For newcomers, Final Fantasy X offers a compelling story, straightforward gameplay, and a great entry point to the series, making it ideal if you are wondering what final fantasy game should i play first.
So, you’re curious about Final Fantasy, a legendary series with sprawling worlds and captivating stories, and naturally you’re asking: what final fantasy game should i play first? It’s a big question, given the sheer number of titles. Many consider the series to be daunting due to the sheer number of entries.
Choosing a first game can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. There are several titles that act as wonderful introductions to the series’ core concepts.
What Final Fantasy Game Should I Play First?
So, you’re ready to jump into the amazing world of Final Fantasy! That’s fantastic! But with so many games in the series, it can feel a little like staring at a giant menu with no idea where to begin. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Lots of people wonder which Final Fantasy game is the best starting point. This guide will help you figure out the perfect entry point for your very own Final Fantasy adventure.
Understanding the Final Fantasy Universe
Before we dive into specific games, it’s important to know that each main numbered Final Fantasy game is basically its own story. Think of it like a book series where each book has its own characters, world, and plot. They aren’t directly connected like sequels in a traditional series, which is actually a very cool feature. You don’t have to play “Final Fantasy I” to understand “Final Fantasy VII”. This means you can pick pretty much any of them that sounds interesting to you! The thing that ties them together is certain things that come back each time, like chocobos (those cute yellow bird-like creatures!), Cid (a smart inventor or pilot, and maybe a bit grumpy), and magic spells like “Fire” and “Cure”. These are fun easter eggs for returning players.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Game
To help you figure out the best place to start, let’s talk about the things that might be important to you when choosing a game. Different Final Fantasy games have different styles and focus on different things.
Gameplay Style
Do you like fast-paced action or slower, more strategic battles? Final Fantasy games have gone through a bunch of different battle systems over the years, and you might find you prefer one over the other. Some games have turn-based battles where you take turns attacking, like a chess match. Others have real-time action battles where you move around and attack at the same time. Then there are some games that have kind of a mix of the two. Thinking about your favorite video game styles can help you choose a game with a battle system that feels comfortable and exciting.
- Turn-Based: Slower pace, strategic, lots of time to think, traditional RPG style. Examples include Final Fantasy I through X.
- Action-Based: Fast-paced, you control character movements directly in combat, a more modern approach. Examples include Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy VII Remake.
- Hybrid Systems: Combines elements of turn-based and action, often with a time-based element. Examples include Final Fantasy XII and XIII.
Story and Tone
Every Final Fantasy game has a unique story. Some are very serious and dramatic, with lots of political intrigue or world-ending threats. Other games are lighter and more fun, focusing on exploring the world and discovering new things with your friends. Do you want a more grown-up story, or something lighter and more adventurous? Choosing a game with a story and characters that interest you will make your experience much more enjoyable. Think about whether you like stories with a big focus on love, friendship, betrayal, or exploration. For instance, games like Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII often appeal to those seeking deep and emotional storytelling, while games such as Final Fantasy IX offer a more whimsical, fairy-tale-like journey.
Graphics and Presentation
The Final Fantasy series has games that look very different from each other. Some of the older ones have pixel art graphics. This art style can look very charming and nostalgic. Newer games have incredibly detailed 3D graphics that look almost like movies! If you care a lot about how a game looks, this is something to think about. For some, the charming simplicity of the older games is part of their appeal, while others prefer the immersive detail of newer entries. Look at some screenshots or video clips of games to see which style of graphics you like more.
- Pixel Art: The classic look of early video games, often considered nostalgic. Think Final Fantasy I through VI.
- Pre-rendered Backgrounds: Detailed backgrounds with 3D character models, a unique and visually impressive style. Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX use this style.
- Modern 3D Graphics: Fully rendered 3D worlds with highly detailed characters and environments. Final Fantasy X and onwards use this graphical style.
Accessibility
Some Final Fantasy games are easier to get into than others. Some might have a steeper learning curve with battle systems that can take a while to understand. Others are more straightforward and can be easily picked up and played by anyone. If you are new to video games, or you just don’t like complex games, you should think about starting with a game that is easier to understand. Games with streamlined tutorials and more forgiving combat are usually better places to start.
- Easy to Pick Up and Play: Straightforward systems and easy to understand mechanics, good for beginners. Examples include Final Fantasy X and IX.
- Moderate Learning Curve: Takes some time to get the hang of, can be more challenging. Final Fantasy VII and VIII fall here.
- Complex Mechanics: A lot of things to keep track of, could be overwhelming for new players. Examples include Final Fantasy V and XII.
Top Recommended Starting Points
Now that we have gone over all the things to think about, lets get into some specific games that are considered great starting places in the Final Fantasy world. Each of the following games have pros and cons that we’ll discuss, but they all make great choices for first-time Final Fantasy players.
Final Fantasy X
Many people recommend starting with Final Fantasy X. It’s generally considered a good entry point for several reasons. It features a really engaging story, great characters, and a turn-based combat system that is easy to learn and understand. The graphics are also pretty good even today. It’s not too old or pixelated, which means it’s a visually appealing game for first-time players. The world is beautiful, the characters are interesting, and the story is very moving. You follow Tidus as he’s thrown into a new world and needs to figure out his purpose in it. It also offers a fairly linear experience which can be helpful to newcomers. There’s less of a feeling of getting lost than in some of the older titles. This is one of the most popular games in the series for a reason!
