I've never played Final Fantasy, where's the best place to start?

GR: Video games have their share of long and storied franchises. But around the seventh or eighth sequel, it can be difficult for newcomers to know where to start. These guides will point you in the right direction. Read on, and maybe you'll find a new favorite.

[DonkeyDoner]

go ahead with 10 its less open world but still deep FF and RPG element then go with the older one

[breakpad]

go with 7 end of story ...nothing can reach it (from FF series always)...

[Jubez187]

No. Not for someone trying to get into the series. VII is like 15 years old, it's not gonna hold many gamer's attention nowadays. Once they're a fan of FF, sure. But not when they're just starting out.

[gamer7804]

FF7 was really good, but honestly unless you have an infinite amount of time, i'd start with something that graphically holds up, such as start with FFX remaster, then FFX-2 if you like X. I personally enjoyed FFXIII a lot, i'd go there next, but everyone has different tastes, after playing X you might know where you want to go in the series.

[Eamon]

Actually I would tell people to avoid FFX remaster at all costs.

Because of the re-done music. The amazing soundtrack from the original sounds really bad in the remaster. I have no clue why Square did something like this.

And since music plays a big part of the FF experience, I'd say get the original Final Fantasy X then play it on PCSX2 emulator. The emulator can do widescreen, 60fps, better lighting, Full anti-aliasing, 1080p res, enhanced textures.

[miyamoto]

Nope.
Start with FF VI &
End with FF VII.
That is it.
Everything will be covered.

[Dasteru]

@Eamon:

There is an option in the game to use the original music.

[Eamon]

Basically, when I recommend Final Fantasy to someone, I ask them how far back are they willing to play.

If they say they absolutely need voice acting, I tell them to go with FFX.

If they are proper old-school and want sprites moving on textured backgrounds, I'd tell them to go with FF6.

If they're in between and want an amazing story, I show them FF7.

[Scatpants]

The story in 7 is my absolute favorite. It's a shame how the low poly characters don't really hold up well. If they did a remake I would buy it for sure. 6 is great too. I'd probably say 6,7 and 9 are my favorites. After that they got all linear and started ruining the winning FF gameplay formula with their "innovation"

[Adrian_v01]

Depends on how much time he has on his hands. If you can't invest several tens of hours into the game I suggest either X for its great story, music and linearity, or VIII because it doesn't make you have to do grinding.

If you do have time I suggest VII for its great universe, starting with Crisis Core, then the main game, then Dirge of Cerberus.

If you're used to western rpgs, XII would be a good option. It does require some time but it's a good mix of western and Japanese.

[DarkOcelet]

Final fantasy one.

[johndoe11211]

I have two answers to this question:

1. Starting at FFX would be a great way of introducing someone to what final fantasy as a series is capable of. it has one of the best leveling grids in the series and to date the best uses of summons in any of the final fantasy games. After playing FFx he can then go back to FF7 and move forward from there.

2. Starting at FF7 would be a great way to get introduced to the series. It has one of the best story lines in the franchise and was a pivital point in the progression and development of the series. It would allow the player to really enjoy the advancements made in each game as they move forward in the series.

I think any one of those choices would be a good start. I personally don't see it necessary to play any of the others before 7. That doesn't mean they weren't good games but I don't think a first time player would really be missing out if they didn't play them. Especially seeing that FFXV is on the horizon, they won't have time to play the entire franchise.

[Ogygian]

I'd say it's worth starting with the remake of IV, as it has reasonable graphics (in some ways better than VII), and is where the series really gets good.

Also, VI is one of the best, and is very playable in its timeless 2D graphics.

THEN VII, VIII (if liked VII), IX (if didn't like VII) and X

[TheFirstClassic]

I started with 1, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it as most people's first. I start with six or seven.

[HammadTheBeast]

I, II, and III might feel a bit too dated for some people, personally I thought IV and the After Years were a great place to begin. Then VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and so on.

[TheConTROLLer69]

Obviously with #1.

[TheFirstClassic]

It isn't like most games where there is a continuous storyline... so no, not obviously.

[Khajiit86]

I am in the same boat, Tried a few of them but just cant get into it at all. The new PS4 FF game looks amazing.

[Summons75]

Final Fantasy 4, 5, or 6 (doesn't matter which first) after that play 8 or 9 (again doesn't matter which first) then do the modern ones 10, 12, or 13. After that play any of the other ones.

[TheFirstClassic]

I would definitely say that you should play 7 before 8 personally.

