Final Fantasy

A famous video game RPG series created by Squaresoft (also formerly known as Square EA, but is now known as Square Enix). Ironically, the series was originally Square's last game, hence the title "Final" Fantasy, but due to the success of it, Square went on to create others. Final Fantasy - The first title that appeared as Square was ready to shut down. Strangely enough, it became a hit and gave Square the capital it needed to keep afloat. Final Fantasy II - Improved over the first and is generally better overall. However, much like the tradition of many other companies at the time of the NES, Square followed with an "experimental" concept of gameplay which made the game unpopular with fans. This concept differ from the traditional JRPG (Japanese RPG) and seem to followed a more CRPG (Computer RPG) system. Perhaps Square was trying to capture more Americans' attention? Either way, many fans dislike this installment. Final Fantasy III - The third and last NES Final Fantasy title. Also eerily similar to tradition at the time in that it was vastly superior to the last two installments (Super Mario 3 compared to Super Mario 2 and 1, anyone?), it introduced a system which Square will utilized in future titles to immense success. This system is called the "Job System", in which you get to decide the kind of person you and your teammates will be. Final Fantasy IV - Though Square strangely changed the numbers for the American releases, the fourth installment broke ground for Square and represented the era to which they were at their finest. This game contained a spectacular story, which will be a defining point in all of their games for the SNES. Final Fantasy V - Though it was overshadowed by IV and VI, FFV was notable in that it upgraded the Job System. It added the ability to use your learned attacks and magics, which you attained from other classes. This innovative technique made the smaller V a favorite in a small community hiding among legions of IV and VI fans. Final Fantasy VI - What is considered to be the pinnacle of the Final Fantasy series. Similar to the type of story shown in IV and expanded in V, it was however further expanded in VI. The music, atmosphere, and unique presentation came together to give fans an incredible experience. Cited by many fans is that the game contained excellent music, great interactive scenes (such as the Opera scene), and great characters. Also notable is that VI introduced what is better known as "summons" (but called Espers in VI) and a villain that is considered to be one of the best, if not the best in the series. Final Fantasy VII - The first Final Fantasy to start using FMVs and also the first Square made on a non-Nintendo system. While hailed as excellent by many, long-time fans have noted that FFVII is also Square's first successful attempt in luring casual gamers. The fact that FFVII sold over 7 million copies seem to confirm that. Notable about gameplay is that Square introduced the "Limit Break" system and upgraded the "Esper System". Final Fantasy VIII - Though not as well liked as FFVII, many do agree that the story is better. However, the same would agree that Square sacrifice gameplay for that story. Ironically, FFVIII echoed FFII. They both experimented and failed in the experimentation. Unfortunately, FFVIII flopped in comparison to its predecessor. Final Fantasy IX - Square apparently tried to return to their roots with this game, but unfortunately, they were not successful. Poor characters, a horrible villain, and a poor story overall helped to give disappointment. There are no notable improvements in this installment and it also, unfortunately, flopped in the market. Final Fantasy X - While considered to be the easiest of the entire series and also the worst by some, it is generally well liked by the public. Though the sale were nowhere near the size of its younger brother, FFVII, it did do well. Unfortunately, the game also seemed to be following a similar path that FFIX started. It became more linear. The only thing notable about this installment is that it was the first to get rid of the World Map. Final Fantasy XI - A radical change from the series and one which some fans resent as it used the "Final Fantasy" name even though it is not a traditional FF. The change is that it is now an MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game), a type of games that computer gamers like. Though nowhere near as popular as any of the previous titles due to its change of gameplay, it is suggested that Square made the title for the immense profit that MMORPGs garner. So far, that is the whole Final Fantasy series. There will undoubtedly be more and, so far, FFXII is rumored to be heading back to its roots again. The only thing people can be sure of is, like Mortal Kombat, the company will never let the title go no matter how unpopular it gets.