Every time a new JRPG is released, Final Fantasy titles are instantly pulled in for comparison. With the release of Bravery Default, these comparisons are in full swing. Admittedly, Bravery Default is strikingly similar to Final Fantasy titles. As a matter of fact, it should probably BE a Final Fantasy title. Yet with this discussion comes the idea that other JRPGs, such as The Legend of Dragoon, copy the Final Fantasy formula. I’ve come to the conclusion that if we tolerate, and even look forward to the release of the newest Final Fantasy game, then why do we care? Clearly that formula works. And yet, although there is a new Final Fantasy released every couple of years, we still pick and choose our favorites. Why? Because while the formula of most Final Fantasy games might be the same, they are still varied enough through their story, character development, and functionality that we are able to have a unique experience.
I’m going to go against the grain in choosing my favorite Final Fantasy title. I’ll be choosing from Final Fantasy 7 onward. Yes, I loved Final Fantasy 4. However, my favorite title does not rest prior to the PlayStation. Let’s get started!
One of the best FF moments.
Story: Oh story. With Final Fantasy games, we commonly think, “Well… There are crystals… and I need to… save the world? I guess…?” And yet the formula changed after the release of FF7. Cloud’s story is among the most fascinating in the series, and the first disc of eight was excellent. (I felt it went downhill after that.) While I enjoyed the story of FF13 more than I thought I would, I will say this: FF10 had my favorite story. The romance between Tidus and Yuna was among the best in the series, and since the story revolved around their relationship and the world around them, I felt it was the most compelling. I will say that FF7 was a close second.
I loved this little guy…
Characters: For whatever reason, I really enjoyed the characters in FF9. Yes, they were quirky and kind of goofy, but they brought with them a sense of charm that I didn’t get in some of the other titles. I suppose it was little things like Vivi’s struggle to accept the idea of death that made them feel alive. Regardless, while I’m enamored by the characters of most all of them, I must say again, Final Fantasy 10 had the best characters. It’s the relationships these characters share for me. With every twist and turn I actually care what happens to the characters, and that is special.
This captures the FF feel.
Music: This is tough. Each game brings with it an excellent musical score. Best track? To Zanarkand from FF10. However, my favorite overall music has to be Final Fantasy 9. It’s the light overtones that put me in a good mood I suppose. But again, these are so close; it’s tough to rank them.
Breed….. BREED
Best Mini-games: The card games are great. Blitzball was the shit. But when it comes to mini-games, can you really beat Final Fantasy 7? It had an entire area dedicated to them, and if you count the chocobo breeding, I spent countless hours playing the mini-games alone.
He’s… so….awesome.
Combat: Yes, they were all nearly the same. That is, with the exception of Final Fantasy 13. But sorry, it doesn’t make the list. I enjoy traditional JRPG turn-based combat. And while Sephiroth nearly pulls FF7 into contention just for being so damn cool, I have to go with Final Fantasy 10. It differed from the formula just enough to keep things similar yet improve. It’s the summoning features, though, that takes it over the edge. I loved hitting massive numbers with my Anima on unsuspecting fools.
Overall: Do I even need to say it by this point? FF10 takes the crown for me. There’s no one element that stands completely independent. Whether it’s the story, characters, mini-games, or combat, the success of one drastically influences the others. My love for the characters in Final Fantasy 10 takes it over the top.
What about you? I’m sure you differ from my own opinion. What’s your favorite Final Fantasy? I would love to discuss it with you.