The Final Fantasy series is one of the most iconic and influential role-playing game franchises in history. Developed and published by Square Enix, Final Fantasy debuted in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System and helped popularize console RPGs worldwide. Over the past 35 years, the main series and its many spin-offs have sold well over 150 million units globally across numerous platforms.
Final Fantasy series spans across multiple generations of consoles and evolving with the times, each title in the series has brought its own unique charm, an enchanting story, and intricate gameplay that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what an RPG can be.
From the pixel art of the original Final Fantasy to the breathtaking cinematic visuals of the latest installments, these games have not just been a source of entertainment but an artistic expression of storytelling and technological innovation.
Today, Final Fantasy spans 15 main numbered titles, over 20 direct sequels and prequels, and dozens of companion games and remakes. New entries continue to be released across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android—ensuring the timeless franchise reaches both longtime devotees and a new generation of players. Checkout this article as we tackle each of the series give you a glimpse of its history.
Final Fantasy (1987)
First on this list, the original Final Fantasy, released in 1987, is a groundbreaking role-playing game developed by Square. It’s the first in the Final Fantasy series, significantly influencing the RPG genre on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game involves four Warriors of Light on a quest to defeat evil forces and save their world, a narrative distinct from its successors.
Final Fantasy 1987 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: 1987
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Game Price (at the time): Not specified
- Recorded Sales: Over 2 million copies worldwide by March 2003
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy in 1987
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation Portable | Released on April 19, 2007 (JP), June 26, 2007 (NA), February 8, 2008 (EU), February 28, 2008 (AU) |
| iOS | Released on February 25, 2010 (Worldwide) |
| Android | Released on July 27, 2012 |
| Nintendo 3DS | Released on January 21, 2015 (JP) |
| Windows | Pixel Remaster released on July 28, 2021 (Worldwide) |
| Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 | Released on April 19, 2023 |
Final Fantasy II (1988)
Next is the Final Fantasy II, released in 1988, diverges from its predecessor by introducing a unique story with distinct characters and settings. It’s known for introducing elements like chocobos and Cid, and replacing the traditional experience point system with an activity-based progression system. The plot revolves around youths rebelling against the empire of Palamecia, offering more narrative depth and character development than the first game.
Final Fantasy II 1988 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: December 17, 1988
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Game Price (at the time): Not specified
- Recorded Sales: Less popular internationally at initial release
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy II
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Family Computer (Original Release) | Yes (Japan Only) |
| WonderSwan Color | Yes |
| PlayStation | Yes |
| Game Boy Advance | Yes |
| PlayStation Portable | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Windows | Yes |
If you are thinking why is the iOS and Android on this list? This is because this game is now playable with mobile platform.
Final Fantasy III (1990)
3rd on our list the Final Fantasy III, released in 1990, is renowned for its significant advancements in the Final Fantasy series. The game combines elements from the first two games and introduces new features, notably the job system. This system allows character class changes, enhancing gameplay variety and depth. The story, set on a floating continent, revolves around four orphans from the village of Ur, embarking on a quest to restore balance between light and darkness.
Final Fantasy III 1990 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: April 27, 1990 (Japan)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Game Price (at the time): Not specified
- Recorded Sales: 1.4 million copies in Japan
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Family Computer (Original Release) | Yes (Japan Only) |
| Nintendo DS | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Fire OS | Yes |
| PlayStation Portable | Yes |
| Ouya | Yes |
| Windows Phone | Yes |
| Microsoft Windows | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
Final Fantasy IV (1991)
Next, the Final Fantasy IV, initially released in North America as Final Fantasy II, is a milestone in the series, known for its engaging story and innovative gameplay. Developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, it follows the dark knight Cecil as he combats the sorcerer Golbez’s plans to use powerful crystals for destruction. This game introduced the Active Time Battle system and distinct, unchangeable character classes, influencing RPGs profoundly.
Final Fantasy IV 1991 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: July 19, 1991 (Japan), November 1991 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Game Price (at the time): Not specified
- Recorded Sales: More than 4 million copies worldwide
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Original Release) | Yes |
| Nintendo DS (3D Remake) | Yes |
| PlayStation Portable | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Windows | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch (Pixel Remaster) | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 (Pixel Remaster) | Yes |
Final Fantasy V (1992)
Next is the Final Fantasy V, released in 1992, is notable for its extensive and innovative Job System, offering a high degree of character customization. The story begins with Bartz, a wanderer, investigating a meteor crash and soon learning about the threat to the world’s Crystals that seal away the evil sorcerer Exdeath. The game, initially released only in Japan, achieved significant sales and was later brought to international audiences through various platforms.
