Oh no, The Top 10 Final Fantasy Games

I really don't know why I am going to tackle this topic. I love all the Final Fantasy games, so I really hate to rank them and these games are soooo personal to gamers that they stir up alot of emotion and debate. Well, I encourage comments and opinions, but keep in mind that I stayed as neutral as possible while organizing this countdown and I have gone back to review and replay whatever was necessary to be fair to the entire series. We all know, though, that it is inherently impossible to NOT be opinionated. Having said that, please enjoy the countdown and don't freak out if your favorite isn't where you'd like it. By the way, in an attempt to avoid spoilers, I may leave out some details, but rest assure I have played all of these games and put in the time necessary to judge them accordingly.

The Top 10 Final Fantasy Games (according to me)


10. Final Fantasy II/Final Fantasy XII (2006/PS2, 1988/Famicom)



Ok, ok, I know I have a tie right out of the gate, but there's good reason. Final Fantasy 12 was going to hold this spot alone. I think it is an incredibly rendered game and the cut scenes really blew me away the first time I played through this game (especially the Espers). While the gambit system let the game practically play itself (if you choose to set it up that way), it was new and innovative and, along with the liscense system, at least tried to improve the flow of the game. Even if you hated the gameplay, this is nothing new for the series. It practically changes EVERY game anyway. Some you hate, some you love. The story in FF12 has also come under alot of scrutiny. It has been said that it draws too much from Star Wars. I really disagree with this. Of course we love to take elements from the stories that inspired us as writers and story-tellers. It just seems like everything cool has already been done. That's why all the movies that are coming out are remakes and reboots. BUUUUTTT, actually FF12 steals most of it's material from Final Fantasy 2, and FF2 is the real culprit when it comes to ripping off Star Wars. So don't blame 12and that's why they are sharing this spot. Now, to give FF2 some credit, it was the first FF game to have named characters and party change-outs. It also introduced Chocobos and Cid. So, this game is very important when it comes to FF canon, but it's gameplay is so very flawed. Alot of patience and the Bloodsword are all you really need to make this game your bitch. Back to story correlation, they really are way too close. Young warrior, headstrong girl, cocky pilot, relative that loses their way and turns evil under the influence of an evil emperor who is dabbling in dark arts but eventually sees the error of his ways and ultimately assists our heroes, the doomsday weapon that threatens all who would oppose the empire's authority...Ok now tell me which story I was just describing: FF12, FF2, or Star Wars. Time's up, the correct answer was ALL OF THE ABOVE. Oh well, welcome to the countdown.


9. Final Fantasy XIII (2009, PS3/X360)


I know it may still be a little early and we don't know how this game will stand the test of time, but it is really one of the most gorgeous games I have ever looked at. Did we really expect any less though? The first 5th gen Final Fantasy didn't disappoint in the looks department, but it most definitely shook up the fans when it came to gameplay and story. There was a lot that we didn't understand at first. It has the classic "just throw them in there and let them mix it up" beginning. Then they start talking about storyline elements that we have no clue about yet. You really have to give this game a chance, though. It eventually comes together and ends up being a very entertaining play. Plus, Lightning, while emo(like alot of FF leads), is actually pretty awesome. She is like a mix between the tough, hotness of Tifa Lockhart and the badass, emoness of Squall Leonhart. If those two had a kid it would be Squifa Leonckhart, and that's just stupid, so we would call it Lightning. The music is also an interesting departure from previous scores and of course the visuals keep you on edge. All in all, I was very pleased with this game, it is just missing too many classic FF elements that keep it from being a truly great FF game.


8. Final Fantasy VIII (1999, PS1)


I have always been very torn when it comes to FF8. I really love this game and the characters, but the gameplay and story constantly bother me. It is a very good storyline...it just never felt like a Final Fantasy until the end. It borrows heavily from the mood and setting set down in FF7, while adding story elements you see in FF1. Mix this with a presentation that was taken directly from the success of Parasite Eve and you have Final Fantasy 8. I was so excited when this game came out when I saw they were going to have proportional characters and backdrops like Parasite Eve. The cinemas looked amazing...well just everything looked amazing. But, much like FF13, there's something about it that just isn't classic Final Fantasy. That may be a positive thing for some players (maybe you want to get lost in the game and not have it stereotyped as "another final fantasy"). To me though, it is a great game, just not great enough to be any higher on the list( And I HATE the junction system).


7. Final Fantasy I (1987, NES)


What kind of countdown would this be without the original? This is the game that saved Square and gave us one of the best video game franchises ever. Taking elements from D&D and a world straight out of Tolkien's mind, Final Fantasy blew gamer's minds with open world, non-linear gameplay wrapped in an intriguing and epic story. This game is so much fun to play today on any system. Just Thank God for the internet so we can remember where we are going.


6. Final Fantasy Tactics (1998, PS1)


I have never really been a fan of tactics based RPGs. They just aren't my thing. I love Disgaea series...and then there's this game. All I can say is...WOW. This game is awesome. It is narrated by a historian (Olan) telling us the story as we play through the "War of the Lions". It is actually a really, really good story. I don't want to spoil it, so I'll just say the ending is definitely worth the effort that goes into this very challenging but very satisfying game.


5. Final Fantasy IX (2000, PS1)


To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of FF9. I do, however, appreciate many things about it. It is such a throwback that it is extremely nostalgic. They really put emphasis on making sure the characters represented the original job classes from FF1-3. That is just so awesome. But, for the first time we got to see these types of characters AND really got a sense of personality. The storylines are great for all of these characters and this game is just so incredibly well-written. The gameplay is solid and the visuals and music are great. It deserves to be higher on the list and I know many people will agree, but I'm being objective and it has to stay in the number 5 spot. One little fact though: Final Fantasy IX received a score of 94% from Game Rankings. That's the second highest ranking for a Final Fantasy game, only bested by a game that will be seen later on this countdown.


