Since the start of the series in 1987,Final Fantasyhas continued to wow gamers with its rich storytelling,compelling charactersand constantlyevolving gameplay. While Final Fantasy has titles on other platforms, it was the PlayStation 1 that helped catapult the series to new heights with the seventh, eighth and ninth instalments of the series.
Since then, we have been introduced to new characters, told new stories, and even had the opportunity to take our own characters through dungeons in an online world. The PlayStation 4 (PS4) only adds to what the series has been able to accomplish. With full remasters, remakes and new titles, the PS4 has been spoiled with Final Fantasy content.
10Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
Crystal Chronicles originally launched on the Nintendo GameCube. You’re able to select a character from four different tribes; then, you set off on your own caravan adventure, tackling dungeons and slaying creatures in search of drops of Myrrh.
While the game’s overall story seems limited, it’s really about you creating your own adventure, whether that be on your own, or online with up to three of your friends. While the chalice mechanic can be a bit annoying as it prevents you or your friends from running off and leaving the team behind, it promotes the need for communication and keeps teamwork in order.
Final Fantasy 15allows for newcomersand fans alike to enjoy the experience. It possesses an open world, and will allow you to spend hours exploring the huge space. While the overall story leaves things unexplored, the closeness and development of the main characters will draw you into their stories as they tell a tale of solidarity.
Final Fantasy 15 turns away from the traditional turn-based combat system that most of the series adheres to, and instead utilises real-time fighting mechanics. This combat adds to the human kinship of the overall characters, as they’re able to use team-up attacks and will cheer each other on during battles.
Stranger of Paradisetakes place in the same time frame as the original Final Fantasy. If you’re a fan of the original title, some familiar settings promote a sense of nostalgia, including the first ever dungeon in the Final Fantasy series, The Chaos Shrine.
The game’s overall story is unfortunately quite linear and lacks any personal choices. However, what makes Stranger of Paradise stand out is the combat. There are many skills for you to learn and weapons for you to use. The game allows you to be creative with the way you build your character. You’re completely free to choose whether to play as a warrior, slicing your enemies apart, or a mage that casts spells from a defensive distance.
The eighth instalment of the Final Fantasy series often flies under the radar, due to the success its predecessor had. That, however, is not to say it isn’t a great game in its own right. This remastered version comes with updated character models, and a few new features that help you play the game differently, albeit some of them can break the intended experience.
While the game follows a ‘Save The World’ narrative, the characters that undertake this mission are the highlight of Final Fantasy 8. The group of teenagers are unapologetic in showing their flaws, but remain likeable, with each one telling their own story throughout the course of the game.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reuniontakes place seven years before the events of Final Fantasy 7 and is a remake of Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core, which originally launched on the PSP. The remake allows you to experience the preluding story, either as a newcomer, or an existing fan, all while giving more depth to the characters within the instalment.
The remake of the game offers enhanced visuals and gameplay adjustments, while retaining the story we fell in love with. The game takes a lot of elements from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This helps you feel more connected to the characters, gameplay and even the in-game menus as they all come across as something you’d expect to see in the gaming world today.
Way back in the year 2000,Final Fantasy 9launched and capped off the PlayStation 1 era of Final Fantasy titles. Back then, it was a charming title, with a rich story, stunning cinematics and an adventurous world. Fortunately, that hasn’t changed. With several quality-of-life updates, the PS4 version allows for smoother gameplay, even if it isn’t actually a remaster by any means.
The highlight though is the characters, the overall cast shares a range of personalities that all provide their own input within the story. Whether it’s Zidane’s cockiness or Steiner’s goofiness, there will undoubtedly be a character you connect with in some way.
4Final Fantasy 7 Remake
By dissecting and reimagining the entire section of Midgar,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeputs you in charge of Cloud and his allies once again. While not offering the entire story, the Remake still manages to pull off a near 40-hour campaign, giving you plenty of in-depth character development and story.
Remake takes away the traditional turn-based battles, instead replacing them with a much-improved real-time combat system that makes the game feel fresh. With summons, materia to collect, minigames and even optional bosses to tackle, there’s more than enough content to sink your teeth into, while also doing an exceptional job at making you want more.
Final Fantasy 10and 10-2 HD Remaster is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series. These games have aged gracefully, boasting beautiful graphics and retaining the mechanics that define the authentic Final Fantasy experience. The inclusion of voice acting eliminates concerns about having to read lines of dialogue, so you’re sure to be fully immersed in the emotional narrative.
The tactical turn-based combat system is both accessible and strategic, allowing you to customise the characters' abilities, providing a well-rounded gaming experience. The inclusion of both games in a single collection ensures that you will have hours of gameplay at your fingertips.
Final Fantasy 14is one of the biggest MMORPGs and has been since it came out. With over ten years of updates, including five expansions,thousands of hoursworth of content await you. You are not locked into one playstyle per character either, as anyone can switch between Tank, Healer, or DPS, and play through any job within the game.
The group Player vs Enemy (PVE) content is the highlight of the game. you may either go through the story on your own with NPCs or with the online community. The end game content also stands out, as there are raids and dungeons that will challenge you, and if you manage to complete it, you will be handsomely rewarded.
Final Fantasy 7’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It showcased a significant leap forward in the RPG genre, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible on the PlayStation 1. The use of 3D graphics and cinematic cutscenes set new standards for visual storytelling in video games.
The PS4 allows you to pick this up for the first time, or replay through this title with additional quality-of-life features. The lovable cast of characters adds depth to the game’s already fantastic narrative, the environments are visually stunning and memorable, and the soundtrack still sells out theatres today. Final Fantasy 7 is truly the love letter of the entire series,with spinoffs and remakes, and you could get lost in its lore for hours.
