ArtznCraphs on 13 June 2008
FFIV is the start of the Final Fantasy identity in terms of story and gameplay.
FFVI is the epitome of the series. It is like the central hub, containing elements from all other FF's in one game. It is the standard bearer for the series trends in art and graphics (some of the best when it came out, establishing Square as a top technical developer), music, cast of characters, facile presentation, scope, scenario, etc.
I think JRPGs would have been put on the map sooner or later. If there is any merit and potential to the genre than it wouldn't have remained unnoticed.
It's more a matter of which Final Fantasy is more important to the series itself, not the genre as a whole
