Daryl's Library - Final Fantasy CDs

Game histories

This page is to give a GENERAL background about the release history of the Final Fantasy games. It does NOT talk about storyline, characters, spells, etc. etc. Since I am in the U.S., all I know for certain are the U.S. domestic releases. If there are any errors or if you can add information, especially for European and other non-U.S. releases, please let me know.

Most pictures are taken from various Yahoo Japan auctions; please note that I do NOT take credit for any of the pictures unless otherwise specified. Some of the release dates were taken from information at GameFAQs and so may be incorrect.


Final Fantasy

The original Final Fantasy was released by Nintendo in Japan for the Famicom. In the U.S., it was for the Nintendo Entertainment System and retained the original name "Final Fantasy." It was re-released in Japan for the Famicom as a part of a rare, 2-game cart called "Final Fantasy I • II."

It was then re-released for the handheld console Wonderswan Color with improved graphics and music in 2000. The WSC version never made it to U.S. mainly because the Wonderswan was never released in the U.S. The Wonderswan releases had a stand-alone version (with game only), and a limited-edition version that came in a box and included a Wonderswan Color. The FF1 WSC was pretty cool; it included some FF1 character art by Yoshitaka Amano around the edges of the screen. (Actually, they were just silhouettes of the characters, but it was based on Amano's FF1 artwork.)

It then made its way on to the Sony PlayStation in Japan in 2001, still named "Final Fantasy." That PS version came to the U.S. as part of "Final Fantasy Origins" in 2003. The Japan PS version was also packaged in a special "Premium Package" along with FF2; the box included the games in their own jewel cases and printed with art by Yoshitaka Amano on the game discs, and a set of 3 FF figures that were labeled the "Square Minimum Collection" (yeah, kinda cheesy, I know). I do NOT know if the figures were the same in each box, and please do NOT ask me about them! The stand-alone PS version of FF1 did not have Amano art on the game disc.

It was then released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan as part of "Final Fantasy I • II Advance," which was released in the U.S. as "Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls" in 2004. I am ASSUMING that the PS and GBA versions are merely tweaked editions of the Wonderswan re-release, but I do NOT know that for certain.

FF1 was also made into a mobile game called "Final Fantasy EZ" -- that is, a game that you can play on certain cell phones. I don't know exactly how that works, but yes, in Japan, there are extremely elaborate games and even full RPGs for cell phones. (What can I say, Japanese love their cell phones. A lot of the younger people I saw on trains in Japan would often be engrossed in text-messaging someone on their cell phones.) I don't know what changes were made for the mobile version.

For the 20th anniversary of the Final Fantasy series in 2007, Square released a special edition for the PSP. The graphics have been improved a lot and the game is supposed to also include a music player, bestiary, and an exclusive image gallery. You can see screenshots and buy the Japanese version of the game at Play-Asia. The U.S. version will be released in June. There is also a so-called "Asian" version of the game; how that differs from the Japanese version, I don't know.

In summary:

Final Fantasy II

No, this isn't the U.S. FF2. This game was originally released in Japan for the Famicom. It was re-released in Japan for the Famicom as a part of a rare, 2-game cart called "Final Fantasy I • II." It was then re-released for the Wonderswan in Japan with improved graphics and music. The Wonderswan releases had a stand-alone version (with game only), and a limited-edition version that came in a box and included a Wonderswan Color and a phone strap. The FF2 WSC is similar to the FF1 limited-edition; the console has silhouettes of FF2 character art by Yoshitaka Amano around the edges of the screen.

FF2's third re-release in Japan was for the Sony Playstation. The Japan PS version was also packaged in a special "Premium Package" along with FF1; the box included the games in their own jewel cases and printed with art by Yoshitaka Amano on the game discs, and a set of 3 FF figures that were labeled the "Square Minimum Collection." I do NOT know if the figures were the same in each box, and please do NOT ask me about them! The stand-alone PS version of FF2 did not have Amano art on the game disc.

