Ultimate Ranking Guide: Unleashing the Best Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Characters

Final Fantasy has been the leading RPG franchise for over 35 years, with a total of 16 numbered entries and numerous spin-offs that have captivated fans and immersed them in beloved characters and worlds for countless hours. The upcoming release of Final Fantasy 16 has generated significant excitement among fans, as it explores new gameplay mechanics while also returning to the enchanting high-fantasy setting that the series is known for. In the past year, Square Enix has made the first six Final Fantasy titles available on modern platforms through the Pixel Remaster series. It's worth noting that many key members of the Final Fantasy 16 development team hold these early games in high regard, considering them as personal favorites within the franchise.

The journey begins with the original Final Fantasy, which was released in 1987, and concludes with the beloved Final Fantasy 6 in 1994. These initial six games laid the groundwork for the mechanics and elements that have become synonymous with Japanese-developed RPGs. Moreover, they pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games, surpassing expectations and setting new standards. However, it is important to mention that not all of these titles have attained the status of certified classics. Some of the early Final Fantasy sequels served as experimental platforms, testing features that would ultimately be refined and perfected in later installments.

S Tier

Final Fantasy 6 has had a profound and enduring impact on its respective genres for almost three decades. Serving as the culmination of the 16-bit era, the game goes above and beyond in terms of both gameplay and storytelling. It presents players with what can be argued as the most compelling narrative in any Final Fantasy title, accompanied by a diverse and well-developed cast of characters. Moreover, Final Fantasy 6 offers unprecedented levels of party customization, thanks to the introduction of Espers. This innovation allowed any character to learn magic, potentially laying the foundation for Final Fantasy 7's Materia system. In addition to refining and improving upon the established Final Fantasy formula, the game boasts one of the most iconic villains in the entire series, Kefka. His presence provides a grim reality check, exploring the unsettling notion of what would happen if the antagonists emerged victorious.

Despite not being as frequently mentioned as Final Fantasy 6 in terms of the series' best titles, Final Fantasy 4 holds great significance as the franchise's first entry on 16-bit hardware. Prior to its release, the previous games in the series had narratives that focused more on the overarching plot, with less emphasis on character interactions and relationships. In comparison, Final Fantasy 4's narrative was a significant leap forward, providing players with a captivating cast of heroes and villains.

The game's late-game twists and surprising revelations remain some of the franchise's most memorable moments. Additionally, the love triangle between Cecil, Rosa, and Kain set the stage for the "will they/won't they" dynamic between Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa in Final Fantasy 7. With the introduction of the Active-Time Battle system and an exceptional final boss battle, Final Fantasy 4 stands as a strong contender for the best in the series alongside Final Fantasy 6.

A Tier

Final Fantasy 5 holds a significant position among the favorite games of the developers of Final Fantasy 16, highlighting its importance. Unlike Final Fantasy 4 and Final Fantasy 6, which received widespread recognition, Final Fantasy 5 did not have a Western release or localization on 16-bit hardware. What sets it apart from its predecessor and follow-up is its lighter and more humorous tone, with a plot that has lower stakes.

One notable aspect of Final Fantasy 5 is the reintroduction and improvements made to the job system from Final Fantasy 3. This allows players to have almost endless possibilities in crafting their party. It is interesting to see the connection between the Jobs and Abilities in Final Fantasy 5 and the mechanics found in Final Fantasy Tactics. While it may not reach the same level of greatness as its SNES counterparts, Final Fantasy 5 is still an exceptional title that should not be overlooked.

B Tier

Final Fantasy 3 introduced innovative and important mechanics to the series, despite lacking the polish seen in later sequels. It embraced charm and lightheartedness, setting a new precedent for player freedom in crafting their party, a feature that would be adopted by other RPGs, including future installments of the Final Fantasy franchise.

C Tier

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection is accessible on various platforms including Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and PS5.