Final Fantasy is not just one of the most beloved franchises in JRPGs, it is argued that it is one of the most defining series in video games period. Across its vast library of titles, many things have been created that have become immensely beloved by many fans. However, there have also been elements about the franchise that has since been changed. To the point that things have become almost divisive.
As such, here are the many ways that the franchise itself has changed while also showing some of the ways that things have stayed the same.
10 Changed: Direction
Ever since the original Final Fantasy game, many things within the franchise have changed dramatically. Although there are things that are very specific, as a whole a lot of things that have changed about Final Fantasy is its direction. No longer is it fully fantasy and it continues to question what it means to be a JRPG.
While this isn't anything particularly new, it does bring up a few issues with older fans. Many of whom are the type who love what came before and not be as favorable to the decisions that the series has made. While new fans or more open fans have embraced the changes the series have made. It is a real predicament.
9 Same: Bold Decisions
Despite what some fans might say about the Final Fantasy franchise, it can't be denied that the series has always been attempting to go bold and try something new. For example, even something as small as comparing the first two titles and fans would already be aware of dramatic changes. Whether it is something as simple as a new gameplay tweak or a change in setting. Final Fantasy is a franchise that has always strived to do things new to keep things from getting boring.
8 Changed: Storytelling
This is an element of the Final Fantasy franchise that seemed to be an inevitability. Similar to the evolution of 8-Bit graphics to the age of 3D polygons, the stories that have been told in the series have continued to become more and more complex. Stories that have been littered with plenty of depth and characters that have stood up to many fans' expectations. Even with the new games, the stories are always different enough from the previous one in order to keep fans on their toes.
7 Same: Unique Stories To Tell
However, this change in direction for the story is inevitable, as the franchise is always known for telling a new story with each numbered title. Within these worlds, each character has its own stakes to deal with. A new villain to fight against and new rules within the world that helps them all stand out from one another. This means that whichever game a fan prefers will always have a place in their heart. Although every now and then, there are the moments when the series becomes interconnected.
6 Changed: Settings
One of the most interesting elements of Final Fantasy is how far they are willing to stretch out the settings of their worlds. The developers love to play around with the concept by bringing in elements that are normally seen within science-fiction. The classic medieval concepts from earlier games have either been used again or set aside in favor of leaning towards the sci-fi elements. Something that may or may not detract fans. Nonetheless, the change of setting really shows the skill the developers have with their world-building.
5 Same: Maintains A Fantasy-Esque Design
Although the franchise has stretched out what it means to be a fantasy title, many fantastical elements within the series have still been relatively the same. Elements such as unique towns or the monsters and summons that are shown around. All of these little details help to make the Final Fantasy worlds stay diverse while also maintaining the fact that these games are indeed from the same franchise. A rare thing to have in any other gaming series.
4 Changed: Art Style
When the franchise first started, the artist that became synonymous to the series is Yoshitaka Amano. His unique wispy painting style made the series look really unique. Similar in a way Akira Toriyama makes the Dragon Quest series colorful and alive. However, as the series went on, the artwork of Tetsuya Nomura became center stage. His style is more manga but the technically precise style has made his artwork just as recognizable as Yoshitaka Amano. Either is a favorite and a matter of preference.
3 Same: Recognizability
It is very clear that the Final Fantasy franchise is easily one of the most recognizable series in all of video games. From the writing to the world designs, there is nothing quite like Final Fantasy out there. Despite being criticized at times or even compared to other franchises, nothing can really make it be more like this series. This series has also gone on to influence many franchises that came after it which really shows how much legacy it has. Even despite the changes that it makes with time.
2 Changed: Gameplay
Final Fantasy's ever-evolving gameplay is easily one of the most engaging as well as divisive elements of the series. Originally starting with the turn-based combat system, the series has since branched out into different combat styles. All ranging from action-RPGs to even MMO based combat.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as having the gameplay be the way it is can actually help the games seem even more recognizable and unique. Adding in elements that really make the world feel more central to what it wants or needs. Although the caveat is that not everyone will like it.
1 Same: Consistent Need To Innovate
This is arguably the most important thing to have for Final Fantasy as a brand. As hinted throughout this article, one of the crucial elements about the series is how it has a need to consistently innovate. As a way of maintaining its status in the industry, Square Enix will always try something bold in order to do something new.
Games such as Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 7, or even Final Fantasy 15 have all done things that have allowed the series to continuously evolve. So much so that even Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a game that innovates upon something that has already come out. Very rare for remakes for games.