The game finally made its way stateside as part of "Final Fantasy Origins" for the Playstation in 2003. Its latest incarnation in Japan is for the Game Boy Advance as part of "Final Fantasy I • II Advance," which was released in the U.S. as "Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls" in 2004. I am ASSUMING that the PS and GBA versions are merely tweaked editions of the Wonderswan re-releases, but I do NOT know that for certain.

For the 20th anniversary of the Final Fantasy series in 2007, Square released a special edition for the PSP. You can see screenshots and order the Japanese version of the game at Play-Asia. The U.S. version was released in July 2007.

In summary:

Final Fantasy III

No, this game is NOT the same as the U.S. FF3. The original Japanese FF3 was again for the Famicom. It was then re-released for the Wonderswan in Japan with improved graphics and music. This game had been announced for a re-release in Japan for the Gameboy SP, but it was delayed and instead came out for the Nintendo DS. There is also a limited-edition DS version, called the "Crystal Edition," which comes with the game and a white DS Lite that has FF3 characters printed on the cover.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Legend

The FF Legend series for the Game Boy, which comprised 3 games, actually isn't part of the FF series at all. The original name for the series in Japan is SaGa. (The SaGa series has continued on the Playstation as SaGa Frontier.) When the games were brought to the U.S., however, they were renamed as Final Fantasy Legend, Final Fantasy Legend II, and FF Legend III.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Adventure

This Game Boy game is another that isn't really part of the FF series. The original name in Japan is "Final Fantasy Gaiden - Seiken Densetsu" and is the first game in the Seiken Densetsu series. The SD series has been referred to as the Mana series in the U.S., because the games Secret of Mana (Super Nintendo) and Legend of Mana (Playstation) are part of this series.

Seiken Densetsu was then remade as "Shinyaku Seiken Densetsu: Sword of Mana" in Japan. That game was released in the U.S. simply titled "Sword of Mana." The Japan version also came with a limited-edition boxed version with a cactus figure, rabite figure, and some other extras. Because Sword of Mana is simply a remake, most of the game's music is simply rearranged tunes from the original Seiken Densetsu.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

The original Japanese title of this Super Famicom game was "Final Fantasy USA - Mystic Quest." I am not kidding.

In summary:

Final Fantasy IV

The first FF game for the Super Famicom in Japan. It had two versions: the regular one and the so-called "easy type," the latter of which supposedly came about due to complaints that the original was too difficult. Some things were removed from the original to make it easier; exactly what those changes were, I don't know.

The "easy type" was brought over to the U.S. as Final Fantasy II for the Super Nintendo. It was then re-released as a stand-alone game in Japan for the Playstation. It also made an appearance as part of Final Fantasy Collection in Japan, which included FF4, 5, and 6 for the Playstation. Sometime between all this, FF4 was re-released for the Wonderswan Color as a stand-alone game; unlike the FF1 and FF2 WSC re-releases, FF4 did not have a limited-edition box set.

The PS version finally made its way stateside in 2001 as part of Final Fantasy Chronicles for the Playstation, renamed with its original number as "Final Fantasy IV." (FF Chronicles also included the PS version of Squaresoft's RPG ChronoTrigger.) I don't know if the PS version is the regular or "easy type."

It was then re-released as "Final Fantasy IV Advance" for the Game Boy Advance in 2005. Japan also had a limited-edition Game Boy Micro that had FF4 art on the faceplate and included the FF4A game. It is scheduled to be re-released for the Nintendo DS with completely new character designs and a new theme song.

In summary:

Final Fantasy IV: The After

A cell-phone game released in early 2008, currently available only in Japan. I doubt it will be exported, though. Check out Square Enix's page on the game.


Final Fantasy V

This game was originally for the Super Famicom in Japan. It was re-released in Japan for the Playstation, first as a stand-alone game and then as part of Final Fantasy Collection. It finally made its way stateside in 1999 as part of Final Fantasy Anthology. It was then re-released for the Game Boy Advance (I'm not sure what changes were made to the GBA version).

