| Genre | Role-playing game |
| Legacy | One of the defining JRPG franchises, delighting generations of players |
| Series | |
| Developer | |
| Platforms | PlayStation • Nintendo • Xbox • PC |
| Key features | Sweeping narratives • Memorable characters • Innovative gameplay mechanics • Immersive worlds • Complex customization systems • Iconic musical scores |
| First release | 1987 |
| Latest release | 2022 |
| Number of games | Over 20 |
Final Fantasy is a long-running series of fantasy role-playing video games developed by Nihon Falcom, a renowned Japanese game studio. First launched in 1987, the franchise has grown to encompass over 20 mainline entries as well as numerous spin-offs, making it one of the most successful and influential JRPG series of all time.
The original Final Fantasy game was created by Nihon Falcom co-founder Toshihiro Kondo as an ambitious attempt to rival the growing popularity of the Dragon Quest series. Drawing inspiration from classic Dungeons & Dragons-style fantasy RPGs as well as emerging Japanese game design trends, Kondo and his team set out to craft an epic, story-driven adventure that would push the boundaries of the genre.
The first game in the series was a critical and commercial success, establishing many of the themes, mechanics, and recurring elements that would define the franchise for decades. Encouraged by this initial triumph, Nihon Falcom rapidly expanded the Final Fantasy universe, developing a cohesive overarching narrative and cast of characters that would span multiple entries.
Over the years, the studio has continued to innovate the series' gameplay, graphics, and storytelling, incorporating new technologies and design philosophies while maintaining a strong sense of thematic and stylistic continuity. This has allowed Final Fantasy to evolve while staying true to its classic RPG roots, making it one of the most revered and long-running game franchises in the world.
The world of Final Fantasy is defined by a series of interconnected narratives and a cast of recurring heroes, villains, and supporting characters. While each mainline entry typically features a self-contained story, they are all set within the same vast, fantastical universe.
At the center of this overarching saga is an ancient conflict between the forces of light and darkness, represented by the recurring struggle between the Warrior of Light and the myriad incarnations of the Chaos entity. This epic battle takes place across multiple eras and settings, with legendary heroes like Cecil Harvey, Terra Branford, and Squall Leonhart playing pivotal roles in the ongoing struggle.
Other recurring elements include the iconic summon creatures, powerful elemental entities that can be called upon to aid the player; the mysterious Crystal artifacts that are central to the franchise's lore; and the series' signature airship vehicles that allow for free exploration of the fantastical game worlds.
Final Fantasy games are known for their deep, complex RPG mechanics that emphasize character customization, strategic turn-based combat, and exploration of intricate fantasy realms. Each entry in the series puts its own unique spin on these core gameplay pillars, introducing new systems and innovations.
A common feature across the franchise is the robust job system, which allows players to specialize their party members into distinct combat roles like Warrior, Mage, Thief, and Dragoon. By strategically combining different job classes, players can create highly synergistic and powerful teams to tackle the games' many challenges.
The series is also renowned for its sweeping, cinematic musical scores composed by Nihon Falcom's acclaimed in-house music team. These iconic soundtracks have become just as integral to the Final Fantasy experience as the gameplay and storytelling.
Some of the most acclaimed and influential entries in the Final Fantasy franchise include:
These titles, among many others, have cemented Final Fantasy's status as one of the most celebrated and influential JRPG franchises worldwide.
The Final Fantasy series has had an immeasurable impact on the role-playing game genre and the wider video game industry. Its sweeping narratives, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics have inspired countless other developers and defined many of the conventions of the JRPG format.
Beyond its critical acclaim, the series has also been a massive commercial success, with the mainline entries alone selling over 144 million copies globally. This massive popularity has made Final Fantasy one of the most recognizable and iconic gaming franchises of all time, with its characters, music, and imagery permeating mainstream pop culture.
The enduring legacy of Final Fantasy is a testament to Nihon Falcom's commitment to crafting immersive, high-quality RPG experiences. As the series continues to evolve and captivate new generations of players, it remains one of the defining pillars of the Japanese gaming industry and a beloved institution in the world of role-playing games.
