The Ultimate Compilation of Final Fantasy: A comprehensive guide for fans and newcomers alike!
Alright, Final Fantasy enthusiasts and curious newcomers, buckle up! We're about to embark on an epic journey through time, exploring the rich history and incredible world of the Final Fantasy series. This isn't just a list; it's a compilation of everything you need to know to become a true Final Fantasy master. So, grab your Chocobos, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and compilation of final fantasy.
A Brief History of Final Fantasy
Before we dive into the compilation of games, let's take a quick look at how it all began. Final Fantasy, developed by Square (now Square Enix), was first released in 1987. The game was initially planned as a one-off title, with the 'Final' in the name reflecting the developer's belief that if the game failed, it would be their final attempt at making an RPG. Fortunately, the game was a massive success, and the rest, as they say, is history!
The Mainline Series: A Compilation of Epic Tales
The Final Fantasy series is known for its standalone stories, with each game offering a unique experience. Here's a compilation of the mainline games, from the first to the latest:
Final Fantasy (1987) - The Original Adventure
Kicking off our compilation is the game that started it all. Final Fantasy (FF1) introduced us to the classic job system, allowing players to customize their party's roles. The game's story, set in a high fantasy world, follows four young warriors who become the Light Warriors, destined to save the world from the four Fiends.
Final Fantasy II (1988) - The Empire Strikes Back
FF2 brought significant changes to the series, including a new job system and a story that focused on character development. The game follows a group of rebels fighting against the evil Empire of Palamecia. Despite its number, FF2's story is not a direct sequel to FF1.
Final Fantasy III (1990) - The Rise of the Dark Knight
FF3 (released as FFVI in other regions) is often considered one of the best games in the series. The story takes place in a world where magic has been sealed away, following a group of heroes who uncover the truth behind the sealing and the return of the evil force, the Gestahl Empire.
Final Fantasy IV (1991) - The Moon's Prophecy
FF4 (released as FFII in other regions) introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which became a staple of the series. The game's story follows Cecil Harvey, a dark knight who embarks on a journey to save the world from the evil sorcerer Golbez and the mysterious entity known as the Moon.
Final Fantasy V (1992) - The Will of the Gods
FF5 (released as FFIII in other regions) returned to the job system of the first game, allowing players to customize their characters' abilities. The story follows Bartz Klauser, a freelance adventurer who becomes embroiled in a plot involving the gods and the crystals that maintain the world's balance.
Final Fantasy VI (1994) - The Return of the Magi
FF6 (released as FFIII in other regions) is another fan favorite, featuring a large cast of characters and a complex story. The game follows a group of rebels fighting against the evil Gestahl Empire, with the story exploring themes of love, loss, and the consequences of war.
Final Fantasy VII (1997) - The Planet's Crisis
FF7 brought the series into the 3D era, with a story set in the industrial world of Gaia. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER turned mercenary, who becomes embroiled in a plot to use the planet's life energy, Mako, to power a superweapon. FF7 also introduced the iconic Limit Break system.
Final Fantasy VIII (1999) - The Oath of the Lion
FF8's story takes place in a world where magic is drawn from the planet's moon. The game follows Squall Leonhart, a young student at Balamb Garden, who becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the oppressive Galbadian Empire.
Final Fantasy IX (2000) - The World of the Stealing
FF9 returned to the series' high fantasy roots, with a story set in a world of floating continents. The game follows Zidane Tribal, a thief who becomes embroiled in a plot involving the mysterious summoner, Garnet Til Alexandros XVII.
Final Fantasy X (2001) - The Journey of a Thousand Years
FF10 marked a significant change for the series, with a new Active Time Battle system and a story set in the world of Spira. The game follows Tidus, a young athlete from the city of Zanarkand, who becomes embroiled in a plot to defeat the ancient beast, Sin.
Final Fantasy XI (2002) - The Realm Reborn
FF11 was the first MMO in the series, set in the world of Vana'diel. The game's story follows the players as they work to save the world from various threats, with a focus on cooperative gameplay and player-driven narratives.
Final Fantasy XII (2006) - The Empire's New Order
FF12's story takes place in the world of Ivalice, with a political intrigue plot involving the Archadian Empire and the ancient technology of the Occuria. The game follows Vaan, a young thief who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the empire.
