Help me pick what to play~

[Dolores Haze]

Right. It's time I admitted something, my beloved FFFers. :wtf:
I've never finished an FF game.

MARK'S ALREADY BEATEN ME FOR IT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO.

So what I'm considering is getting myself the proper consoles so I can call myself a gamer >_> Right now my mind is luring itself towards a DS (a PINK one! ), so I'm tempted to get that. Even though I know a lot of FFs aren't on there, but it's GBA compatible yes?

My friend's selling her PS1 to me for $30 and I can borrow VII off a friend. SO VII'S COVERED.

What games should I buy to call myself an FF gamer? <3 List with what console they are please, and how much they might cost me. ;3 I got $160 off Dad and once I blow that I can ask for stuff for my birthday >_>

Edit; Also, I already own X-2. Teehee. If I got a DS I could play 358/2 Days AND CoM.. omnomomom.
Edit; I HAVE A PS2 DDD: I'M NOT A CAVEMAN!

 

[Silver Shadow]

i'd go with anthology for PS1 (5&6) FFIV for DS, and FF8. With that, you'll be pretty covered in my opinion.

And don't feel bad. I've only beaten one FF game, and that was the simplest FF game there is: FFTA2 for the DS.

 

[Ness]

Well, not having a PS2 is going to restrict you to pre-Ten games...which is a shame, since Ten is one of the best and Twelve is, well, it's an experience.

Having said that, here's the breakdown:

FF One - PS1 (FF Origins), PSP, GBA
FF Two - PS1 (FF Origins), PSP, GBA
FF Three - DS
FF Four - PS1 (FF Chronicles), DS, GBA
FF Five - PS1 (FF Anthology), GBA
FF Six - PS1 (FF Anthology), GBA
FF Seven - PS1
FF Eight - PS1
FF Nine - PS1

A search on Amazon should produce decent prices for the PS1 games, something in the range of 30 USD...but that just depends. I'd say you'd likely find similar prices with GBA games.

Rest assured, though, a DS and a PS1 will make all the FFs available to you in some form or fashion...Ten+ aside.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: As far as personal recommendations go...I recommend Six and Nine. Six will give you a good taste of the "early" FFs, and Nine is a good taste of the "later" ones.

 

[Totoro]

if you get a p2, you can get psone games to play on it, so maybes best to get that. You can find 1-9 for the psone i think, anthologies and dual packages and what not. and then X, (X-2) if you count it, and XII for the ps2, should keep you up to date.

Console = 2nd hand £50
games £20 ish on ebay/amazon, (other trading websites are available)

Edit: NINJA'd

 

[AddleBoy]

Hmm....

Make sure you buy a regular DS or DSLite instead of a DSi if you want to be able to play GBA games, too.

You've been playing Kingdom Hearts, haven't you? If you have a PS2 I don't see a reason to buy PS1 since the PS2 can play those games. You need to buy PS1 memory cards, though since PS2 memory cards don't work with PS1 games. Finding PS1 games may be pretty hard, too if you don't have friends to borrow or buy from. Final Fantasy Anthology and Chronicles may be pretty difficult to find, too. You'd probably be better off playing the GBA versions if you plan to get a DS. I'd also recommend buying Chrono Trigger DS. It may not be a Final Fantasy game, but it's one of my favorite RPGs.

 

[Dolores Haze]

Make sure you buy a regular DS or DSLite instead of a DSi if you want to be able to play GBA games, too.

Mark warned me about that <_< I better make eeextra fricking sure.

You've been playing Kingdom Hearts, haven't you? If you have a PS2 I don't see a reason to buy PS1 since the PS2 can play those games. You need to buy PS1 memory cards, though since PS2 memory cards don't work with PS1 games.

I'll see if my friend has the original cards, if not, where could I get them?

Finding PS1 games may be pretty hard, too if you don't have friends to borrow or buy from.

eBay? :/

I'd also recommend buying Chrono Trigger DS. It may not be a Final Fantasy game, but it's one of my favorite RPGs.

I shall look for it ;3

Rest assured, though, a DS and a PS1 will make all the FFs available to you in some form or fashion...Ten+ aside.

Hope that helps.

It does <3


MOAR SUGGESTIONZ 8F

 

[Donald Trump]

EDIT: As far as personal recommendations go...I recommend Six and Nine. Six will give you a good taste of the "early" FFs, and Nine is a good taste of the "later" ones.

I disagree, nine's nothing like the later ones, VII & VIII are futuristic, whereas IX isn't.

As you have a PS2 get FFX, it's far and away the best FF made for the PS2, FFXII is a poor game.

Based on FF games alone, I'd recommend the DS over the PSP, III & IV are probably better than I & II.

 

[Ness]

I disagree, nine's nothing like the later ones, VII & VIII are futuristic, whereas IX isn't.

I meant in terms of gameplay...there's at least a loose correlation between the "later" games. Obviously the stories are quite different...I wasn't referring to that.

All the games up through Six had fairly straightforward ability/job systems...Seven introduced Materia and changed that. Eight had Junctioning, Nine had their "item system", Ten had the Sphere Grid, etc etc.

