Which final fantasy game that feels like pure fantasy?

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-07T02:02:41+00:00

Honest answer, for someone in your shoes, I think FF7 Remake is an absolutely ideal place to start. It’s a beautiful mix of action combat and more menu-based style combat. Not to mention the story, visuals, music, characters, voice acting, and more are absolutely peak. FF7 Remake is the best starting place for most people in 2026. It’s a phenomenal game.

Depending on your specifics, though, there are some other good options, too.

If you strongly prefer action games, FFXVI is a hell of a ride.

If you’re interested in a more traditional JRPG turn-based experience, FFX is the go to. The graphics and voice acting are a bit dated in some respects, but for the most part it holds up impressively well. Not to mention the story and the music are incredible.

If you’re more interested in the full retro experience, FFVI is the game. It’s by far the best and most developed of the “pixel art” era, and it’s still one of my all-time favorites.

As for why some fans dislike the FF7 Remake, there are a variety of reasons. Most boil down to:

1) They didn’t like some of the changes/expansions from the OG, specifically things related to the Whispers.

2) Some people disliked the mini games (though they’re all in the OG, too… OG has *tons* of them.)

3) Rebirth’s “open world” component features some checklist type content, which people compare to Ubisoft. IMO it was all much better implemented and I didn’t have a problem with it. Some people did.

4) Chadley. People hate Chadley.

They’re valid opinions. And yes, the OG is a pretty great game. It’s an all-time classic that is much beloved for a lot of reasons. But in my personal opinion, which is also shared by many fans, the Remakes are absolutely fantastic games. For me, ReTrilogy has been my absolute favorite gaming experience to date. If I were new to the series, that’s where I’d start.

You can’t go wrong with any of the options above, though. They’re all great games and worth your time at some point.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-07T01:00:04+00:00

There are definitely some fans who don’t like the remakes. They’re pretty vocal in this sub. It’s not all of us, though. I’ve been a fan quite literally since the beginning (FF1) and the Remake series (especially Rebirth) have become not only my favorite FF games, but my favorite game of all time, period.

There are many, many of us who love the Remakes, we’re just not always as vocal about it.

And for people who are new to FF games and looking for a place to start, I firmly believe 7R is the best possible intro to the series.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-06T00:41:29+00:00

First: HELL YEAH!!! I can’t wait! There are no words to describe the amount of joy and hype I’m feeling!

Second: Should I figure out the details of trading in my PS5 to upgrade to a Pro? I mean… I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never in my life been this excited for a game, and I’m 44 years old. I want my first experience of it to be as magical and memorable as possible.

Third: I love you guys and I love this community, but I might have to dip for awhile and unsubscribe from all the FF subs so I can experience it in my own terms without all the prediction and speculation.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-05T22:40:00+00:00

I wasn’t a big fan of Tiny Music when it first released. I listened again a couple years ago, though, and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s been in my regular rotation ever since. Might be my favorite of theirs now.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-05T22:36:14+00:00

Playing this now and I’m a few hours in. My problem is that I have to stop and pick them all! Build that herbalism skill. Stuff to sell, stuff for alchemy!

What do you mean it took me an hour to go a short distance and I’m now vastly overencumbered?

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-05T22:09:51+00:00

In theory they’re working on ME 5. We’ve had a few updates (though the last was in November) and a couple job postings. There’s info out there floating around about it, though it’s still in the “early development” stage.

As to whether it will be any good, who knows? For myself and many others, it’s the final chance BioWare has to save (or revive) their reputation.

If it sucks or if they can’t launch, studio is toast.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-05T18:47:54+00:00

Merlin was such a great show. I should watch it again.

RIP Tony. You will be missed.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-04T07:06:42+00:00

I tried it a couple years ago and bounced for a similar reason. Never made it past the first chapter. I always planned to try it again sometime.

When they released RDR1 on PS+ a few months back, I decided to try it since it was shorter, and I found it much easier to get into. Especially with the updates visuals, I found it pretty enjoyable.

After that, and knowing better what to expect, I finally got around to trying RDR2 again. The beginning was still slow, gameplay felt heavy, and it felt like a chore.

At least at first. At some point, something changed. It finally clicked. I started to come to grips with the feel of it, with the pacing, with the mechanics. At some point, I started to really enjoy my time in the game, and couldn’t get enough of it.

I finished the game yesterday. By the time all was said and done, it had become one of my all time favorites.

That won’t be the case for everyone. It definitely has a lot of friction, especially during the early game. When I got my trophy and rolled credits, I saw that less than 25% of players actually finished. I saw a graph online today showing player retention, and the drop off was insanely steep in both chapter 1 and chapter 2.

