Summary
- Final Fantasy games are known for emotional moments and unforgettable characters that can make fans shed a tear.
- Final Fantasy 15 may have had flaws, but its story, changes, and final moments with Noctis are impactful.
- Characters like Vivi, Tellah, Zack, and Galuf in various Final Fantasy games have powerful, emotional, and memorable endings.
Final Fantasy is one of the most legendary JRPG franchises of all time, having a history that spans numerous decades and features many unforgettable games. The series started with a gameplay-first focus, only for later titles to integrate memorable stories that many gamers can't get enough of. The lengthy scripts, unforgettable characters, and emotional moments ensure that fans will remember every Final Fantasy game long after they're finished playing them.
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A lot of emotions may be lost in translation, but many of the best Final Fantasy games let players get attached to the characters at the heart of the story in no time. This leads to some emotional moments where fans can't help but shed a tear as they hear some powerful quotes and see their favorite characters tackle strong foes, making major sacrifices in the process.
5 "You Guys... Are The Best."
Noctis Lucis Caelum
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Final Fantasy 15 had its fair share of problems, but many gamers can't help but love this story, as broken and disjointed as it may be. It helped that the Royal and Windows Edition incorporated their fair share of changes to make the game as succinct and memorable as possible. The final moments of this story see an aged Noctis come back from his lengthy slumber in the Crystal to see the world brought to its knees by Ardyn's evil, leading to daemons freely roaming the lands.
He reunites with his friends and returns to Insomnia for one last showdown against Ardyn. It's not apparent until the very end, but the gang shared one final moment around the campfire, with everyone's heart weighing heavy with the knowledge that the Prince had to sacrifice himself to take out his ancestor once and for all. Equipped with the knowledge of Noctis' demise, players can't help but let their tears flow as Noctis proclaims his love for his friends in a heartfelt moment that showcases the depth of the bond they share.
4 "My Memories Will Be Part Of The Sky..."
Vivi Ornitier
Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9 may be one of the most charming games of the PS1 era, but the title doesn't shy away from its fair share of sad moments. The conception of the Black Mages and their short lifespan is hard to digest, especially when one of these constructs is a beloved party member who forms a long-lasting bond with the main party.
Vivi is the narrator of the story who eventually learns about the true nature of his existence and how he will cease to live after a year passes. It's a harrowing discovery, but Vivi doesn't let this demotivate him and sticks with the party till the very end. It's a beautiful moment, and the last line he utters as the narrator of this tale ends Final Fantasy 9's journey on a melancholic note and establishes him as one of the greatest party members in the entire series.
3 "Please... Avenge... Anna..."
Tellah
Final Fantasy 4
Tellah may mostly be known for the "spoony bard" phrase that has become an enduring part of Final Fantasy meme culture, but there's more to this aging wizard than what meets the eye. Despite boasting some immense power with his black magic, Tellah's age means that his MP pool is criminally low, preventing him from using the ultimate Black Magic, Meteor. However, after encountering the man who killed his daughter, Tellah's rage boils over to the point where he has no qualms about sacrificing his own life.
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He casts Meteor multiple times, injuring Golbez in the process. However, the dastardly antagonist manages to escape, and Tellah breathes his last in Cid's arms as he implores the party to take revenge for his sake and beat Golbez once and for all. Party members may come and go in Final Fantasy 4, but Tellah's departure hurts the most.
2 "My Honor, My Dreams... They're Yours Now..."
Zack Fair
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
- Released
- December 13, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Tose
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 is one of the greatest Final Fantasy spin-offs that more fans need to check out, especially with the remade title wowing gamers with its improved combat and visuals. At the heart of this game is Zack Fair, a member of SOLDIER who receives the Buster Sword from a close friend and witnesses Shinra's villainry firsthand. This causes him to switch sides, placing him on a collision course against Sephiroth in Nibelheim.
After Cloud manages to throw Sephiroth into the Lifestream, he and Zack are subject to horrid experiments, courtesy of Hojo. The duo escapes, but it becomes increasingly clear to Zack that they can only run for so long, especially with Cloud's mako poisoning leaving him unable to move a muscle without some serious effort. In a bid to protect his friend, Zack puts his life on the line and is mercilessly shot down by Shinra troopers. A tearful Cloud sees his close friend breathe his last. During this moment, the young would-be SOLDIER takes Zack's final words a little too literally, with his damaged mind unconsciously taking on his friend's identity.
1 "Bartz... Lenna, Faris... My Dear Krile... Exdeath... Exdeath... Destroy Him..."
Galuf Halm Baldesion
Final Fantasy 5
- Released
- December 6, 1992
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Final Fantasy 5 boasts one of the funniest scripts in the series, with a focus on gameplay allowing Square to adopt a lighthearted tone that is full to the brim with jokes and character-bonding moments. Galuf's amnesia turns him into a quirky old man who is a lot of fun to interact with, which is why the later revelations in the game are so impactful. It turns out that Galuf was a Warrior of Light from another world who stopped Exdeath in his tracks, only for the malicious entity to try and enact his plan in a different world.
During his travels, he forgets his identity but regains his memory soon after when players travel to his world. However, a series of events leads to the heroes being trapped by Exdeath, only for Galuf to free himself from his bonds and stop Exdeath from killing his granddaughter, Krile. Unfortunately, he is mortally wounded by Exdeath, leaving his legacy in Krile's hands with some heartfelt last words that can be tough for players to fathom if they've formed a bond with this beloved hero.
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