Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary

Final Fantasy was released on December 18, 1987. Inverse's celebration takes a look back at our favorite games, characters, and moments over the years.

FF 35th
Final Fantasy’s best hero made me a better person

“You don’t need a reason to help people.”

by Hayes Madsen
Square Enix
FF 35th
Why Final Fantasy's most dramatic twist is still its most profound

Clowns truly are the worst.

by Jen Glennon
Square Enix / Yoshitaka Amano
FF 35th
Final Fantasy's love of Shakespeare is its secret to success

The play’s the thing.

by Willa Rowe
Square Enix / Yoshitaka Amano
FF 35th
Cloud vs. Zack: Which FF7 protagonist would you date? 344 readers respond

A win-win situation.

by Jess Reyes
FF 35th
The most underrated Final Fantasy game literally brought me to tears

And it’ll forever remain my favorite entry.

by Corey Plante
Square Enix
FF 35th
22 years ago, Final Fantasy IX's most underrated hero changed the series forever

“To be forgotten is worse than death.”

by Robin Bea
Square Enix / Yoshitaka Amano
Tap
FF 35th
The best Final Fantasy song ever has a gross name and a sick beat

That sweet, sweet groove.

by Joseph Yaden
Square Enix
FF 35th
26 years later, Final Fantasy's most ambitious story still hasn't been topped

History remembers the victor.

by Hayes Madsen
Square Enix
FF 35th
Three years ago, Final Fantasy broke its oldest trope — and it still tears me apart

Long day’s journey into night.

by Willa Rowe
Square Enix

Everything FF

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If You Can't Wait For Final Fantasy Tactics' Remaster, Play Tactics Ogre

By Hayes Madsen

The tides of conflict.

Retrospective

'Final Fantasy' Set The Blueprint For Console RPGs 35 Years Ago Today

By Robin Bea

One of the most important RPGs ever succeeded against all odds.

Retrospective

'Final Fantasy IX' Remains The Franchise’s Defining Entry

By Hayes Madsen

A timeless tale.

Opinion

Final Fantasy 9’s Most Hated Boss Is Actually Its Best

By Hayes Madsen

A bold thematic twist.

Retrospective

Final Fantasy 9’s Most Misunderstood Character Is Also The Franchise’s Most Enduring

By Hayes Madsen

Small character, big voice.

The Inverse Interview

'Final Fantasy Tactics' Creator On Why the Game Feels So Relevant Nearly Three Decades Later

By Hayes Madsen

A legend returns.

Gaming

‘Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster’ Fans Are Divided On Its Art, But Not Its Developers

By Robin Bea

“The will to resist is in your hands.”

Gaming News

‘Final Fantasy 7’s Villain is Hiding a Bizarre Secret

By Hayes Madsen

Not just for show.

Gaming

'Final Fantasy XI' Is Still Courting New Players After Nearly Calling It Quits

By Robin Bea

Player support keeps Vana’diel open after more than 20 years.

Opinion

Magic's Final Fantasy Set Has Convinced Me To Take The Plunge

By Hayes Madsen

All-in.