12. Final Fantasy IV (1991)

Final Fantasy IV was an inflection point, arguably the game that contributed most to establishing the conventions for the series that would, within a couple more sequels, blow up into a near-mainstream phenomenon. It introduced the groundbreaking active time battle (ATB) system, swept players away with a tale of heretofore unseen levels of melodrama, and demonstrated the dazzlingly symphonic(-feeling, at least) potential of the just-launched SNES’ sound chip.

To say it made an impression on some of us is an understatement. For many years I considered Final Fantasy IV, one of my most formative RPG experiences, the series’ high-water mark. It was a hell of a ride back in ‘91 but it’s hard to access quite the same mindset today, and I’m sure trebly so for first-time players. Its gameplay feels simplistic compared to what followed, and its childish, predictable plot contrivances are just as likely to elicit scorn as awe.

That’s not to say Final Fantasy IV is bad today. It remains a fun jaunt with a rousing score…just one whose shock and awe have been defused by some 30 years of subsequent art. — Alexandra Hall

Read More: Final Fantasy IV Retrospective: Ahead Of Its Time