was a notable addition.
4. Final Fantasy X
Meghan Sullivan: Like Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy X was a major milestone for the franchise. Not only was it a huge leap forward in terms of graphics (dropping pre-rendered backgrounds for 3D areas) and gameplay (introducing the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system and allowing players to swap characters in and out of their party during battle), but it was the first Final Fantasy to feature voice acting. These features, together with a compelling storyline and a stellar soundtrack, have solidified Final Fantasy X as one of the most popular games in the franchise. To date it has sold more than six million copies and is the only Final Fantasy game thus far to have its own sequel.
3. Final Fantasy IV
Colin Moriarty: Drama. Excitement. Intrigue. Romance. Final Fantasy IV had it all. Initially released Stateside as Final Fantasy II, this classic Super Nintendo JRPG did what few games managed to do before it: tell a riveting, thought-provoking story that dictated the course of the entire game. In an era of primitive 16-bit graphics and limited storage capabilities, Square managed to create what is now considered not only one of the best Final Fantasy games, but also one of the finest RPGs in gaming history. Cecil's righteous rebellion against his own kingdom and the tale that followed has become the stuff of RPG legend, thanks to this ambitious title that proved once and for all that JRPGs were a force to be reckoned with.
2. Final Fantasy VII
Ryan Clements: If any game deserves special recognition in our ranking, it's Final Fantasy VII. The first 3D iteration of the series, Final Fantasy VII introduced gamers to a fantastic cyberpunk world and a startlingly unique cast of characters. Not only did it boast spectacular visuals at the time, but the combat system was also a real treat, as players could collect the powerful substance known as Materia in order to learn magic and summon helpful creatures. Final Fantasy VII also featured one of the most iconic villains in the series: Sephiroth. His cold eyes and twisted mind have been framed in the memories of many Final Fantasy enthusiasts, and for good reason. Players were also rewarded at the game's conclusion with an astounding ending that was discussed for years following the game's launch.
1. Final Fantasy VI
Ryan Clements: Final Fantasy VI is, without a doubt, the finest Final Fantasy game created in the old, sprite-based style -- before the franchise made the jump to the PlayStation. With one of the most well-developed, diverse casts of all time and a pristine battle system, Final Fantasy VI will always be fondly remembered. Few gamers could forget the bitter melancholy of watching Terra and her captors march through the dark snow towards Narshe, or hold back the heartache as Cyan kneels over his family, cruelly murdered by the mad Kefka. Final Fantasy VI also threw a massive curveball at players in the form of the World of Ruin, which completely changes the physical and emotional landscape of the experience. These brilliant strokes are just some of the many reasons why Final Fantasy VI is the best of the franchise.