- Pros: Easy to learn turn-based combat, amazing story, excellent characters, good graphics for its time, linear progression, very accessible for new players.
- Cons: Some might find it too linear, can be a bit emotional, not an open world like some later games.
Final Fantasy VII (Original or Remake)
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most popular games in the entire series. Its original version is a classic from the Playstation 1 era, with a story that’s considered one of the best in video games. The story explores themes of identity, loss, and environmentalism. It uses a unique pre-rendered background art style. You explore a world with characters who have a very dark past but still try their best. While its graphics are a bit dated now, the story and gameplay hold up. But if you prefer something more modern you should check out Final Fantasy VII Remake. This version of the game takes the first part of the original story and completely reimagines it with state-of-the-art 3D graphics. The combat system is a more action-focused style, but is still accessible, with the ability to use menus for special actions. Both the original and the Remake are good ways to get into the world of Final Fantasy, but they offer very different experiences. The original is a great look at the history of the series, and the Remake is a very fun and exciting experience for any video game fan.
Final Fantasy VII (Original)
- Pros: Classic and beloved story, interesting characters, unique Materia system, a must play in the series for many fans.
- Cons: Dated graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, could feel slow paced compared to more modern games.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Pros: Incredible graphics, real-time combat mixed with strategic elements, expanded story with lots of extra content, modernized experience.
- Cons: Only the first part of the original story, combat system may be difficult to master for some, still being developed, not the complete game yet.
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX is a bit of a throwback to the early days of the series, with a lighter, more fairytale-like story. It’s a great pick if you enjoy games with a charming and whimsical style. The story follows Zidane Tribal as he travels through a world inspired by classic fantasy stories. The turn based combat system is a pretty simple to understand and its characters are lovable and well developed. If you want a less serious, more light-hearted experience, this is a perfect choice. Many fans consider it a hidden gem in the series. Its world is full of beautiful places to explore, and its soundtrack is beautiful.
- Pros: Charming and whimsical story, classic turn-based combat, memorable characters, lots of charm and heart, great for a classic Final Fantasy experience.
- Cons: Might be considered too simple by some, slower pace compared to other games in the series, some players may prefer a more grown up story.
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV is a great way to get a feel for the older style games in the series. This title is a true classic and offers a more simple story with classic gameplay. You follow the knight Cecil as he learns to overcome his dark past. This is a good choice if you want to see how Final Fantasy games looked in the early days. It was one of the first games to bring complex storytelling and characters to the genre. While its gameplay is fairly simple, many think of this as one of the most iconic games in the whole series.
- Pros: Classic experience, simple gameplay, good characters, classic turn-based combat, easy to pick up and play.
- Cons: Dated graphics, simpler story, simpler gameplay, may be too simplistic for some players.
Games to Possibly Avoid Starting With
While any Final Fantasy game is playable, some games might not be the best for starting out with the series.
- Final Fantasy V: This title features some of the most complex job system in the whole series. It might be too overwhelming for new players who just want to have a fun and easy time.
- Final Fantasy VIII: This game has a very unique system of leveling up and obtaining magic called “Junction”. This is often confusing for new players. The story can also be a bit strange and confusing for some players.
- Final Fantasy XI & XIV: These are massively multiplayer online games (MMORPGs), which are very different from other games in the series. This also means they require an online subscription to play, and require you to play with other people.
- Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy: Final Fantasy XIII, XIII-2, and Lightning Returns each have very complex battle systems, and can be difficult to understand if you are new to the genre. The story can also be confusing, even for returning fans.
- Final Fantasy XV: This is the most action focused Final Fantasy. It’s a bit different from traditional games in the series. It is a better experience if you’ve played other games, but it can be a bit confusing for your first time.
- Final Fantasy II & III: These are great if you are a long time fan and want to play all games in the series, but they often have a lot of dated game mechanics that can make them difficult to enjoy today.
Making Your Choice
The best place to start is really going to depend on what you’re looking for in a game. Do you prefer classic turn-based battles or more modern action gameplay? Do you want a serious, epic story or something lighter and more fun? Thinking about your personal preferences is the best way to make sure you have a good first time experience with Final Fantasy. Take some time to look at each game, watch some videos or read reviews. Let your curiosity be your guide, and pick the game that you feel is going to be the most fun for you!
No matter which game you choose, you are in for an incredible adventure with a series that has been making fans happy for over 30 years. Each Final Fantasy game is its own story, and each has something special to offer. So go on, pick your first game and jump into the world of Final Fantasy!
What Should be your FIRST Final Fantasy?
Final Thoughts
If you want a classic experience, start with Final Fantasy VII or IV. They showcase the series’ core elements well. Final Fantasy X is a good option for a modern feel with great story.
For a less traditional path, Final Fantasy XII offers unique gameplay. These choices offer varied introductions to the series. Deciding what final fantasy game should i play first really depends on your preferences. Ultimately, pick the one that intrigues you most.