4. Final Fantasy IV (1991, SNES)


This is where it gets really hard to put anything down. Mostly because it hurts me to admit that one game is considered lesser than another. I truly regret as I am writing this that FF4 is not in the number 3 spot. I honestly don't know if I'm making the right decision here, but I've set this game and the next side-by-side and this is just the conclusion I came to. Final Fantasy IV is the first truly "amazing" Final Fantasy game and I believe that it really sealed the franchise's place in history. This is the game that made sure it was here to stay. While we recieved it as "Final Fantasy II" and looked at it as an amazing jump from FF1, even in Japan it was considered a huge step foward. The storyline in this game is the ultimate tale of redemption and has, what I would consider, one of the best casts in the series. Some people think that Cecil sells out and is a sissy as a Paladin, but seriously, that's just jealousy. This is one of the few Final Fantasy games where you DON'T hate somebody. It is just awesome all the way around and the gameplay is solid...it just happened to be outdone by three other games. Keep in mind though, it could very well be interchangeable with number 3 on the list.


3. Final Fantasy X (2001, PS2)


We finally got a Final Fantasy game with voice acting!!! Ok, its not the best voice acting, but it does add alot to the game. Final Fantasy X has arguably the most innovative storyline in the entire series. It is so unlike everything else the series has to offer, and yet FEELS like a Final Fantasy game. It really thinks outside the box and still has a very basic approach to gameplay. It really is no different than the original active time battle system introduced in FF4, and yet has the sphere grid to allow you to customize your character's progress. It has all the great elements of a modern FF game and an old FF game with none of the drawbacks. It really is just solid all-around. You can't hate that. And I don't care what anyone says, Tidus is NOT a bad lead. The cast may not be as well designed as other FF games, but they more than make up with it in story.


2. Final Fantasy VI (1994, SNES)



Before you hate me, hear me out!!! This is hands-down my favorite Final Fantasy game. It is a perfect work of art. This is the game that was rated 96% on Game Rankings and is the highest rated Final Fantasy game ever. You all know now what number 1 is going to be so let's just kick back and hear my reasoning on why I set the countdown up this way. FF6 has what I consider to be the most epic story, best villain, biggest plot twist, and best musical score. It has the most playable characters and a deep customizable gameplay system. Sure Sephiroth was an asshole for killing Aeris and made us all sit in our gaming chairs seething with hate and yearning for revenge, but Kefka poisoned a whole damn city just to kill ONE MAN. The Nazis didn't even do that shit and Stalin just rolled over in his grave and said "Holy Fuck, man!" So we go after him right? Well yea, and he DESTROYS THE WORLD. Yep, that's right, the villain wins half-way through the game. Suck on that Sephiroth. Anyway, it is also the first game to really blur the genre of Medieval-style epic adventure with Industrial Age technology. It really is the first "modern" Final Fantasy, NOT Final Fantasy 7. The only people who forget this are the people who claim to be FF fans and haven't played all of the games. FF6 is only forgotten by those who haven't played it. Sure, it was hard as hell when it came out, and still presents a challenge today if you don't know the secrets to beating certain bosses, but you have the internet and NO EXCUSE for not playing this game today. There is NOTHING bad to say about it. All of the characters have deep, engaging storylines encompassing love, loss, fate, and purpose on a scale that all other Final Fantasy games either failed at or just couldn't quite match. The only thing that holds this game back was the limitations of the SNES (which was already pushed to it's extreme with this game). I sincerely apologize for not putting this game at number 1, but I said I was going to be impartial and I have to admit that in the realm of Final Fantasy the best and most complete game is...


1. Final Fantasy VII (1997, PS1)



...Final Fantasy VII. The story is not as good as FF6 to me and many other fans who can appreciate all of the games for what they are. Based on innovation, story, gameplay, and importance, however, this game really deserves the hype. It really is great. There's no denying that, even though most hardcore fans hold FF6 so dear. Final Fantasy 7 was the franchise's first endeavour into 3D and didn't disappoint. Everything is rendered extremely well for it's time. Even though it draws from elements set down in FF6, I consider, for the most part, this to be the turning point in the franchise. There are only pre-FF7 games and post-FF7 games. Not only with hardware, but overall approach and mood. Just look at the Final Fantasy games that followed it. FF7 opened the door for future FF games to break away from the Tolkien/D&D epic theme and become their own stories. Even though they all take from their predecessors for nostalgia, it is almost impossible to notice any similarities without close examination and super-nerd-like perception. They just start seperating themselves from each other and become their own identities after FF7. I think that's a beautiful thing. The gameplay is completely solid, if not perfect. The musical score sounded amazing and is second only to FF6 in my mind (I know FF7 had the advantage with the PS1 hardware). And, while some may like the numerous playable characters FF6 offered, FF7 carried a great story with a more traditional small cast. I know Barret kind of reminds you of Danny Glover as Lt. Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon, but no one really pisses you off when you play through for the first time. Now that we are older we can look back and say, "Wwwweeellll...Cloud really was a little bitch", but do you really hate him? And I've already stated that Sephiroth, as awesome as he is, doesn't hold a candle to Kefka from FF6, but he's still pretty badass in his own right. So what is wrong here? This game may not be the most satisfying to the hardcore fan, but it really deserves to be the number 1 Final Fantasy game of all-time. It took what was great from the past and added everything we would see in the future. Time has proven: This is the game that defined the series. Congratulations FF7, you got me to admit it.

Hope you enjoyed and look foward to my next countdowns later in the week: Snake's Top 10 Video Game Plot Holes and Snake's Top 10 WTF Video Game Twists.