Best final fantasy after 8?

[dscross]

I just replayed 6...wow that's an epic game. I completed them all up to 8 when I was younger but lost interest after that... But now I would like to play just one of the games following 8 to see what story lines they came up with.

So, for you ff fans out there I was wondering...which is the best in your opinion? Please give me some reasons as well so I can make an informed decision as to which one I would most enjoy playing.

Ps...I only want to do one...they take long enough.

Thanks.

 

[StriderShinryu]

Personally, the one I enjoyed most after 8 was probably X-2. It's certainly not the smartest FF game and the story isn't much to speak of if you haven't played FFX given that it's very much a direct sequel, but it was just a fun game to play through with the likable cast and interesting outfit combat mechanics.

 

[tippy2k2]

No offense to the other games but this is the easiest question ever asked ever (granted, I did not play XII so maybe that one is amazing).

Final Fantasy X

The first one to hit the next-gen systems (PS2 at the time) and damn if they didn't nail it. An interesting cast, an interesting story, and one of the greatest mini-games to ever grace a video game; Blitzball! I may have played more Blitzball than the regular game...and the regular game isn't exactly short. Plus a shiny re-release just came out so you win twice!

IX was alright but I barely remember it. The story was just kind of....eh.

XI was a MMO. So I didn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. From what I've heard, it's not even a very good MMO.

XII I never played so maybe that was amazballs and I missed out

XIII was terrible. I have been told that it gets good at the 20 hour mark. I'm not sure why people see that as a point in the games favor...

Go play Final Fantasy X and then come back to tell me how right I was. I always appreciate the ego boost, even when the question is this simple

 

[karma9308]

Final Fantasy X. It's pretty awesome and there's a recent re-release so there's no excuse of "can't find it". Outside of X-2, I haven't played any others after 8, but I have seen LPs of 13 and 13-2 and they seemed dreadful and wouldn't recommend. Though 13-3 seems like they remade X-2 in the 13 universe.

 

[axillarypuma]

If you have a psp or a vita I'd recommend dissidia 012 (which is more of a fighting game but still) and crisis core, ff12 is really really good with an interesting plot, ff13,13-2, and Lightning returns are the kind of games you either love or hate, if you find it cheap give it a try, FF9 is FUCKING GREAT, also tactics if you like srpgs.

 

[Username Redacted]

The only FF games that I've enjoyed would be 5, 6, 7, 9 and Tactics. I have played 12 and unless you're looking for a boring single player MMO then you can safely skip this entry in the series. Of those then the best that I've played that comes attached to a number > 8 would be #9.

 

[Sniper Team 4]

I, like many others here, suggest Final Fantasy X as well. IX is fun and all and I think you should give it a chance as well, but if you only want to pick one, I say go for X. Stronger cast of characters and a stronger plot I think. IX was an attempt to return to the older games in the series, with a more 'classical fantasy' feel to it, and thus it looks and feels very different from VI, VII, and VIII. Also, if you like X, I am one of the few people who would suggest giving X-2 a shot as well. Just know what you're getting into before hand: Charlie's Angels meets Final Fantasy basically.

Stay away from XII. Far, far away. That game is the worst in the series in my opinion. It tore out everything that makes a Final Fantasy a Final Fantasy game. I would even suggest XIII before trying to play XII.

 

[scorptatious]

IX.

There is no other correct answer. Get IX.

Do it for this little guy:

Spoiler

In my opinion, Final Fantasy IX is not just one of the best Final Fantasy's, it's one of the best RPG's in general. Between the amazing cast of characters, the gripping storyline, the amazing soundtrack, the fun combat system, Final Fantasy IX is a masterpiece.

Unlike VII and VIII, the game goes back to the more medieval-esque setting of the older Final Fantasy's. It's essentially an homage to past Final Fantasy's.

The combat system, again, unlike VII and from what I can tell VIII, makes each one of your party members unique and have a use, as they each are essentially locked to their specific job class rather than the past systems which make every character essentially blank slates that can do anything. (Not that that's a bad thing mind you, I just happen to prefer the system used in this game.)

The story I feel has just the right mix of seriousness and lightheartedness. It tackles a couple of serious themes, while at the same time, it doesn't really feel overbearing. It that makes any sense.

The characters are all likable and well developed for the most part. Some more than others admittedly, but I still found myself attached to them. I wanted them to succeed, I wanted them to be happy.

By the time it was over, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction not very many games give me. To me it was an amazing experience.

I might be overhyping it for you and I know I sound like a fanboy, but that's just how I feel about the game. It holds a special place in my heart, as cheesy as it sounds.

