Final Fantasy Games that Deserve a Prequel, Ranked

Summary

• Final Fantasy prequels could delve into untapped lore and explore conflicts preceding existing storylines.
• Potential prequel focuses include the rise of the Archadian Empire in FF12 and Braska’s pilgrimage in FF10.
• Prequels for FF games like FF9 and FF6 could provide rich narratives by exploring background stories, conflicts, and historical events.

The Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most successful RPGs in gaming, with over twenty games (including both mainline titles and spin-off games). From the very early days of the PlayStation One, Final Fantasy has been a household name that has delivered breathtaking stories and left a deep impression on fans all around the world. Each Final Fantasy game pushes the envelope with a brand-new world facing a brand-new conflict.

While each Final Fantasy story that comes out is just as good as the last, looking back may be an interesting idea for the franchise. There is an endless amount of lore in numerous Final Fantasy games, and a prequel may be a strong way to explore that untapped potential. Here are some of the best Final Fantasy games that deserve a prequel.

8

Final Fantasy 12

A Focus on the Rise of the Archadian Empire

Final Fantasy XII is an underrated gem that was overshadowed by previous and future installments in the franchise. While the majority of the fanbase are seeking a remake or remaster of the title, a more interesting take on the game is to explore the past events leading up to the conflict in the story.

A Final Fantasy XII prequel game could focus on the kingdom of Nabaria and give a detailed experience of its decline. A game with the same theme as Final Fantasy Type-0 would make a great structure for a tragic war epic that players must endure to reach the modern day of the Archadian Empire.

7

Final Fantasy Tactics

Players Live Through the Fifty-Year War

Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the most popular titles in the Final Fantasy franchise (outside of the main line of games). The story and gameplay are all celebrated for the innovation and attention to detail placed in the game.

A prequel to the game would explore the roots of the Fifty-Year War between Invalice and Ordalia, and while the game could introduce new characters and histories lost to conflict, it could also follow the past events of characters like Ramnza’s father, Balbanes, or even take a different political approach and explore the duke’s rise to power.

6

Final Fantasy 9

What Ignited the Spark Between the Two Worlds

Final Fantasy IX has some of the richest lore in the franchise that has never seen the light of day outside of the original game. While Final Fantasy IX was a fantastic title with interesting heroes and villains, a prequel to the series would dive into a magical journey that may even transcend time.

There are countless points of entry for a prequel to the series that could bring the history of Garland to life. Additionally, the game could have a grand scale and focus on the Mist War and the violence that nearly tore Terra apart.

5

Final Fantasy 6

An Untapped Story Full of Conflict

The perfect setting for Final Fantasy VI would be to explore the catastrophic war that erupted between mages and espers one thousand years in the past. In Final Fantasy VI, the world is nearly devoid of magic due to the war of Magi. Exploring the conflict, traveling back to the height of the Mage Kingdom, and examining how the Espers were abused would make for a thrilling story.

Players could see the beauty that was torn down by corruption in a failed attempt to save a dying civilization, or take part in the war as Esper rebels seeking freedom and justice.

4

Final Fantasy 4

An Intergalactic Voyage

Final Fantasy IV is one of the more expansive and innovative Final Fantasy games in terms of narrative. Not many games in the Final Fantasy franchise shoot toward the stars on such a grand scale while at the same time leaving so much potential on the table.

A second story diving into the origins of magic and the Lunarinans’ race as a whole would make a fantastic setting for a prequel game. The game could also focus on the origins of the conflict between the Blue Planet and the Red Moon. While the story would be an extremely high concept, it would make for an incredibly adventurous project.

3

Final Fantasy 15

A Royal Prequel Would Be the Crown Jewel of the Series

Final Fantasy XV is a game that spans decades as players take control of Noctis and follow his journey from prince to king. The game did a wonderful job at worldbuilding, creating an opportunity for a prequel due to the fact that there is just as much history behind the story as there is in front of it.

A narrative focusing on the rise of King Regis and the establishment of Nifleheim would make for an emotionally charged story, and with the addition of the current action game mechanics of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, the game would be incredible.

2

Final Fantasy 8

A Dive into the Past Chaos of the World War that Shaped the Future

Final Fantasy VIII is a cult classic of the Final Fantasy genre that has just as much popularity as Final Fantasy VII. The game’s story follows Squall Leonhart on a journey to save time itself as a futuristic god seeks to wipe everything out of existence. The world of Final Fantasy VIII is a desolate plane forever changed by the Sorceress Wars.

This conflict would make an incredible setting for a prequel game to learn how the fire started and experience the turn of the century. In a gritty and action-packed game, a new Gunblade wielder could cut a path to justice or instead carve out a piece of history for themselves and take the player on a rollercoaster ride of a journey.

1

Final Fantasy 10

One of the Best Final Fantasy Games Deserves Another Story

Final Fantasy X is a game that exceeded all expectations and is a classic among the franchise greats. The perfect setting for a Final Fantasy X prequel would focus on Braska’s pilgrimage. With the lives of summoners being very vital to the world of Spira, especially prior to the main game’s story, the journey that Braska underwent with Jeht and Auron to bring peace to Spira would be a perfect addition to the Saga.

Jeht and Auron are fan-favorite characters from Final Fantasy X, and further exploring their history and development, while introducing new characters with a deep connection to the future of Final Fantasy X, would be a brilliant undertaking.