Ladies and gentlemen, gamers of all ages, it’s time to settle one of the greatest debates in video game history: what is the best Final Fantasy game?
From the classic pixel art of the original game to the stunning graphics of the most recent entries, the Final Fantasy series has been captivating players for over three decades.
In this list, we’ll be ranking all 15 mainline Final Fantasy games from worst to best, taking into account gameplay, story, characters, music, and more.
So strap in, grab some Phoenix Downs, and get ready to join us on a journey through the fantastic worlds of Final Fantasy.
15. Final Fantasy XI
Now, let’s be real here. Final Fantasy XI is an MMO, and it’s not really fair to compare it to the other mainline games in the series. That being said, it still counts, so here we go.
FFXI was first released in 2002, and it shows. The gameplay is slow and clunky, with a steep learning curve that can be frustrating for new players. The story is there, but it’s not as engaging as some of the other games in the series, and the graphics are outdated.
On the positive side, the game’s music, composed by Naoshi Mizuta, is pretty good, with tracks like “Gustaberg” and “Ronfaure” standing out. And the game’s community is still going strong, with dedicated players who have been playing for years.
But ultimately, FFXI ranks last on this list simply because it’s not as accessible or enjoyable as the other games in the series.
14. Final Fantasy II
FFII is often seen as the black sheep of the Final Fantasy family. While it introduced several new features, such as the ability to level up individual stats and a non-linear story, these changes ultimately made the game feel unbalanced and frustrating.
The gameplay can be clunky, with some battles feeling overly difficult and others feeling too easy.
The game’s music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is decent but not as memorable as some of his other works. “Rebel Army Theme” is a standout track, but overall, the soundtrack doesn’t quite measure up to some of the other games in the series.
While FFII was a step forward in some ways, it ultimately falls short due to its flawed gameplay mechanics and forgettable music
13. Final Fantasy I
Up next on our list, we have the game that started it all: Final Fantasy I.
Now, don’t get us wrong, Final Fantasy I is a classic. It introduced players to the world of crystals, warriors of light, and epic battles against evil forces.
However, compared to the other games in the series, it can feel a bit simplistic. The gameplay is straightforward, with turn-based battles and a simple leveling system.
The game’s music, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, is a standout, with tracks like “Prelude” and “Matoya’s Cave” becoming instant classics. But compared to some of Uematsu’s later works, it can feel a bit basic.
Final Fantasy I ranks 13th on our list simply because it doesn’t hold up as well as some of the later entries in the series. But we still have a lot of love for this game and the impact it had on the RPG genre.
12. Final Fantasy XIII
Hold onto your chocobos, because we’re about to talk about Final Fantasy XIII.
FFXIII is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it boasts stunning graphics, a unique world, and an engaging story.
On the other hand, the gameplay can feel incredibly linear, with little room for exploration or experimentation.
The battle system, while flashy, can also feel overly complicated and unintuitive. The music, composed by Masashi Hamauzu, is good, but not as memorable as some of the other games in the series.
Final Fantasy XIII ranks 12th on our list because while it’s not a bad game, it doesn’t quite measure up to the high bar set by other entries in the series.
It’s worth playing for fans of the series, but don’t expect it to be a groundbreaking experience.
11. Final Fantasy XII
Next up on our list, we have Final Fantasy XII, the twelfth entry in the series.
FFXII is a bit of a departure from the traditional Final Fantasy formula.
The game features a more open-world design, with real-time battles and a unique Gambit system that allows players to automate their characters’ actions. While this can be a refreshing change of pace, it can also feel overwhelming at times.
The story is decent, but not as engaging as some of the other games in the series, and the characters can feel a bit bland. The music, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, is good, but not as memorable as some of the other games in the series.
Final Fantasy XII ranks 11th on our list because while it’s a solid game, it doesn’t quite measure up to the high bar set by other entries in the series.
9. Final Fantasy III
Moving on to the ninth entry on our list, we have Final Fantasy III.
FFIII introduced the job system to the series, allowing players to switch between different classes like knights, mages, and thieves.
While this was a great addition, the game itself can feel a bit forgettable compared to other entries in the series. The story is decent, but not as engaging as some of the other games, and the characters can feel a bit flat.
The gameplay is solid, with challenging battles and a fun job system to experiment with. The music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu and others, is also decent, with tracks like “Eternal Wind” and “Crystal Cave” standing out.
Overall, Final Fantasy III ranks 12th on our list because it’s a good game, but not great. It’s worth playing for fans of the series, but it doesn’t quite measure up to some of the other entries.
9. Final Fantasy IV
Coming in at number 9 is Final Fantasy IV, also known as Final Fantasy II in the US.
FFIV features a classic turn-based battle system, a compelling story, and memorable characters. However, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive at times, with little variation in battle strategies.
The music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is excellent, with iconic tracks like “Theme of Love” and “Battle with the Four Fiends.” However, it’s not quite as memorable as some of the other entries in the series.
Final Fantasy IV ranks 9th on our list because while it’s a great game, it doesn’t quite stand out as much as some of the other entries in the series.
It’s definitely worth playing for fans of classic RPGs, but it’s not a must-play for newcomers to the series.
8. Final Fantasy V
Number 8 on our list is Final Fantasy V, a classic RPG that often gets overlooked in the series.
FFV features a job system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and create unique battle strategies. The story is lighthearted and fun, with a colorful cast of characters, but it can feel a bit shallow compared to some of the more serious entries in the series.
The music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is fantastic, with memorable tracks like “Clash on the Big Bridge.” However, it’s not quite as iconic as some of the other games in the series.
Final Fantasy V ranks 8th on our list because while it’s a great game, it doesn’t quite have the same level of depth and impact as some of the higher-ranked entries in the series.
