Summary
Final Fantasyboasts numerous compelling JRPGs that fans can get lost in. While the games pride themselves on a lack of linearity, most games in the series have a pre-determined path that players should follow if they don’t want to be frustrated after getting lost or facing enemies way higher than their level.
However, there are someFinal Fantasygames that encourage players to explore and uncover secrets that will enthrall them. This focus on freedom ensures that players will love heading to distant corners of the map, especially since their efforts are usually rewarded in some form or another.
Final Fantasy 2is a game that everyone loves to hate, with people rightfully considering it to be the black sheep of the series. However, once players adjust to the weird leveling system of this title, they’ll uncover a game that promotes player freedom from the get-go.
From the very moment players get to control the main party, they can explore the massive world map without any limits. While a random encounter at a high-level region of the map is bound to lead to their demise, this freedom should still be highlighted regardless.
The opening section of Midgar serves as a lengthy and brilliant introduction to Gaia and how Shinra is ruining the planet by siphoning its Lifestream. While this section is linear, it eases players into the game before the world truly opens up.
Once players leave Midgar, they’ll explore a massive world full of unlimited opportunities to explore. While players have to complete certain sections of the main story to unlock more areas to explore, the freedom that players enjoy after their initial stint in Midgar is still unmatched.
Final Fantasy 16may seem a bit too small at times, but the fact that players are encouraged to revisit sections of the world to complete side quests and take part in hunts is still appreciated. After unlocking Ambrosia, players will find it easier to explore the worldand uncover its secrets.
This backtracking can be rather tiresome after a point, but players who are invested in the world and its characters won’t mind this all that much. Even with the regions being way smaller than fans expected, that should take nothing away from the brilliance ofFinal Fantasy 16.
Final Fantasy 8is a game that everyone loves or hates, but there’s no denying that the open world wastes no time in showing its open nature once players unlock the floating Balamb Garden. The options to explore are limitless and become grander after gaining access to the Ragnarok.
With this airship, players can explore secret research locations and acquire hidden Guardian Forces to bolster their arsenal considerably. ThisallowsFinal Fantasy 8to shine when it comes to promoting player freedom, rewarding players for exploring every nook and cranny of the world map.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13is one of the firstFinal Fantasygames to let players explore a truly open world with limitless potential. While there’s a timer ticking down and bearing on players, the game gives players numerous options to extend and delay this timer as much as possible.
This rewards ingenious players by letting them interact with meaningful content and helping Lightning become stronger than ever.By the time players reach Bhunivelze, dilligent players who made the most of the freedom afforded by this game will be strong enough to beat this god in style.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis an excellent video game that builds upon the success ofRemake. By leaving the city of Midgar, players will be encouraged toexplore an open world that is brimming with secrets and side quests.
While the sandbox itself may feel a bit by-the-numbers at times, that should take nothing away from the amazing sense of exploration promoted by this game. Players will love customizing their party and scouring the world, acquiring powerful materia and items in the process.
The first truly open worldFinal Fantasygame had its issues, but fans can’t deny that the sandbox of this game is beautiful. While the bulk of this title’s gameplay revolves around combat, players who want to fight tough monsters and encounter unique foes will love exploring every nook and cranny of this world.
The side quests may be somewhat disappointing, but that should take nothing away from the amazing sense of freedom fans enjoy inFinal Fantasy 15. It’s a shame that the latter half of the story abandons this open world altogether, even if players always have the option of returning to this sandbox and tying up any loose ends.
Final Fantasy 6is hailed by many as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, with its non-linear design being key to this reception. The World of Balance does a great job of introducing the heroes and the threat they have to deal with before things go south.
After Kefkareduces the world to a state of ruin, players control Celes and can explore the world map however they see fit, eventually acquiring the Blackjack. While it’s possible to make a beeline for Kefka’s tower from this very moment, players are encouraged to explore and gather the entire party before they decide to make one final attempt to stop the mad jester’s reign of tyranny.
