Final Fantasy vs. Final Fantasy II vs. Final Fantasy III vs. etc.

[Data_Error]

The Final Fantasy series is popular. As in mind-bogglingly, face-meltingly popular. Chances are that most of us have played at least one of the games at one point. Many of us have played more than one. As it is, most of us have a particular favorite entry in the series, be it the classic original entry, the story-pioneering Final Fantasy IV, or the ever-popular Final Fantasy VII. Vote now on which one is your favorite - which one had the best:

Gameplay?
Story?
Characters?
Music?
Cid?

Due to the insane amount of games and general media associated with the series, only the main "numbered" games are a part of this poll.

As a frame of reference, feel free to include which Final Fantasy games you've actually experienced in your posts.

 

[Metabee]

Oof... can't I pick more than one?

I'll have to get back to you on this, but the title of the ultimate Cid definitely goes to VII's Cid. That's final, now SIT DOWN AND DRINK YOUR GOD DAMN TEA.

Edit: Yeah, come to think of it, I've asked for FFIII for my birthday, so one I've given that a spin, I'll make a decision.

 

[Baron Brixius]

This is a hard choice.

FF I started it all.
FF II as a sequel was meh.
FF VII is too damn overrated.
FF XIII was meh as well.
FF XIV (Online) blowed. (Minus the opening ).

I'm torn between FF IV and FF VIII. I'll vote for FF IV 'cause I like its soundtrack and story better.

 

[Data_Error]

I, too, wish that I could chose more than one. As far as the ones that I've played (and nine out of fourteen is a good sample, methinks):

Final Fantasy: A really good game for its time, though it feels a bit flat nowadays.
Final Fantasy IV: This game had amazing characters and story (impressive given its release date) while keeping the usual gameplay formula strong. I really liked this one, it's a contender for my favorite.
Final Fantasy VI: Similar to IV in its strengths, but I found it too easy to lose track of my objective and never finished it. Shame, it was one of the better games.
Final Fantasy VII: A really good game, but not my favorite in the series. The characters were very hit-and-miss about being really cool or really angsty, though apparently the spinoffs fixed this. Largely redeemed in my eyes for having the best Cid.
Final Fantasy VIII: I never really got into this game. It had an interesting card/battle system, but it didn't work as well for me. Never finished it, actually.
Final Fantasy X: Second FF game I actually completed, after the original. It was pretty good, but again, I wasn't as impressed by this one as some people. The characters, again, were very hit-and-miss, with the main character was downright annoying, but the overarching plot was cool.
Final Fantasy XII: Contrary to what most people think, I really liked this game. It had a deep and interesting plot (it just wasn't spoon-fed to the player), some very excellent characters (beyond the viewpoint char., but he improved in spinoffs), and the gambit system actually worked really well if you got a good grasp on how to use it.
Final Fantasy XIII: Linear level design is a small complaint. The characters and story were actually pretty good, and the gameplay worked fine for me, though I admittedly had to finish this one by watching the cutscenes over Youtube.
Final Fantasy XIV: Played the beta on this one, and there were a lot of problems with it. Nice ideas and impressive opening cinematics, but overall very underwhelming, and I stopped paying attention to it after a couple of hours.

So, in my opinion:

IV=XII > VI > VII=XIII > I > VIII=X > XIV

EDIT: As a note, it appears that I accidentally answered "XIII" on the poll. So just pretend that one vote is moved. In other news, I didn't expect XII to be so popular with other people.

 

[Gligar13]

This list needs FF Tactics.

Out of those, though, XII is the best overall.

 

[Mitchman]

XII gave us real time turn based battling. It even made me, who hates RPG's with a passion for their turn based gameplay, love it. The license system also gives you a good create your own hero feeling. Never played another FF, sure, but I can tell a great game from a good game.

 

[Buzz]

I loved Final Fantasy XIII. The gameplay was amazing, in my opinion, and the story hooked me in. Not to mention the visuals were nothing short of amazing.

I played Final Fantasy XII, but I could never get used to the gameplay. The storyline seemed incredible but I never made it past the very beginning due to never getting the hang of fighting. I found it so difficult to battle in real time while battling with a turn-based system. I would replay it to get the full experience but my PlayStation 2 is broken so I can't get the chance to give it a second chance. I'm sure I would have loved it too, since story is a huge factor for me whenever I play a game.

 

[TheArsenalRisen]

Admittedly I haven't played any of the other FF games (much to my dismay, I've never had the chance), but I have to say that FFXIII is my favorite game EVER. Lovable characters, great storyline, enjoyable gameplay, and while the linearity was a massive complaint for most people, it didn't bother me at all. I guess other people really need their TOWNZ!!!11

Here's hoping FFXIII-2 will be just as good (but I doubt it).