I agree with the DS comment, too...One and Two are really worth skipping, truth be told. They aren't great games at all. D:

 

[Zerokku]

Based on FF games alone, I'd recommend the DS over the PSP, III & IV are probably better than I & II.

Even without the FF games I'd recommend the DS over the PSP. The DS probably has the best library of games this gen.

Assuming you get a Lite, You can pick up FF: Dawn of Souls (1&2) on the GBA, FFIII on the DS, FFIV on the DS, FFV on the GBA and FFVI on the GBA.

Dawn of Souls is good overall. FFI is pretty fun and easy. Just don't go in expecting much then a fun little old school RPG, but it can be finished pretty easily and quickly. I play it every few months and can beat it in about 6-7 hours of gametime. FFII is... unique to say the least. Really wierd leveling mechanics, as well as an attempt at some DQish mechanics that didn't work too well. It's the only game in the series I dislike more then X.

FFIII is also incredibly old school like I, but I felt it was worth a playthrough, but I'm a sucker for old school RPGs. A fun little Job system and you can definately see III's influence in future FFs.

FFIV was my first FF as a kid, and the remake is simply excellent. IV was the start of deep and well-written plots for the series, and you'll also see a lot of it's influence in Future FFs. It has a great story and memorable cast. The DS remake has some excellent Voice acting as well.

FFV is a gem. A lot of people don't like it because it doesn't have an uber developed plot, but V is more about the gameplay with an entertaining and robust Job system built heavily on IIIs original system. Its story is fun and charming, but not particularly deep.

FFVI is a must play for any FF fan. While somepeople disagree and say VI was the last of an era, I think of it as the first of an era. FFVI started many trends that continued on in the rest of the series, from having the most developed plot out of any of the first 6 games, to a change from swords and sorcery to more steampunk, as well as eliminating the uniqueness of any of your characters (VI still has Job classes to a point, and VII is the worse offender of watering down any differences between your characters, VI was definately the start). It also has arguably the best villain in the series next to kuja from IX.

Out of all of those, I would atleast recommend playing I, IV, V and VI. I to see how the series started out, IV to see it's transition from an old-school game to a more modern RPG, V purely for fun gameplay, and VI for the start of an era (You can easily see VI's influence in future titles. Hell VII borrowed several plot points from VI)

----

For non FF RPGs for the DS, I'll make these recommendations -

If you've never played it before - Chrono Trigger. It's one of the best RPGs of all time and (in my opinion) better than any of the Final Fantasy games. I won't say much else because you should go in without much in the way of expectations/preconceived notions. I will mention however that if music in a game is at all important to you, CT has one of the better soundtracks in any RPG. Mitsuda/Uematsu's work is simply amazing.

The World Ends With You -Probably my favorite RPG of last year, and a game made by the KH team (Although nomura's influence was minimal, he came up with the concept and did the art work, but everything else was left up to the rest of the KH team) A great and interesting story, some of the most unique and fun combat you'll find (Hell, in TWEWY I want to grind because the combat is so fun.) If you like KH, I have a feeling you'll simply love TWEWY.

Not an RPG, but I can't recommend it enough, the Ace Attorney Series. As a DS owner you must pick up Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. It's a point-and-click adventure style game, with courtroom and investigation sequences. It has an unforgettable cast of characters and a brilliantly constructed story. Each case tends to be interesting and amusing, with it's quirky sense of humor. It's not too difficult, but can make you think a lot when you just start piecing things together as to who the real murderer is. It doesn't take itself too seriously, in that there's definitely some wacky humor, but serious enough that you definitely feel an emotional pull towards the characters and events. The Final case of the third game is one of the most amazing examples of storytelling in video games ever. Again, a Must play.

Another item of interest for you -
I have played an import copy of 358/2, and even as someone who isn't a particularly big fan of KH, from what I've played/seen, it's pretty impressive. Fully Voice acted PS2-quality cut scenes, some of the best 3D on the DS, as well as the standard enjoyable KH gameplay making an excellent transition to the DS. I can honestly say from my small impressions, it's a must have for any KH fan. Hell I'll pick it up, and like I said I'm not much of a KH fan.

 

[Lebreau]

Personally, I think you should pick up FFVIII. I love it so much XD It's got a rather unique junctioning system for stats, and it's far too easy to level up, but I rather liked the characters. The story is a bit confusing, but as I love you, I'd totally clear things up. AND IT'S GOT SQUALL/LEON IN IT. YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT.

I really love FFIX too <3 The ability system drives me batshit insane, but I love it anyways. It's got more cartoonish looking characters, almost more like KH, and it's gone back to a more medieval setting rather than the futuristic one of FFVIII and FFVII. I don't know if you'll like it, but I really loved the story of this one in particular <3

ACK. Bed time... I'll edit later

 

[blakstang98]

Well, seeing as how I haven't played any FF before FFVII, I'll give you a run-down of the later FF's.

