23. Final Fantasy V (Switch eShop)

Finally, Final Fantasy V is free from the GBA and available to play on the Switch. And goodness, what a fantastic little adventure this is.

The Pixel Remaster is missing the extra jobs and dungeons from the Advance version, but that doesn't dampen the fantastic gameplay that has been present in the game ever since its 1991 Super Famicom release. Put simply, Final Fantasy V is charming, incredibly fun, and just a darn good time.

22. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered (Switch eShop)

Final Fantasy VIII is just as weird and polarizing a release as it was when it first came out. Cool new ideas like Guardian Forces and Triple Triad are hamstrung by an absolutely wack story and the tedium of the Draw system. Taken as a whole, however, Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is a fun and enjoyable romp through the weirder side of the Final Fantasy series, notably bolstered by the new HD presentation and the inclusion of helpful quality-of-life features.

If you find yourself to be a fan of either the Final Fantasy series or the JRPG genre, Final Fantasy VIII Remastered proves to be a release that’s certainly worth your time.

21. World of Final Fantasy MAXIMA (Switch eShop)

World of Final Fantasy Maxima acts as a wonderful celebration of the Final Fantasy series that will surely appeal to fans both new and old. Though the difficulty is a little on the easy side, the story is uninspired and the visuals are disappointingly blurry, the Mirage-catching mechanics and well-crafted RPG systems make this one a good recommendation.

If you loved the Final Fantasy games of days past, you’re sure to love this one, and if you’re new to the series or the JRPG genre in general, this is a great place to jump in; just don't expect anything too demanding.

20. Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (GBA)

This port package of the first Final Fantasy and its first sequel came courtesy of Tose and improved the look of the 8-bit originals, added a handful of new dungeons and various other tweaks and modifications that makes them more approachable than the originals these days.

Handhelds are arguably the perfect environment for JRPGs; you're able to play them in those spare minutes throughout the day or settle down as you would a home console version — the fact is that portability gives you some flexibility in a genre that can be mighty inflexible.

If you're looking to find out how it all started, Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls is a great introduction.

19. Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (3DS)

Although a sequel to DS masterpiece Elite Beat Agents failed to materialise, this musical Final Fantasy outing (and its sequel, Curtain Call) helped occupy rhythm game fans on 3DS. Arriving on the franchise’s 25th anniversary, highlighting its incredible music was perhaps the best possible way to celebrate and Theatrhythm even manages to charm players unfamiliar with the legendary RPG series and its myriad offshoots.

With rhythm-based montages of many of Final Fantasy’s most iconic moments, it’s arguably an excellent introduction for somebody looking for a way in to the long-running series.

18. Final Fantasy IV Advance (GBA)

Final Fantasy IV Advance is one of the many, many rereleases of Final Fantasy IV on the SNES, but that doesn't mean you should skip it over.

New dungeons, weapons, and challenges make this an extremely fleshed-out version of an already beloved title in the series. You also have more party options at the end of the game rather than relying on the late-game faithful five.

There might be better versions of this game available on other consoles, but Final Fantasy IV Advance is still a wonderful way to experience a classic.

17. Final Fantasy V Advance (GBA)

Final Fantasy V Advance on GBA is the version of the game that put the Super Famicom title on the map for many. The port touched up the visuals and added a sprinkling of new content and features to make it arguably the best version to play.

Beyond that, this is easily the best version of the classic job system, and the lighthearted story makes this a fun Final Fantasy romp. If you don't fancy the Pixel Remaster, the GBA version is no slouch at all.

16. Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (DS)

Toning down the difficulty but retaining the charm of the first Tactics Advance game, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is still a fantastic example of just how well the Final Fantasy formula translated to a grid-based combat system.

With extremely deep gameplay and a myriad of systems to get stuck into, this is absolutely worth tracking down if you're a fan of strategy RPGs.

15. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call (3DS)

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is far more than a simple expansion to the original release. The volume of extra content is truly impressive, but it also shakes up the formula with new modes to give the experience a fresh feel.

Terrific music and tight controls are the stars, while competitive players will surely get a kick out of the online mode; whether you're a fan of music rhythm games, Final Fantasy or both, this is a must-buy.

14. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line (Switch)

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is an utterly addictive, perfectly tuned celebration of all things Final Fantasy. It’s a deceptively simple-looking game that, once you get under the hood, you’ll discover it has teeth and demands practice and patience if you want to unlock everything.

We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the series’ 35th anniversary, and this makes it a must-buy for Final Fantasy fans and rhythm game enthusiasts. How other storied, sprawling game series’ haven’t followed suit with their own rhythm games is baffling when the results can be this magical.

13. Final Fantasy II (SNES)

Final Fantasy IV (or II as US gamers knew it in '91) might show its age, but the SNES version remains a brilliant way to experience this seminal series entry. There's something quite charming and engaging about this classic, a testament to its staying power, and any RPG fan who missed out will quickly recognise what all the fuss was about.

Of course, you might want to check it out in Pixel Remaster form now — it's certainly the easiest way if you own a Switch — but whatever way you play it, just know you're picking up an all-timer.

12. Final Fantasy IV (DS)

Final Fantasy IV has seen more remakes and re-releases than most other Final Fantasy games, but don't let that put you off of this version. Final Fantasy IV on DS is a very challenging RPG with superb visuals, a great soundtrack, and all the top-notch gameplay of the SNES original.

Fresh features such as the Augmentation system and voice acting also add new wrinkles to the classic. Aesthetic preferences aside, it's tough to play a 'bad' version of this game, so take your pick.

11. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Switch)

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great example of what developers should aspire to do with remastering old games; this is the best-designed and most enjoyable version of the game classic currently on the market, and it can all be played on the go.

The Gambit-focused combat system is absolutely fantastic, making it dangerously easy for hours to slip by as you work on min-maxing characters to the best of their abilities. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age may have been divisive on the PS2, but this rerelease — and Switch version — are the definitive version of an underappreciated masterpiece.