Final Fantasy is an absolute game juggernaut that many consider to be the original classic JRPG series, as well as Square Enix's most recognized franchise. With a myriad of remakes and ports over the years, it's hard to decide which version would be considered definitive for all the games, but Metacritic has made the effort to rank them as efficiently as possible.
Fans should be aware that these games were chosen individually at their highest critical percentage, so no packages like the Gameboy version of Final Fantasy I and II will be included. Since some of the older games predate Metacritic, ports are included when available. In addition, only versions of games that are still mostly just remasters and upgrades of the original have been considered, rather than full-on remakes such as the 3D versions of Final Fantasy III and IV or the recent Final Fantasy VII Remake. Finally, when the original version of a game does have a Metacritic score, that is the version that is used rather than subsequent re-releases, with an attempt to consider what is seen as the "main" version of each game in the case of multiplatform releases (the PS3 version of FFXIII, for example).
Updated October 18th, 2021 by Brittanie Maldonado: Final Fantasy has long been a beloved video game franchise with roots going as far back as 1987. To this day, many video game aficionados are at least acquainted with Final Fantasy, and even more have played one of its games or watched one of its films. As more Final Fantasy entries are added to the franchise's massive library and newer versions of the older titles are released, it's worth revisiting Metacritic to see if any critical reviews have changed as the series ages.
15 Final Fantasy II (Pixel Remaster Version) — 76%
The sequel to the original Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II was also the first game to be set in a new world and include a complex story. Playing as young Firion along with his three friends, they fight against the tyrannical empire of Palamecia after their families were killed in an invasion. Final Fantasy II improved on what came before it while also adding new quality of life changes that affected the series thereafter, including series staples like chocobos.
14 Final Fantasy III (Pixel Remaster Version) — 79%
The various ports of Final Fantasy III from the last decade or so have been unique among FF port remasters. Almost a complete overhaul compared to the original, players now control four characters with completely different names from their original versions as they try to restore the balance of their world against the Cloud of Darkness. This is the first Final Fantasy to focus on the class/job change system, which became a staple in later entries like Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy V.
13 Final Fantasy I (Pixel Remaster Version) — 80%
The original that started it all, compared to the rest of the Final Fantasy games, 1987's title is by far the most simplistic. Taking control of four nameless protagonists of different classes, fans are treated to a quest like no other. From upgrading classes and buying new magic spells to the strange time loop plot that's revealed at the end of the game, the Final Fantasy franchise simply wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the popularity of its first-ever entry.
12 Final Fantasy XIII (PlayStation 3 Version) — 83%
Arguably one of the most controversial Final Fantasy entries in the entire franchise, Final Fantasy XIII is nonetheless a game that has garnered acclaim by news outlets all over the world. Playing as the aloof but powerful gunblade master Lightning, players guide her and her companions' fight against Sanctum, the government in the world of Cocoon.
Attempting to save Lightning's sister, the heroes' quest allows them to establish strong bonds while also learning of their task to avoid becoming monsters.
11 Final Fantasy XI (PlayStation 2 Version) — 85%
The first entry to try its hand at the MMORPG genre, Final Fantasy XI paved the way to its future successor, Final Fantasy XIV. Although the PlayStation 2 version suffered from a lack of an internal hard drive and wireless internet connectivity, the game still did relatively well in its day. Being heavily reliant on class/job systems, player interaction, and economies within the world, Final Fantasy XI combined the franchise's traditional systems with a unique MMORPG gameplay style that blended Final Fantasy's iconic epic storytelling with player-focused narratives.
10 Final Fantasy XV (PC Version) — 85%
The most recent mainline entry in the series, Final Fantasy XV allows players to control Noctis, the next king of Lucis, who travels with his companions all over Eos to rescue the crystal and stop the army of Niflheim. Using a real-time battle system and telling a unique story, Final Fantasy XV is a very different entry that all fans, both old and new, should play. It's worth noting that Final Fantasy XV is one of the first mainline Final Fantasy games to include DLC scenarios.
