The Final Fantasy series boasts a vast catalog, with over 100 titles released since its 1987 debut on the NES. While many are well-known sequels and beloved entries, a significant number of games within the franchise are often overlooked. This selection highlights hidden gems, experimental titles, and underrated entries that warrant more attention.
Final Fantasy 10-2
Released in 2003, Final Fantasy 10-2 is notable as the first and only direct sequel to a mainline Final Fantasy game and the first to feature an entirely female main cast. It follows Yuna's quest to find Tidus, the protagonist from the previous installment. In contrast to the somber tone of Final Fantasy 10, FF10-2 embraces a lighter, more feminine aesthetic, drawing inspiration from magical girl anime and '90s pop culture. The game revitalizes the series' job system with the Dressphere mechanic, allowing for dramatic shifts in combat style with classes ranging from familiar archetypes like Black Mage to unique options like Lady Luck. Its deep customization, challenging combat, and Y2K-inspired style demonstrate Final Fantasy's capacity for lighter themes.
Final Fantasy 10-2 is available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Windows PC, and Xbox One.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a celebration of Final Fantasy's rich musical legacy, featuring an extensive library of 385 songs in its standard edition, expandable to 505 with DLC. This rhythm game incorporates light RPG elements, bringing together characters from across the franchise. Players assemble a party of four from a roster of 104 characters to engage in rhythm-based battles against familiar enemies. The gameplay requires precise timing for button presses, analog stick flicks, and sustained holds, though a simple mode simplifies inputs. The game also offers online multiplayer and local co-op.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line can be played on Nintendo Switch and PS4.
Final Fantasy Type-0
Square Enix's Final Fantasy Type-0, originally released in 2011 for the PlayStation Portable, was influenced by the success of Atlus's Persona series, blending RPG dungeon crawling with social simulation elements. Set in a magic academy, the narrative follows 14 students of Class Zero who are drawn into a military conflict. The game's action-oriented combat system, inspired by Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, allows players to swap between three party members in real-time, a system that foreshadowed later entries like FF15 and FF16. Like the Persona games, Type-0 incorporates a calendar system and focuses on developing relationships between classmates. Despite its school setting, the game explores darker themes of war and teenage drama, presenting a tone distinct from many mainline Final Fantasy titles.
Final Fantasy Type-0 is available on PS4, Windows PC, and Xbox One.
Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy 15
Launched in 2017, Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy 15 is a virtual reality fishing game set within the world of Final Fantasy 15. While the premise was met with skepticism, the game offers a unique, albeit niche, experience. Players take on the role of an angler who joins Prince Noctis and his companions on fishing excursions. The game allows players to explore the visually appealing world of Eos from a more relaxed perspective. Despite its critical reception, Monster of the Deep provides a glimpse into a different kind of Final Fantasy experience, focusing on atmosphere and exploration over intense combat.
Monster of the Deep is playable on PlayStation VR (not compatible with PSVR 2).
Final Fantasy 11
Unlike many modern online RPGs, Final Fantasy 11 embraces design elements that create friction, demanding more from its players. These include slower travel times, potential loot loss upon enemy defeat, cumbersome quest tracking, and experience loss penalties for dying. However, these challenges foster a strong sense of community, as the game was fundamentally designed for cooperative play with other people. While the single-player experience has seen improvements, the true strength of Final Fantasy 11 lies in its multiplayer interactions, where completing difficult dungeons and facing formidable bosses together creates memorable and rewarding experiences. This enduring appeal, built on player collaboration and a deep world, has kept Final Fantasy 11 alive for over two decades.
Final Fantasy 11 is available on Windows PC.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, a reimagining of the original Final Fantasy, gained notoriety for its meme-worthy trailer focusing on protagonist Jack Garland's obsessive quest to defeat Chaos. Beneath the intense, almost aggressive tone lies an inventive action game. Developed by Team Ninja, it transforms Final Fantasy into a challenging action RPG with a fluid job system. Players can instantly switch between two jobs, combining classic roles like Black Mage and Dragoon with unique options such as Cyclic Warrior and Void Knight, allowing for diverse playstyles. The game's narrative explores the original Final Fantasy's story in a new light, though its straightforward, at times abrasive, presentation may not appeal to all players. Nevertheless, it offers a deep action RPG experience that highlights the series' emphasis on job experimentation.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is available on PS4, PS5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4 is a cornerstone of the RPG genre, introducing many elements that became series staples, including dramatic storytelling, deep character development, and a focus on emotional relationships. This entry delivers a high-stakes, world-saving adventure filled with plot twists and romantic drama. While party members have defined roles, some characters, like the summoner Rydia or the bard Edward, present unique challenges and require players to adapt their strategies. Cecil's transformation into a Paladin, which resets his level, necessitates careful grinding. Despite its age, FF4 remains an enjoyable experience, characterized by its over-the-top narrative, including numerous fake deaths, and memorable scenarios, such as traveling to the moon in a spectral whale.
Final Fantasy 4 is playable on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.