TheFinal Fantasyseries is spread over numerous decades and consoles, meaning there is something for everyone. Even since the early days of the series Square (and eventually Square Enix) has been giving gamers on the go something worthwhile to play.
The games below were all on offer as premium handheld experiences during their time. RPGs have a unique place in handheld gaming, providing big adventures that simultaneously can be broken down into bite-sized chunks whenever someone is at a cafe or on a commute. During each game’s respective release window, it was hard to find a betterRPG experience on handhelds.
This list focuses on games that were designed for handhelds first and foremost, so it will not mention ports and mobile remasters.
7Final Fantasy Legend
Metacritic: 71 (Collection Of Saga Compilation Score)
This Game Boy title belongs to a different series in Japan, but it was released asFinal Fantasy Legendin the west and it makes sense why. The scenario feels familiar to anyone who played the originalFinal Fantasy;it follows four heroes as they go on an adventure and players get to choose each hero’s class.
The gameplay is turn-based and battles happen as random encounters out in the world or in dungeons. The main difference here is that battles occur from the first-person perspective.The game is an excellent distillation of what JRPGs were at the timeinto the Game Boy.
6Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition
Metacritic: 69
The absurd production values present in modernFinal Fantasygames make some players wish for simpler times. Square Enix heard players and gave themFinal Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition, a downsized retelling ofFinal Fantasy 15that cuts straight to the story.
The full game’s realistic art style is changed to a cuter, chibi-inspired art andthe combat is streamlinedto feel more comfortable on handhelds. Even though it is significantly shorter thanFinal Fantasy 15,players still get the full story throughPocket Edition.
5Final Fantasy Type-0
Metacritic: 72
This game had an interesting history up until its release. It was a part of theFinal Fantasy 13series of games that also includedFinal Fantasy Versus 13which eventually becameFinal Fantasy 15.Type-0in its final form does not feel connected to13or15, but that does not make it a bad game (though the concept of l’cie from 13 is here too).
The story takes some dark turns as its plot deals with the idea of never-ending war.Type-0did not receive a lot of fanfare upon its release, but it is definitely a hidden gem of theFinal Fantasyspin-offs.
4Before Crisis: Final Fantasy 7
Metacritic Score Unavailable
This mobile game comes from a time when people were still using flip phones and texting using the number pad. The idea of a full-fledged action RPG on such a device seems far-fetched even today, but Square Enix proved this possible withBefore Crisis.
Not only is the game impressive for what it was able to pull off on older phones, but it also is incredibly important to theFinal Fantasy 7lore. The game reveals more about the Turks and also has some stunning plot twists about Avalanche.
The firstFinal Fantasy Dissidiagame was a promising start to a series. The formula established by that PSP game was further improved with the sequel,Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy.Dissidiais a one-on-one fighting game with a unique twist that makes it way different thanStreet Fighter,Mortal Kombat, orSuper Smash Bros.
The RPG elements of the main series are adapted into a real-time combat space so players have to consider different resources during a fight and decide when to do certain attacks. On top of that, the series is a general celebration ofFinal Fantasy, featuring characters from each main game in the series.
Gamers had their dreams come true in 2020 withFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.Before that, fans were begging for years for anythingFinal Fantasy 7related. Of all the spin-offs to come out,CrisisCoreis one of the most celebrated. The prequel follows Zack Fair before the events ofFinal Fantasy 7.
Following a celebrated minor character who is only seen in flashbacks in the original game was eye-opening and drastically expandedFinal Fantasy 7’slore. The combat was also an engaging mix of real-time elements and luck with the roulette system.
1Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Metacritic: 87
The firstFinal Fantasy Tacticson the original PlayStation is a timeless classic. Though many would love a proper sequel to the grand adventure of that 1999 title,Final Fantasy Tactics Advanceand its sequel on the DS are the next best thing. It retains many of the core gameplay elements fromTacticsalong with a few variations.
The main difference is the game’s story takes place in a dream world as opposed toTactics’sharsh storyline of political intrigue, betrayal, and brutal violence. The main draw ofTactics Advanceis just how customizable the party is and the many gameplay possibilities to which this leads.
For fans of the genre,Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lionsis available on PSP, andTactic Ogre: Rebornis also available for modern consoles.
