Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy (ファイナルファンタジー, Fainaru Fantajī?) is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned by Square Enix that includes video games , motion pictures, and other merchandise. The series began in 1987 as an eponymous console role-playing games (RPG) developed by Square, spawning a video game series that became the central focus of the franchise. The franchise has since branched out into other genres and platforms, such as tactical RPGs, portable games, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, and games for mobile phones. As of March 2007, there are twenty-eight games in the franchise—including twelve numbered games and numerous spin-off titles. The series has spurred the release of three animated productions, two full-length CGI films, and several printed adaptations.

Most Final Fantasy installments are independent stories (the numbers after the title refers more to volumes than sequels); however, they feature common elements that define the franchise. Such elements include recurring creatures, character names, airships and character classes. The series has popularized many features that are now widely used in console RPGs, and it is well known for its visuals, music, and innovation. For example, the inclusion of full motion videos, photo-realistic character models, and orchestrated music by Nobuo Uematsu. The series have been commercially and critically successful; it is the fourth-best-selling video game franchise, with more than 80 million units sold as of December 2007. Many individual titles in series have garnered extra attention and their own positive reception. In addition, the series was awarded a star on the Walk of games in 2006.


games
Further information: List of Final Fantasy media
The first installment of the series premiered in Japan on December 18, 1987. Each subsequent title was numbered and given a unique story. Since the original release, many Final Fantasy games have been localized for markets in North America, Europe, and Australia, on numerous video game consoles, IBM PC compatible computers, and mobile phones. Future installments will appear on seventh generation video games consoles; two upcoming titles for the PlayStation 3 include Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII. As of March 2007, there are 28 games in the franchise. This number includes the main installments from Final Fantasy to Final Fantasy XII, as well as direct sequels and spin-offs. Many of the older titles have been re-released on multiple platforms.


Main series
Cover of the North America release of Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment SystemFinal Fantasy was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1987 and in North America in 1990. The story focuses on the four "Light Warriors" and their elemental orbs, which have been darkened by four Elemental Fiends. Final Fantasy introduced many concepts to the console RPG genre.
Final Fantasy II was originally released on the Famicom in Japan in 1988. The story centers on four youths who join a resistance to end the Emperor's military campaign against the world. Final Fantasy II was the first game to introduce Chocobos and Cid.
Final Fantasy III was released on the Famicom