 

[Foolery]

I really dig Final Fantasy XII, more than X and a few other entries in the series. It was exactly what Final Fantasy needed in my opinion. The best production values yet, good orchestral score, great voice acting(with some ye olde english dialogue, almost like shakespeare), a great blend of medieval and fantasy sci-fi, mature and interesting story, a battle system that's more active but still very strategic and allows you to delegate the more mundane tasks of RPG battle.

It can be polarizing though - some people just didn't take to the main characters and their involvement in the story (Vaan is pretty fucking annoying, fortunately the focus shifts off him quickly and never goes back), and the battle/experience system is also a love it or hate it thing. It is also very long, be prepared to spend at least 100 hours if you go for the side quests and hunts. But if you like RPG's you should at least try it out.

 

[Tanis]

FFT was a great rip-off/semi-clone of Battle Tactics Orge.
There IS an issue with the difficulty randomly spiking.

FF9 was a great 'throwback' to the pre-FF7 FF games.
However the grinding could get a bit...much.

FF10 isn't too bad, though TEE-DUS was freaking annoying.
It also had a habit of making some retarded requirements for some of the ultimate weapons.

FF10-2 has a B-movie from the 70s feel to it story.
It's the GAME PLAY that I remember most because is probably the best in the whole FF series outside FF6 and FFT.

FF12 is actually fairly decent, overall, especially if you can find the International version.
However the story, while actually pretty decent (Star Wars, basically), seems to take forever to get to if you do the side missions.

FF13 sucked.
Sorry, it was just...mediocre and boring as can be.

FF13-2 was bad, game play wise, but it did feel a bit too similar graphically to FF13.
Plus the 'story' was just dumb.

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light was rather amazing.
I know a LOT of people didn't like it, but I LOVED the game.

FF: Mystic Quest gets a LOT of shit, but I thought it was solid when it came out at the time.
It's not much for older JRPG players, but it's not a bad 'intro' for younger folks.

FF: Crystal Chronicles is a rather fun series, that's best played with friends.
It's okay as a SP series, but it's kind of one of those games that once you've done MP...SP just ain't worth it.

FF: Dissidia is another great series that's more of a fighter like Dragon Ball than a 'proper' FF.
The amount of content in the games can get a bit...overwhelming, and I think a console version would have been better than the small handheld screens.


There are some other games, like the Chocobo series of games.
FF: Chocobo Racing actually isn't too bad.
FF Fables: Chocobo Tales was actually kind of, cute, and fun in its own way.
FF Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon was also kind of nice, if a bit weird.

 

[Roofstone]

12 is awesome. It is just Star Wars, but that doesn't matter. It is just.. Awesome! Great characters, gameplay, and the already mentioned story.

 

[DeaDRabbiT]

XII was pretty good. I just like "farmy" "checklisty" sort of games though. The story isn't as great in XII as some of the more well written games in the series, but I think the battle system, license board, and general mechanics of XII put it up there as one of the best in the FF universe.

 

[momijirabbit]

IX has an awesome story but kinda takes a bit to get started.
X has the awesome story but kinda generic gameplay.
X-2 has the non existent story but the best gameplay in THE ENTIRE SERIES.
XI was an MMO so you can take that how you want.
XII was decent, I guess.
Everything after that I pretend that it doesn't exist.

 

[SmallHatLogan]

FFX is the only one I can really recommend. I never finished IX and XII out of lack of interest, and while I didn't mind FFXIII most of the criticism it receives is warranted, so keep that in mind.

FFX has a true turn based battle system as opposed to the standard ATB which you may or may not like. I find it makes the game feel a lot more strategic (at least in boss battles). You're able to see the order in which characters take their turns and plan accordingly. A lot of people are not fans of Tidus (the protagonist) because you're constantly hearing about his dad issues, but he's also fairly upbeat and energetic, not mopey like Terra/Squall/Cloud. Story is standard Final Fantasy fare. A small band of nobodies vs the world. I found it pretty engaging though. The characters are pretty interesting for the most part and the universe is fleshed out well.

FFX gets my seal of approval.

 

[Burchy22]

IX I couldn't get into, don't know why it was alright while I did play it though.
X is great, pretty linear but great story and great gameplay. Though its downside is that the game would be much, much better if Yuna was the main character and everything involving Tidus was removed.
X-2 is goofy but fun, do not take the game serious, it is a light hearted adventure with a great combat system. Weirdly enough I bet the game would have been a lot more popular if it was Braska's story and not Yuna's.
XII was garbage, boring story, boring gameplay and I really tried to like that game. You think Tidus is bad? Wait until you see the little prick in this game..
XIII starts off flashy and fun but quickly gets repetitive and once that happens, your screwed, the story is badly told and doesn't even explain itself to you. An utter waste of potential.

