Final Fantasy is one of the most popular JRPG series of all time. Since its debut in 1987, Final Fantasy has been one of Square's biggest franchises that has churned out hit after hit. Many people think that the modern entries in the series don't live up to the lofty standards set by previous games in the series, but that's a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.
Since this series is so iconic in its own right, it's only a given that many games have been inspired by the brilliance of Final Fantasy. Of course, the franchise has also been parodied quite a bit, and that's no surprise given how there are so many things in Final Fantasy that can be made fun of... even when it comes to its iconic moments! Here are some of the most notable video games around that have parodied Final Fantasy in their own way.
8 The What-Iffers In: Final Fancy
Freeware RPGs are a dime a dozen, but there are some hidden gems that many people don't get to experience. The What-Iffers in: Final Fancy is one such title that parodies the Final Fantasy series in its own unique way.
The game takes a look at a group of role-playing friends called the What-Iffers who decide to use the setting of a popular JRPG called Final Fancy to spin a tale of their own. However, instead of sticking to the usual turn-based combat, this game places a major focus on puzzles instead.
7 EarthBound
EarthBound is one of the most popular turn-based RPGs ever made despite having little to nothing in common with the usual players in the genre. In many ways, EarthBound is an anti-RPG that uses a run-of-the-mill modern-day setting to deliver a brilliant experience.
There's just something funny about fighting regular dudes and objects that gives EarthBound such a unique charm of its own. It also parodies several JRPG tropes, so it's only a given that the Final Fantasy series would be a part of this harmless joke.
6 Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden
Speaking of JRPG parodies, another great game that comes to mind is Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden. The setting of this title is truly offbeat yet engaging, with the background of basketball being used to tell a pretty captivating story.
Players control Charles Barkley and a ragtag group of heroes as they strive to bring B-Ball back from the depths of obscurity after Barkley's Chaos Dunk causes a national tragedy. It's a truly insane plot that is further aided by the game's parodies of most mainstream JRPG games and mechanics, including that of Final Fantasy.
5 The World Ends With You
The World Ends With You is one of the most stylish JRPGs that anyone can check out. Finishing the game unlocks a bonus chapter called Another Day, which is a love letter that references most of the tropes present in the major Square Enix RPG releases, including Final Fantasy.
From making fun of Aerith to commenting on the infatuation characters have with zippers on their clothing, The World Ends With You definitely knows when to display its comedic chops with the writing. It's a fun game that fans of Square Enix's creative JRPGs will have a great time with.
4 South Park: The Stick Of Truth
South Park's venture into the realm of RPGs was a massive success, with The Stick of Truth serving as a brilliant debut for this venture. The idea of kids taking their role-playing shenanigans so seriously that the entire town gets caught up in these twisted events is perfect South Park material.
From anime powerups to massive summons — The Stick of Truth has more than enough references to satiate the most hardcore JRPG fan around. As a bonus, Stan actually does the classic Cloud celebration of swinging his sword around after emerging victorious in battle.
3 Victim Cache The RPG
A game that parodies the JRPGs of the past while paying homage to them in their own way, Victim Cache the RPG is a fun romp that any fan of the genre should check out. It's not the slickest title around by any means, but it more than gets the job done.
That being said, do keep in mind that the humor of this RPG is way more mature than one might expect. As long as players are okay with the sailor mouth of this game, they'll definitely be chuckling all the way to the end of this charming JRPG.
2 Fearless Fantasy
The name itself should make it perfectly clear what Fearless Fantasy is all about. This game employs a pretty unique combat system where players need to use gestures with their mouse to nail attacks.
This mechanic in itself is so engaging that most people will instantly look at this game as more than just a Final Fantasy parody. Battles can be challenging but are well worth the effort when players get through challenging battles by the skin of their teeth.
1 Final Fantasy 9
Given how much of a homage Final Fantasy 9 is to the series' history, there are bound to be some self-parodies added to the mix. The most notable instance of the same is pretty early on during a rather important stage play.
Two characters in the play, Marcus and Cornelia, profess their love for each other in a pretty unique way, with Marcus saying the line, "No cloud, no squall shall hinder us!" Fans of the series will instantly recognize this line to be cheekily referencing the first names of the protagonists from the last two Final Fantasy games!