My top 5 Final Fantasies:

1. 7
2. 12
3. Tactics
4. 9
5. 6

X. It lacks the weaknesses that plague the other games in the series for me personally (I've missed many games in the series so far due to lack of time, so I'm only listing those I've played/completed):

• VI: Writing is only passable, and the second half of the game just isn't very fun. The first half is great though.
• VII: The game looks absolutely terrible due to stylistic choices. Also, I've tried to get into the game maybe a few times, but getting past the beginning of the game feels like a chore, because it's just not terribly interesting. I'm sure it gets better, but it doesn't start great.
• VIII: Writing is still worse than in X, and having to draw magic is not enjoyable resource management to me. IIRC managing abilities is also a chore. At least the final battle is also a huge difficulty spike compared to the rest of the game, which in my opinion just isn't good design.
• XII: The story is not very captivating, Vaan is terrible and Penelo is boring, and the visual style is a bit bland. I do like the game quite a bit though.
• XIII: The game has the Final Fantasy magic (i.e. 'unique charm') XII had less of, but it's way too linear and the battle system is boring for like the first 20-30 hours. I guess I could live with the linearity, but I also can't return to most of the areas in the game.
• XV: There's little Final Fantasy magic in the game, including in the world and the main characters. The characters are technically great, but it's not a theme I personally enjoy. The battle system works fine, but it's not great. The last chapters of the game feel very rushed.

I guess that's all the main games in the series I've played? Also, in general the battle system of X also feels the best to me by far. I don't like ATB very much because of the time pressure combined with a menu system, which doesn't work well with time pressure.

I've very much enjoyed all the games in the series I've played, but X is literally the only one with no flaws that would significantly hinder my ability to enjoy the game. It's not flawless by any means, but the flaws don't hurt the whole very much.

Also, I'm currently planning to play either VII or IX next, depending on which I feel like playing at the time, all things considered. I might also opt to go for XVI instead if I end up getting the game already and having the urge to play it.

9 is so overrated. Such a step back after playing 7 and 8. I don't get the love for it. The battle system is so bland compared to 7, 8, and X. Anyway, it's a tie between 7 and 8 for me. Can't choose between the two. 10 was amazing as well.

Chrono... er... FFX.

IV is my favorite, but VII is the best.

Bro why do you have 13 in the poll and not 5? This game will always be among the most underrated video games of all time...

Anyways, my answer is 6. But 7 and 4 aren't far behind.

In order from best to worst (just the main series):
1. IX
2. X
3. VI
4. VIII
5. VII
6. XVI
7. XII
8. XV
9. V
10. XIII
11. IV
12. III
13: I

Best final fantasy to me 12 the only final fantasy i loved so much its so special game to me and one of top 5 games i played in all my life hard i can find something like it anymore

I've so far played 9 first - I've been trying to go in order, except I happened to get VIII before VII. Prefer the SNES games.

1. VI
2. V
3. IX
4. IV
5. VII
6. VIII
7. I
8. II
9. III

Mine top 3 is the same with X and IV rounding out the top 5