Final Fantasy V 1992 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: December 6, 1992 (Japan)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Game Price (at the time): Not specified
- Recorded Sales: Over 2 million copies (Super Famicom version)
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Super Famicom (Original Release) | Yes (Japan Only) |
| PlayStation | Yes |
| Game Boy Advance | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Microsoft Windows | Yes |
Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Final Fantasy VI, initially released as Final Fantasy III in North America, is a celebrated title in the series, developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It represents the last main series game with 2D sprite-based graphics and was the first in the series not directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi.
Final Fantasy VI 1994 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: April 2, 1994 (Japan), October 11, 1994 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Global Sales: Over 3.48 million copies by 2003
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy VI
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Original Release) | Yes |
| PlayStation | Yes |
| Game Boy Advance | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | Yes |
| Wii Virtual Console | Yes |
| PlayStation Network | Yes |
| Wii U Virtual Console | Yes |
| Pixel Remaster (Steam, Android, iOS) | Yes |
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII, developed by Square for the PlayStation, is a pivotal game in the series and a landmark in the RPG genre. It was released in 1997 and became the first in the series to be released in PAL territories. The game’s story centers around Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins an eco-terrorist organization to stop a megacorporation from exploiting the planet’s life essence.
The game is known for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay, and it introduced several innovations, including 3D graphics and full motion video.
Final Fantasy VII 1997 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: January 31, 1997 (Japan), September 7, 1997 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square (Japan), Sony Computer Entertainment (International)
- Copies Sold: more than 13 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy VII
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation (Original Release) | Yes |
| Windows | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
Final Fantasy VIII, released in 1999, marked a significant evolution in the series with its realistic character design and innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed and published by Square for the PlayStation, the game follows Squall Leonhart, a student at a military academy, as he gets entangled in a global conflict and a quest to defeat a sorceress.
The game was notable for its departure from traditional Final Fantasy mechanics, introducing a new magic system and extensive character customization.
Final Fantasy VIII 1999 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: February 11, 1999
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Copies Sold: more than 8.15 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy VIII
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation (Original Release) | Yes |
| PC | Yes |
| PlayStation Network | Yes |
| iOS & Android via Dive In | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
Final Fantasy IX (2000)
Final Fantasy IX, released in 2000, is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. As the ninth main installment in the Final Fantasy series, the game returns to a more traditional fantasy setting and storytelling approach, reminiscent of earlier titles in the series. The story follows Zidane Tribal, a thief who kidnaps Princess Garnet of Alexandria, and their journey to defeat an evil force threatening their world.
Final Fantasy IX 2000 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: July 7, 2000 (Japan), November 13, 2000 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Notable Aspects: Return to traditional fantasy elements, praised for its graphics and character development
- Copies Sold: more than 5.5 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy IX
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation (Original Release) | Yes |
| PlayStation 3 | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| PlayStation Portable | Yes |
| PlayStation Vita | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | Yes |
| iOS | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
Final Fantasy X (2001)
Final Fantasy X, released in 2001, is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation 2. It marks the tenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game is set in the world of Spira and follows the story of Tidus, a star blitzball player, who joins summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage to defeat a monstrous creature known as Sin. Final Fantasy X is notable for being the first in the series to feature fully voiced characters and a move away from traditional turn-based combat to a more dynamic battle system.
Final Fantasy X 2001 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: July 19, 2001 (Japan), December 17, 2001 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square
- Key Features: First fully voiced game in the series, introduction of a new battle system, known for its storytelling and graphics
- Copies Sold: more than 10 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy X
Below is a table of platforms on which Final Fantasy X has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 (Original Release) | Yes |
| PlayStation 3 | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| PlayStation Vita | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
Final Fantasy XI Online (2002)
Final Fantasy XI, released in 2002, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square (now Square Enix). It is the eleventh main installment in the Final Fantasy series and the first MMORPG in the series. Set in the fantasy world of Vana’diel, the game allows players to create avatars, explore the landscape, complete quests, and interact with other players from around the world. Final Fantasy XI is notable for its cross-platform play and was one of the first games to offer this feature across the PlayStation 2 and PC.
