Summary
- Final Fantasy games have diverse sequels, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and storylines.
- Lightning Returns introduces different outfits for abilities, Final Fantasy 10-2 brings dynamic missions.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a fantastic sequel with action-packed combat, enhancing the iconic characters' depth.
For nearly 35 years, Final Fantasy has been the gold standard for the gaming industry's greatest RPGs. What started as Square's last-ditch effort to dodge bankruptcy turned into a surprise hit, and it's safe to say Final Fantasy has had quite the journey. It has tried out all sorts of things over the years, such as taking what worked in the first game and either amping it up or switching things up completely.
Final Fantasy: 7 Games With The Deepest Lore, Ranked
Final Fantasy games have always offered compelling gameplay and beautiful worlds, but these games have some truly deep lore.
Now, among the many Final Fantas y games out there, it’s a common misconception to think each one is a direct sequel to the previous game. Spoiler alert: they’re not. Here’s the ultimate list of the best Final Fantasy sequels that fans just can’t get enough of.
6 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
A Slew Of Fresh Mechanics, Attacks, And Battle Systems
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
- Released
- November 21, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 13 And Final Fantasy 13-2
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 takes a sharp turn from its predecessor, almost resembling a different narrative altogether, albeit with some familiar characters popping up along the way. The enhanced battle system, which lets Lightning switch up her abilities with different outfits, is quite fun, but it’s buried under a mountain of tedious fetch quests and an infuriating in-game countdown that has players hitting the restart button if time runs out.
Final Fantasy: 9 Easiest Final Bosses In The Series, Ranked
The Final Fantasy series is home to a collection of great final bosses, but not all of them provide gamers with much of a challenge.
However, the game still sets the stage for an exhilarating combat experience, so there's an upside to this sequel after all. Lightning Returns takes a solo RPG approach, swapping out the Paradigm Shift system for a wardrobe full of outfits, each giving Lightning her own set of unique skills and abilities. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 might not win over any newbies who aren’t already obsessed with Final Fantasy, but it still stands out as one of the boldest entries in the series.
5 Final Fantasy 4: The After Years
An Enticing Sequel That Introduced Exciting New Gameplay Systems
Final Fantasy 4: The After Years
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 4
17 years after the finale of Final Fantasy 4, fans got a sweet surprise with Final Fantasy 4: The After Years. The After Years stands out for its unique storytelling, as it’s jam-packed with fun plot twists, flashbacks, and all sorts of different plotlines that keep players on their toes and wondering what’s coming next.
Interestingly enough, Final Fantasy 4: The After Years retained that classic vibe fans loved from the original Final Fantasy 4, but it still adds some fresh twists, like the classic overworld exploration coupled with surprise encounters against some seriously tough foes.
However, it’s probably not the go-to choice for anyone experimenting with RPGs for the very first time. The retro graphics, the one-of-a-kind battle system, and the overall presentation really bring a quirky charm that’s tough to ignore, but, to be quite frank, they’re there for the fan service more than anything else.
4 Final Fantasy 13-2
Popular For Its Upgraded Visuals And Time Travel Element
Final Fantasy XIII-2
- Released
- December 15, 2011
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Android, iOS, Xbox 360
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 13
Final Fantasy 13-2 amps up the original's fun vibe, giving the fans a playful and adventurous spin on an already wild ride of a game. For instance, players can switch characters as soon as their main gets knocked out — so say goodbye to those irritating game over screens.
In addition to that, this sequel is way more open than its predecessor, and with time travel thrown into the mix, players get to explore different levels across various eras. The best part? Final Fantasy 13-2 explores the incredible lore that was just brushed aside in the first game.
In a gaming world that's been all about the “guys” with Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 13-2 really pulls back on the reins with its smaller cast, and takes Serah — who was just a side note in the story — and turns her into a heroine in her own right.
3 Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings
An Action-Packed And Mission-Based Storyline That Pleased Many Fans
Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings
- Released
- November 20, 2007
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS
- Developer
- Think & Feel, Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, JRPG
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 12
Centered around Vaan, Penelo, Balthier, and Fran, Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings takes place just after the events of Final Fantasy 12 on PS2. Revenant Wings really raises the bar when it comes to presentation, especially when stacked up against any of the more recent Square Enix titles on the DS.
The cinematography in this game really outshines the previous games, especially at the beginning. On top of all that, every character is loaded with a bunch of sprites designed for all sorts of situations they find themselves in. This keeps things visually exciting, no matter how the world changes as the game progresses.
One little hiccup with this sequel, however, was the stylus situation. Choosing spots on the battlefield can get a little tricky for players, adding a layer of complexity that might not be necessary. Even so, Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings still packs a punch after all this time.
2 Final Fantasy 10-2
One Of The Most Lighthearted And Innovative Final Fantasy Games
Final Fantasy X-2
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 10
Final Fantasy 10-2 shakes things up in the series, introducing a fresh structure, a more upbeat vibe, and a revamped battle system that adds a new layer of excitement. Sure, it’s got similarities to the original, but this game definitely stands on its own.
The sequel bids farewell to the straight-laced storytelling of Final Fantasy 10. Players get to pick and choose from a variety of distinct missions, making each playthrough uniquely theirs. It’s a shift that perfectly suits Yuna, Rikku, and Paine as treasure hunters, creating a game that’s a breeze to jump in and out of.
6 Final Fantasy Games That Could Use A Remake
With success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth, there are a number of other games in the series that would benefit from the same remake treatment.
When it comes to the battle system in Final Fantasy 10-2, it's not just flexible and smart — it's incredibly fun. For example, the Garment Grid system allows players to swap out party members for various roles, and simply deck out their characters with dresspheres. These cool outfits don’t just switch up their style; they also give them a fresh set of powers to play with. What this really boils down to is that players can switch up their characters' jobs whenever they feel like it, which makes finding that perfect combo a breeze. It might just be the key to either dominating a battle.
1 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
A Phenomenal Follow-Up To An Already Outstanding Game
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- A Sequel To Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Released in 2024, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has left many fans reeling, but in the best way possible. Square Enix took on the challenge of improving both the Remake and the original game, and against all odds, they pulled it off. This sequel’s combat system is totally action-packed and really stands out, mixing in RPG-like strategy in a way that even Final Fantasy 14 just can’t keep up with.
For those who thought Remake was a crazy adventure in the Final Fantasy 7 universe, just wait — Rebirth cranked it up to eleven. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is one of the most delightful experiences fans could ever have with the franchise. That extra play time really gives players the chance to dive deep into the lives of the most iconic characters from Final Fantasy 7, even if they have to slog through the occasional not-so-great minigame along the way. Simply put, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is sheer action, humor, and spectacle, all wrapped up into one game.
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