Summary
Over the years,theFinal Fantasyfranchise hasexplored a host of complex themes and topics, examining everything from war to discrimination to eco-terrorism and political turmoil. But while the franchise is noted for its exploration of dark concepts, the series has also made an effort to appeal to the widest possible audience, making games that are absolutely perfect for younger children to partake in.
Whether it’s a game made specifically for a younger audience or a mainline title that is appropriate for a younger audience,Final Fantasyhas routinely made itself approachable for kids. Some of them have used a grown-up story that speaks to a young audience, resulting in some of the most fascinating games in the franchise. These titles have been ranked based on their stories, combat systems, and how appropriate for kids they are.
Final Fantasy 12took the series into a bold new direction, leaving the turn-based combat of yesterday behind for a focus on MMO-influenced action in the kingdom of Ivalice. Just one year later, Square would revisitthe world of IvalicewithFinal Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings, a tactical strategy RPG for the Nintendo DS that saw most of the main cast return and focused on a satisfying real-time strategy system that resulted in one of the franchise’s most compelling entries.
Revenant Wingsis a perfect way for kids to experienceFinal Fantasy, as its cute pixel art and adorable characters are fantastic. At the same time, the combat system is not too complicated for a younger audience. Kids will be drawn to its colorful battles, engaging story, and unique visual style, as this excellent DS strategy RPG is a great way for kids to jump intoFinal Fantasy. Though it is without a modern release, it’s worth finding a DS for, as it is one of the most fascinating games in the series.
TheCrystal Chroniclessubseries was designed to appeal to a wider audience, and one of the most entertaining releases wasMy Life As A King,a city-builder that seesthe player take control of Leo and rebuild his father’s fallen kingdom.My Life As A Kingfeatures an all-ages tale about the importance of family and persevering through adversity, all perfect themes to explain to children at an early age.
With its addictive city-building system, unique cast of characters, and fantastic combat system,My Life As A Kingis still a unique entry for the series. It is one of only two city-builders in the series, alongside 2017’sFinal Fantasy 15: A New Empire, and is still an absolute blast.My Life As A Kingwould be perfect for a kid, as its vibrant world and city management are fun for all ages.
Final Fantasy 9was designed to return the series to its roots when it launchedfor the PS1 in 2000, a decision made after7and8took the franchise into a much darker, more science-fiction direction. It turned out to be a wise decision, as this spectacular JRPG is still one of the greatest of all time, and its reliance on traditional fantasy tropes makes it a perfect game for kids to jump into.
With a story focused on the themes of life and the importance of doing good while one is here,Final Fantasy 9is a story that anyone of any age can appreciate. The combat system is one of the best in the franchise, and the outstanding soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu is one of his finest works.Final Fantasy 9has been remastered for all modern hardware, making it available on any platform of one’s choosing, and is a terrific start for kids playing the series for the first time.
Final Fantasy 10is often touted as one of the best games in the series to start with, and with good reason, asthis legendary PS2 JRPGis one of the most popular and beloved entries in the franchise. Set in the world of Spira,Final Fantasy 10tells the tale of Tidus, as he travels across the land to escort a summoner named Yuna in her quest to destroy an ancient evil named Sin.
Final Fantasy 10features some of the franchise’s most warm, welcoming characters and a story that resonates with people from every age group. Its themes of mortality and spiritual awakenings are still groundbreaking, and the combat is the best the turn-based system had ever felt to that point. Thankfully,Final Fantasy 10is readily available on all modern hardware and is easily one of the best ways for a kid to experience the franchise.
Following a dispute that resulted in them leaving for PlayStation in 1997, Squaresoft would not return to Nintendo hardware for seven years, when they releasedFinal Fantasy Crystal Chroniclesfor the GameCube in 2004. This absolutely lovely action RPG takes place in an unnamed fantasy world, but it remains just as gorgeous today as it did back in 2004, thanks to a contemporary remaster for the Switch and PS4 in 2020.
Crystal Chroniclesuses a slick action combat system, where players control the party from a top-down perspective similar to something likeDiablo. It features charming art direction, incredible music, and a terrific story based on the protection of life and its many wonders.Final Fantasy Crystal Chroniclesremains one of the franchise’s unique entries, as its combat system and satisfying story would be an excellent way to introduce a child to the series.
World of Final Fantasywas part of an initiative inside Square Enix that was designed to challenge an audience that had shifted from younger people to adults, as the series had been producing some rather dark entries. To combat that, Square producedWorld of Final Fantasy, a game that celebrated the long-running legacy of the series and attempted to bring in a younger audience with its mash-up ofclassic characters and locations.
World of Final Fantasyis the story of Lann and Reynn, twins in the kingdom of Grymoire who are tasked with taming the monsters of the land while exploring a host of interconnected locations from the franchise’s iconic lineage. Fan favorites like Cloud, Squall, and Terra all appear alongside others, and this remarkable turn-based JRPG is the absolute best way for a child to experienceFinal Fantasy. It features a wonderful chibi art style, a heartwarming story about the bonds of family, and a compelling combat system.World of Final Fantasyis available on all modern hardware, making it easy for anyone to play today.
