Final Fantasy Games: The Final Fantasy games are set on several different planets. Although there are rare exceptions, each new episode typically takes place on a distant planet and universe. Ivalice is a Final Fantasy planet that appears in several games, each of which might be regarded as a separate sub-series
Yet, each game’s Iva lice are drastically distinct, almost as if each game had its universe. The Final Fantasy worlds are self-contained, although they are loosely linked by The Void, a dimension of emptiness and a realm of formation that exists outside of time and space.
The universe of the original Final Fantasy was primarily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons and resembled a traditional tabletop game. Final Fantasy worlds have featured various designs, from the modern pre-2000 world of Final Fantasy VIII to the futuristic Cocoon of Final Fantasy XIII and its primitive sister world of Gran Pulse, especially after the series transitioned to the PlayStation platform.
Crystals have a significant impact on the universe in spin-off games that include characters from multiple Final Fantasy titles, typically as a force that maintains the worlds and as a source of magic, like they do in the early series.
Table of Contents
All Final Fantasy Games in order
Final Fantasy I
Final Fantasy is set on a fantasy planet with three enormous continents that have yet to be named. Despite never being named in the original game, it is referred to as World A in Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. The condition of four blazing crystals, each regulating one of the four classical elements: earth, fire, water, and wind, determines the world’s elemental capabilities.
Final Fantasy II
Chocobos and the recurrent character Cid were introduced in Final Fantasy II, and they would eventually become hallmarks of the Final Fantasy franchise. It also did away with the previous and following games’ conventional experience point leveling system, replacing it with an activity-based progression system.
The characters’ statistics improve based on how they are used or acquired. Although it is a sequel to Final Fantasy, the game contains no characters or places from the original. Non-Japanese critics paid little attention to Final Fantasy II at the time. However, its remakes have gotten positive reviews.
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III gameplay incorporates aspects from the original two Final Fantasy games and innovations. The turn-based combat system from the first two games is still intact, but hit points are now shown above the target after strikes or healing actions, rather than described as they were in the first two games.
For the first time, auto-targeting for physical attacks is available when a friendly or enemy unit is slain. Magical spells are not auto-targeted in the same way that they are in future games in the series.
Final Fantasy IV
During the events of Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, the True Moon circles it briefly. Oceans and landmasses cover the Overworld, whereas the Underworld is the earth’s interior, filled with rock and magma. Eight mystery crystals, four in the Overworld and four in the Underworld are guarded by various kingdoms. The Eidolons, legendary magical beings, reside in Feymarch, where time moves quickly.
Final Fantasy V
The world remains nameless in Final Fantasy V, but it is dubbed Planet R in the anime sequel Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals. The planet is made up of several worlds and the mysterious, otherworldly realm known as the Interdimensional Rift. Elemental crystals, which are thought to have been born in the Void, keep the worlds going.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI moves away from the primarily medieval fantasy settings of previous Final Fantasy games, depicting a world amid an industrial revolution, with the Gestahlian Empire championing progress. At the same time, more traditional societies, such as Doma, continue to follow the ways of the past.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII tells the narrative of mercenary Cloud Strife hired by the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, commanded by Barret Wallace. To battle, the mega-corporation Shinra Electric Power Company attempts to suck the planet’s lifeblood as an energy source to increase profits.
Cloud battles for personal gain and a commitment to childhood friend Tifa Lockhart, despite his disinterest in the cause. Cloud eventually joins forces with many people to defend the globe from Shinra and Cloud’s arch-nemesis, Sephiroth and finds a purpose to fight for a cause other than his own.
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII has three significant modes of play, similar to previous Final Fantasy games: the world map, the field map, and the combat screen. The world map is a three-dimensional display that allows the player to traverse a small-scale representation of the game environment freely. Characters move around the global map by foot, Vehicle, and airship, among other modes of transportation.
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX was intended to encapsulate the “essence” of Final Fantasy. The crystal motif, which has been present from the beginning of the series, is revived, with the crystal now representing the universe’s interconnected life force.
The game’s environment was created with a classic Final Fantasy universe in mind, and there are several references to previous games throughout the game. Gaia’s global layout mirrors the first Final Fantasy, with three of the four continents virtually identically placed.
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is presented in a third-person viewpoint, similar to previous games in the series, with players guiding Tidus, the main character, to interact with items and textures throughout the environment.
Unlike last matches, the world and town maps have been fully merged, with the landscape outside of cities drawn to scale. Tidus faces opponents at random as he explores the environment. When an adversary is encountered, the landscape transforms into a turn-based fighting arena, where characters and enemies wait for their turn to strike.
Final Fantasy XI
It is believed that a sentient diamond dispelled the darkness in the past. Its iridescent light infused the universe with life and spawned powerful Gods who eventually fell asleep.
