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If you want one clear starting point, choose FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE. Square Enix explicitly presents it as an entry point for newcomers, with intuitive gameplay and combat that blends real-time action with strategic decisions. It is best suited to players who want a cinematic, story-forward RPG—not necessarily those looking only for classic turn-based combat.
Why FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is the clearest first choice
Square Enix calls FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE “an ideal entry point for newcomers” and describes it as a reimagining of the story of Cloud and Avalanche in Midgar. That is the strongest direct beginner recommendation in the official material reviewed; it is publisher positioning, not an independent difficulty rating or a claim that every other entry is harder. Square Enix’s announcement
Its combat mixes action with strategic elements. That makes it a natural fit if you like responsive, real-time encounters but also want tactical choices. If your main goal is a purely turn-based experience, this may not match your preferred style as closely.
Do you need to play the numbered games in order?
No prerequisite to complete every earlier numbered game is established by Square Enix’s catalogue. The catalogue lists numbered entries from FINAL FANTASY through FINAL FANTASY XVI, so a beginner can choose based on presentation, combat and access rather than treating the series as one long numbered sequence. The catalogue alone does not establish every continuity relationship, so it is safer not to assume that every title is entirely unrelated to the others. Square Enix’s game catalogue
#1 Best Overall
- The games that inspired a generation come to life once more, in the ultimate 2D pixel remaster!
- These games are newly developed remaster editions based on the original titles. Some of the changes and additional elements found in other remakes of these games are not included.
- The Anniversary Edition includes a pixel character sticker sheet.
- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator.
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
How to choose the right starting game for you
- Choose for combat: Go with VII REMAKE INTERGRADE if you want action combined with tactical decisions. If you specifically want turn-based combat, look for an entry whose current store description and gameplay match that preference; the official sources reviewed do not establish a best turn-based beginner pick.
- Choose for presentation: VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is the supported pick for a modern, cinematic story presentation. If you prefer older game design, compare the specific entry’s edition and current listing before buying.
- Choose for platform access: Square Enix has reported availability on PlayStation 5 and PC and announced versions for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. Availability can vary by date, region, platform and edition, so verify the current store listing for your system. Square Enix platform announcement
- Choose for story commitment: The remake is a multi-entry project. Square Enix identifies INTERGRADE as its first entry and REBIRTH as its second; begin with INTERGRADE if you want to follow that particular retelling from its start. The announcement does not establish a completion requirement for the other numbered games. Square Enix platform announcement
What the franchise’s sales figure does—and does not—tell you
Square Enix’s official portal reports 215 million package and download units for the franchise. The page does not state when that cumulative figure was first published. It indicates the scale of FINAL FANTASY as a series, but it does not show which game is easiest for beginners or which one you will enjoy most. Square Enix official portal
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
Rank #2
- FINAL FANTASY TACTICS –The Ivalice Chronicles– Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- Combat - Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. Use the varied terrain of 3D battlefields to your advantage, skillfully manipulate the turn order, and victory will be yours for the taking.
- Character Growth and Customization - Combine a wide variety of jobs and abilities to craft your very own strategies. As your party members grow, they will gain access to more jobs, each with its own unique abilities. Once learned, abilities can be used even after changing to another job. With over 20 jobs to master—including white mage, black mage, dragoon, and many others from the FINAL FANTASY series—and hundreds of abilities to learn, you have the freedom to experiment and discover the combinations that best suit your party. Chocobos and other creatures can also be tamed and led into battle.
- Two Versions: Enhanced and Classic - With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Along with the fine-tuning of several features and battle mechanics, the inclusion of the more accessible "Squire" difficulty setting makes the enhanced version an excellent starting point for first-time players. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
- If you own the Nintendo Switch software in physical format, you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by downloading only the Upgrade Pack free of charge.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