[Spotie]

I would be okay if I never played VII again, personally. To me, it's the single most overrated game in history. And while that's not to say it's a bad game by any stretch, the unending praise for a game that had its fair share of shortcomings kinda does make me want to avoid it.

That said, I would probably say to start with IX and X, in that order. VII and VIII after, then- depending on whether or not you can handle it, jump to the pre-VII titles before coming back to the post-X entries.

[rextraordinaire]

Mystic Quest.

[WeAreLegion]

Honestly, I think it's fine starting with the first game. It's still an excellent title with addicting gameplay.

Just play through all of the main series. I-X, XII, and at least a trial of XIV. (Such a good MMO)That's it. That's the main series. There were no others. I promise you.

I also recommend Tactics, Type-0 HD, Crisis Core, Crystal Chronicles (more of a spin-off than a game in the series), and the Dissidia series. Also, play Kingdom Hearts.

I think anyone able to enjoy a good game would be perfectly fine starting at the beginning. I'm not sure why they would need to start at X.

[BloodAddiction]

no an encounter every 5 seconds is not fun id skip the first few i played them only because im a big fan and i didnt enjoy it THAT MUCH

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

I started with Final Fantasy III on DS.

[Asuka]

Honestly just play in order starting at 6, then 7, 8,9, & 10. These games left the modt impression on me. Though i was a child when i was playing these so that could be a reason why i am so fond of them (with 8 being my favorite.) 12 is good as well

[KimikoGaming]

4 is also one of the better games.

[SlasherXI]

Final Fantasy VII imo.

[KimikoGaming]

Most Final Fantasy fans have generally been biased toward the first game they have played through. You may be able to avoid this bias if you start with the original Final Fantasy, since it didn't have the great storytelling or character development of later games.

But if you want to start with one of the games that were generally better, the best games were 4, and 6-10.

There are several other games that were pretty good, such as Crisis Core, Tactics, Type-0 HD, etc.

XII is a good game, but is really different from the other games, so it can be hard to get into for many FF fans.

XIII doesn't get good until you get to Gran Pulse about 2/3 through the game, but once you get there it is really fun. XIII-2 and Lightning Returns were pretty good as well. XIII-2 was probably the closest I have felt to playing a classic FF game since after FFX.

While not named Final Fantasy, Bravely Default is a Final Fantasy game in every way. I would highly recommend it.

The handheld Crystal Chronicles games are also pretty fun.

[johndoe11211]

I actually loved XII. As far as I'm concerned the entire XIII series should have never been made and is better off forgotten. The XIII series was a stain on the FF franchise. But that's just my opinion.

[Youngindy21]

I say start with the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy. That way you can enjoy the trilogy without constantly comparing it to the older games the way biased fanboys do. Those games also have the best graphics. As someone who owns most of the Final Fantasy games on PS Vita and Android, I can say that I enjoy most of the Final Fantasy games and the only FF I could never really get into was FF IX and XI.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

I started with X as any earlier were too dated for me to get into and enjoy. However X still holds up well today.
That's for an average gamer though, those used to older games may well be perfectly happy or more suited to starting earlier in the series.
Only thing I will add is if you started at X many would say you miss out on the better games. In my own opinion, XII was awesome, however 13 and 13-2 sucked. FF14 is a great MMO and I've never been interested in the spin offs.

[Der_Kommandant]

Final Fantasy X-2 or 13

Just kidding

[TheColbertinator]

Final Fantasy X is your best bet.

[rhap]

FFIX. It doesn't feel old and got everything right about the series.

[Insomnia_84]

I started with FFVIII and loved it! After that I played FFX and that one was even better!! Then I played FFXII and I just couldn't get into it for some reason. I haven't played a FF game since then.

[hells_supernova]

Doesn't matter none of the stories are linked. Just avoid 13

[q8kik]

7 or 8 imo

[NoctisPendragon]

To say the true , you better start with sequels (FFVII:Crisis Core or FF Type 0 etc ...) they are a lot easier to get into , even more if you are not acustomed to turn based / ATB games .

And once you start to love the Final Fantasy realm you can play more exoteric titles like the main FFs.

[bananaboats]

FF 7, 8, and 9

[VJGenova]

Suikoden

[Bytor]

Start at 7 great game I was wondering if 12 was worth playing they announced 13 before 12 came out and I never saw or herd of 12 and waited like an idiot for 5 years for 13.

[ZerobyZero]

It depends where to start they have different way to play after FFIII

[goldwyncq]

FFIX

[madcowzz]

Unlike others in this thread, I'm going to go ahead and say start wherever you want. There's no right or wrong answer as none of the stories are connected (except for the direct sequels, but those are far inferior to their predecessors in every case).

