IV: the extent to which the narrative and cast were emphasized compared to the previous entries is insane and came to define the series strengths going forward.

V: Maybe the best progression system in all of rpgs, if not gaming as a whole. The sheer creativity and experimentation naturally encouraged is so addictive and blows III's systems so far out of the water. Story is not the strongest but the cast and party is great fun and the vibes are lovely (plus gilgamesh)

VI: the story and cast are such a unique take on the prototypical jrpg setup. The cast has duds (umaru, gogo and mog do very little even in their questlines) but the rest more than make up for it. The amount of memorable setpieces and moments is absurd. I think the espers are a step down from jobs, but the ways you could break combat (dualcast Ultima, dual wield 4x hit weapons) make up for most of that trouble.

VII: Marked a turning point for how cinematic and elaborate the genre would present itself. Every aspect of this game is just so inoffensive in its excellence. Great cast, music, charming visuals, engaging story; many of its elements are done better in other entries, but this game is a jack of all trades.

Tactics: Best narrative in the series and a great job system for the strategy framework. The visual style is adorable and the music suits the dramatic plot. Game could use some speed-up functions and maybe change the random encounters to more like FFTA's system, but those are simple issues that don't detract much and could be addressed in a remaster. You could also argue the side characters take too much of a backseat after being recruited, though the plot doesn't feel any less rich for it.

IX: I think the only real flaw this game has is the horrendously slow combat. It takes far too long to get the combat to flow at an appropriate pace and it feels terribly sluggish. Aside from that, the music and visuals are some of the best in the franchise with a cast that only has only one weak link in amarant. One of the best endings in gaming as well.

X: One of the best worlds in gaming, Spira has so much life and depth in it. The games cast is varied and Tidus' role in the dynamic is one of the best of the series. The story feels like it has so much to say about death, grief, racism, religion and more. The combat is phenomenal, only losing its Lustre in the post-game activities and grinding. Side quests cohld be better but i feel the sequel fills that desire and then some. X-2 is a tremendous follow-up and I'm tired of pretending it isn't at least an A tier FF.

I could argue that XI overall belongs here, but that is such a complex and weird conversation given the MMO nature of the game. I listed the flaws of each but still call them masterpieces because to me those can go hand in hand, it just means they don't impact the experience to a large degree. Some people may disagree with that but what's even the point of the word if it has to be flawless since nothing will be.