The Final Fantasy series has certainly withstood the test of time. What many thought will only flourish in Japan, has now become a worldwide phenomenon. It reached a level of popularity that only other gaming series can dream of. Truly, the gaming industry wouldn’t be where it is now without the king of JRPGs, the Final Fantasy franchise. The grip of Square Enix’s franchise over the genre is so tight, there is no better entry point for gamers to such than Final Fantasy games.
The Final Fantasy series has been going on for more than three decades now. Apart from dominating the RPG genre, Final Fantasy also has competitive entries in other genres. This includes fighting games, strategy games, and even mobile. While gamers certainly wouldn’t have any trouble finding a good game that has the Final Fantasy name on it, such could also lead to some problems.
With over 30 games in the series, it can be daunting for newcomers to know where to start. In fact, I know several people already looking to enter the franchise but ultimately did not because they don’t really know how to. Well, if you are one of the like, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will be sharing with you a few of the best options for entry points into the Final Fantasy series. At the end of it, we will also name the game in the storied franchise that best serves as an entry point.
How to Pick the Best Entry Point
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a Final Fantasy game to start with:
- Graphics: Some of the older Final Fantasy games have outdated graphics. If you’re not a fan of retro graphics, you might want to start with a newer game.
- Gameplay: The Final Fantasy series has a variety of different gameplay styles. Some games are turn-based, while others are action-oriented. If you have a preference for a certain type of gameplay, you might want to choose a game that matches your preferences.
- Story: The Final Fantasy series is popular for its epic stories. If you’re looking for a game with a compelling story, it wouldn’t be hard to find one in the Final Fantasy series. However, newer entries are more famous for them than the classic ones.
Entry Point Recommendations
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is arguably the most popular entry in the series. It was released in 1997 for the PlayStation and was a critical and commercial success. The game features a compelling story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals for its time. Final Fantasy VII is a great choice for anyone who wants to experience the best of what the Final Fantasy series has to offer. Better yet, it now has a remake series that successfully takes this beloved FF entry into the modern gaming space.
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is another great option for newcomers. It was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2 and is considered by many to be one of the best games in the series. Final Fantasy X features a beautiful world, a heartwarming story, and engaging gameplay. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to experience a more modern Final Fantasy game. Believe me, the story of Tidus and Yuna will stick with you long after you finish the game.
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII was released in 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It features a linear story and a fast-paced combat system. Final Fantasy XIII is a great choice for players who are looking for a more modern Final Fantasy game with a fast-paced combat system. While it isn’t as critically acclaimed as our other recommendations, we still believe Final Fantasy XIII can serve as an ideal entry point into the series because of its glorious visuals and unique storytelling bits.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG that became available back in 2013. It features a vast world, a deep story, and engaging gameplay. Final Fantasy XIV is a great choice for players who want to experience a multiplayer Final Fantasy game. You will quickly fall in love with the series playing this game. And once you do give the series a chance, you’d appreciate Final Fantasy XIV even more when you come back to it as you would now understand its many callbacks and references from games past.
Final Fantasy XVI
While it isn’t out yet at the moment of writing, we are confident that Final Fantasy XVI will serve as an excellent entry point into the Final Fantasy franchise. For one, it takes the series into a brand new avenue that no other game before dared to try. Final Fantasy XVI officially throws out its JRPG roots in exchange for a more action-oriented approach.
In fact, its developers explicitly said they don’t want their game to have the JRPG categorization. Instead, they want it to be an Action RPG. Square Enix is looking to shift the whole series approach moving forward after Final Fantasy XVI. And being the first entry into this new age of the Final Fantasy series, we believe this game can be the best entry point into it.
Our Pick for the Best Entry Point Game: Final Fantasy VII
To be perfectly transparent, we were intending to give the nod of the best entry point into the Final Fantasy series to Final Fantasy XVI. However, to be fair, because it isn’t out yet, we chose a game that is already available for you and can get you started right away. And with that, we chose Final Fantasy VII.
Mind you, we aren’t choosing this game just because. Final Fantasy VII is a great starting point for gamers in the Final Fantasy franchise for several reasons. Here are a few of them:
- It’s a classic. Final Fantasy VII is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed games of all time. It was released in 1997 and has since sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It’s also one of the most influential games ever made and its story, characters, and music have inspired countless other games and works of fiction.
- It’s a good representation of the series. Final Fantasy VII is a great example of what makes the Final Fantasy series special. It has a rich story, memorable characters, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay. It’s also a relatively accessible game, making it a good choice for gamers who are new to the series.
- It’s available on modern platforms. Final Fantasy VII is available on a variety of modern platforms, including PC, mobile devices, and modern consoles. This makes it easy for gamers to pick up and play, regardless of what platform they own.
If you’re looking for a great place to start with the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy VII is a great option. It’s a classic game that’s both fun and accessible. And with its availability on modern platforms, there’s no excuse not to give it a try.