I actually hate XIII, Square Enix isn't doing too well at the moment yet they keep wasting time, effort and money on this failure of a series, because of this game FF:Versus, which was the best looking of the three Crystalis Nova games or whatever they were called (Yeah whatever happened to the third one?) got pushed back to FFXV.

 

[Sean Hollyman]

FFX and Tactics Advance are the only FF games I've properly played, and FFX is just the best. Loved it as a kid and still do.

 

[Colour Scientist]

IX.

There is no other correct answer. Get IX.

Do it for this little guy:

Spoiler

In my opinion, Final Fantasy IX is not just one of the best Final Fantasy's, it's one of the best RPG's in general. Between the amazing cast of characters, the gripping storyline, the amazing soundtrack, the fun combat system, Final Fantasy IX is a masterpiece.

Unlike VII and VIII, the game goes back to the more medieval-esque setting of the older Final Fantasy's. It's essentially an homage to past Final Fantasy's.

The combat system, again, unlike VII and from what I can tell VIII, makes each one of your party members unique and have a use, as they each are essentially locked to their specific job class rather than the past systems which make every character essentially blank slates that can do anything. (Not that that's a bad thing mind you, I just happen to prefer the system used in this game.)

The story I feel has just the right mix of seriousness and lightheartedness. It tackles a couple of serious themes, while at the same time, it doesn't really feel overbearing. It that makes any sense.

The characters are all likable and well developed for the most part. Some more than others admittedly, but I still found myself attached to them. I wanted them to succeed, I wanted them to be happy.

By the time it was over, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction not very many games give me. To me it was an amazing experience.

I might be overhyping it for you and I know I sound like a fanboy, but that's just how I feel about the game. It holds a special place in my heart, as cheesy as it sounds.

Quoting for emphasis.

I gush about FFIX a lot but it's probably my favourite game of all time. I've poured more hours into it than any other game and I love pretty much everything about it, even the card game (yes, I'm serious).
Granted, I have a certain amount of nostalgia attached to it, as you can probably tell, but I could happily play through that game now and enjoy it as much as I did the first time. I normally do a run-through once every few years.

Obviously not everyone feels the same way I do but I think it's definitely worth a try if you've never played it before.

 

[havoc33]

I really dig Final Fantasy XII, more than X and a few other entries in the series. It was exactly what Final Fantasy needed in my opinion. The best production values yet, good orchestral score, great voice acting(with some ye olde english dialogue, almost like shakespeare), a great blend of medieval and fantasy sci-fi, mature and interesting story, a battle system that's more active but still very strategic and allows you to delegate the more mundane tasks of RPG battle.

It can be polarizing though - some people just didn't take to the main characters and their involvement in the story (Vaan is pretty fucking annoying, fortunately the focus shifts off him quickly and never goes back), and the battle/experience system is also a love it or hate it thing. It is also very long, be prepared to spend at least 100 hours if you go for the side quests and hunts. But if you like RPG's you should at least try it out.

I second this. FFXII was exactly what the series needed in terms of gameplay. So disappointed that they moved away from this system in XIII. XII had a great world, loads of exploring and no freakin' random battles, which is 10 plus points in its own.

Apart from XII, IX is fantastic (amazing characters and story, lush throwback world, basically the definition of a FF game) and X is also very good. XI didn't cater to me, and XIII was a disappointment for several reasons.

But IX, X and XII are all thoroughly enjoyable. Now if SE can only make that XII HD version....

 

[Chester Rabbit]

Well I would say the next two after 8, and, hmmm possibly 12 as well.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

Final Fantasy X has the best combat system in the main series and it isn't even close. I'd put it above X-2's combat as well, with only Tactics being able to top it. I should note that I'm not very fond of the ATB system the other games use, though.
Imo story isn't all that good and there isn't half as much opportunity for exploration, but it still looks nice and has a great score which contributes to an enjoyable 'atmosphere.' IIRC, some of the puzzle dungeons were fun, too.

IX is the best overall post-VIII game, for me. The combat system is an improvement over VII and VIII (though still a bit too slow to load, like VIII and still stop-starty like every ATB based game; it's also mind-numbingly easy like every ATB-based FF) and, while the overall plot isn't much to write home about, it has the best character writing and best presentation of that plot in the main series.

XII could have been my favourite if Matsuno had never left the project. It probably has the best written dialogue in the series, but the combat system is kinda dull (although it had a lot of potential to be great and the lack of random battles is a massive win) and the game utterly lacks focus in both its content and story. A few elements of Matsuno's political writing style shine through here and there and it's great but, overall, it's a bit of a disappointment. I do really like how open it is, though. You can fuck off the main story for hundreds of hours and just do whatever you like. Well, except kill random civillians or whatever.