Final Fantasy week, day five

It's time to pick a victor

Words: GamesRadar US

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At last, we'll decide which FF delivered in the best possible ways. Some games get one thing totally right but then falter elsewhere - we'll lay down the law by saying which reigns supreme. Are you ready?

5. Final Fantasy V

Thanks to a recent re-release on the GBA, this game may finally get the respect it deserves in the US. Though it has one of the weakest stories in the entire series, particularly sandwiched between the melodramatic IV and VI, the gameplay is among the best. The Job System (pioneered in FFIII) was brought to its fullest flower in this game, with tons of different character classes to master and an innovative ability to pick and choose skills. Alongside that, you get charming graphics (with a lot more variety than the other two Super Nintendo/GBA entries) and a really upbeat and enjoyable soundtrack that helps put the adventure along. While it may not have mainstream acclaim, it's a hidden gem.

4. Final Fantasy VI

The innovations brought into FFVI aren't too important. The Esper system is outdone by FFVII's Materia, the battle mechanics are taken directly from FFIV and its dystopian World of Ruin annoys more than it surprises. But even with that, the spectacular music and fleshed-out characters make it a story worth playing. Each member of the immense cast is explored at some point in the game, plus boasts unique attacks that range from Street Fighter-style moves to mimicking whatever the last character did. And despite the long, plodding trek through the World of Ruin, the shock of seeing a beautiful world utterly destroyed by a cackling madman is enough to earn FFVI's place on the list.