The Enlightened Races and the Beastmen horde are Vana’diel’s intellectual races. Unofficially, the two sides are at odds. Vana’diel is divided into zones, which are further divided into regions spanning numerous landmasses. Adventurers visit these areas to battle monsters, accomplish quests, and move from one city to another.
Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy XII Ivalice is based on the Ivalice from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, and the world is influenced by Mediterranean, Arabesque, and Indian influences.
Final Fantasy XIII
This planet serves as the backdrop for the Lightning Saga games, although each chapter is unique. Final Fantasy XIII is primarily set in the future world of Cocoon. Still, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is set in Gran Pulse and has a time travel mechanism that allows players to travel across different periods.
Final Fantasy XIV
Hydaelyn is a vast planet of three central regions: Eorzea in the west, Islabard in the center, The Far East, and a smattering of big and small islands. It is named after the goddess Mothercrystal, who is the adventurer’s guide.
Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy Versus XIII was released as part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy series. The term “Versus XIII” is used in contrast to Final Fantasy XIII and its successors.
These set-in fantasy realms are both physically and culturally separated. Square intended the environment to be distinct for “Versus XIII” by portraying a single, linked domain. In Final Fantasy XV, this idea is carried over in the form of a continuous open world.
Why is Final Fantasy so popular?
Final Fantasy became popular because it was the closest you could get to playing D&D – slaying ogres and gaining levels – on a home console. It remained popular by maintaining its familiar mechanics and focusing on strong characters and stories.
Basically, Final Fantasy games have the same appeal books do, except imagine that in order to read the next chapter, you had to solve a puzzle, or play a tactical game where you have to use the right strategy to defeat your enemy, and that tactical game is well-designed and fun. That’s the appeal of Final Fantasy. It’s a well-written book with enjoyable gameplay as a secondary feature. It was one of the first series to ever make the writing a central component to the game’s enjoyability, and for the first ten entries of the series, they didn’t depart from that, and very few games have pulled it off as well.
Which Final Fantasy should I play first?
I would recommend starting with Final Fantasy 6, 7, 9, and 10 to get the core experience. 6 is the quintessential old school game of the series, 7 is by far the most popular and revered entry, 10 is the seminal experience for the NextGen games and 9 is a love letter to the series in general.
Which Final Fantasy games are worth playing?
FFIV, FFVI, and FFIX are the quintessential, core Final Fantasy experiences. If you want to understand the series at its peak, pick one of those – you can go in any order, but all three are essential experiences that stick to classic turn-based combat.
Should I play FF7 first?
Should I play the original Final Fantasy 7 first, or jump into the remake first? I’d recommend playing the original first, though they’re both fine entry points. The Remake is somewhat reliant on you being familiar with the original game, but honestly not to the extent that some people make it out to be.
Do you have to pay to play Final Fantasy XIV?
You must buy the game and pay every month to play. Starter Edition gets you the level 1-50 content and includes 30 days free. Stormblood is the level 50-70 content (as it includes the previous expansion free) and does not include gametime. The Complete Edition is all of the above.
Are all of the Final Fantasy games connected?
Are final fantasy games storylines connected to each other? The mainline Final Fantasy games aren’t connected with each other in any direct fashion. They often share certain motifs, but they each take place in a different fictional world and follow a stand-alone story.
Why are Final Fantasy games so different?
There are so many games because the franchise is popular enough for them to keep making them for three decades plus. As far as being connected, not a bit. There are a few that are connected (direct sequels such as X-2, occasionally some of the spin-offs cross over) but each mainline game is its own entity.
Do you need to play Final Fantasy games in order?
Do you have to play Final Fantasy in order? No, it doesn’t matter what order you play the games in. The games have common elements (like Chocobos, Cid, crystals, etc) but the story of each game is different (barring sequels like FF X-2, FF 13-2, 13-3, etc).
Can I play ff7 remake without playing the others?
Playing FFVII is apparently not a prerequisite for playing the Remake. They’re retelling the story and making differences here and there to fit a better timeline for episodic pacing. It would be nice for you to know the original story but the magic will likely still be there.
What is so special about Final Fantasy?
The characters are very well developed, the villains are great (Rubicante for the win), the music memorable, and the battle system classically engaging. My issue with this game is somewhat silly: it’s too short. But hey, that will make it all the easier to continue your Final Fantasy journey.
Why does Final Fantasy have so many sequels?
Since the release of X-2, virtually all the newer Final Fantasy titles have received sequels and other titles set in their universes. Some of these universes became so fleshed out with sequels, prequels, and side stories that they’ve taken on their own overarching titles.
Conclusion: All Final Fantasy Games in Order
Thus, these were the final fantasy games acknowledged above. Yes, I realize I named 15 main games, but FFXI and FFXIV, which are massively multiplayer video games that deviate from the conventional single-player JRPG format, are frequently left off. The explanation is simple: they don’t follow up the events of early releases.