In summary:

Final Fantasy VI

This was the final Final Fantasy game for the Super Famicom, released in 1994. It was released in the U.S. as Final Fantasy III. It was then re-released in Japan for the Playstation, first as a stand-alone game and then as part of Final Fantasy Collection. It was re-released in the U.S. as part of Final Fantasy Anthology, renamed with its original number as "Final Fantasy VI." It was then re-released for the Game Boy Advance (I'm not sure what changes were made to the GBA version).

In summary:

Final Fantasy VII

The first Final Fantasy game that debuted on the Playstation. According to hearsay, Square hyped up the game so much in Japan that when they started the ad campaign in the U.S. and Europe, they figured it was too much trouble to change the numbering and so they kept it as FF7 rather than changing it to be Final Fantasy IV (since the last FF game to be released in the U.S. had been named Final Fantasy III).

The U.S. release of the game had some additional bosses that were not in the Japanese version. However, the U.S. version, with its additions, was then re-released in Japan as Final Fantasy VII International. FF7 International was a four-CD set, with the 4th CD being a guide to the game.

The FF7 International game seemed to have several releases. One release has an obi that says "PS One Books" on it. Another release has a different obi that says "Triple Platinum Anniversary" on it. I don't know what the difference is.

FF7 was also released as a PC game, both in the U.S. and Japan. It was also re-released in the U.S. as part of the priced-down "Greatest Hits" series for the Playstation. (This simply means it has an annoying green label on the side of the cover that says "Greatest Hits.") I doubt anything was changed for either the PC or GH version.

FF7 International was re-released in September 2005 as part of the limited-edition package of "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children." This version has special picture discs. The original FF7 was re-released in Japan in July 2006 as part of the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series (this means it has a gray bar running down the left side of the cover that says "Ultimate Hits").

In summary:

Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding

This is a cell phone game that I heard of only in passing. I have not played it, nor have I actually seen it myself otherwise.

Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-

This game is the first in the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII" series. It was released in Japan in 2004 as a mobile (cell phone) game. I don't know if it's available outside Japan.


Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-

This game is the second in the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII" series. It was released in Japan in January 2006 for the Playstation 2. It was released in the U.S. in August 2006 with extra features not found in the Japanese version (and with a different cover picture). It also had a so-called "Asian" release that supposedly had no region lockout. It will also be re-released as a priced-down "Ultimate Hits" version in Japan.


Dirge of Cerberus: Lost Episode -Final Fantasy VII-

This game is the third in the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII" series. It is another cell phone game released in summer 2006. I'm not sure if it's available outside Japan.


Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-

This is the fourth game in the "Compilation of Final Fantasy VII" series to be released for the Sony PSP. It is supposed to be an action-adventure game for the PSP. Release in Japan and Asia is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2007; release dates for other versions (if any) to be announced. Play-Asia lists both the Japan and Asia versions as having no region protection. It is also scheduled to be released in Japan as a limited-edition special bundle that includes the game and a slim model PSP with game-related artwork and the FF7 logo on the console. From the artwork on Play-Asia, it seems that each bundled PSP will be limited-edition number on it.


Final Fantasy VIII

The first Final Fantasy to use an in-game vocal song, "Eyes on Me" sung by Faye Wong. This was also released as a PC game, both in the U.S. and Japan. There are 2 Japan PC releases whose only difference I know of is the artwork on the game CDs: one version has plain purple drawings of some of the main characters, while the other version showcases full-color art by Yoshitaka Amano on the CDs. It was also re-released in the U.S. as part of the priced-down "Greatest Hits" series for the Playstation. It was also re-released in Japan in July 2006 as part of the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series.

In summary:

Final Fantasy IX

In addition to the usual Japanese and U.S. releases on the Playstation, FF9 was re-released in the U.S. as part of the "Greatest Hits" series.

