Square Enix's Final Fantasy series boasts over 100 entries since its 1987 debut, encompassing mainline installments, numerous spin-offs, and mobile titles. While many are easily forgotten, a select few stand out as hidden gems, fascinating experiments, and significantly underrated games that deserve more attention.
Final Fantasy Type-0
Launched in 2011 for the PlayStation Portable, Final Fantasy Type-0 drew inspiration from Atlus's Persona series by blending RPG elements with social simulation. Set in a magic academy, the narrative follows 14 students of Class Zero who are thrust into a military conflict. Its combat system, influenced by Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, featured real-time action and the ability to swap between three party members on the fly, a precursor to the gameplay seen in Final Fantasy XV and XVI. The game also incorporated a calendar system and interpersonal relationships similar to Persona, layering teenage drama with the existential dread of wartime. Despite a darker tone and complex themes that critics found melodramatic, Type-0 offered a unique fusion of school-life simulation and action RPG gameplay, a combination that might resonate more strongly with contemporary audiences.
Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV
Released in 2017 as a PlayStation VR exclusive, Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV is a standalone fishing game set in the world of Final Fantasy XV. While its premise was met with skepticism, the game allows players to assume the role of an angler alongside Noctis and his companions. After catching a set number of fish, players engage in a boss battle against the titular Monster of the Deep. Primarily serving as virtual tourism for fans of Final Fantasy XV's world of Eos, the game's beauty and relaxed atmosphere offer a glimpse into what a more passive, exploratory VR Final Fantasy experience could be. However, the game's reception was lukewarm, and a return to VR for the franchise seems unlikely in the near future.
Final Fantasy XI
Final Fantasy XI, a long-running MMORPG, deliberately embraces design elements that create friction, contrasting with modern MMOs and open-world RPGs. Extended travel times, the potential loss of loot, cumbersome quest tracking, and experience point penalties upon death are all part of its challenging design. Quality-of-life features are often gated behind complex quests. These frustrations, however, are integral to a game that demands significant player investment and collaboration. The core experience of Final Fantasy XI is built around community; while solo play has improved, the game is best experienced with other players. The satisfaction of completing difficult dungeons or challenging boss battles with the help of strangers fosters a unique sense of camaraderie. Despite its age and demanding nature, Final Fantasy XI continues to thrive due to its deep world, engaging stories, and the bonds formed between players.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
This reimagining of the original Final Fantasy offers a distinctive action RPG experience developed by Team Ninja. Initially characterized by its meme-worthy trailer featuring protagonist Jack Garland's obsession with killing Chaos, the game presents a challenging combat system that blends Dark Souls-like deliberation with Final Fantasy's classic job system. Players can fluidly switch between two jobs, allowing for diverse playstyles by combining roles such as Black Mage and Dragoon with more unique options like Cyclic Warrior and Void Knight. Embracing its overtly campy tone, which includes frequent exclamations about Chaos, is key to enjoying Stranger of Paradise. The game delves into the sparse narrative of the original Final Fantasy, offering a deep action RPG that emphasizes experimentation with character builds and combat strategies.
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV, released in 1991, is often overshadowed by later entries but was foundational in establishing many RPG staples. It introduced dramatic storylines, rich character development, and a focus on the emotional dynamics of its cast. The game presents a pulpy save-the-world adventure filled with plot twists and romantic drama. Each character possesses a defined role within the party, though their effectiveness can vary, requiring strategic party management and sometimes grinding to overcome challenges. Memorable characters, such as the ineffective bard Edward, add to the game's unique charm. Despite its historical significance, Final Fantasy IV remains an engaging experience due to its over-the-top narrative, including numerous fake deaths and outlandish plot points like traveling to the moon on a magic whale's corpse.