FFXI for 360, but thats online only. FFXIII is the only other Final Fantasy(that I know of) thats coming to a Microsoft console.

Final Fantasy XI is on Microsoft consoles, because it is an MMO...

I've played all the Final Fantasy games, because it's my 3rd favorite franchise... My favorites are VIII, X, VII, VI and XI...

I suggest you go in order, the NES ones are simple RPG with no significant story, that started with the SNES ones...

Interesting things, Final Fantasy always had 3 main RPGs in different generation consoles:

NES: I, II, III
SNES: IV, V, VI
PS1: VII, VIII, IX
PS2: X, X-2, XII (XI was an MMO more popular on PC platforms)

Now, not only they're releasing XIII on more than 1 platform, it may be that this gen only sees 1 or 2 main games...

I haven't either.

You've gotten many different suggestions here and I'd be lying if I said I couldn't recommend all of them!

I thought FF IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and XII all to be spectacular games. If you're not one for turn-based gameplay, XII is the game for you. If you don't mind that and want more of a modern gaming experience (voice, graphics, etc) X may be the game for you. If you don't mind playing in 2D (or maybe not with FF IV DS) I'd recommend both IV and VI above all others. VII, VIII and IX are also all great in their own regard and I'm sure if you're an RPG fan you'll at least be satisfied with them.

I recommend XII (PS2) since it is my favourite. But if you like traditional turn based fighting then I'd suggest you to try VIII (Playstation)

IMO, it's great... here's why..

1. Gambits system. The strategy possibilities here are huge - much like FF VII. Easily allows to assign you party members to duties. Healer, tank, etc...

2. Status spells finally NEED to be used to win, especially in hunts. Nihopaloa+remedy (sp?) ftw.

3. Every character is adaptable to any weapon. Great - allows for very flexible tactics.

That's just the gist of it. give it another chance, dude.

The earlier games in the series are awesome. Final Fantasy 4 and Final Fantasy 6 were the pinnacle. Final Fantasy 7 is when it turned into a high-school love triangle series and became a soap opera rather than a hardcore game. Every game since is similar.

I really wonder why everyone seems to prefer IV over V, I start to think it is just because IV got a US release on the SNES while V didn't, so people just have better memories about IV. In my opinion, V has superior gameplay and graphics, and the story isn't too much behind IV. In IV, your party changes all the time and you can't go through a dungeon without using huge amounts of potions, while V is more balanced. Also, because of the constant changes in your party, it makes not too much sense to level earlier in the game, so you will always be quite low on HP.

IV is still a fine game with a great story, but to me, it felt quite outdated in some aspects, and only V brought new things to the series that made it more modern. Of course, VI is playing in a league of its own and is one of the most amazing RPG's ever created. I can't comment on the PS FF's though, I never played any of them, and as others have mentioned, the NES ones are not good starters.

IV (DS), VI, VII, VIII, X, X-2 [if you want to see what happens after X], and XII if you think you will like the gameplay. I find IX to be a love it or hate it game :S... don't ask why....

Well,in my humble opinion I recommend you to play the most significant ones,you say that you have a PS3 with full retro-compatibility ,then look for PSone compilations (they have the original Super Nes and Nes versions,plus some fmv and stuff):

* Final Fantasy Anthology ( Final Fantasy V & VI )
* Final Fantasy Chronicles ( Final Fantasy IV & Chrono Trigger )
* Final Fantasy Origins ( Final Fantasy I & II )

Then you can play FF7,FF8 and FF9,the three of them are very good and they're for the Psone.

Then again you should check FF10 & FF12 for PS2.

If you want skip to play them all,then you must play the essentials and most significant ones,that for some reasons they're considered as the franchise's pinnacles,then you have to take a ride with:

-Final Fantasy 1: The one that start it all.

-Final Fantasy 4: The first on Super nes,with a more development history and gameplay,memorable history and great characters.

-Final Fantasy 6: For many (including myself) the best RPG of the history (and obvious from the whole series) with an incredible plot,unforgettable characters,awesome gameplay and some of the most beautiful sprite graphics on a game.Just perfect.

-Final Fantasy 7:The first one for the PSone and because of that,the first jump from sprites to 3D graphics,the one that brings RPGs to the mainstream,epic plot,the most popular FF crew (just who the hell don't know Cloud or Sephiroth), the first FMV introduction to the series,well,you have to experience for yourself.

-Final Fantasy 10:The first for PS2 and getting an awesome history and better graphics according its time,you can't skip this one.

-Final Fantasy 12:The last installment on FF history and perhaps the most controversial one,why?because the gameplay mechanics,a big evolution (for some people a wrong turn) from past games.Is very worthwhile and you can get used easily to graphics and sound being the most recent release (2006).

I'll recommend to check all of them if you have the opportunity,FF games are a wonderful and unique gaming experience and should be played by every RPG and gaming lover.Almost any of them could be played on your PS3,just buy them from SE official shop or go to retailers that have used games,if you have a PSP or a DS you can play the remakes of FF1,FF2,FF3,FF4 or more complete FF5 & FF6 versions but you can play the original versions,get for sure that these games are going to be one of the most grateful gaming experiences for you.
Well,if you like RPGs of course and if you don't,after play them you could start to like them