In summary:

Final Fantasy X

The first Final Fantasy to have in-game voices and the first FF game for the Playstation 2. The game was re-dubbed in English for the U.S. version, although the theme song of "Suteki da ne" remained in Japanese. The U.S. version of the game was then re-released in Japan as Final Fantasy X International. It included a bonus DVD called "Other Side of the Final Fantasy 2" (yes, that is the actual name of the DVD; I've seen it myself) talking about FF10. I believe the International version has the option of changing the voices and menus to English in addition to a new boss, but I'm not certain.

The game was later re-released in the U.S. as part of the "Greatest Hits" series. It was re-released in Japan as part of the "Mega Hits" collection. (This just means it has a gold bar across the top denoting it as a "Mega Hit.") FFX International was apparently also released in Korea/Asia as part of the "Big Hits" series; however, I'm not sure if it was truly the International version or if it was the regular FF10 with the incorrect International cover. I doubt anything was changed in these releases.

The Japanese version was also re-released in Japan under the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series. I don't know what the difference between that and "Mega Hits" is. The Ultimate Hits version was also packaged into a Final Fantasy X / X-2 Ultimate Box in Japan for the Playstation 2.

In summary:

Final Fantasy X-2

The first true sequel to a Final Fantasy game. Not only were the voices re-dubbed in English for the U.S. release, but the theme songs, "real Emotion" and "1000 Words," were also re-written into English and sung by a different performer. (The singer of the Japanese versions of the songs is Kumi Koda; the English performer is Jade from the group Sweetbox.)

I don't know if any additions or changes were made to the U.S. version other than the re-dubbing, but this game was re-released in Japan as "Final Fantasy X-2 International + Last Mission." Yes, that is the exact name. Apparently, the X-2 International version has some additional missions to undertake, hence the name. I don't know if the X-2 International has the English voices and/or songs, or English text menus, etc.

The original X-2 was then re-released in Japan under the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series. The Ultimate Hits version was also packaged into a Final Fantasy X / X-2 Ultimate Box in Japan for the Playstation 2. The "Last Mission" version was also re-released as part of the Ultimate Hits series.

In summary:

Final Fantasy XI

The first online Final Fantasy, as an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) for the PC and PS2 and eventually for the Xbox 360. It has 4 expansion sets so far: "Rise of the Zilart" (called "JIRAATO no Gen'ei" in Japan, which translates to "Vision of the Zilart"); "Chains of Promathia" ("PUROMASHIA no Jubaku" in Japan, which translates to "Spell of Promathia"); "Treasures of Aht Uhrgan" ("ATORUGAN no Hihou" in Japan); and "Wings of the Goddess" ("ARUTANA no Shinhei," which translates roughly to something like "Divine army of Altana"). One release in Japan of the main game was the "Final Fantasy XI 2002 Special Art Box," which included illustrations by Yoshitaka Amano on the game disc.

FF11 and its expansions have also been released for the PS2 in Japan and the U.S. The game has been released in various packs in both Japan and the U.S. that combine the main game with the expansions. A few years later, versions for the Xbox 360 were released. They're a lot easier to find than the older Final Fantasies, so I'm not going to be documenting these releases.

In summary (this list is unverified):


Final Fantasy XII

This was released in Japan in 2006 and was released in late 2006 in the U.S., all for the Playstation 2. It was released both as a stand-alone game and as a special pack that included a PS2 console and phone strap. The U.S. release had a collector's edition that came in a tin box with extras. You know, for all the attention that Square Enix is giving to FF games recently (check out the FF news that SE gave out at the 2006 E3), I'm surprised they have yet to make any concerted effort to bring any of the soundtracks over, if at least in the "special editions" that are being offered.

It was then re-released in Japan in an "International" version that included the English voices. A so-called "Asian version" with supposedly no region lockout is also scheduled. A priced-down "Ultimate Hits" version was also released in Japan.

