Best Stories In Final Fantasy Games, Ranked

Final Fantasy is a franchise full of amazing mainline titles, contentious sequels, brilliant spin-off titles, and everything in between. One thing this series is known for is the amazing stories that accompany the vast majority of Final Fantasy media.

Given how passionate fans are about this series, it’s easy to see why fans find some Final Fantasy stories to be better than others. Emotional lows and epic highs run amok in these titles that fans can’t stop raving about to this day. Of the many games in the series, the following ones show the strongest storytelling.

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8

Final Fantasy 15

Dedicated Fans Will Love The Game’s Plot Despite Its Issues

Released

November 9, 2016

ESRB

T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence

There’s a huge asterisk players must be aware of when it comes to Final Fantasy 15‘s plot. The troubled development process of this game meant that some of its story elements were relegated to a short anime series and a movie, which are critical to understanding the nuances of the plot.

Players who make this effort will enjoy Noctis’ road trip, where the charismatic main cast captures the hearts of players in no time. While the plot has its contrivances, all is forgiven once players reach the end and witness one of the most emotional endings to a Final Fantasy game.

7

Final Fantasy 6

The Plot Is Well-Told, Especially In The First Half’s Linear Approach

Released

October 11, 1994

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity

Some people may be surprised by the positioning of Final Fantasy 6, but there’s no denying that the critical acclaim of this title is tied to its nonlinear progression that dominates the second half. This means that the story can’t move forward too much during this part, and relies on what has been set up before.

However, this isn’t problematic in the slightest, since the World of Balance features a tight narrative that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Even if the World of Ruin may be lean in the story department, fans won’t mind, since their love-hate relationship for Kefka will be cemented after how often his compelling screen presence elevates his scenes.

6

Final Fantasy 4

The Story-Driven Approach Paid Off Hugely

Released

July 19, 1991

ESRB

e

After Final Fantasy 2‘s story-driven approach was overshadowed by a puzzling progression system, Square decided to stick with what works and turned Final Fantasy 3 into a gameplay-first title. However, it was clear that they wanted to integrate an epic story in this JRPG franchise, and this was achieved in Final Fantasy 4.

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The game does a great job of tying established Final Fantasy elements into the plot, with Cecil’s transformation from a Dark Knight into a Paladin being a huge part of what makes this game so special. After clearing his head, the protagonist and his allies can fight against the many enemies trying to eradicate humanity, leading to the final stretch of the game taking place on the moon. This grand finale cements Final Fantasy 4 as one of the best narrative-driven games in the series.

5

Final Fantasy 9

Charming Writing, Standout Moments, & Vivi’s Heartbreaking Backstory

Released

July 7, 2000

ESRB

T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language

A huge part of what makes Final Fantasy 9 so popular among fans is its incredible charm, with the amazing localization and the chemistry between the main cast shining in every encounter. The overarching narrative to hunt down Kuja and save the world isn’t even the most interesting story told in this title.

Rather, moments like Eiko’s melancholy and Vivi learning about his origins show why Final Fantasy 9 is such a beloved title. Even if the narrative ends on a cheerful note, there’s a touch of sadness that emanates from this conclusion that hammers in just how excellent the game’s writing is.

4

Final Fantasy 12

The Complex, Layered Storytelling Is As Epic As Can Be

Released

October 31, 2006

ESRB

T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes

Final Fantasy 12 boasts a complex narrative full of political intrigue and grand conspiracies. This is why the ensemble cast approach helps the story have more of an impact, especially given how fans didn’t warm up to Vaan as the protagonist, even though the role he played in the narrative wasn’t as important as other characters.

The game boasts a ton of things to do and lets players take a breather from the narrative by engaging in hunts and other side content. However, given how compelling the story is, it’s easy to see why most people would prefer to make progress in the main storyline instead of letting the pacing take a nosedive.

3

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

Zack’s Story Is Full Of Highlights & An Emotional Ending

Systems

Released

March 24, 2008

ESRB

Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence

Given how successful Final Fantasy 7 was, it’s easy to see why Square Enix invested heavily in this story. One of the better spinoffs of this game lets players control Zack Fair, the SOLDIER whose memories were taken over by Cloud as a result of the mako poisoning affecting him at the time.

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While players are aware of the game’s tragic conclusion, they won’t be prepared for the emotional gut punch that awaits them. It doesn’t help that Zack is a peppy and upbeat character who’s easy to love, making the fate that befalls him even harder to digest.

2

Final Fantasy 7

Epic Storytelling Accompanied By An Excellent Plot Twist

Released

January 31, 1997

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes

Final Fantasy 7 is one of the most important games in the series, serving as the first-ever AAA game that used its marketing to appeal to a worldwide audience with spectacular results. Cloud and Co.’s adventures to stop Sephiroth take some wild twists and turns in the narrative department.

The stellar storytelling and worldbuilding of this title make it clear why fans can’t get enough of this magical game. Even with a suspect English translation, Final Fantasy 7‘s narrative and presentation were off the charts and kickstarted the golden age of JRPGs on the PS1.

1

Final Fantasy 10

The Magical World Of Spira Enraptures Players In An Epic Plot

Systems

Released

December 17, 2001

ESRB

T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence

SquareSoft needed to transition Final Fantasy into the sixth generation of consoles with a bang, and this was achieved with the groundbreaking launch of Final Fantasy 10. Everything from combat to presentation has enjoyed a massive upgrade, but it’s the ambitious narrative of this title that makes Final Fantasy 10 one of the greatest titles in the series for many fans.

Tidus gets isekai’d into the world of Spira and slowly educates himself with the customs and realities of this world, only to find out that the mission he’s on was cursed all along. However, this go-getter refuses to accept this fate. He compels the rest of the party to break this cycle of destruction, culminating in some of the greatest narrative moments in all of Final Fantasy.

Final Fantasy

Creation Year

1987

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix