This might be strange, but I've never played the Final Fantasy series. I just never had the opportunity to get into it or try it out. Any suggestions on starting it from the beginning?

Edit: I have the first Final Fantasy for Gameboy, but never could figure out how to play it really or figure out the game mechanics on my own. The first boss was deemed impossible by me haha.

Welcome to the Shrine! (And the FF series!)

For someone like you who has never played a FF game before, personally I think the best title to start with would be FFVII, available for PS1 and PC, as that was the game that was the 'breakout hit' for the series and really launched the FF series (and JRPGs in general for that matter) into the mainstream - for better and for worse. It has the traditional FF battle system the 'ATB system', and materia used for spells and abilities is simple to learn and remarkably deep if you decide to play around with it. The story is... well... it's controversial, so I won't say anything more other than to recommend you play it yourself and find out. :D

From where, you can start to branch out to the other titles, each FF game being unique in gameplay, story, characters, setting and even often the battle and ability systems wildly differ between titles, so each FF game is not a sequel or prequel to any other - they're each their own unique world ( it should be noted the Gameboy FF games are actually not true FF games at all - FF Adventure is actually the first game in the Mana series (known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan), and FF Legend I, II and III are the first three games in the SaGa series - Squaresoft changed the names for their US releases as the Mana and Saga games have never been that popular outside Japan. So really you're starting from scratch here coming into the FF series. :)

Welcome to the Shrine! (And the FF series!)

For someone like you who has never played a FF game before, personally I think the best title to start with would be FFVII, available for PS1 and PC, as that was the game that was the 'breakout hit' for the series and really launched the FF series (and JRPGs in general for that matter) into the mainstream - for better and for worse. It has the traditional FF battle system the 'ATB system', and materia used for spells and abilities is simple to learn and remarkably deep if you decide to play around with it. The story is... well... it's controversial, so I won't say anything more other than to recommend you play it yourself and find out. :D

From where, you can start to branch out to the other titles, each FF game being unique in gameplay, story, characters, setting and even often the battle and ability systems wildly differ between titles, so each FF game is not a sequel or prequel to any other - they're each their own unique world ( it should be noted the Gameboy FF games are actually not true FF games at all - FF Adventure is actually the first game in the Mana series (known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan), and FF Legend I, II and III are the first three games in the SaGa series - Squaresoft changed the names for their US releases as the Mana and Saga games have never been that popular outside Japan. So really you're starting from scratch here coming into the FF series. :)
Thanks! I've heard a lot about FFVII being the best one and such. I'll give it a go then!

Personally, I say start with ff1 on the gba and move from there.You can easily get the games by purchasing it or old Roms.

I won't tell you where, as that is against the law.There are also:Ff4 ds which is a very good game, and ff anthology which has 4 and 6.There is the version with 4 and 5 as well, which I have.I say those will give you an idea of the old world ff games.Keep in mind that. Ff7 remake is being made or has come out already, so keep an eye out.Who knows:It might contain some new gameplay, dialogue and hidden scenes.

Welcome to the Shrine! (And the FF series!)

For someone like you who has never played a FF game before, personally I think the best title to start with would be FFVII, available for PS1 and PC, as that was the game that was the 'breakout hit' for the series and really launched the FF series (and JRPGs in general for that matter) into the mainstream - for better and for worse. It has the traditional FF battle system the 'ATB system', and materia used for spells and abilities is simple to learn and remarkably deep if you decide to play around with it. The story is... well... it's controversial, so I won't say anything more other than to recommend you play it yourself and find out. :D

From where, you can start to branch out to the other titles, each FF game being unique in gameplay, story, characters, setting and even often the battle and ability systems wildly differ between titles, so each FF game is not a sequel or prequel to any other - they're each their own unique world ( it should be noted the Gameboy FF games are actually not true FF games at all - FF Adventure is actually the first game in the Mana series (known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan), and FF Legend I, II and III are the first three games in the SaGa series - Squaresoft changed the names for their US releases as the Mana and Saga games have never been that popular outside Japan. So really you're starting from scratch here coming into the FF series. :)

I concur, FFVII is truly the best to start with. Personally I think is the best installment in the Franchise period.

In terms of starting, I would personally say X is the most newbie-friendly, especially in the modern age where we expect, *ahem*, "better" graphics, as well as other things like voice-overs, facial expressions, and more distinct environments. I think X and VII are equally good games in terms of quality, but in terms of introducing a newbie player to the series, I'd suggest X over VII because it's more very newbie-friendly. VII is more complicated and has esoteric qualities, you know, like two completely hidden characters and the fact that a newbie needs to basically play it with a strategy guide in his or her lap.

thanks for the advice Enkidoh I was going to start with FFX but the level up system is overwhelming, I'm from the snes era and didn't make the jump to the playstation until this generation and FFVII is in my to-play list...

What is it?

What is it?

Learn to read the thread before asking a inane question

You're not the only one. I'm myself a fan of the series, but some people would make fun of me because of it, saying there are "better RPGs".
I think there are different good / bad RPGs, it's a matter of identifying yourself with the whole shebang.

I started with the VII, but you're free to choose! Dont' forget that, over the years, the FF series tried to be a crowd-pleaser and kinda lost its magic, so, if you wanna get a taste on how it used to play "old school classic way", be mindful that THIS is basically happens from the I to the IX. After that, is a sorta a FF buffet IMO.