Still, it’s definitely worth playing for fans of classic RPGs and the Final Fantasy series.
7. Final Fantasy XIV
Coming in at number 7 is Final Fantasy XIV, the massively multiplayer online game that took the world by storm.
FFXIV features a complex and engaging gameplay system, with a deep story and a massive world to explore. The music, composed by Masayoshi Soken, is incredible, with memorable tracks like “Answers” and “Revolutions.”
However, FFXIV’s ranking is held back by its nature as an MMO. While the game has a lot of content, much of it is locked behind the need to play with others, which can be a turn-off for some players.
Still, FFXIV’s popularity and success make it a great entry in the Final Fantasy series.
If you’re a fan of MMOs and Final Fantasy, it’s definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to sink a lot of hours into it!
6. Final Fantasy XV
Coming in at number 6 is Final Fantasy XV, the open-world adventure that follows Noctis and his bros on their journey to take back their kingdom.
FFXV features an action-based combat system that’s easy to pick up and play, but also allows for deeper strategy as you progress. The music, composed by Yoko Shimomura, is top-notch, with standout tracks like “Stand by Me”.
However, FFXV’s ranking is held back by its mixed reception upon release. Some players found the story to be convoluted and confusing, while others criticized the open-world gameplay for feeling empty and repetitive.
FFXV is still a great entry in the Final Fantasy series, with memorable characters and stunning visuals.
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging action game with RPG elements, it’s definitely worth giving a shot. Just don’t expect a perfect experience.
5. Final Fantasy VIII
At number 5 we have Final Fantasy VIII, a game that features a love story for the ages and an unforgettable villain.
The gameplay of FFVIII involves a unique Junction system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and stats by drawing magic from enemies and junctioning it to their equipment.
The music, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, features iconic tracks like “Liberi Fatali” and “Eyes On Me,” which won a Japan Gold Disc Award for Song of the Year.
However, FFVIII’s ranking is held back by its divisive plot and mechanics. Some players found the plot to be convoluted and hard to follow, while others were frustrated by the Draw system’s slow pace.
Despite its flaws, Final Fantasy VIII is still a great game that stands out for its unique mechanics and memorable characters.
If you’re a fan of romance and epic battles, FFVIII is definitely worth playing. Just be prepared for a few confusing moments along the way.
4. Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI is a classic game that is still beloved by many fans to this day.
The gameplay is a classic turn-based combat system with a unique and innovative system of Materia. The music is composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu and is filled with iconic tracks such as “Terra’s Theme” and “Dancing Mad.”
Why does it rank 4th? Well, some may argue that it is because it was released during the golden era of RPGs and is overshadowed by other iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII.
However, others might argue that it deserves a higher ranking for its engaging story, diverse cast of characters, and impressive boss battles. The game also introduced the series’ first villain with a complex backstory, Kefka Palazzo.
Final Fantasy VI is a classic game that still holds up today, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, hence its 4th position on the list of mainline Final Fantasy games.
3. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is one of the most beloved games in the franchise, ranking in at a respectable third place.
The game features a turn-based battle system with the unique “sphere grid” leveling system, allowing players to customize their characters’ abilities and stats. The game follows protagonist Tidus and his journey to save the world of Spira from a monstrous entity called Sin.
The music in FFX is simply breathtaking, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu. The game’s theme song, “To Zanarkand,” is one of the most iconic pieces of video game music of all time.
So why does FFX rank in at number three? The game’s story is emotionally poignant, with strong themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. It also introduced some of the most memorable characters in the franchise, including the fierce and loyal warrior, Auron, and the upbeat and determined summoner, Yuna. Admittedly, some of the dialogue can be incredibly cringe-inducing.
Overall, FFX stands out as a shining example of storytelling and world-building in the Final Fantasy franchise, earning its spot as one of the top games in the series.
2. Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX is the ultimate throwback to the classic Final Fantasy games of old.
It ranks as the second-best game in the series because it hits all the right notes that fans of the franchise love. The game features a return to the classic fantasy world with a rich and charming cast of characters that feel like they were ripped straight from the pages of a storybook.
The gameplay is a perfect balance between the classic turn-based system and new mechanics such as the Active Time Event system that adds a layer of depth and immersion to the experience.
The music, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, is a true masterpiece that perfectly captures the whimsical and adventurous spirit of the game.
Final Fantasy IX is a game that not only satisfies fans of the series but also serves as a perfect entry point for newcomers looking to experience the magic of Final Fantasy.
It’s a game that truly stands the test of time and is a must-play for any RPG fan.
1. Final Fantasy VII
Ah, Final Fantasy VII. The game that launched a thousand cosplays and made us all fall in love with spiky-haired protagonist Cloud Strife. It’s no surprise that it ranks as the number one mainline Final Fantasy game, and for good reason.
The gameplay is a perfect blend of turn-based combat and real-time action. And who could forget the epic summoning spells, like the mighty Bahamut and the adorable chocobo?
The music is simply iconic, with Nobuo Uematsu’s masterful score evoking emotions of adventure, love, and loss. Let’s be real, who hasn’t gotten emotional during Aerith’s iconic death scene?
But what really sets FFVII apart is its groundbreaking storytelling. The complex plot and unforgettable characters, from Sephiroth to Tifa to Red XIII, have cemented themselves in video game history.
Plus, the game’s stunning graphics were revolutionary for their time (even with squares for hands), with cinematic cutscenes that still hold up today.
Final Fantasy VII is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, earning its spot as the number one mainline Final Fantasy game. It’s a must-play for any JRPG fan, and its influence can still be seen in modern games today, such as in the FF7 remake.
Gaming Knights 