The Final Fantasy series has been a videogame mainstay for over 35 years at this point. The series has gone from strength to strength, constantly reinventing itself along the way. It has, however, largely stuck to its roots as a turn based JRPG for the majority of its lifespan.
Final Fantasy games tend to age well, largely due to the incredible music, the unique sprite art-style, the tried-and-true turn-based gameplay to which they have made some additions recently, and strong stories. The following games have easily aged the best though, and are a definite pick-up for longtime fans or any players looking to get into the genre.
5 Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy 9 was hailed as a return to the franchise’s roots. It was envisaged as a homage and reflection of the series by the developers, and it capped off the series’ life on the original PlayStation perfectly.
Final Fantasy 9 was a return to the medieval, and magical beginnings of the series, which the last few previous installments had left in return for darker and realistic themes. The game features a more traditional fantasy setting and aesthetic compared to the more futuristic and technological settings of previous entries in the series. This return to the series' roots gives the game a timeless quality that still resonates with players today. As a sort of culmination of Final Fantasy games from the past, it featured all their best parts, making it a solid game to play now, over two decades on as well.
4 Final Fantasy VI
This game is almost thirty years old; it was set in a world similar to what one might find in the Industrial Revolution, and marked the franchise’s first departure from the classical fantasy setting it thrives in. One of the key elements of Final Fantasy VI that has helped it age well is its complex and memorable characters. The game features a large cast of characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories.
Each character has a unique role in the story, and their individual arcs and development are seamlessly woven into the game's larger narrative. Kefka in particular is one of the most memorable villains in the entire genre. The likes of Shadow, Terra and Locke are all interesting and memorable additions as well.
3 Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy 7 is timeless, regardless of the new remake, Cloud Strife’s original journey navigating SHINRA, various eco-terrorist groups, SOLDIER and the Jenova project make for a thrilling story full of treachery at every turn.
The game’s characters such as Aerith, Tifa and even Zack Fair are all memorable, written well with intricate backstories and their own motivations. On top of this, the villain ensemble, headed by Sepiroth, is one of the best in JRPGs. The gameplay and music are solid as well. Of course, the timeless sprite art adds to this as well.
2 Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics, released in 1997, is a turn-based strategy RPG and has aged like fine wine over the years. One of the key elements of Final Fantasy Tactics that has helped it age well is its story. The game's intricate and multi-layered narrative is set in the fictional world of Ivalice, and follows the journey of Ramza Beoulve, a young nobleman who becomes embroiled in a conflict between powerful factions vying for control of the kingdom. The story is filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected twists and turns that keep players engaged from start to finish.
The game's turn-based strategy mechanics, which involve positioning units on a grid-based battlefield and making strategic decisions about which actions to take, are still satisfying and engaging today. The mechanics were never clunky or unpolished, so they still hold up today. The game's art and music are also a reason why it has aged well. 2D sprites and detailed backgrounds have a timeless quality that still looks great today. The game's music, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, is also a standout feature, with a mix of orchestral and medieval-inspired tracks that perfectly complement the game's setting and tone.
1 Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is 22 years old, and the game is still playable today. In fact, It's one of the best games for newer fans of the franchise and the genre to check out. This is mainly due to its ambitious storytelling, emotional depth and great character development.
The game follows the journey of Tidus, a blitzball player from Zanarkand, and Yuna, a Summoner on a pilgrimage to save the world of Spira from an eternal threat known as Sin. The story deals with themes of love, sacrifice, and loss, and players are emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles. The game's story is also unique in the series for its more personal and intimate approach to storytelling, as opposed to the more epic and grandiose tales of previous entries. The relationship between Tidus and Yuna is particularly well-done, as it develops gradually throughout the game and is central to the game's themes and story. These characters are what helps the game hold up well in the face of modern storytelling and characters.