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Throughout the years, Final Fantasy has certainly evolved in terms of its mainline entries, and it's great that it has. If I were to go back to play some of the classic entries now, I would find it impossible to do so, as modern games like Final Fantasy 16 and even Final Fantasy 7 have evolved the gameplay it's known for in such a way that it would be hard to give it up for what was considered good in the past.
However, despite that, there are a few of the older entries that have actually stood the test of time. While it may be hard to believe, I can confidently say that a few are still worth playing in 2025, despite some flaws here and there.
As for what those games are, continue reading to find out.
1. Final Fantasy IX
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This would have to be my first pick when it comes to the franchise's entries that can still be played even today. Final Fantasy 9 is a game with an amazing storyline that's easy to digest, excluding the huge exposition dump near the end, and a cast of characters that people can actually feel something for.
Even now, I can still boot it up and have a grand time, as the pace of its narrative is smooth, while the way it's told manages to keep my attention and make me care. It also helps that it properly handled the Active Time Battle system the franchise is known for, not going too far with the formula, but changing enough to make battles engaging and fun even when experienced in 2025.
2. Final Fantasy VII
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Final Fantasy 7 is arguably the most popular out of all the entries, and while I personally don't believe it should be, I certainly see why it is. The game managed to capture me as soon as its opening act began, properly introducing its characters and making me learn how combat works in a smooth and easy-to-understand manner, all within the first few minutes.
After such a great beginning, Final Fantasy 7 doesn't let up in telling you that there's a lot more to do and look forward to, including the games that can be participated in at the Gold Saucer, to the Quick Time Events that will eventually happen when you least expect it. With a game of quality like that, it should be no surprise that it's still fun to play in 2025.
3. Final Fantasy VI
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I understand that some might not want to return to something more 2D, especially since games like the ones previously mentioned emphasized that there's no need to. However, skipping out on Final Fantasy 6 just for that reason would be a huge mistake. I would know, as I also ignored it for the longest time just because it wasn't in 3D, but then I gave it a chance and found that it's one of the best entries in the franchise.
It feels like it took some of the things that made Final Fantasy 7 and 9 great, such as having an intriguing but dark story alongside a charming cast of characters, before improving upon them in every possible way. I can say that it being in 2D has actually helped it become a timeless classic, because its capabilities allow it to go crazy since it doesn't have to deal with the limitations it would've had if it were in 3D.
Square Enix did a fine job with the Final Fantasy entries mentioned above, and I hope that anyone who is yet to play such masterpieces will give them a try someday. They're all great titles, and they should be given the chance to show it in the modern era of gaming.
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