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I don't know much about Final Fantasy, but I want to start playing it. I don't care which one has the better graphics, I like good pixel art and the gameplay is my first priority.
Considering that I love Fire Emblem, which one would you all recommend me to start with?
@gicrisf That depends what you want.
The "old" FFs (1-6) brought us a lot of memorable (and in part pretty sad) stories. From a gameplay perspective, they were quite straightforward, sometimes quite hard, and turn-based.
Topics in "modern" FFs could also be very grim.
7: preservation/ecology vs. a greedy corporation
8: basically juvenile mercenaries
9: cute world torn apart by war
10/10-2: religion/devotion vs. self-determination/-preservation
7 to 10-2 are more or less turn-based, they allow
@gicrisf for an alternative.
12 has been quite disliked by many, as it tried to become "open-worldish": It is in real-time, your characters roam areas where you spot enemies already from afar.
Most critique went toward the "Gambit" system: You can "program" your characters to do certain things under certain conditions.
13 has been very disliked, as it is nearly completely linear, your characters have roles (like in an MMORPG: tank, damage dealer, support, medic) and you inly ever control your
@gicrisf main character. The battly system is kind of real time.
13-2 and "Lightning Returns" expand on the story of 13. They also add a lot of stuff that makes them better games than 13, if you ask me. Mainly sidequests and optional stuff.
14 is purely MMORPG.
15 & 16 I havd never played, but 16 supposedly plays a lot like Devil May Cry.
Phew. That was a lot oy typing. I hope it helps.
My personal recommendation would be to start with 9, 8, 10, 7 (in that order) for the modern ones.
@fugeldich Wow, I was expecting some quick answers and hot takes, but you gave me a short essay. Thank you so much! Now I know better how to navigate the different titles, but I admit I haven't decided yet.
@gicrisf You are welcome. I had quite fun writing and thinking about it.
Most of the games should be available as re-releases or HD remakes on modern consoles, so you should be able to find some current reviews for more details.
@fugeldich In the end, I opted for a multi-approach: I'm trying two games: Final Fantasy V (GBA) and Final Fantasy VII (PSX). Both have similar combat systems. If I like them, I'll buy the pixel perfect editions. That's because I wanted to start with canonical games, but my next title will be Final Fantasy Tactics (PSP).
@gicrisf And the old ones in reverse order: 6, 5, 4, ...
@gicrisf I would also add, as regards gameplay, from FF7 on, a lot of mini-games were added to each part as well as, what I would call, "subsystems": Complex systems or sidequests that triggered thf creation if their own in-depths guides, e.g. on GameFAQs, or YouTube videos:
Chocobo racing & breeding, card games, weapon/armor/item synthetication or upgrading, monster hunts, etc.
@gicrisf If you want a focus on gameplay more than story, maybe FFV.
The story is not as good as IV and VI but there are many classes to use and you can change them frequently.
IV is my favorite of the early games for a more linear story based experience, and gameplay that’s still enjoyable.
VI eventually becomes quite nonlinear and while you can’t change jobs, there are many different playable characters to choose for your party.
@aceattveg This makes me a little more inclined towards V, but I am very curious about IV. I think I'll explore both of them. Do you think the platform (GBA, PSX...) makes any difference?
@gicrisf At this point I would probably go with the Pixel Remasters on the modern storefronts but GBA versions are not bad.
PS1 versions had some added load times due to the CD format and not being well optimized.
The original SNES versions are good, but you'd want to get a patch for both. FFV SNES never had an English release on that console and IV was released as a simplified version with a rough around the edges translation.
Difficulty feels lower on all the future releases.
@gicrisf That being said, the games were not particularly hard in the first place.
@gicrisf Start with FF7. Like the Pixel version. It's imo the most important title and easy to understand.
Afterwards the next one should be 8 and then 10. And from there on you are free to explore which else you want to play.
@bookstardust Sorry for the late response, but I listened to you! I'm playing both V and VII right now. I have to admit that I like the VII better so far, but I've only just started.
@gicrisf Glad you enjoy it
@gicrisf If you want true pixel art with no 3D whatsoever, then Final Fantasy VI is the way to go. Best history and music.
@ideimos I've already started with Final Fantasy V and VII, but I'll keep this in mind.