Topic: Which Final Fantasy

Need help. Always wanted to get into Final Fantasy, but I never did when I was younger and feel as though I may have missed the train.

However I'm keen on buying Final Fantasy for my Switch, any ideas which one would be the best to start with?

Whichever one looks the nicest to you.

In terms of ease of use, XV would be the most beginner friendly. But they all have their charms, and are self-contained enough for you to be able to pick and choose.

I'll vote for 9, but that's my bias talking since I only played 9 & 15... I dropped 12 since it become boring :')

I personally find FFX to be most accessible, with a relatively straightforward battle system and story.

It is also the most modern turn-based Final Fantasy, so you get the dual benefits of old-school gameplay with modern presentation.

FFIX is arguably the best combination of old FF design and newer FF design. That's usually the shtick with the Final Fantasy series, each game changes the story, rpg systems, and some combat mechanics. So I wouldn't worry about entering the series from a particular point as each game is its own story.

My personal favorite FFs? Final Fantasy IV has my favorite characters. Final Fantasy XIII has my favorite combat mechanics. And Final Fantasy VII has my favorite setting.

If you don't mind the now dated graphics, VII is the game that made FF mainstream, @Brummyboy92 So, that's still an excellent starting point but either IX or X are also great....

Hmm depends.
Want to start with the 2d series?
Then is 6 the best starting point.
The 3d series?
I think its best to start with 9, mixes best the elements of many FF games.

Wasn't expecting so many suggestions so quickly, thanks all.

Not any closer to deciding though, however it's good to know that I have a few options from above and should be able to pick it up regardless of which I choose.

FF9 or FF10 are the best to start with.

They're both near-perfect games and also 2 of the simplest in the series, in terms of both story and gameplay systems, so you won't find yourself needing to go and read a guide or a story explanation to figure anything out.

I'd say FF9 is the best starter because it's heavily representative of the 8 games that came before it. So if you like that, you'll like most of the earlier ones too. Whereas FF10 is much more unique in the series. The only other game in the series anything like it is FF13, which is much more divisive.

I agree with Buizel, FFX is the best to start with for the 3d games, relatively simple,pretty linear, but still a decent amount of depth to it all, if you want to try 2d, FF4 is easily the best to start with, id highly reccomend it.

Fortunately, most of the games aren't really related to each other, @Brummyboy92 Apart from those clearly indicated to be direct sequels.... So, it doesn't matter for that
If it's really just on Switch, there's not too many, even if you included the VIII remaster coming

Conveniently, the only sequel available on the switch comes with its original game in the same package.

I too say start with FFX.

"in the same package" eh?

Huh yes, both games come in the same cartridge/download, as far as I know.

(or did I make an accidental reference?)

If you are looking for 3D FF on Switch :
1. FF X/X-2
Pro : Understandable English conversations, Deep storyline about Life cycle, Turn based for FF X / ATB system for FF X-2 with a lot of downgraded enemies, Powerful Summons Attack (99,999 Damage), First time you can Instant KO any bosses with Yojimbo's Zanmato,

Con : Dark Aeons Battle if you forgot to collect Destruction spheres, Confusing Blitzball for some peoples, Awkward English voice acting since that was the first time on Final Fantasy, Fanservices (Sexy clothings) on FF X-2, every characters can have same MAX parameters by circling around Sphere Grid, some tedious and frustrating mini games just to upgrade Celestial weapons, Harajuku clothing design.

2. FF XII TZA
Pro : Great Battle system, Great OST scores, Medieval theme like classic FF, More Summons, Full 3D world exploration, Smart Gambit system will help you to make the Battle fast and "Auto-Command", Classic style leveling up characters, The game will NOT Over if you still have back up characters.

Con : Too Difficult English conversations since the theme of FF XII was about War of Two Kingdoms came with very heavy Shakesphere's level conversations, Boring storyline with almost no surprising things like FF IX / FF VIII, Summons on FF XII are completely weaker than on FF X, Not complete of Multiple level magics (No Watera, Waterga, Aerora, Quake spells), No Traditional summons like Shiva / Ifrit / Bahamut (Instead they were replaced by creatures from FF tactics / Tactics Advance / Former Bosses on FF 1 -5), Almost every Super Attack animations from enemies / your teams were like disconnected with the impact in actual battle, Without warning it will be very tough battle for beginner if you don't know the enemies level, A little bit blurry 3D rendering than FF X.

@Morpheel

I was referring to the fact that in most of the western versions, FFX-2 is just a download code, and therefore is not technically "in the package".

I hate when they do that. At the very least, it should be a free update, which means you can resell the game and anyone who buys it gets what it says on the cover (like the upcoming Spyro did on Ps4). Whereas with the approach they take, you can't resell the game. It's a 1-account download.

As per my avatar, in my eyes FF VII is the best, but not that starter friendly.
I have played all of them up to 12 and for a beginner I would say FF X is the best because of the turn based you are not rushed during fights and it explains everything.
FF IX is also good, but if you have not played one before I think it is a bit jarring.
I hate FF XII, but thats just my opinion as I found from X-2 onwards were a bit too much about the cut scenes, not enough about the game.

@Bunkerneath
But FF XII has a lot of Majestic Epic Orchestral Battle themes.
Yeah, FF XII is not for starter if they never knew about JRPG.

@Dezzy is it a code or an update? As far as I'm aware, there's no standalone X2 on the eshop...X and X2 are part of the same software.