For all of my time as an internet lurker, I've seen an incalculable amount of praise for this series. Many even going as far as claiming it to be the greatest gaming series of all time. Although the latest iterations haven't been quite as well-received, the Final Fantasy still holds much significance to a large amount of gamers.

Unfortunately for me, I haven't had the pleasure to experience this series other than a few box-arts & images. The reason being my ignorance prior to this generation (I didn't play Zelda until earlier this year!), when the series was allegedly at it's peak, and my phobia of JRPGs. But now, I've learned more about gaming, about Final Fantasy, & I've just recently killed my fear of JRPGs (reading a gamespot review of FFX convinced me quite a bit), and I'm ready to experience what many claim to be the greatest game series of all time.

So, where should I start? & what games are the best? & how fun is turn-based combat (it seems boring to me, but I'll get used to it)

A list of your favorite FF games would be nice.

it's easy, they are numbered :p


personally, I did
Adventure (technically secret of mana series)

Legend 1 (technically SaGa series)
Legend 2 (technically SaGa series)
Legend 3 (technically SaGa series)

IV
VI
Mistic Quest (remake of I forgot... you can skip that one)
VII
VIII
V (Fansub rom FTW)
IX
X
XII
XIII

gonna play the 1-2-3 in DS version when I have the time ^^

To be honest, I'm pretty sure FFXIII is a great first choice. Most people who complained about the game are fans of the series and fans of JRPGs in general. So I'd suggest FFXIII first. And then you'll get to play FFXIII-2!

Of course the best FF is definitely and unarguably FFX but considering that there's a remake on the way I'd say to wait!

Don't play FFVII. The graphics blow. Wait for the unevitable remake.

FF9, FF4, FF6 enjoy those and never touch the other ones.. never!

I say start with Lost Odyssey. Best Final Fantasy game ever made!

The true, real Final Fantasy fans started with the game that made Final Fantasy actually good. Final Fantasy VII.

I would say you should start with that one. After all, without Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy would be nothing.

Now for a true answer...

the best ones are the SNES ones (IV V VI) with my fav being VI.

VII is the fan favorite (I'd put it 3rd myself).

IX is great too

XII departs from traditional gameplay.

So... I guess if you have a DS you can try IV first (that was my first jrpg and it hooked me), if not, go for IX who'll be a lesser graphical shock and still a great experience.

Do consider that you're gonna sunk about 100 hours in each of these (if you get hooked :p)

Btw, FFX is as turn-based as it gets. FFXII is the most action-oriented followed by FFXIII. So if you don't like turn-based then it's another good reason to go for FFXIII.

Don't play FFXII first. Just don't.

..................................... you sir are ignorant.

For my serious answer:

Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (WII)
Final Fantasy XIV (PC)

start there then go to the others.. you'll thank me later..