Summary
While the series may be moving in a different direction,Final Fantasyfans still look back fondly on the series' past and how they could control a wide array of party members who brought numerous strengths and weaknesses to the table. Some classicFinal Fantasygames had no party-switching mechanic, which was fine since players would be graced with a balanced party that could take on most enemies without breaking a sweat.
However, otherFinal Fantasygames switched around the party often, letting players try various combinations to see what stuck. While it was always fun togather a large number of playable charactersto use in battle, most players eventually settled on a balanced combination that could bring the heat in battle across multiple fronts while also boasting numerous support techniques to ensure that players could help the party recover and buff itself in a particularly grueling encounter.
Final Fantasy 5featuresthe best integration of a job system in the series, with players being able to experiment around with a wide variety of roles to ensure that a player’s party composition is unique, varied, and as balanced as players want. While the novelty of controlling four Black Mages or Dragoons will always exist, players who want to take on bosses and tough enemies without being crushed should give each character a job that synergizes with the rest of the party.
This means that the main party ofFinal Fantasy 5can be as balanced as players want depending on the roles given to each member. Galuf may leave the party at one point in the story, but all of his stats and equipment are transferred over to his granddaughter, making little to no difference from a gameplay perspective. With the selection of jobs expanding throughout the game’s run, the sheer options players have to customize their party are endless.
Final Fantasy 4is one of the best games in the series, telling a powerful emotional tale with Cecil at the heart of things. This Dark Knight feels conflicted by his actions and eventually finds his way by becoming a righteous Paladin who stomps any evil standing in his way. During his journey, Cecil is joined by numerous heroes whoeither sacrifice themselves or leaveover the course of the story, being replaced by other characters until a point in the story when the final party composition is cemented.
Cecil is a protector who can dish out a ton of damage while saving his allies from being KOed, while Kain uses his skills as a Dragoon to decimate his foes. Edge rounds up the trio of damage dealers with his ninja skills being as powerful as they come. However, maximizing the party’s DPS isn’t enough to form a proper balance, and that’s where the other two characters come into the fray. Rosa is a White Mage who can heal the party at regular intervals while buffing them up, and Rydia is a Summoner who uses Black Magic while asking for the Eidolons' aid in battle whenever things heat up.
The Junction System ofFinal Fantasy 8ensures that players can turn their party into an overpowered three-man steamroller that can walk over every enemy in sight. The game added level scaling to balance things somewhat, but players who grind to break the Junction System will negate this mechanic altogether. This is a complaint that fans have aboutFinal Fantasy 8, butthe inherent satisfaction of whipping out 9999 damage with each hitmakes it clear why players love manipulating this mechanic to their advantage.
This means that balance inFinal Fantasy 8comes more from the unique abilities each character has since magical abilities and stats rely on the Draw and Junctions. In this regard, the trio of Squall, Zell, and Rinoa is the best combination for players who want to maintain high DPS while also healing their party from time to time. Squall and Zell’s Limit Breaks can decimate most foes with ease, while Rinoa’s Combine Limit Break is more of a coin toss that either heals the party or hits for serious damage. Players can also use Angel Wing, but losing control of a party member isn’t ideal in a tough combat scenario.
Final Fantasy 7is one of the most popular games in the series, putting JRPGs on the map for Western audiences. The opening section of Midgar is one of the greatest introductory chapters inFinal Fantasyhistory before the world eventually opens up and lets players interact with the overworld. Eventually, players will gather numerous party members to change up their party of three, with Cloud permanently at the helm barring one portion of the game where his mind breaks.
Since the Materia system governs the magic and abilities players can use, balancing the party inFinal Fantasy 7revolves around using the best set of Materia possible to cover all bases. This means that the main trio that players wish to stick to must boast unique abilities that help them decimate most foes without breaking a sweat. Cloud can’t be taken out but that’s not an issue since he’s one of the best damage dealers in the game, and Barret’s powerful ranged attacks coupled with a suite of amazing Limit Breaks ensure that he can stay out of harm’s way while riddling enemies with bullets. Finally,the third slot can be occupied by Cid, who is as powerful as they come and can use his final Limit Break to decimate foes with his Highwind.
Final Fantasy 10is the last classic game in the series developed by Squaresoft before they merged with Enix. It was a game ahead of its time, incorporating an isekai storyline way before this genre became mainstream. Trying to stop Sin’s cycle of chaos without sacrificing Yuna makes for an engaging plot with several revelations along the way that enhance the emotions players feel while jumping into the final battle.
Every party member starts at one particular spot on the Sphere Grid, letting them upgrade their stats and acquire abilities that fit them in a certain class.While Tidus can be removed from the party, his Time Mage skills are essential for players to manipulate this game’s Conditional Turn-Based battle system. Auron is a physical tank that can hit for immense damage, and Yuna’s combination of summons and healing magic ensures that the party’s bases are covered when they enter a battle with this trio.
