6. Final Fantasy IV (DS)

Final Fantasy IV has seen more remakes and rereleases than most other Final Fantasy games, but don't let that put you off of the DS version. Final Fantasy IV on DS is a very challenging RPG that'll appeal to all fans of the genre: the graphics are superb, the soundtrack is great, and the gameplay is top-notch. Added features such as the Augmentation system and voice acting also add new wrinkles to this version of the classic. Aesthetic preferences aside, it's tough to play a 'bad' version of this game, so take your pick.

5. Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (Switch)

Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster is a package of two fantastic games; the 2001 original and its 2003 direct sequel. FFX is probably not the most straightforward introduction for new players, but it presents one of the most engaging worlds in any of games in the series and its Conditional Time-Based battle system (which here replaced the standard Active Time Battles of previous entries) spiced things up nicely. With upgraded visuals and audio and all the content from the 'International' version of the game, Switch is a great place to play X. If you've got the requisite dozens of hours to spare, of course.

4. Final Fantasy V Advance (GBA)

Because Final Fantasy V never launched in the West on the SNES, the fifth game in the series never reached the same notoriety as its other SNES counterparts. However, Final Fantasy V Advance on GBA certainly put it 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.

3. Final Fantasy VII (Switch eShop)

We never thought we'd see the original Final Fantasy VII on a Nintendo console, yet here we are. Final Fantasy VII's reputation speaks for itself — it's a touchstone of game design that played a large role in setting the standard of RPGs for years to come. The Materia system is addictive, and there's a plethora of optional content and superbosses to dig into. Plus, even with the translation issues, this is one of the best stories in the franchise. If you like RPGs, you should give Final Fantasy VII a shot, as this is an experience unlike any other in many ways. Of course, as with many early PS1 games, Final Fantasy VII is a relic of its time, but that doesn’t mean it’s to be respected any less; if you can look past the antiquated elements, the core game here is as brilliant as it ever was.

2. Final Fantasy IX (Switch eShop)

Final Fantasy IX acts as a good reminder of why this franchise has remained an RPG institution over the years. Its medieval-style setting makes it a fun nostalgia trip for fans of the older series entries, or players fed up with all the futuristic Final Fantasies, and acts as a callback to the classics. Memorable characters, a wacky story, deep character customization, and plenty of incredible environments certainly help make a case for why Final Fantasy IX deserves a spot on your Switch’s SD card, even if some elements haven't aged particularly well. But with some of the best characters, one of the best stories, and a wonderful world to explore, Final Fantasy IX deserves to be played by anyone who loves turn-based RPGs.

1. Final Fantasy VI Advance (GBA)

If you missed out on Final Fantasy VI on the SNES (or if you're from Europe) or PlayStation, then for a long time, Final Fantasy VI Advance was the only way to experience an all-time great. Even for returning fans, this version of the game offered brand-new dungeons and summons for you to experience, and with the small sacrifice of music quality, you could play one of the best games of all time on the go, wherever you want. Depending on if you want that extra content or not, the handheld debate between this and the Pixel Remaster remains, but you really can't go wrong either way.


And there we are: your 'Final' word on all these Fantasies. So, what next? All the Final Fantasy spin-offs, ranked? Tactics, Dissidias, Theatrhythms, Chocobos, Crystal Defenders, Explorers...

You see why we stuck to the mainline games, hmm? Feel free to let us know your thoughts on the ranking, and share your thoughts on the different versions of the games above.