"Underrated" Until 'FF IV'? The Surprising Appeal of Final Fantasy as Seen from Overseas Re-evaluation Lists

What Works Are Included in the "Underrated FF" List?

When asked, "What's your favorite Final Fantasy?" many people can quickly name one. However, when asked, "Which FF did you skip because of its reputation?" a different title might come to mind.

The atmosphere was too different from the previous game. It was online, so I didn't try it. It was a spin-off, so I put it off. The trailer became a meme, and I was satisfied with just that.

In a long-running series, not only the quality of the work itself but also the initial impression can influence its evaluation.

From this perspective, the overseas gaming media Polygon selected seven "underrated FF" titles. From 'Final Fantasy X-2' to 'Final Fantasy IV', the lineup varies in era and gameplay.

However, this is not a ranking based on sales or review scores. It's a list chosen by the writers to shine a light on each work once more.

Japanese readers might feel that some of these works are already well-appreciated. Viewing it with that sense of incongruity reveals the broadness of the FF series.

1. 'Final Fantasy X-2'—The Depth of Combat Beyond the Bright Yuna

When discussing 'FF X-2', the bold image change is often the first thing that comes to mind.

From the heavy mission-laden journey of 'FF X', Yuna, Rikku, and Paine embark on a new adventure. The costumes and presentation are glamorous, which might have been bewildering for those who cherished the previous game's afterglow.

However, judging by that impression alone might cause you to overlook the fun of the combat system.

The "Dressphere" system in this game changes the way you fight along with the costumes. While the visual changes catch the eye, the system is also an evolution of the job system that FF has been building. There's the joy of switching roles according to the situation and thinking about how to use the abilities you've developed.

Polygon appreciates the balance between the glamorous expression and the depth of customization and combat.

The way the story is perceived also changes slightly with a different perspective. What does a person who lived to save the world choose for themselves afterward? The brightness can be seen as a "departure from the previous work" or read as "life after being freed from a mission."

This sequel contains charms that are hard to find if you're only seeking the same emotions as 'FF X'.

2. 'Theatrhythm Final Bar Line'—Choosing to Return to FF Through Music

Memories of FF aren't made up of visuals alone.

Hearing the opening of a battle theme can remind you of a tough boss fight. The town's music can bring back the atmosphere of the room where you played back then. For those with such experiences, 'Theatrhythm Final Bar Line' becomes a special gateway.

The standard edition includes 385 songs. The official site lists a total of 505 songs, including 27 exclusive to the Digital Deluxe Edition and 93 DLC songs. It's important to note that not everything is playable with just the standard edition.

This work is not just about listening to songs. By operating in rhythm and forming a party with characters, it connects the fun of music and RPGs.

For long-time Japanese fans, there might be those who think, "I don't have time to replay my favorite works from the start, but I want to return to that world." Instead of restarting a long story, you can trace your memories from a single song.

Encountering music from unplayed works is also significant. It's a work that not only lets you savor nostalgia but also sparks new interest, thinking, "I want to play the game where this song plays."

3. 'Final Fantasy Type-0'—A Heavy War Drama in the Guise of a School

In 'Final Fantasy Type-0', 14 young people stand on the battlefield. More than the elements of school and uniforms might suggest, the weight of war is at the forefront.

Polygon highlights the structure where school life and combat intersect, introducing it with an angle reminiscent of the 'Persona' series. However, for Japanese readers, it's easier to grasp the characteristics of this work by considering it a story where students are burdened with military roles rather than viewing it as "FF's version of Persona."

The large number of protagonists is not just about quantity. Each has a different fighting style, and changing the character you control changes the feel of the action.

On the other hand, with many characters and world settings, it can't be said to be an easy entry. Some might feel a distance before grasping whom to focus on and what's happening.

Still, the theme of "young people placed at the center of war" holds a strength different from glamorous hero tales.

For those who thought it would be a light adventure because it's a spin-off, it's a surprisingly compelling title.

4. 'MONSTER OF THE DEEP: FINAL FANTASY XV'—Staying in the World Without Saving It

Among the list, 'MONSTER OF THE DEEP: FINAL FANTASY XV' stands out as particularly unique.

Set in the world of 'FF XV', it's a fishing game exclusively for the original PlayStation VR. Instead of advancing the series' grand narrative, it focuses on the experience of standing by the water in that world.

Interestingly, Polygon doesn't unconditionally praise this work. It acknowledges past complaints about controls and pacing while finding value in it as "virtual tourism."

Is it necessary to keep achieving something in the game world?

Enjoying the view, spending time near the characters, and experiencing the feeling of being in that world are meaningful to fans.

The potential shown by this work is not just about how combat changes if FF is made into VR. It's about whether visiting the world of FF itself can be an experience.

Note that it's a work for the original PS VR and is not compatible with PS VR2. If interested, be mindful of the difference in compatible devices.

5. 'Final Fantasy XI'—Memories of Adventures with Others Add Depth to the World

The inclusion of 'FF XI' as a "more deserving work" might elicit various reactions from Japanese players.

For those who played it as if living in it for a long time, it's already a special work. Meanwhile, even those following the main series might have left it unplayed, thinking, "It's an online game."

Polygon appreciates the attachment to the world that arises from overcoming difficulties in cooperation with others.

Because movement and strategy aren't easy, the moments when you were helped remain in memory. Reaching the desired location or defeating a formidable enemy becomes a shared event with someone. This accumulation gives personal meaning to place names and landscapes.

