The terms “iconic” and “definitive” get tossed around so often that they can lose their impact, but the best games in the Final Fantasy series manage to earn the usage. The franchise truly defines an RPG sub-genre all its own, having forged an incredible legacy and reputation over three long decades in the gaming industry. From its 8-bit origins on the NES to the recent launch of Final Fantasy 16, the greatest Final Fantasy games bring fantasy worlds to vivid life and fill them with narratives, characters, and gameplay that capture the hearts of players worldwide.
While Final Fantasy’s running legacy is one of undeniable success, it can hardly be claimed that every release was just as good as the last. Some titles in the series package interesting stories with lackluster gameplay, while others explore exciting new directions without sticking the landing. Nonetheless, every game among the 25 best entries in the franchise has something to offer fans, and the balance between familiar beloved elements and continued innovation has ensured that truly excellent Final Fantasy titles continue to come around when everything comes together just right.
Despite a very mixed fan reception to Final Fantasy 13, Square Enix committed to continuing its story in two follow-up games. Lightning Returns is the conclusion of this saga, and plenty of players returned to see the end to the story of one of the least annoying Final Fantasy protagonists. While it echoes many strengths and weaknesses alike from the first game, it also introduced one key problem of its own – a time limit for each save file. Granted, it’s a part of the story, but it’s a frustrating choice for a Final Fantasy game.
The concept of a time limit lends a sense of urgency to rushing through the game, which works against what many people consider the core Final Fantasy experience. Expansive worlds, hours of exploration, side quests, and secrets galore are typically a central appeal for the series. Turning the whole thing into a sprint just doesn’t seem that fun.
Despite being an incredibly beautiful looking game packing some interesting and fun combat mechanics, Final Fantasy 13 doubled down on rail-bound gameplay and plot direction that seems to run counter to the spirit of the series. Many players lose interest in the game before it ever starts to open up, as its better features have trouble sustaining hours of running through hallways.
2023-07-17 19:24:03
Original from screenrant.com
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