9 Final Fantasy V (iOS Version) — 85%
Arguably one of the most underrated Final Fantasy games in the entire franchise, Final Fantasy V took the job/class system that came before in Final Fantasy III and expanded it in ways that were absolutely unprecedented in gaming at the time. Players take control of Bartz Klauser and his party members as they try to stop the evil Exdeath from sending the world into the Void. Metacritic tied this entry with Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XI, which both ranked at 85% as well.
8 Final Fantasy IV (IOS Version) — 89%
Also known as Final Fantasy II back when it was originally released in the United States, Final Fantasy IV tells the story of Cecil Harvey, a Dark Knight who becomes disillusioned after committing the genocide of a small village.
Seeking to stop Golbez and save the world, Final Fantasy IV is a powerful story of redemption that is absolutely beloved by many people around the world. It's arguably the first Final Fantasy entry to have such a complex and adored storyline.
7 Final Fantasy VIII (PlayStation Version) — 90%
Another controversial Final Fantasy entry, Final Fantasy VIII is an incredibly unique JRPG due to its split narrative and unprecedented battle system featuring stat junctions and Guardian Forces. Final Fantasy VIII's battle system hasn't been revisited to this day, potentially due to its ability to overpower and break the game. It's also one of the first Final Fantasy entries that's heavily romantic in its subtext. Players play as Squall Leonhart, a student at a mercenary school that must stop the evil Sorceress Ultimecia from controlling time.
6 Final Fantasy XIV Online: Shadowbringers (PlayStation 4 Version) — 91%
The second Final Fantasy MMORPG initially started out as a complete mess. Luckily, the original Final Fantasy XIV was reimagined as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. After the series' initial failure, Square Enix hit the reset button on the project and eventually crafted what many consider to be one of the best MMOs currently on the market. Players are able to experience different areas based on previous Final Fantasy worlds while also playing several jobs that can be incredibly complicated and addictive to play. Shadowbringers is the most recent XIV expansion with Endwalker releasing in November 2021.
5 Final Fantasy X (PlayStation 2 Version) — 92%
Welcome to the world of Spira and the first Final Fantasy game to grace the magnificent PlayStation 2! One of the most beloved entries in the entire franchise, players take control of the young blitzball player Tidus as he attempts to save the world from the destroyer Sin. Meanwhile, Tidus also has to uncover the mystery behind why he was sent far into the future. Although infamous for its questionable voice acting, Final Fantasy X was nevertheless a landmark release in Final Fantasy history.
4 Final Fantasy XII (PlayStation 2 Version) — 92%
Another unique game in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XII takes place years before the events of Final Fantasy Tactics. Taking control of the young thief Vaan, who acts as the watchful protagonist as the events of the plot unfold, Final Fantasy XII is known for its unique battle system that is heavily based on MMORPG style.
It's arguably the perfected version of Final Fantasy XI's system and makes use of the controversial gambit system to make battle flow easily.
3 Final Fantasy VI (Game Boy Advance Version) — 92%
Regarded by many Final Fantasy fans as Final Fantasy's magnum opus, Final Fantasy VI is considered by many RPG fans to be the greatest Super Nintendo JRPG next to Chrono Trigger. Taking control of Terra Branford, she and her twelve other party members attempt to stop the evil jester Kefka from effectively destroying the world and becoming a god. Final Fantasy VI stands out as one of the most complex Final Fantasy narratives in the entire franchise.
2 Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation Version) — 92%
The ultimate JRPG for many fans, Final Fantasy VII was an exclusive PlayStation 1 launch title that graphically revolutionized the Final Fantasy franchise. Although dated now, its 3D models were huge for its time, and Final Fantasy VII's engrossing narrative proved so enjoyable that it spawned many spin-offs and films. Players control the ex-SOLDIER Cloud Strife who, along with a group called Avalanche, attempts to stop both Shinra and Sephiroth. Notably, Sephiroth has become one of Final Fantasy's most iconic villains.
1 Final Fantasy IX (PlayStation Version) — 94%
Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has claimed Final Fantasy IX as his favorite entry. It's also the last Final Fantasy that he ever worked on, and it effectively became a celebration of every Final Fantasy that came before it. In fact, many Final Fantasy fans consider Final Fantasy IX the best Final Fantasy entry for the original PlayStation. With fun characters, an incredibly colorful world, and a deep combat system, there's a lot of reasons why this game ranks so highly on Metacritic.
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