As Uncle Nobu wisely stated, “With great mainlines come great spinoffs.”This adage rings especially true for the Final Fantasy series, which boasts sixteen main entries and an impressive array of spinoffs that far exceed that number.
Whether you’re in the mood for rhythm games, fighting titles, strategic challenges, or dungeon crawlers, the Final Fantasy universe has something for everyone. Some spinoffs have achieved remarkable acclaim, even surpassing certain mainline titles, while others have garnered less enthusiasm.
Additionally, we can’t overlook the new Square Enix franchises that, while no longer named Final Fantasy (like the Mana series), still embody the hallmark elements that established the developer as a leader in the RPG landscape.
For the sake of focus, this list will strictly cover spinoffs that retain the Final Fantasy name, foregoing entries like Chocobo Dungeon. With that clarified, let’s dive into a personal ranking of the top Final Fantasy spinoffs.
10 Final Fantasy Explorers
Not Enough Exploration
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the Monster Hunter formula, which revolves around repetitively hunting the same creature to gather materials. I typically enjoy the grinding aspects characteristic of JRPGs; however, I took a chance on Final Fantasy Explorers without prior research, hoping for a surprise. It turns out, the game mirrors the Monster Hunter gameplay loop, all within the enchanting Final Fantasy setting.
As explorers, our mission involves seeking out crystals. This is achieved by accepting quests, venturing into different zones, and primarily hunting monsters. The twist? Players can customize their characters using Job systems familiar to veteran fans.
Despite some repetitive quests, the ability to morph spells and attributes captured my attention. For instance, evolving a Fire spell into a Poison variant introduces new strategic elements. Custom-naming abilities added an enjoyable personal touch to the gameplay experience.
9 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
Bring Back WiiWare
The Wii, being my first internet-connected console, offered a new realm of gaming. While exploring its online facets, I stumbled upon Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King.
The game presents a captivating city-building simulation set in the universe of Crystal Chronicles, occurring after the original game’s events. Following the devastating miasma, you take on the role of young King Leo, tasked with rebuilding your kingdom.
Using the crystal’s power, players can generate structures, draw in residents, and expand their realm while collecting resources called elementites. Instead of participating in dungeons personally, you recruit and send mercenaries on missions, each with unique Jobs.
The charm of daily play often led me to lose track of time as I built structures, improved morale, and managed resources, creating an appealing simulation experience. Unfortunately, its accessibility has waned since the WiiWare service’s discontinuation.
8 Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Love The Songs, Suck At Rhythm
Regardless of personal favorites among the Final Fantasy titles, fans universally acknowledge one truth: the series consistently delivers outstanding soundtracks. With compositions from legends like Nobuo Uematsu and Yoko Shimomura, the musical quality is exceptional.
To honor this legacy, a rhythm spinoff was created, featuring iconic tracks from across the series, resulting in five games, the most notable being Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. This installment includes over 500 tracks from both Final Fantasy and other Square Enix titles.
The rhythmic gameplay, along with RPG elements, engages both casual players and hardcore fans. Personally, I tended to overlook strategy and attribute management, choosing party members based on nostalgia for the respective mainline titles.
Ultimately, reliving these enchanting tracks offered a nostalgic escape from adult responsibilities.
7 Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Jack “Fred Durst” Garland
While the Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin had its share of memes during its initial reveal, it ultimately offers a compelling gaming experience, despite its chaotic reputation.
Embracing the Soulslike genre, the game is not strictly a Soulslike but incorporates familiar features, including respawning enemies and challenging combat mechanics.
True to the Final Fantasy brand, it offers an elaborate Job system enhancing gameplay depth. I never expected to enjoy playing a Black Mage in an action combat environment, but it felt incredibly satisfying.
However, the “Origin”aspect feels underwhelming, as it serves as a prequel to the very first game without fully delivering a coherent narrative. Still, exploring dungeons inspired by the mainline series was a gratifying endeavor.
6 Dissidia Final Fantasy
Best Crossover Ever
Despite not being a dedicated fighting game enthusiast, Dissidia Final Fantasy captured my interest with its unique crossovers featuring characters from various entries in the series. The solid combat mechanics are an added bonus.
Witnessing character interactions and banter among the protagonists was delightful. While similar crossovers existed in Kingdom Hearts, this time the focus is entirely on the Final Fantasy ensemble.
Each character’s combat style and role reflect their original games, making battles feel authentic. As someone who often played as Kain Highwind, I learned to use the environment strategically while supporting teammates like Terra during intense encounters.
A fun tidbit: Noctis has more interaction with Lightning in a single cutscene than he does with Lunafreya throughout the entirety of Final Fantasy XV.