Final Fantasy XI Online 2002 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: May 16, 2002 (Japan), October 28, 2003 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square
- Game Publisher: Square Enix
- Key Features: First MMORPG in the Final Fantasy series, known for its cross-platform play between PlayStation 2, PC, and later Xbox 360
- Player Count: around 500,000 active players as of 2021.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy XI Online
[Below is a table of platforms on which Final Fantasy XI Online has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases.]| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 (Original Release) | Yes |
| PC | Yes |
| Xbox 360 | Yes |
Final Fantasy XII (2006)
Final Fantasy XII, released in 2006, is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 2. It is the twelfth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. Set in the world of Ivalice, the game introduces players to the struggle of the small kingdom of Dalmasca against the Archadian Empire. The game is notable for its departure from the series’ traditional turn-based combat system, introducing a more open, real-time battle system with the Active Dimension Battle system.
Final Fantasy XII 2006 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: March 16, 2006 (Japan), October 31, 2006 (North America)
- Game Developer: Square Enix
- Game Publisher: Square Enix
- Key Features: Introduction of Active Dimension Battle system, open world exploration, praised for its deep gameplay mechanics and narrative
- Copies Sold: More than 6 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy XII
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 (Original Release) | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
Final Fantasy XIII, released in 2009, is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the thirteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series and was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is set in the world of Cocoon and Pulse and follows the story of Lightning and her allies as they struggle against a predestined fate set by the Cocoon fal’Cie. Final Fantasy XIII is known for its high-definition graphics and a new combat system that blended traditional turn-based elements with real-time action.
Final Fantasy XIII 2009 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: December 17, 2009 (Japan), March 9, 2010 (North America and Europe)
- Game Developer: Square Enix
- Game Publisher: Square Enix
- Key Features: Introduction of the “Paradigm Shift” battle system, high-definition graphics, and a story-driven gameplay experience
- Copies Sold: more than 7 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy XIII
[Below is a table of platforms on which Final Fantasy XIII has been released, including original and subsequent re-releases.]| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 (Original Release) | Yes |
| Xbox 360 | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | Yes |
Final Fantasy XIV Online (2010, Relaunched as A Realm Reborn in 2013)
Final Fantasy XIV Online, originally released in 2010, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It is the fourteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game was initially launched to mixed reviews and underwent significant development changes, leading to a complete overhaul and relaunch as “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn” in 2013.
The game is set in the fictional land of Eorzea and focuses on the conflict between the Grand Companies of Eorzea and the Garlean Empire. A Realm Reborn was praised for its engaging content, improved gameplay mechanics, and expansive world-building.
Final Fantasy XIV Online 2010 Technical Details
- Original Release Date: September 30, 2010
- A Realm Reborn Release Date: August 27, 2013
- Game Developer: Square Enix
- Game Publisher: Square Enix
- Key Features: Massive online multiplayer gameplay, significant overhaul in A Realm Reborn, extensive character customization, rich storylines
- Player count: Around 20 million registered players as of 2021.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy XIV Online
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PC (Original Release) | Yes |
| PlayStation 3 (A Realm Reborn) | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 (A Realm Reborn) | Yes |
| PC (A Realm Reborn) | Yes |
| PlayStation 5 (A Realm Reborn) | Yes |
Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Final Fantasy XV, released in 2016, is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the fifteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game features an open world environment and action-based battle system, incorporating quick-switching weapons, elemental magic, and other features such as vehicle travel and camping.
The story follows Noctis Lucis Caelum, the prince of Lucis, who seeks to reclaim his homeland and its magical Crystal after it’s seized by the empire of Niflheim.
Final Fantasy XV 2016 Technical Details
- Game Release Date: November 29, 2016
- Game Developer: Square Enix
- Game Publisher: Square Enix
- Key Features: Open world environment, action-based battle system, detailed graphics, and expansive storyline
- Copies sold: More than 8 million copies worldwide.
Where Can You Play Final Fantasy XV
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes |
| PC (Windows) | Yes |
| Stadia | Yes |
The journey through the Final Fantasy series, from its inception in 1987 to the latest release in 2016, shows a remarkable evolution of video gaming as a form of art and storytelling. Each installment of the series has not only pushed the boundaries of technology and game design but also enriched the RPG genre with its unique blend of narrative depth, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
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