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

Gaming News

'Final Fantasy 7 Remake' Director Plans to Work Closely With Nintendo

By Hayes Madsen

A fresh start.

Opinion

No, Expedition 33 Did Not Come Out of Nowhere

By Hayes Madsen

Brick by brick.

Retrospective

5 Years Ago, Square Enix Redefined the Very Idea of a Video Game Remake

By Hayes Madsen

Looking back to move forward.

News

Square Enix Is Going Big For 'Final Fantasy IX's Anniversary

By Hayes Madsen

Seems suspicious.

The Inverse Interview

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Battle Director Reveals Which Character Was the Toughest To Design

By Hayes Madsen

Finding the spark.

Gaming

World of Warcraft Housing Could Give Final Fantasy XIV A Reason To Worry

By Robin Bea

WoW’s player housing looks equally cozy and chaotic.

Retrospective

30 Years Ago, The Creators of Final Fantasy and Dragon Ball Made The Perfect RPG

By Mo Mozuch

‘Chrono Trigger’ remains a shining example of what true artistry in gaming looks like.

The Inverse Interview

'Final Fantasy XIV' Devs Explain Why They Chose FFXI For the Game’s Latest Big Crossover

By Hayes Madsen

A crossover years in the making.

Gaming News

25 Years Later, 'FFXIV' Brings Back One Achingly Familiar Feature

By Robin Bea

A look at what’s ahead for Final Fantasy XIV.

Gaming News

'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' Is Out On PC and Fans Are Already Discovering New Secrets

By Hayes Madsen

Hidden details.