Very few of them are connected, none of the main numbered ones directly to each other, so you can really start anywhere.
Do you think you're more interested in the older sprite games, the newer 3D ones, or both?
Strictly turn-based, or closer to real-time?
Any story themes you might be drawn to?
Thanks for your reply. Probably the newer ones, post 2010 anyway.
Actually, I'd be interested in both real time and turn based. I don't have huge amounts of spare time, probably one hour at a time a few times a week, so if there is any that doesn't involve too much grinding that would be great.
I don’t have huge amounts of spare time, probably one hour at a time a few times a week
Damn I don’t think I’d even bother with that kind of schedule, honestly. I’ve played most of them and I can’t think of any that I think I could’ve ‘properly enjoyed’ on that kind of schedule. Even the older games will take tens of hours and you’ll occasionally need to keep things in mind for later in the game (places to go check out, storyline bits, where tf to go next). I’ve restarted before because I couldn’t remember where to go next >.>
And these games are solid overall but they can have extended lulls and you’ll end up spending entire gaming sessions in boring parts lol
Hmm, your time limitation makes recommending one tricky. I don't think this one is on Steam or PSN but maybe Final Fantasy Tactics? Its battle system isn't like any of the mainline series, but it's a very solid entry. The story is good, if a little complicated, there are some memorable characters, and it was one of the last sprite-based ones so the sprites are as good as they'll get for the series.
Battles are a good deal longer than in your average Final Fantasy, but grinding random battles is much less frequent and more rewarding than in most games. You can probably do 1-2 battles and view their accompanying story events in about an hour most of the time.
I've only ever played the PSX version. Someone else may be able to speak for the quality of the iOS or Android ports.
Cut scenes take like 10-20 minutes. Some can clock in at almost an hour and FF16 broke a record at 71 minutes. I think you're going to hate it if you're so limited in time. JRPGs usually demand a lot.
It honestly depends (imo) what you expect a Final Fantasy game to be, maybe you could elaborate?
If you want an Old school rpg? Go for the pixel remasters on pc, or emulate. 1 and 2 are fairly open and unguided for example, but do establish some tropes and recurring themes.
Once you hit 3D era games the gameplay also changes with it. Some are more action based, others are more traditional.
The story however will always be a big part, with interesting takes on how to save a world. Some people find it convoluted however.
Some people find it convoluted however.
I think some people that are into RPGs won't admit to themselves that they aren't there for the story. Are there some deeper elements that you might not catch? Of course. But the main plot is at the level of a young adult novel (or less) and isn't convoluted or hard to follow unless you're skipping dialogue.
RPGs have good stories more often than not, but the story telling can be pretty bad, especially in older titles where the translations are really dodgy.
You end up remembering the story much how you remember the graphics. It may not have been presented well, but if the premise/concept is good, your own imagination will make up for the shortfalls.
Despite main entry is numbered to 16 to this day, you can start with any numbered main entry
Anywhere you think you see something interesting. There is no need to play them in order at all as the stories are all self contained. The names I tend to see most often are FF6, FF7, and FF10 (11 and 14 are MMO - what I actually started with).
Additionally, the beauty of final fantasy’s idea of having recurring names/enemies/etc is that even if you play a newer game before an older one and see a name or thing you recognize, you will always come to appreciate the callback even if you found out about them out of order.
Just keep in mind that since these games have spanned decades, the style and complexity of game will obviously have changed greatly, I know I personally have a hard time playing through really old games so it would be harder for me to start and get hooked by playing the older games
You'll sorta have to pick based on your tastes, but here's a quick rundown from what I know. I don't know all of them equally well (I know the older ones better), but here goes anyway. IMPORTANT: Games are not connected story-wise unless otherwise noted.
Other FF games:
If I didn't mention anything, I probably don't know anything about it.
Also, sadly, none of them are available DRM-free (legally, anyway), but what can ya do.
Most of what you said is spot on except for FF16. FF16 is an action RPG that is somewhat of a fusion between Devil May Cry 5 and Final Fantasy with Game of Thrones style storytelling. It's currently PS5 exclusive but will probably get a PC port down the line.
The game that's possibly a prequel to 1 is the spinoff game Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. I haven't finished SoP yet but it definitely seems that way.
I just got started with Final Fantasy 15 after never having played any of the previous games, and I'm having a great time! The tagline that displays every time you open the game is "A Final Fantasy for both new and veteran players" so it seemed like as good a place to start as any.
FF7 Remake is good for a modern experience and you can change the combat playstyle.
FF14 is a really solid game with very high highs, but is incredibly long and has the MMO aspect, though they have since made the game's story and all main dungeons entirely playable single-player, if you want to play alone. Shadowbringers is one of the greatest stories I've experienced in gaming.
FF7 is the favorite for a reason, but it doesn't hold up as well today. FF6 is also a hugely popular fan favorite, and is the last of the SNES era graphics.
My advice - start with one of those. FF4 and FF9 are a solid choices too.
Final Fantasy 16 is talk of the town at the moment. If you’ve got means to play it, I’d highly recommend. It’s an action game rather than the usual Turn Based combat however. FF7 remake is also incredible. If you fancy a classic, go for FF6. It’s right up there with the best of the series and as it’s pixel graphics it’s aged better than 7, etc.
If you don’t mind graphics I’d just do the golden age, the psx gen games. So like ff7-9 and Tactics.
These are imo the highest quality games in the franchise and Tactics is the most well written and themed game in the whole franchise too.
The remasters of 7-9 on current gen consoles (probably on pc too?) have a speed up button so you can get through the slow parts much faster. It’s really helpful and I wish all of them had it