Final Fantasy XIII (2009) - The World's Agenda
FF13's story takes place in the world of Cocoon, a floating city protected by the fal'Cie, powerful beings who can grant humans the power to become l'Cie. The game follows Lightning, a former soldier turned resistance fighter, as she works to uncover the truth behind the fal'Cie and their plans for humanity.
Final Fantasy XIV (2010) - A Realm Reborn
FF14 was initially released to a mixed reception but was later revamped with the A Realm Reborn expansion. The game's story follows the players as they work to save the world of Eorzea from various threats, with a focus on cooperative gameplay and player-driven narratives.
Final Fantasy XV (2016) - The King's Journey
FF15's story takes place in the world of Eos, with a plot involving the crystal of the same name and the ancient prophecy of the King. The game follows Noctis Lucis Caelum, the heir to the throne of Lucis, as he embarks on a journey to reclaim his kingdom and fulfill his destiny.
Final Fantasy XVI (Upcoming) - The Dominant
FF16, the latest game in the series, is currently in development for the PlayStation 5. While details are scarce, it has been confirmed that the game will take place in the world of Valisthea and will feature a darker, more mature story than previous entries.
Compilation of Spin-offs and Sequels
The Final Fantasy series also includes a variety of spin-offs and sequels that offer unique experiences. Here's a compilation of some of the most notable ones:
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) - The War of the Lions
FFT is a tactical RPG set in the world of Ivalice, with a story that focuses on political intrigue and the struggle for power. The game follows Ramza Beoulve, a young nobleman who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the corrupt kingdom of Bal.
Final Fantasy Type-0 (2011) - The Power of the Fallen
FFT-0 is an action RPG set in the world of Orience, with a story that follows a group of students from the military academy of Rubrum as they fight against the invading Vermilion Empire. The game features a unique combat system that allows players to switch between characters on the fly.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) - The Reunion
FF7R is a remake of the classic FF7, featuring a completely reimagined story and gameplay. The game follows Cloud Strife and his allies as they fight against the evil Shinra Electric Power Company, with a focus on exploring the city of Midgar and uncovering the truth behind the planet's crisis.
Final Fantasy X-2 (2003) - The Eternal Calm
FFX-2 is a direct sequel to FF10, set three years after the events of the original game. The story follows Yuna, Rikku, and Paine as they search for a mysterious sphere that contains information about the legendary fayth, Shuyin.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (2017) - The New Order
FF12:TZA is a remaster of FF12, featuring improved graphics, a new soundtrack, and additional content. The game's story remains the same, following Vaan and his allies as they work to overthrow the Archadian Empire.
Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition (2018) - The King's New Vow
FF15:RE is an enhanced version of FF15, featuring new content, a multiplayer expansion, and improved gameplay mechanics. The game's story follows Noctis and his friends as they embark on a journey to reclaim their kingdom and fulfill their destiny.
Final Fantasy XVI (Upcoming) - The Dominant
FF16, the upcoming game in the series, is currently in development for the PlayStation 5. While details are scarce, it has been confirmed that the game will take place in the world of Valisthea and will feature a darker, more mature story than previous entries.
Compilation of Final Fantasy Characters
The Final Fantasy series is known for its diverse and memorable cast of characters. Here's a compilation of some of the most iconic characters from the series:
Cloud Strife (FFVII) - The SOLDIER Who Would Be King
Cloud is one of the most recognizable characters in the series, with his spiky hair and powerful sword. The former SOLDIER turned mercenary becomes embroiled in a plot to save the planet from the evil Shinra Electric Power Company.
Aerith Gainsborough (FFVII) - The Flower Seller of Cosmo Canyon
Aerith, also known as Aeris, is a kind-hearted flower seller from the slums of Midgar. Despite her humble beginnings, she is a powerful summoner with the ability to communicate with the planet's life energy.
Squall Leonhart (FFVIII) - The Lion Who Would Not Roar
Squall is a young student at Balamb Garden, a military academy that trains mercenaries to fight against the oppressive Galbadian Empire. Despite his initial reluctance to become involved in the conflict, Squall eventually becomes a key figure in the resistance movement.