In the older titles you'll find they haven't aged well graphically, but the gameplay and storyline is still spot-on and fantastic.

The only titles you'll find are harder to get into is Final Fantasy XI, as it's an aged MMO and is an incredibly large timesink (I've had some incredible times with this game but devoted a year and a half of my life to it), and the previously mentioned direct sequels. While some are enjoyable in their own rights (FFX-2), they are still notably inferior to their predecessors, especially the unnecessary FFXIII trilogy (FFXIII is decent and extremely pretty, just very linear in comparison to other entries in the FF franchise).

But, wherever you start, have a good time! This is one of the best franchises in gaming, and each entry is very different and will for sure take up a lot of your time and attention in the best way.

[HentaiMasterRace]

FFX, then 7, 8, 9. After that 6 and 4.

[Yetter]

FF VI, best FF game ever.

[ChipChipperson]

Well... you can start with any of them really, since it doesn't require that you play each game to understand the plot since they all aren't tied together in a major way, other than having the usual couple of shared character names of people and places and wild life/creatures.

But, with the exception of games like VII, which had a side game/prequel for PSP and a few other titles that made it to the PS2 and mobile, XIII which has a sequel and X which has a sequel, it's best to start off with the first entry of those games because it helps to get you more into the experience and lore of what's happening in that particular Final Fantasy.

Personally, I started with VII, then VIII, then IX, then X, then X-2, then IV. VII,VIII and IX being my favorites.

[dota2champion]

FFxiii

[Xof]

I don't know the best place to start, but I certainly know some terrible ones.

Like FFXIII. That's the game you give people if you want them to loathe Final Fantasy and JRPGs in general.

[PoSTedUP]

i started with 12, didnt finish. but then 9 really got me into liking FF. and 7 is incredible. 8 and 10 look good ive yet to play them but i really want to. i think youre safe anywhere from 6-10.

[hkgamer]

12 is possibly my favourite, but its so different to other ff games that you might get the wrong impression of the other games in the series.
8 has a very modern world setting kinda similar to how 15 will be like. out of all the ff this game is probably a love it or hate it type game. definitely give this game a go if you have the time.
10 focuses heavily on the relationship between the hero and heroine, the battle mechanics is basically turnbased but it shows the order of whose turn it is on a list so it is easier to strategise on what move to use.

[jjb1981]

Part 3

[Sketchy_Galore]

I'd say 9 is the best to start with since it's probably the last of the absolute classic era Final fantasy games and still holds up well technically. 6 is the best (and one of the best games ever made) and the remake of 4 is a great Intro to the series too. This was my experience anyway and I didn't even play them myself until just a few years ago.

[Pintheshadows]

I would go 6, 7, 8, and then 9.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

Start with 8. Phenomenal story.

[hkgamer]

i disagree with this article. X isn't a great game to start with especially if you want to play other ff games afterwards. the game is too different to other ff games and it focuses way too heavilly on the romance between tidus and yuna.

FF3 would be a good place to start and then slowly move up from there. 1&2 storywise is lacking a little so 3 would be a perfect start. there are ups and downs in every ff game, so the best way to play these games is from when they were released, it just shows the player how each gameplay mechanic has evolved.

[WizzroSupreme]

Start with the worst and work your way up to the best if you intend on playing the entire series. FF XIII is far less painful, even fun if it's the only FF you've ever played, especially if it's your first JRPG. It was my first entry to the series and wasn't as bad in that hindsight. The battle system's spot-on and it's the best looking in the series next to what I imagine XV will look like. But save IV, VI, VII, and X if you wanna save the best for last. Like eating your greens before dessert.

[Nesflix]

Final Fantasy 7 is my favorite but Final Fantasy 6 & 8 have a special place in my heart as well. I loved Final Fantasy 9 and 10 was also one of my favorite PS2 games. For a gamer that's never played any Final Fantasy games I would have to recommend 10. Some of my friends say the older ones feel way too dated. I don't see it but I'm sure it may look like that for those who've never played Final Fantasy before/

[MultiConsoleGamer]

This is a tough question to answer as the classic (aka pre-FFVII) games have one style of gameplay where as everything from VII on has another. Some people might prefer the modern games and yet have no interest in the classic games, and vice versa.

I know people who will not touch anything before FFVII

[StevenSeagul]

7-9 are different from 1-6, and 10-15 branch off in all different directions.

[Shinuz]

Start with FF4 and then go up, so you'll see the evolution of the genre right up to FFX where it started to go downhill.