Should You Play Every Final Fantasy Game in Release Order? A Reddit Deep Dive

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Discussing Final Fantasy, a beloved series for many years, new releases often leave players questioning where to begin their adventure. User DouglasJoel123 muses over whether diving into every main Final Fantasy game in order of release is worth the commitment. Having enjoyed Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but found the original less engaging, they seek advice on how the older games fare today. A multitude of gamers share their tales, insights, and opinions on playing the series chronologically versus hopping around, offering a diverse perspective on the experience.

Is it worth to play every main Final Fantasy game in release order?
byu/DouglasJoel123 inFinalFantasy

Summary

  • Players have mixed feelings about the need to play the games in release order, largely due to the anthology nature of the series.
  • The earlier games may feel dated, but many recommend starting with titles from the SNES era for an enriching experience.
  • Fans urge new players to follow their interests, suggesting flexibility in the order to avoid burnout.
  • While nostalgia is a powerful motivator, newer titles offer gameplay innovations that can also entice and engage new audiences.

The Anthology Argument

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that each title in the Final Fantasy universe seems to be someone’s favorite and yet a challenge for others. To put it simply, each Final Fantasy game is gold for one player and dust for another. This idea echoes through our gaming community conversations. While some of us found joy in the pixelated realms of FF1 to FF6, others find revisiting these games more agonizing than exhilarating. It seems that newcomers don’t necessarily have to follow the release timeline. Instead, choose what catches your interest! And let me tell you, there are some exceptional titles like Final Fantasy Tactics that offer a refreshing change of pace from the main series and are highly recommended by fellow fans without any reservations.

Starting Points and Recommendations

The variety of opinions indicates a significant point: different games in the series are not equally appreciated by the gamers. For example, Massive_Weiner advises, “If you’re planning to revisit the original titles, I’d usually suggest starting from number 4.” This positions Final Fantasy 4 as an ideal beginning point that offers a blend of nostalgia, engaging storyline, and gameplay mechanics that have withstood the test of time. In the same vein, conspiracydawg offers a sensible suggestion: “I wouldn’t start with 1-3; they’re quite outdated.” This gentle reminder about the classics doesn’t shy away from their flaws, instead suggesting that newcomers might find the earlier versions less captivating.

Gameplay Style Matters

Discussions about personal preferences in gaming style often come up, and sometimes people talk specifically about combat systems that have significantly changed within the Final Fantasy series. Minuslee humorously asks, “Are you a fan of turn-based combat? Well, that’s what most mainline Final Fantasies offer.” This witty comment highlights the unique mechanics that characterize the franchise and shows how different play styles can influence enjoyment. People who prefer action-oriented games might find it challenging to adapt to the slower, strategic rhythm of classic titles. To make sure you get the best of both worlds, users advise switching between various categories: “I’d suggest alternating between the three categories to keep gameplay varied,” suggests Swimming-Pirate-2458, emphasizing the importance of a diverse gaming experience.

Modern vs. Classic Experience

In simpler terms, the difference between current Final Fantasy games and their original counterparts showcases the impact of technological progress and story complexity. As pointed out by GladiusLegis, the Pixel Remasters allow us to reintroduce these classics with modern updates. With these revitalized versions, options to customize your experience, like adjusting skill gains in FF2 for a more enjoyable playthrough, make these games easier for newcomers to grasp. However, even with improved graphics, there’s debate about whether nostalgia is the most potent factor. There seems to be a consensus among players that “The only thing you’ll miss are the advancements in technology from one game to the next.” As games become more visually appealing and intricate, some players may find themselves longing for the straightforwardness of earlier versions, though maybe just fleetingly.

In the world of gaming, Final Fantasy players each have unique tales to tell as they navigate through the series. Some leapfrog from one title to another, while others embark on a more daunting journey by playing in the order of release. Regardless of your chosen path, Final Fantasy provides a rich tapestry of experiences. The goal isn’t about determining which order is ideal; instead, it’s about personal satisfaction and the journey itself. So, get ready to play, keep an open mind, and allow the captivating stories and gameplay of Final Fantasy to guide you towards undiscovered gems!

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2025-01-16 08:44