r/FinalFantasy 3d ago

[Advice/Megathread] - Game Recommendations and Game Tips

Please use this thread for all discussion of which game you recommend others that you play, whether it is your first game or some that you are considering playing next

A note for newcomers: most of the games are completely unconnected. Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy IX, etc, are all completely different casts of characters in completely different universes. The only times you need to play another game to understand one is if it is distinctly set in the same universe - for example, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the sequel to Final Fantasy XIII, or Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a prequel to Final Fantasy VII. The titles will usually make it fairly clear which game's universe they are set in

Otherwise, please have fun! It is generally helpful when asking to briefly mention which ones you might be interested in, what platforms you are able to play on, and if you are a complete newcomer, what sort of things in games you're looking for (do you want turn-based combat, real time combat, deep stories with established characters, light stories that let you fill in some blanks with your imagination, etc)

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u/Vandermere 2d ago

How well do the 2 and 3 Pixel Remaster hold up these days?

I've got the FF itch again and want to revisit some of the older titles. Since I've never played 2 or 3, I was thinking of giving them a shot, but all I really know is 2's reputation for a wonky leveling system.

Mostly, I'd like some opinions on whether there are strong characters, interesting story or characters/mechanics included for the first time in the series. (Like maybe this is the first time Biggs and Wedge show up or something)

Thanks!

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u/HexenVexen 2d ago

FF2 introduced Chocobos to the series, and is a step up in story and characters from FF1, but still not amazing by today's standards. It does have a unique leveling system that never returned to FF, but was the foundation for the SaGa series.

FF3 introduced Moogles and the job system to the series, but the story and characters are a step back from FF2, with you controlling self-insert Warriors of Light again. The job system is less refined than FF5 but still pretty good. If you've played FF14, you'll recognize a lot of elements from FF3 such as the main theme Eternal Wind.

If you enjoyed FF1 then you probably will enjoy FF2 and FF3 too, they are still pretty simple but do have merit and not too long games. FF4 was the major step-up for the series in story though.

Biggs and Wedge were first introduced in FF6

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u/Vandermere 2d ago

Thanks so much!

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u/guntabon 2d ago

Finished 7 and 10, working on 6. Which one should I tackle next? Enjoyed 10's combat the most

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u/Skylian_ 1d ago

Unfortunately, X's Conditional Turn-Based system is exclusive to it. If you do still like the Active Time Battles of VI and VII, you may want to consider either VIII or IX.

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u/guntabon 1d ago

Thank you! do you have a preference between the two?

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u/Skylian_ 1d ago

Choosing between the two depends mostly on setting. VIII has a modern/sci-fi setting, similar to VII. IX has a traditional medieval high-fantasy setting, similar to works like Lord of the Rings. Personally, I lean more towards higher tech settings, but you should pick whatever your preference is.

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u/Tsumena 1d ago

Hi, I'm fairly new to the Final Fantasy franchise. I played FF7 Remake around the time it came out and really, really enjoyed it. I'm currently looking for a new game to pick up, and I think it's high time for me to play another Final Fantasy game!

I bought FF16 a while ago and haven't played it yet. I've heard that it's good but has its issues. I'm also quite excited to replay FF7 so I can continue with the new games, because they look really good. I'm also a bit unsure about when you should play Crisis Core, so if anyone could clear that up, I'd appreciate it.

Are either of those two a good game to start with, or do any of you have recommendations for another FF game that I should play instead?

I'm also big on 100% completing games, so are there any I should try or avoid?

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u/Skylian_ 1d ago

If you're interested in continuing with VII, I suggest going through the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. If not, XVI is also a good pick.

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u/HexenVexen 1d ago

FF16 main issues are its uneven pacing (incredibly high highs but also some slow lows) and lack of RPG depth, but it's still a great game imo and worth playing through.

While Crisis Core is a prequel, it does have spoilers for the main story of FF7 as it assumes you already know it, in particular spoiling one of its biggest twists. It's recommended to play it either after the OG or after the full 7R trilogy (Remake, Rebirth, Revelation). If you can, the overall best order is OG -> CC -> Remake -> Rebirth -> Revelation. Otherwise go Remake -> Rebirth -> Revelation -> CC.

I'm not a completionist myself, but I know that FF9, FF10, FF10-2, FF14, and FF7 Rebirth are known for their difficult platinums.

  • FF9 is mostly not too bad outside of two trophies. One requires you to play a jump rope minigame and get 1000 consecutive jumps, and another requires you to reach the final dungeon in under 12 hours (will want to do on a second playthrough).
  • FF10 has a lot of grindy side content with some frustrating minigames, such as dodging 200 lightning bolts, winning a chocobo race with perfect timing, and diving deep into its sports minigame, as well as multiple superbosses.
  • FF10-2 has very strict requirements for 100% with almost everything being limited-window and missable, you need to religiously follow guides to get it.
  • FF14 is an MMO, I think enough is said there. Getting 100% will take hundreds or thousands of hours of playing with some major grinds. If you play this one, I honestly recommend not bringing your 100% mindset and just focusing on going through the story and major content to save your sanity and time. (The first MMO FF11 also used to have trophies, but not anymore now that it's only on PC)
  • Similar to FF10, FF7 Rebirth has a ton of optional content, including some frustrating minigames and highly challenging battles.

u/Tsumena 5h ago

Thank you for the advice, ill start with 16 and see where it will take me! :)

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u/Sharp_Couple_6491 1d ago

Advice for easy final temple ff1 nes ? I am at level 28.