This page is a "What's out there" guide to Final Fantasy stuff.
It is courtesy of Matthew Stallter and he holds the copyright. Used
by permission. I have modified it in some slight ways.
Intro
The numbers are pretty meaningless as far as quality. FF3 for the NES
is one of my favorites (it originated the job system of Tactics). The
series kinda goes in threes. On each sytem, there are 3 main FFs: the
first is a slightly flawed but memorable classic, the second tries
something completely different and ends up less well-received, and the
third is a well rounded and fun return to the roots.
On the NES
- FF1
- Was loved by many but was nothing but constant battles, but then
again, you have to cut them some slack, because it was the first!
- FF2
- You didn't gain levels but instead increased stats by using
them (get hit for HP, cast spells for MP and int). First one with
unique characters, chocobos, and Cid (who is in every game after this
one).
- FF3
- Much improved storytelling, pretty nifty job system. First
with moogles and summoning. Best game on the NES.
On the SNES
- FF4
- Was called FF2 in the states. Good storytelling, good
everything, pretty classic. Like Chrono Trigger with worse graphics.
- FF5
- Never played it! I heard it had an advanced job system like
Tactics. Was only released in America on the Playstation.
- FF6
- Was called FF3 in the states. This was everyone's favorite
before 7. Best storyline, Chrono Trigger graphics, all-around
awesome. There is still debate over whether 6 or 7 is better.
On the PS1
- FF7
- Storyline complicated but alright, graphics good for the time.
This was the first mainstream popular RPG and first non-medieval FF
game.
- FF8
- Weird Junction system turned everybody off. Not as loved as
some of the others, but I thought it was alright. Much better
character graphics. Also set in modern times.
- FF9
- Feels very classic. Best translation and character personality
in just about any game I've played.
On the PS2
- FF10
- See Final Fantasy Ten.
- FF11
- Online, takes forever to do anything, but supposed to be
fun anyway.
- FF12
- ??? Looks a lot like 10, so I'm a little worried...
Re-releases
There were 3 Playstation re-releases of FF games: FFChronicles (5 and
6), FFAnthologies (4 and Chrono Trigger), and FFOrigins (1 and 2).
All had newly designed 3D movies but also loading times.
1 and 2 were complete remakes, and were just released again on the
Gameboy Advance. FF3 is the only one that has never been remade or
released in America (thank goodness for ROM translators).
They're finally remaking it now, from what I hear, for the Nintendo
DS, which I own and is the coolest thing since cliched sayings.
Final Fantasy Works page
Website - Final Fantasy Matt Guide
![[FSF Associate Member]](/static/logos/fsf-member.png)