5 Final Fantasy Dimensions
When Mobile Final Fantasy Was Good
I have explored various Final Fantasy mobile games, including Mobius, Ever Crisis, and Brave Exvius, but none quite match the charm of Final Fantasy Dimensions. Downloading it on my Sony Xperia was a decision I didn’t regret, even if it affected my productivity at work.
This game blends elements from Final Fantasy III and V, featuring a storyline with eight distinct characters following the shattering of a crystal. As a result, the world is divided, leading to the formation of the Warriors of Light and the Warriors of Darkness.
Gameplay involves toggling between these two parties as they embark on a quest to gather crystal shards and confront the Avalon Empire. As new shards are collected, unique Jobs align with each character’s elemental traits, enhancing their versatility and strategy.
This captivating game left a lasting impression on me, and I hope Square Enix eventually brings it back for a newer generation to experience.
4 World of Final Fantasy
A Jiant World
Another impulsive buy for me was World of Final Fantasy. Drawn in by its art style, it turned out to be one of my best gaming purchases. This title cleverly merges the essence of Final Fantasy with creature collection, akin to a Pokémon-like experience.
In the vibrant world of Grymoire, players assume the roles of Lann and Reynn, two amnesiac siblings gifted with the ability to tame Mirages—adorable creatures that accompany them on their journey to combat the Bahamutian Army, featuring cameos from iconic Final Fantasy characters.
The engaging battle system reintroduces the beloved ATB system, adorned with new elements allowing players to influence the timeline of character actions. Depending on their chosen form—Jiant (normal size) or Lilikin (chibi)—players can stack allies for strategic advantages.
This game marries fun, strategy, and challenge beautifully, allowing for monster evolution and the recreation of the franchise’s famous Summons.
3 Final Fantasy Type-0
Mature Themes, Underaged Characters
My journey with Final Fantasy Type-0 began with the PS4 version, as I never experienced the original on PSP. Nevertheless, my love for the game blossomed, despite some clunky combat and an occasionally convoluted storyline.
The game’s opening showcases a war among students, the loss of a beloved chocobo, and a haunting premise where the power of the crystal erases the memories of those lost in battle. This dark context sets the tone for an engaging narrative.
While the story unfolds in a complex manner, its captivating themes resonate strongly, reflecting on the realities of war and pain. Each member of Class Zero possesses unique attributes, making every character feel distinct in both story and combat.
The action-based combat system allows players to switch seamlessly between characters, each armed with unique weapons and skills. However, tactical segments could have been streamlined for a more cohesive experience; they add context to war but detract from fluid gameplay.
2 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Best Boy Zack Fair
Many claim that Final Fantasy Type-0 improved upon the mechanics introduced in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a statement that holds merit for those who prefer a rich character roster. Yet, Crisis Core remains a masterclass in polished gameplay.
Although I’m not particularly fond of the DMW (a slot machine mechanic), I appreciate how it dynamically shapes the battle experience, influencing outcomes based on your equipped Materia. The combat seems straightforward, yet it’s nuanced enough to keep you on your toes.
Invisible systems enhancing gameplay mechanics create a sense of anticipation throughout battles, reminding players to strategize for any situation. The thrill comes from executing Limit Breaks that can dramatically shift the course of combat.
Ultimately, though, the true draw of Crisis Core lies in following Zack Fair’s emotional journey in the SOLDIER ranks, uncovering the mysteries behind Sephiroth’s demise and Cloud’s shattered identity—all culminating in an unforgettable, poignant ending.
1 Final Fantasy Tactics
The King of Spinoffs
It’s no surprise that Final Fantasy Tactics claims the top spot among spinoffs—not just in the Final Fantasy universe but also within the entire JRPG genre. The story follows Ramza Beoulve’s heroic adventures, which are often obscured by history as he navigates the Political intrigue of Ivalice amidst the War of the Lions.
The excellence of Tactics can be attributed to its profound script, which echoes societal issues like class division and political struggles—topics as relevant today as they were upon the game’s release. The sharp dialogue frequently leads to misattributed quotes circulating on social media.
Couple this with a robust tactical combat system, now more accessible thanks to The Ivalice Chronicles version, and you have a game that draws players in for countless hours. Each Job class boasts unique abilities, allowing for extensive customization and rewarding strategic experimentation.
If you’ve overlooked Final Fantasy Tactics due to misconceptions about spinoffs or its age, now is the time to delve into its rich narrative and intricate gameplay mechanics. Join the legacy of Ramza Beoulve and ensure his tale endures.
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