However, it's not appropriate to decide its current state based only on the old impression of "you can't do anything without companions."

The officially guided "Trust" system allows you to summon replicas of famous characters to support you with attacks and healing. Elements that help you progress solo are also provided.

To truly reconsider 'FF XI', one must look at both the communal appeal and the gateway to experiencing the story solo.

6. 'STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN'—It's a Waste to Judge by "Chaos" Alone

The protagonist Jack's intense behavior might have set the first impression for some.

The obsession with "defeating Chaos" and the blunt attitude drew attention to 'STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN'. However, what Polygon highly values is the action and job system beneath that exterior.

The combat developed by Team NINJA ties the response to enemy attacks with the fun of combining jobs. Since you fight by switching between two jobs, the feel of the strategy changes depending on the chosen setup, even against the same enemy.

What should be noted is that despite being an action game, it offers a rich taste of FF's job play.

Which roles to combine, and how to develop a character's strengths—those who enjoy such trial and error will find charms that weren't conveyed in the trailer alone.

Of course, the rough dialogue and unique presentation may not suit everyone's taste. But understanding it only as "a game with a meme-worthy protagonist" misses much of what this work offers.

7. 'Final Fantasy IV'—Even a Famous Classic Might Not Have Its Fun Fully Conveyed

The most surprising selection for Japanese readers might be 'FF IV'.

Cecil, Kain, Rosa, Rydia—just hearing the names of the characters can bring back memories of the story and music. At the very least, it's not a "hidden gem unknown to anyone."

Still, Polygon urges attention to the charm of character portrayal and drama that existed before 'FF VII' and 'FF X' were often discussed.

The fun of 'FF IV' also lies in how character circumstances are tied to combat features.

Rydia's experiences manifest as resistance to using certain magic. Cecil's major turning point is conveyed to the player as a change in abilities. The time spent watching the story and controlling the characters isn't completely separate.

Because you can't freely assign roles to everyone, each character's strengths and weaknesses remain as part of their persona.

Approaching it with the mindset of "completing an important old work" is a bit of a waste. It should be reconsidered as a work where you can enjoy the fun of being drawn forward by human relationships and major shifts.

Reactions on Social Media and Overseas Forums—Praise for Combat and Confusion Over Story Coexist

So, how do actual players view it?

Here, we introduce existing posts about each work that can be found on Reddit. These are not direct reactions to the current Polygon article but summaries of individual users' impressions and do not represent the overall evaluation by fans.

For 'FF X-2', there are voices that highly praise the combat tempo and job system. In threads discussing the work in 2024, there are opinions that the combat felt faster and the development more enjoyable than 'FF X'. In another post, the job system of 'FF X-2' is mentioned as an example of a sequel with an excellent game system.

On the other hand, in a post discussing dissatisfaction in 2022, there are opinions that the combat, Dressphere, and story didn't match their preferences.

This isn't simply a matter of "those who understand praise it, those who don't dislike it." People who liked the carefully considered combat of 'FF X' and those who enjoy the fast-paced switching seek different experiences.

'STRANGER OF PARADISE' also has similar divided evaluations.

In a 2024 post, there are impressions that, although it was hard to get interested at first, by the end, they were drawn into the characters' journey and appreciated the diverse combat styles.

Conversely, in another 2023 post, while dissatisfaction with the visuals, story, and monotonous maps was raised, the combat was highly praised as very enjoyable.

What these voices reveal is that "having flaws" and "being captivating" can coexist.

When reputations are summarized into a single score, these nuances disappear, but beyond the presentation that one person found lacking, another found the combat or development they were seeking. Reevaluation doesn't necessarily mean everyone's opinions align favorably.

For Japanese Fans, It's More of a "Re-selection" List Than a "Reversal of Evaluation"

The seven works this time have no common way of playing.

Some works continue the story, while others are played to music. Some place you on the battlefield, others have you walk the world with companions, and some let you fish while enjoying the scenery.

That's why measuring everything with a single "FF-ness" can easily overlook their charms.

Moreover, memories in Japan and selections by overseas media don't always align. Those who have cherished 'FF IV' as a masterpiece might naturally think, "Why now?" when seeing this list.

What's important is not changing your evaluation just because it was mentioned overseas. It's about using it as an opportunity to discover fun aspects you haven't experienced yet.

Even works that didn't match your mood in the past might now offer enjoyable combat. Even if you don't have time for a long story, you might return through music.

You don't need to decide the next FF to play based solely on numerical order or past reputation. By reconsidering "What kind of adventure do I want now?", a title you once passed over might unexpectedly become a favorite.

Sources and Reference URLs

1. Polygon "7 Final Fantasy games that deserved better"
   Selection of the seven works and evaluations by each writer.
   https://www.polygon.com/ff-final-fantasy-games-underrated-overlooked/

2. Square Enix 'Theatrhythm Final Bar Line' Official Site
   Confirmation of the content: 385 songs in the standard edition, 27 exclusive songs, 93 DLC songs, totaling 505 songs.SQUARE ENIX
   https://www.jp.square-enix.com/t_fbl/

3. Square Enix 'Final Fantasy Type-0 HD' News Release
   Confirmation of the work's overview as an action RPG where you control 14 characters.SQUARE ENIX
   https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2015/html/f80fcb3b43030