Game Guide · NexWave Games
Which Final Fantasy game are you starting with on the PS1 or PS2?
Someone says you really should play Final Fantasy. In the store are then VII, VIII, IX, X and XII side by side. Do you have to start with part one and catch up with dozens of pastors? Luckily, no. The numbered parts of this period largely tell their own story. Choose a world that makes you curious.
Final Fantasy VII: a city and a great adventure
VII on the original PlayStation begins around Cloud and a group that turns against Shinra. The game combines an industrial city with a much larger journey out there. If you like a story that slowly makes you ask more and more questions, then this is a strong first acquaintance. The angular images and menus are clear of their time, but for many players that is part of the charm.
If you buy the original PS1 release, check that all discs are present. A beautiful front says little if one of the discs is missing. The later Final Fantasy VII Remake is also a different edition and tells only part of the original story; look carefully which version is in the advertisement.
VIII and IX: two very different flavors
Final Fantasy VIII has a more modern, romantic atmosphere around Squall and a fighting system in which you manage magic and powers in your own way. That system needs some attention. If you like experimenting, VIII is interesting. If you're looking for a simple start to enjoy the characters right away, IX can suit you better.
Final Fantasy IX returns to a fairytale world with castles, strange creatures and Zidane and his companions. It has a lot of humor besides the seriousness of the story. Neither of these games requires you to play VII. Choose atmosphere: VIII for the more modern fantasy, IX for a classic adventure style.
X and XII on PlayStation 2
Final Fantasy X on the PS2 is a pleasant entrance for many new players. You follow Tidus and Yuna through Spira; the story explains the world gradually and the fights give you time to make choices. X-2, on the other hand, is a continuation that returns to the same world. So start for their joint story with X, not X-2.
Final Fantasy XII has a different atmosphere: political conflicts, a big world and fights where you pay a lot of attention to the approach of your team. If you like discovering and setting a strategy, XII can pull you. Don't expect it to be a direct sequel to X: it's another adventure.
Which one do you buy first?
Choose X if you want a clear start with a strong story on PS2. Choose IX if a fairytale PS1 world appeals to you more, VII if you want to experience the famous classic yourself, VIII if you like to puzzle with systems and XII if you want to explore a big world. When purchasing physically check the platform, all the discs, the language and a working memory card. Your first Final Fantasy doesn't have to be the first in the numbering; it should give him a sense to continue playing.