What would be good for a first FF game?

[cornmancer]

Hi I'm new to these forums and had a question. In short, the only thing even close to a final fantasy game I've ever played is Kingdom Hearts, and I was thinking about getting one of these games and getting into the series, so I was wondering which game you guys would recommend. I was thinking either X or XII because they would be easier to get than most of these games, though I might get the new Chrono Trigger DS even though it's not an FF game. I'm sorry to annoy all of you with my noobish question, I visit a guitar forum, ultimate-guitar.com, a lot of the time, and while we do think it's good that people want to learn guitar the "Lulz im NeW to geetar" threads that pop up everyday get annoying.

[Padraic]

Maybe start with FF1+2 on dawn of souls (GBA)... anyplace sells used games shold have it its the original and one of the best. but if you have a DS get FFIV which in my point of view is the best one by far, and should still be selling in stores... also welcome to the forums and enjoy your stay

[cornmancer]

Thank you. I was thinking that one of the GBA or DS games would be good to, because weren't a lot of them remakes of the old ones for NES and SNEs, but I thought that maybe those first few wouldn't be as good because there would be lots of game play elements introduced later.

[Padraic]

All FF games have their own style of gameplay each a little different. Like take FFIII and FFII. FFIII your MP is based on its magic level and each spell costs 1 mp, and you can change jobs, and that job levels with you (at a different pace as your characters level), but in FFII you don't gain levels, you gain stats depending on how you fight. But your weapons level (don't know what that does sorry ) and so does your magic (It gets stronger and the animation changes... thats what I know)

[cornmancer]

Interesting. We're going to go to Game Stop later, I bought LOZ: Wind Waker last week and the copy they gave me was broken, so I might have to take $20-$30 and see what they have. I still like the idea of Chrono Trigger DS because from what I've read that seems a little more casual, though not by much, and I've played lots of action rpgs, but the only turn-based rpgs I've played are the Paper Mario games and the Mario & Luigi games.

[Xanatos]

You can begin with any game in the series mainly because every FF in the main series is basically different, that goes mostly for characters and story. I will recommend you FF IV seeing that you have a DS, it's not the best game in the series but nevertheless it's a good one. I've played only SNES and GBA version and it's simply great so it can't be any worse for DS, if anything else I think it's better knowing that it has improved graphics. I will agree with Sandchu on "Dawn of Souls" mainly because you get two FF games (FF I and II) for price of one. But there is one game that I would recommend you over these two, and that would be FF VI for GBA. If you by any chance stumble on this game than my advice would be that you buy it, I assure you, you won't regret it. Chrono Trigger for DS is also an excellent choice, a remarkable RPG game.

[Rocky]

Chrono Trigger for the DS is a very solid game, I highly recommend it if you are new to RPG games. I got it back when I was a kid back in the SNES era, and I fell in love with it, so I'm sure you will appreciate it as well. For a first timer trying to get into the Final Fantasy series, I think FFX would be a good start. I haven't honestly played enough FFXII, but FFX has a lot of the older elements of the FF series blended in an innovative way. But like Sandchu said, a lot of the Final Fantasy games have different gameplay elements, so it's kind of tough to figure out what game you would like to start on.

Besides Kingdom Hearts, what other kinds of RPG games have you played before that you enjoyed?

[cornmancer]

Thank you all for your help. I looked around when I got there they had chrono trigger, IV and X. I went with X because I was just getting good vibes from it, and it was cheap enough that I could but Resident Evil 4 along with it.

edit:^ I've played Fallout 3, Oblivion, both Paper Mario games, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and a few Pokemon games. I'm kind of new to RPGs, but I want to get into them because the ones I've played are extremely fun.

[Padraic]

yes RPGs are the best kind of game and there are 3 paper Mario games... N64, GCN, and Wii... well have fun with X, and I hope you like it... though I doubt it can compare to IV

[Firefly]

Let me just say good choice on deciding to get FFX.That was my first game I ever played that was a rpg.(i know..don't remind me)It was alot of fun,and so was FFXII,but FFX was better.May I recommend getting FFVIII next on your list?It was wonderful game,and very fun..only if you have a ps1 memory card.LOL

[cornmancer]

yes RPGs are the best kind of game and there are 3 paper Mario games... N64, GCN, and Wii... well have fun with X, and I hope you like it... though I doubt it can compare to IV

I've played n64 and the GCN one, I have yet to even try the new one.

Edit: I've got my PS1 memory card in slot B right now actually, I keep it in there for when I play Crash Bandicoot 3 or Spyro.

[smithhanson]

Just about any game would work. I would advise against getting something like Crisis Core or Dirge of Cerberus though - if you want to get those, play Final Fantasy VII first.

Other than that, every game has its own gameplay and story behind it, so there's really no official "starting game".

[Zerobanshee]

My starting game was Final Fantasy VIII. I would recommend playing it, but after you got to play the others. VIII is more in depth with character customization, and may be confusing at first.

I would recommend IX, if you can find a copy cheap enough. It has some really outlandish characters, and is overall a very great game. It takes elements of the old, and mixes with the new.

I also recommend X, for reasons stated earlier, and I also recommend Crono Trigger, also stated earlier.

[Freya]

My starting game was Final Fantasy VIII. I would recommend playing it, but after you got to play the others. VIII is more in depth with character customization, and may be confusing at first.

It is, it is. I started with VIII and didn't get the system at all because I was knew to that kind of RPGs. xD" I wouldn't recommend it as first game.

I'd also recommend FFX. It's not about the graphics, it's just easy to begin with. The system is explained thoroughly and you can't do anything wrong in the game. You have a straight storyline and even aren't allowed to go anywhere else. In most FFs you have to search for your way, and the world maps are large. (DON'T DARE STARTING WITH FFI! XD" You'll probably need a walkthrough because you seldom have ANY idea where to go next. ^^")

[The Moogle Shinigami]

I suggest FF X myself. It's by far the easiest and it's a good way to get a feel for the game. My first was FF 7...It's a good game only if you want to play 8-12 with ease and don't mind frustration...Oh yes controllers will be thrown if you chose 7.

[Elyon Seraphim]

I'd like you to start with 1 and go up...

I did not do it but that could be fun playing them and completing them in an order...

All FF games are rather fantastic!