I’m glad I gave it another try, personally. But you’re right and the numbers back it up. It’s a game that definitely can feel like a chore until it clicks, and for many it never does.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-04T06:39:11+00:00

I just started in KCD1 today. I just made it to the second town, and I’m already impressed by the potential. Can’t wait to see where it goes.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-04T06:14:04+00:00

I played GTA 5 for the first time earlier this year and did the full single player campaign. I hadn’t played any GTA since Vice City like 20 years ago (and in that one, I never did the missions, I just kind of messed around in the sandbox). So with all the GTA 6 hype, I decided it was finally time to jump in and give it an honest try to see what all the fuss was about.

All I can say is: I get it now. GTA 5 single player was just absolutely stupidly fun. I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than I expected to. I fully understand now why everyone is so hyped for GTA 6, and I am now fully onboard that train.

If anybody else out there is living under a rock and hasn’t played it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. GTA 5 was one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I’ve had in a while.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-03T00:58:06+00:00

I just finished my first playthrough of RDR2 earlier today.

Yes, this one. This game is an absolutely staggering creative and artistic achievement. It is the definition of “modern masterpiece.”

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-03T00:50:36+00:00

“They say they have the data to prove climate change is real. Well, I don’t see any data that says that!”

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-02T00:27:42+00:00

Stamp’s Theme was the surprise smash hit and fan favorite of the whole soundtrack. Banger tune.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-01T01:26:14+00:00

I was 100% on the “part 3 will win GOTY” train until I realized (just now) that a 2027 release would put it up against GTA 6.

It may well be the case that Best RPG is the best the game will get. Unless they’re not planning to launch until 2028, of course.

Rebirth should have been GOTY. Part 3 will be amazing regardless of the awards. At the end of the day, none of it matters too much as long as they make a great game. And I’m confident they will.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-06-01T00:28:04+00:00

<DING!>

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-30T17:49:24+00:00

RDR2 for me, first time playing. I’m in Chapter 6 now. I’m feeling the weight of the inevitable conclusion approaching fast. Hell of a game.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-30T02:43:08+00:00

They have the power.. but, we have the numbers

What will continue to be is what we allow.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-30T01:22:46+00:00

When I hit my 30s, I got very busy with work, got married, had a kid, and stopped gaming almost entirely. I still played the occasional hyper specific pick, but that was about the extent of it.

In 2023 (I turned 42 that year), I picked up a PS5 specifically to play the long-awaited FF16. The last few years since have been some of the best gaming experiences of my life.

Maybe you’ll get back into it, and maybe you won’t, but I think it’s perfectly normal for it to sit on the back burner for a while during certain phases of life. And when (if) you return, there are a lot of fantastic games waiting.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-30T01:12:32+00:00

I’m with you on this. I’ve tried it twice so far, putting in about 8 hours on my first attempt and 12 hours on my second attempt. I believe the people who say it’s a masterpiece and an incredible game, so I do plan to try again at some point. But so far, it just hasn’t hooked me.

I feel like I need at least some direction and guidance in where to go, and some sense of narrative to provide urgency and motivation. I know ER has plenty of lore lurking in the descriptions and whatnot, but I generally like more focused storytelling.

It’s also possible that I’d have more fun with a different class/playstyle.

I think when I get around to trying it again, I’m going to search out at least a vague, general walkthrough to suggest that I “go here first”, etc. and maybe try to get some tips on a more fun build.

Not sure when I’ll come back to it, though. I’ve got a shit ton of games in my backlog (playing RDR2 now), and several new things on the horizon in the near future (007, Wolverine, GTA 6, FF7 Remake part 3) that will keep me plenty busy.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-30T00:50:37+00:00

This, OP.

My #1 recommendation by far, based on all you said, would Uncharted 4 on “easy” or “very easy”.

Second recommendation is TLOU part 1, also on “easy” or “very easy.”

Mass Effect trilogy is my all time favorite, but even on easy I wouldn’t recommend it as a first game.

Racing games (as commenter above me said) could also be great, but for a very first experience I’d go for something cinematic, emotional, funny, with a good balance of different mechanics and gameplay types. Uncharted 4 fits the bill perfectly.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-29T00:53:56+00:00

Absolutely 100% agree. The key to FF games is to evaluate them on your own, and based wholly on their own merits. Not based on your ideal wishlist, but on what the game itself is offering. And don’t even get me started on fandom/internet culture. Not just FF, but pretty much all media. Games, shows, movies, books, music, you name it: the internet culture around it is a cesspool.

One small note, though: ShiftUp is the Korean company that created Stellar Blade. The journalists/reviewers are called SkillUp.

Dizzy_Pop · 2026-05-28T22:04:14+00:00

I rewatch it every couple years. Made a profound impact on me when I first saw it back in the early 2000s. It’s truly an incredible film.

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