The best Final Fantasy games – as chosen by the franchise’s creators

Today marks the launch of Dissidia Final Fantasy NT! To celebrate, we wanted to answer the timeless question: what’s the best Final Fantasy?

This single question causes so much debate. I had the distinct pleasure of asking some of our most famed Final Fantasy developers in Japan what the best entry in the series is, and why.

The developers’ comments are listed in alphabetical order…

Akihiko Matsui

The best: Final Fantasy II
Why: Both the character development system that allowed a high level of freedom and the dramatic scenario were superb; even looking back on it now, it’s a masterpiece. It may be safe to say that the Final Fantasy series didn’t turn into a small collection of works because of Final Fantasy II. It was also because of this game, that I aspired to take part in the production of video games myself.

Akitoshi Kawazu

The best: Final Fantasy V
Why: [It has the] best battle system.

Hajime Tabata

The best: Final Fantasy
Why: As a player, you are suddenly thrown into the world of the game, but as you progress, you begin to see the story, and the title appears on screen along with beautiful music. The gameplay style and direction/presentation shown in this sequence is essentially the starting point for Final Fantasy. After taking on a mainline title myself, I understand this, more than ever.

Hiroaki Kato

The best: Final Fantasy Tactics
Why: The world of Ivalice and the job system are superb!

Ichiro Hazama

The best: Final Fantasy VI
Why: The visuals using sprite artwork are beautiful and unparalleled, and the music is also fantastic. As we all know, it’s the best. The story for each and every character is drawn out in detail, and just the overall level of perfection as a piece of work is over the top. This title is what made me interested in the company called Square.

Motomu Toriyama

The best: Final Fantasy XIII
Why: Because I can confront any powerful enemy if I’m with Lightning, the strongest heroine.

Naoki Yoshida

The best: Final Fantasy III & Final Fantasy VII
Why: Rather than these titles being what I consider to be the best, I consider Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy III to be the most impactful. As for Final Fantasy VII, the content of the game was impactful on all vectors, from the visual expression seen back then, to the universe, character design, and volume of content. The power this title holds is similar to MMORPGs, and it’s precisely worthy of being called “the game that has it all”.

As for Final Fantasy III, I consider it a masterpiece in terms of the “game experience” since it essentially completed the Final Fantasy system from the early stages, such as the job system and active time battle. I feel like these two Final Fantasy titles serve as an origin, the reason the Final Fantasy series continues to this day. I’d also like to continue creating games that stack up against these titles, so I’d like to ask for everyone’s continued support for the Final Fantasy series!

Shinji Hashimoto

The best: Final Fantasy
Why: Although Final Fantasy VII was the first title I took part in, when you consider the franchise’s origin, it’s none other than the first title in the series. The first title that lead to Final Fantasy’s 30th anniversary, the “Warrior of Light,” it was a profoundly memorable encounter.

Takashi Katano

The best: Final Fantasy V
Why: The job system was so outstanding and fun that I put many hours into this game.

Takashi Tokita

The best: Final Fantasy IV
Why: The best Final Fantasy!? That’s an extremely difficult question… I haven’t played all of the Final Fantasy titles, but if I were to choose one, then it would have to be Final Fantasy IV. This is not only because it was the first Final Fantasy title that I was deeply involved in, but because it also shaped the basis for how I make games, with themes such as light, darkness, and the meeting and parting of characters. The fact that I was able to create its sequel “Final Fantasy IV: The After Years” was also quite moving.

Takeo Kujiraoka

The best: Final Fantasy X
Why: I dwelled on the overwhelming emotion and sadness for about three days after the ending. While it was the first Final Fantasy title to be voiced, I felt that it had already perfected its usage. This was also the first game I played for more than 100 hours (and ended up playing 200 hours more after clearing the main game). I played through every single [piece of] content that was available.

Toshiyuki Itahana

The best: Final Fantasy IX & Final Fantasy XIV
Why: Final Fantasy IX is the most memorable Final Fantasy title for me as a developer because it greatly impacted my designs. As a player, I would consider Final Fantasy XIV to be the best Final Fantasy title. I don’t think there is any other title in the MMO genre in which I can resonate with the game’s protagonist “Warrior of Light” to this degree, where I consider the in-game characters as friends, occasionally resent them, and feel delighted about meeting them once again. I feel like I’m living and crafting the future of this epic narrative in another world that truly exists along with other players.

Yoshinori Kitase

The best: Final Fantasy V
Why: I like all the Final Fantasy games, but let me choose Final Fantasy V this time. It was the first Final Fantasy title I took part in, and here, you can find the job and ability system in its completed form!

Do any of the above responses surprise you? More importantly, what is your favourite Final Fantasy, and why? Let us know in the comments below!

Regardless of your differences of opinion between your family and friends, finally you can determine which Final Fantasy is best in Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, available today. In case reading through that didn’t get you hyped enough, check out the launch trailer above. Join the fight.