TheFinal Fantasyseries is renowned for its consistent output of high-quality titles. Each game in the series offers something new while still maintaining the polish that fans have come to expect. Being able to experience these titles on theNintendo Switchgives you the option to alsoplay them in handheld mode- a first for some of these games.
If you’re looking for engaging storylines,memorable casts of characters, and enjoyable combat, the Final Fantasy series fits that bill. The Switch has an array of Final Fantasy games for you to choose from, from classic must-plays to spin-offs that you’ll also enjoy.
Originally launched in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, World of Final Fantasy was ported to the Switch as World of Final Fantasy: Maxima. The Switch version added even more story scenarios and more characters from the Final Fantasy series.
World of Final Fantasy: Maxima is the ideal game to play if you’re already familiar with the series, as it includes lots of recognizable characters, now in cute chibi form. In the game, you use mirages that you capture, similar to catchingPokemon. You can also summon various characters from across the series to help you in battles. While it isn’t the same grand adventure you’d expect from the main series, it’s still enjoyable if you’re a fan of the characters.
The difference between Final Fantasy 3 and Final Fantasy 4 was staggering, with 4 introducing many elements that would become staples of the series going forward. It debuted the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which has become synonymous with the series itself.
While Final Fantasy 4’s story is fairly straightforward, following protagonist Cecil on his quest to prevent sorcerer Golbez from stealing crystals, its characters are enjoyable. Cecil’s journey to confront his past and Rydia’s strength, in spite of what she has experienced, are some of the game’s highlights. If you’re looking for a more retro Final Fantasy experience on the Switch, 4 could be up your alley.
9Final Fantasy 5
Completely Customizable Party
Though Final Fantasy 5 doesn’t have the same grandiose scope as other entries in the series, it does succeed in its more hopeful and optimistic approach with its lighthearted story and enjoyable characters. Its narrative follows Bartz Klauser and the party as they attempt to protect the elemental crystals from the game’s villain, Exdeath.
Final Fantasy 5’s strengths lie in its customizable job system, which allows you to tailor the characters’ classes how you like, with their sprites reflecting the job you choose. If you’re yet to experience this more overlooked entry, the pixel remaster on Nintendo Switch is the perfect chance to do so.
A prequel toFinal Fantasy 7, Crisis Core explores more of Zack Fair’s character, showing his origins as a Soldier and uncovering some of the secrets that Shinra is hiding. The remaster,Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, made various improvements to the original game - for example, implementing HD graphics.
The original combat system was adjusted to give a more fast-paced experience, leaning into being the action RPG it was always meant to be. Reunion’s graphical and gameplay enhancements make it the ideal way to experience Zack’s story if you were left curious about it after playing FF7.
Though not one of the most popular entries in the series,Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Ageis still beloved among its fans. The game has a more grounded narrative, involving warring nations and political disputes - a quality that sets it apart from other grandiose tales in the series.
Its differences don’t stop at its story. Unlike previous entries, the game favors a more active battle system rather than a turn-based one. You can use gambits collected throughout the game to preselect how your party members will act in battle. It’s a unique experience within the series and worth checking out if you haven’t done so already.
The Final Fantasy series is known for its evocative and memorable musical scores, and the best of these are showcased inTheatrhythm Final Bar Line. In the game, you pick characters from various Final Fantasy games to form your party. Seeing characters in the cute chibi style is endearing, and the game’s colorful palette is a treat for the eyes.
You take on monsters from the series whileattacking in time with the music. You can even play with another player locally or with up to four people online. Successfully keeping your rhythm with the music is satisfying, and seeing scenes from across the series is a bonus too.
Final Fantasy 10’s heartfelt story centers around Tidus and Yuna journeying across the world of Spira to protect it from Sin, a giant monster plaguing the people. While Tidus is participating in a blitzball game, an unknown force demolishes the stadium, and Tidus is taken to an unfamiliar world. Eventually, Tidus meets Yuna and becomes one of her guardians, supporting her on her pilgrimage to fell Sin.
Tidus and Yunas’ relationshipis the heart of the game and one you’ll root for throughout the compelling narrative. The Switch version also comes with 10-2, so if you enjoy 10, you have another title to enjoy right after. It’s set two years after the end of 10 and follows Yuna on a second journey across Spira, with Rikku returning and a new companion in Paine.Yuna is one of the best charactersin the series, so you know a title with her as the main character is going to be great.
Final Fantasy 6 begins in a world overrun by the Gestahlian Empire using magic to power up its military. Terra Branford, a young woman with magical prowess, is mind-controlled by the Empire but is eventually rescued by the Returners and agrees to help them fight back.
Final Fantasy 6’s great story and excellent pacing have led it to become one of the most beloved RPGs on the SNES. There are14 playable charactersyou can recruit into your party, though a few certainly stand out as fan favorites, such as Terra and Locke. It also has one of the series’ best antagonists in Kefka, a maniacal clown with no moral alignment whatsoever.
Final Fantasy 8features Squall Leonhart, a reserved yet responsible teenager enrolled at Balamb Garden military academy. Squall and his group of SeeDs, alongside Rinoa, learn that they need to defeat a sorceress, taking them across the world and across time. In this remastered version, the original graphics have been upgraded, including improved character models.
Although the Junction battle system takes a little while to get your head around, it’s different and can be rewarding if you manage to master it. The game also hasone of the best minigamesin the series - Triple Triad. Even when you’re saving the world from a sorceress, there’s always time for a game of cards.
Final Fantasy 7 is celebrated not just as one of the best games in the Final Fantasy series but also as one of the best games of all time. After being contracted by the eco-terrorist group Avalanche, Cloud Strife winds up on a mission to save the planet, discovering a lot about himself on the way.
The Materia system gives you the freedom to customize each character’s setup in a way that’s both rewarding and challenging, as you’ll need to level up each individual Materia to get the most out of them. The game also balances its humorous and serious moments well, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
