The Ultimate Guide to the Final Fantasy Order of Games
Hello, fellow adventurers! Diving into the vast world of Final Fantasy can be a daunting task, with its numerous titles and complex storylines. But fear not! We're here to help you navigate the Final Fantasy order of games in a way that'll make your journey through these epic tales as smooth as a Chocobo's ride. So, grab your Buster Sword and let's embark on this exciting quest together! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and final fantasy order of games.
Understanding the Final Fantasy Series
Before we dive into the Final Fantasy order of games, let's quickly understand what makes this series so special. Final Fantasy, created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, first saw the light of day in 1987. It's a role-playing game (RPG) series that has evolved over the years, offering a unique blend of enthralling storytelling, captivating characters, and strategic gameplay. The series has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even movies, making it one of the most successful and influential gaming franchises of all time.
The Mainline Final Fantasy Order of Games
The mainline Final Fantasy series follows a specific order of games, with each title telling a self-contained story while also contributing to the overall lore of the franchise. Here's the chronological order of the mainline games, starting with the first entry and ending with the latest:
Final Fantasy (1987)
The game that started it all, Final Fantasy introduced us to the classic job system, memorable characters like Cloud, and the iconic battle system. Set in a world filled with fantasy elements, this game laid the groundwork for the series' future installments.
Final Fantasy II (1988)
While the first game was a success, Final Fantasy II refined the formula, introducing new gameplay mechanics and a more complex story. The game features a unique character development system and a branching storyline, making it a significant step forward for the series.
Final Fantasy III (1990)
Final Fantasy III brought the series to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the West, introducing a new generation of gamers to the Final Fantasy universe. The game features an expanded job system and a compelling narrative, making it a must-play for any RPG fan.
Final Fantasy IV (1991)
Final Fantasy IV is often considered one of the best games in the series, thanks to its engaging story and memorable characters. The game introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which would go on to become a staple of the series.
Final Fantasy V (1992)
Final Fantasy V further expanded upon the job system, allowing players to customize their characters' abilities like never before. The game also introduced the concept of "ability points," which allowed players to learn new abilities and become even more powerful.
Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Final Fantasy VI is another fan-favorite in the series, thanks to its rich storytelling and diverse cast of characters. The game features a unique job system that allows characters to change classes, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII is a landmark title in the series, thanks to its groundbreaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable story. The game follows the journey of Cloud Strife and his allies as they battle against the powerful Shinra Electric Power Company and its enigmatic leader, Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
Final Fantasy VIII introduced a new job system, called the Junction system, which allowed players to equip magic to their characters' weapons and armor. The game also featured a unique story that explored themes of memory and identity.
Final Fantasy IX (2000)
Final Fantasy IX returned to the series' fantasy roots, featuring a medieval-inspired setting and a charming cast of characters. The game also introduced the Active Time Event (ATE) system, which allowed players to experience the story from different perspectives.
Final Fantasy X (2001)
Final Fantasy X marked a significant departure from the series' traditional turn-based combat, introducing the Conditional Turn-based Battle (CTB) system. The game also featured a compelling narrative that explored themes of fate and redemption.
Final Fantasy XI (2002)
Final Fantasy XI was the first MMORPG in the series, allowing players to explore the world of Vana'diel together. The game featured a complex class system and a vast amount of content to explore.
Final Fantasy XII (2006)
Final Fantasy XII introduced the Active Dimension Battle (ADB) system, which allowed players to control their characters' movements during battles. The game also featured a unique license board system, which allowed players to customize their characters' abilities.
Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
Final Fantasy XIII returned to the series' traditional turn-based combat, featuring a unique role system that allowed players to switch between different roles during battles. The game also featured a compelling narrative that explored themes of fate and destiny.
Final Fantasy XIV (2010)
Final Fantasy XIV was a troubled launch, but it eventually underwent a massive overhaul and became one of the most successful MMORPGs on the market. The game features a rich story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a vast amount of content to explore.
Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Final Fantasy XV is a departure from the series' traditional fantasy setting, instead taking place in a modern-day world filled with monsters and magic. The game features an engaging real-time combat system and a compelling narrative that explores themes of friendship and brotherhood.
Final Fantasy XVI (TBA)
The latest entry in the mainline series, Final Fantasy XVI, is currently in development for the PlayStation 5. Not much is known about the game yet, but it's safe to say that it will continue the series' tradition of delivering engaging stories and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
The Final Fantasy order of games also includes several spin-offs and sequels that expand upon the story of Final Fantasy VII. These games are collectively known as the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, and they include:
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
A direct sequel to Final Fantasy VII, Advent Children follows Cloud and his allies as they battle against a new threat to the planet. The game features stunning visuals and an engaging story that expands upon the events of the original game.
Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII (2004)
Before Crisis is a prequel to Final Fantasy VII, set several years before the events of the original game. The game follows the exploits of the Turks, a group of elite operatives who work for the Shinra Electric Power Company.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007)
Crisis Core is another prequel to Final Fantasy VII, set during the events of the original game. The game follows the story of Zack Fair, a member of the SOLDIER program who becomes entangled in a plot to overthrow the Shinra Electric Power Company.
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (2006)
Dirge of Cerberus is a spin-off of Final Fantasy VII, set several years after the events of the original game. The game follows the story of Vincent Valentine, a former member of the Shinra Electric Power Company who becomes entangled in a plot to destroy the world.
The Fabula Nova Crystallis Series
The Final Fantasy order of games also includes several titles that are part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, a collection of games that share a common mythology and lore. These games include:
Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
As mentioned earlier, Final Fantasy XIII is part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, and its story is connected to the myth of the Goddess Etro.
Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Final Fantasy XV is also part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, and its story is connected to the myth of the Goddess Stella.
Final Fantasy Type-0 (2011)
Final Fantasy Type-0 is a spin-off of the mainline series, set in a world called the Commonwealth. The game features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to switch between different characters during battles.
Final Fantasy Agito (2011)
Final Fantasy Agito is another spin-off of the mainline series, set in the same world as Final Fantasy Type-0. The game features a unique multiplayer mode that allows players to team up with friends and take on powerful bosses.
The Ivalice Alliance
The Final Fantasy order of games also includes several titles that are part of the Ivalice Alliance, a collection of games that share a common setting and lore. These games include:
Final Fantasy XII (2006)
As mentioned earlier, Final Fantasy XII is part of the Ivalice Alliance, and its story is set in the world of Ivalice.
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997)
Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical role-playing game set in the world of Ivalice. The game features a unique job system that allows players to customize their characters' abilities.
Vagrant Story (2000)
Vagrant Story is a spin-off of the Final Fantasy series, set in the world of Ivalice. The game features a unique combat system that allows players to customize their attacks and abilities.
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (2007)
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is a sequel to Final Fantasy XII, set in the same world of Ivalice. The game features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to control multiple characters during battles.
The Crystal Chronicles Series
The Final Fantasy order of games also includes several titles that are part of the Crystal Chronicles series, a collection of games that share a common gameplay mechanic and lore. These games include:
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (2003)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is a spin-off of the mainline series, set in a world filled with monsters and magic. The game features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to control their characters' movements using the GameCube's motion controls.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (2009)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is a sequel to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, set in the same world. The game features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to control the gravity around them.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (2009)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is another sequel to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, set in a different world from the previous games. The game features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to switch between different characters during battles.
The World of Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy order of games also includes several titles that are part of the World of Final Fantasy, a collection of games that share a common setting and lore. These games