The Final Fantasy sequence is filled with memorable characters, iconic moments, and storytelling beats which are exhausting to high. However in its practically 40-year span, Ultimate Fantasy has solely given us a handful of endings that might actually be described as excellent. This doesn’t suggest the happiest endings, however somewhat the endings that felt true to the characters and story of a selected entry.
This additionally does not imply merely discussing endings to our favourite FF video games, since fairly just a few of the endings we would name excellent aren’t precisely joyful. Some could even be referred to as divisive. We ranked these primarily based on a number of components, together with emotional impression (the way it made you’re feeling because the credit rolled), how nicely it resolved the story, whether or not it stayed true to that sport’s characters, and the way nice of a legacy it left — years, and even a long time, later.
The next article comprises spoilers for numerous Ultimate Fantasy sport endings.
5
Ultimate Fantasy 6 (1994)
A Conflict Between A Memorable Antagonist & A Forged To Root
Ultimate Fantasy 6 is likely one of the greatest entries within the franchise, and its ending feels extremely well-earned. By way of devastating losses, and its mid-game shock of getting the unhealthy man “win,” there’s a lot to like right here. Terra is well one in every of Final Fantasy‘s most memorable protagonists, and the solid is certainly one to root for.
Then there’s Kefka — one of many best Ultimate Fantasy villains of all time. Let’s face it: Saving the world from a megalomaniacal demon clown is simply tremendous rewarding. Terra will get to stay, which is icing on the cake, despite the fact that FF6‘s ending is bittersweet. Espers and magic vanish, however the world is therapeutic.
It is that type of balanced, truthful ending that makes the one in FF6 so excellent. It is not a 100% joyful ending, however it’s a decision that feels full. And it is one which gamers can be ok with too.
4
Ultimate Fantasy 12 (2006)
An Epic Conclusion To An Epic Sport
Ultimate Fantasy 12 is a masterpiece. The sequence has by no means felt a lot like an ideal mix of Star Wars and Sport of Thrones because it does in FF12. It is a huge sport that spans nations, with numerous scenes of political dialogue meshed with epic airship battles. It additionally has one of many happiest endings in the whole franchise.
The issue, actually, is that every thing ends a bit too neatly. The core solid is left unhurt, Ashe ascends the throne, Basch reclaims his spot as loyal knight, and everybody else goes off to be sky pirates (and, sure, there is a sequel for that). It is a considerably predictable conclusion, regardless of twists within the story alongside the way in which.
Nevertheless, it is all objectively and extremely epic. From the second Vayne goes full Hulk-mode to Gabranth’s heartbreaking redemption arc, the ultimate moments of Ultimate Fantasy 12 are simply too good to disregard. Then there’s the airship fights and the second the place you assume one in every of the one you love companions made the last word sacrifice, solely to see them miraculously alive. It is a second value cheering for.
FF12‘s fight and in-game mechanics could also be divisive, however there is no doubting the characters and story are chic. The ending to Ultimate Fantasy 12 is ideal due to how nicely it resolves its myriad subplots, which isn’t any straightforward feat contemplating how huge the sport is. Add to this the truth that the resolutions are principally satisfying, and it equals one of many best Ultimate Fantasy endings ever.
3
Ultimate Fantasy 7 (1997)
An Iconic Entry With An Iconic Ending
A long time later, Ultimate Fantasy 7 continues to be held in extremely excessive esteem. It was a watershed second for the franchise, and it helped popularize the RPG style within the West. There is not any denying its historic and cultural impacts, and its ending is certainly one of the vital memorable.
The music alone has its own enduring legacy, and Sephiroth is about as iconic because it will get relating to villains. Holy vs. Meteor. Cloud and the occasion vs. Safer Sephiroth. And a time soar into the longer term that exhibits the world therapeutic, and Crimson XIII thriving. There’s simply a lot happening right here, and it is all glorious.
If something, the one facet FF7‘s ending has going towards it’s that it is not the half most individuals keep in mind. It is an iconic sport with an iconic ending, however probably the most iconic second occurs a lot earlier (on Disc 1, no much less) when Sephiroth kills Aeris (Aerith in later variations). When you performed FF7 and forgot every thing else, you continue to keep in mind this second, which is why the ending feels barely much less impactful.
Regardless, FF7‘s ending is ideal due to the way in which it resolves every thing and permits its characters to develop. It additionally packs an emotional punch, which is why the ending stays with you lengthy after you have crushed the sport.
2
Ultimate Fantasy 9 (2000)
A Bittersweet & Emotional Ending To The Most Existential FF Sport
Ultimate Fantasy 9 may simply be the best Final Fantasy game, and Vivi may simply be the most effective Ultimate Fantasy character, however FF9‘s ending is just a bit shy of being probably the most excellent one in the whole sequence. There was some heavy material all through FF9, a sport that did not shrink back from existentialism (or nihilism, for that matter), and the sport’s ending falls completely in step with these themes.
Zidane and Dagger discover one another ultimately, however not everybody will get such a cheerful ending. You nearly really feel unhealthy for defeating Kuja, who may simply be the sequence’ most human villain. And within the sport’s closing moments, we see descendants of Vivi — a personality who feared loss of life and questioned the legacy he may depart behind — in a scene that is the epitome of bittersweet.
FF9‘s ending has some actual emotional weight, and never simply because it gave us characters and villains with true depth. The stakes really feel actual, and you will be on the sting of your seat attempting to guess the way it all performs out.
1
Ultimate Fantasy 10 (2001)
Not A Completely happy Ending, However A Excellent One
Keep in mind — an ideal ending does not imply a cheerful one. That is positively the case with Ultimate Fantasy 10, which could simply have one of many greatest twists and saddest endings within the sequence’ complete historical past. The emotional wallop alone will keep on with you for a very long time.
Sure, Tidus is a dream of the Fayth, which suggests he’ll vanish as soon as our heroes save Spira. It is unhappy sufficient seeing Auron go, however after hours of watching Tidus and Yuna fall in love, it is heartbreaking to observe them be cut up aside. We dare you to not tear up once you watch the sport’s closing moments, when Tidus is hugging Yuna as he disappears.
There is a purpose FF10‘s romance has been a core a part of the sport’s legacy, and there is a purpose many followers think about FF10 to be the most effective one. And, actually, all of it boils all the way down to this ending.
Final Fantasy 10‘s ending was already good. The twist that Jecht is Sin, that Auron will vanish, and the reality behind Yu Yevon felt like the sport was simply continuously topping itself. And when it piles on the emotional weight of Tidus and Yuna being aside, it seals the deal on it being Ultimate Fantasy‘s most excellent ending.
There is a purpose FF10‘s romance has been a core a part of the sport’s legacy, and there is a purpose many followers think about FF10 to be the most effective one. And, actually, all of it boils all the way down to this ending. Not simply inside Ultimate Fantasy, however as endings in any medium go, it does not get a lot better than this.
- Launched
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December 17, 2001
- ESRB
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T for Teen: Delicate Blood, Delicate Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Sq. Enix
- Writer(s)
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Sq. Enix
- Engine
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PhyreEngine