FFVII - Has a good story-line, and the materia system is really good. Once you get combination slots in weapons/armor, you can make some crazy and lethal combinations. A good game overall.

FFVIII - I'm a little bias because this was my first FF. Another good story-line, and the junction system makes your characters stats form the way you want them to. Drawing out a ton of magic early in the game can make your characters lethal early on as well. My personal favorite overall.

FFIX - As you've seen with this game, there is a split-decision, a real love-hate for this game. I personally could never get into it, after maybe 5 or 6 tries to beat it, I wouldn't bother once I got to the third disc. I suppose the story isn't all that bad, but I think it lacks interest in a lot of ways. I think the role style of the characters makes it difficult in some parts of the game when the party splits up at times, you'll be forced to use aspects you don't really like using. But I suppose if you do get into, then you'll love it.

FFX - Probably the best story-line, and the sphere grid is decent. Seeing as how you'd have the international version, and would be able to use the expert grid, I couldn't help you with the knowledge of that, but it's a system that starts off pretty linear and then you can expand into giving additional roles. Definitely one you should get.

FFX-2 - Won't get into it, seeing as you have it already.

FFXII - This game has some awesome graphics (if you like that sort of thing), has a pretty good story-line and the battle system is really cool once you get used to it. Characters can be pretty flexible in this game, which is something I like personally. It is sort of a hit or miss game though, another with a love-hate relationship.


Anyways, I suppose I could elaborate more, but I think that will be enough to help your decisions. If you need to know more specifics, you'll know where to find me!

 

[SaShman]

Don't bother getting a PS1 if you already have a PS2. All you need to do is pick up a PS1 memory card which should be pretty cheap. I'd suggest trying a store like Cash Converters first and if you can't find a PS1 memory card there, you will almost definitely find one on Ebay.

As for the games themselves, I'd recommend FFX which is a great game and will probably be easy to find. I picked up my copy from Cash Converters for $20(AUS).

FFVI is also a great game, if you decide to get a DS you can get the GBA version. Otherwise you can get the PS1 version which should be pretty cheap (I got my copy for just $2).

FFIX and FFVIII are also great games. Ebay will probably be the best place to find them. However, I think it will be a lot harder to find them cheap.

I think getting a DS is a good idea, that way you can play the remakes of III and IV. Plus you have the GBA FF's available to you too. Crisis Core and the PSP versions of FFI and FFII are good, but not good enough to justify buying a PSP IMO.

Basically try shopping around at cheapo stores like Cash Converters because they don't know how much these games are actually worth. I got a copy of FFIX for $18 and I saw it in another shop for $80. Then if you can't find it in a cheapo shop, go to ebay.

 

[Gingerbread Lesbian]

Right. It's time I admitted something, my beloved FFFers. :wtf:
I've never finished an FF game.

Believe it or not, quite a few people haven't

What games should I buy to call myself an FF gamer? <3

Just buy FFVII and go OMGZ CLOUD R EPIC SHIZ!!!!!1111

If I got a DS I could play 358/2 Days AND CoM.. omnomomom.

Buy a DS just for that, it's by far better than any FF title released after FFX

As for the whole gaming thing to be called an FF gamer just buy FFVII and FFX if need be as they're the most popular titles. FFIX and FFVIII are underrated so no one would notice even if you played them
But yeah, go for the DS. FFI and FFII aren't all that great, though neither is FFIII, however, FFIV is a good game as is FFTA2 imo, plus you'll get more benefit with the DS as SE has other great series like Dragon Quest and suck like.

 

[Khadaj]

Final Fantasy is indeed a top priority. Find any you don't have for a decent price, and grab em. But don't forget a few other RPG treasures as well...

PS2: I highly recommend the Xenosaga series, at least picking the first one up. The storyline in this series is nothing short if epic, and you get really attached to the characters. Plus, there's so many separate stories flying around in the first one, that it's a real treat to watch them all merge together. Get it. Nao.

Also for the PS2, by Square Enix, is Radiata Stories. With a free movement action battle system, and the ability to get over 100 unique characters to join your party, there's a lot of variety to be had. Plus, halfway through the story, you get to choose a side...which completely changes the last half of the game, though not the ultimate goal. Still, saving just before this point, then completing one side, then going back and trying the other makes it 1.5 games. PLUS there's a load of side quests and even a hidden dungeon after you clear the game to try out. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.

Lastly for PS2, also by SE, is Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. Well written story, great graphics and voice acting, as well as an affection system which affects your ending, there's a lot of susbstance to be had. Also the max level being in the 250's is neatness, as there are optional bosses and dungeons which really require that. There's twists and turns in the plot, and also a great Invention System which pretty much lets you create hundreds of items, weapons, armor, bombs (useable in battle) and the like.

*takes a breath*

I know you were looking for Final Fantasy's, but the posters above me pretty much covered them, with all of their strong points. Just wanted to point up some games that deserve a mention

Also...don't get a DSi. Not being GBA compatible, you'd be missing out on some great GBAness, suc as FFTA, Golden Suns, Breath of Fires (get them.) and the like.