In summary:

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings

This game for the Nintendo DS is a sequel to FF12. It had a limited-edition version in Japan with a white DS Lite that has black-and-white art of some of the main characters. It came out in the U.S. in November 2007 and was later re-released in Japan as part of the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series.

In summary:


Fabula Nova Crystallis: The Final Fantasy XIII Series (tentative title)

Announced in concept by Square Enix in May 2006 during E3, Fabula Nova Crystallis is supposed to consist of two FF13 titles for the Playstation 3 and a cell phone (mobile) game.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Tactics

The first strategy-RPG game in the FF series, released in Japan and the U.S. on the Playstation. It was re-released in Japan as part of Square Millennium Collection -- it was a limited boxed edition that came with some bonus goodies along with the game. Much later, it was re-released in the U.S. as part of the "Greatest Hits" collection. It was also re-released in Japan in July 2006 as part of the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

In addition to the usual Japanese and U.S. releases for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, there was a special preorder version and a deluxe pack both released in Japan. The preorder version included a limited-edition pearl-white GBA, a white cloth pouch with the FFTA logo, and the FFTA game. The deluxe pack was a boxed set that included the game, a hardcover book (I don't know what's in it), and a couple of character keychains.

It was also re-released in Japan in 2006 as part of the priced-down "Ultimate Hits" series.

In summary:


Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

This strategy-RPG FF game for the Sony PSP is an updated version of the original FFTA and was released in Japan in May 2007. An Asian version (with no region lockout) and Korean version were also released. The U.S. version was released in October 2007 and later as part of the priced-down "Greatest Hits" series. The Japanese name, "Shishi Sensou," translates to "War Lion."

In summary:

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 (A2): Grimoire of the Rift

This installment for the Nintendo DS also takes place in the land of Ivalice (which is where FF11 is set). The Japanese title is "Fuuketsu no GURIMOA," which translates to "The Sealed Grimoire." The U.S. version has been renamed Grimoire of the Rift.


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

This was released in Japan in 2003 and the U.S. in 2004 for the GameCube. It was then re-released in the U.S. as part of the priced-down "Player's Choice" series. It was also released in Japan as part of a limited-edition white Game Cube that also included a white Game Boy Player and the FFCC game.


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Announced by Square Enix in May 2006 during E3, this game expands on the original FF: Crystal Chronicles. It was released in August 2007 in Japan on the Nintendo DS. It also had a so-called Gemini Edition in Japan that included the game (Japan version) and a Nintendo DS Lite with game-related artwork and the game's logo on the cover.

In summary:

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

This game expands on the original FF: Crystal Chronicles. It's scheduled to be released in January 2009 on the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS in Japan; U.S. versions for the Wii and DS have been announced for spring 2009. There will also be a limited "Crystal Chronicles Edition" in Japan that will include the game and a white Nintendo DSi (yes, the one with two cameras and no GBA game slot). Also, if you preorder the game, you'll get a bonus CD titled "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Sound Selection" with 4 tracks of tunes from selected games in the FFCC series. Check Square Enix's store site for more details. The U.S. versions for the DS and Wii are planned for March 2009.

In summary:

Final Fantasy: Crystal Bearers

Announced in concept by Square Enix in May 2006 during E3, this game expands on the original FF: Crystal Chronicles. It's scheduled to be released on the Nintendo Wii.

Dissidia Final Fantasy

Scheduled for the Sony PSP for a December 2008 release in Japan. It is also scheduled to be released as part of a "Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Limited" boxed edition, which will include a white PSP with Dissidia artwork on it and the game with a special cover illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano. Other versions are TBA.

In summary:

It's new! Final Fantasy Gaiden: Four Warriors of Light

A multiplayer RPG for the Nintendo DS revealed in late June 2009. This is not to be confused with the original Game Boy "Final Fantasy Gaiden" that was released as Final Fantasy Adventure in the U.S. The Japanese name is "Hikari no Yonsenshi" (I'm actually not sure about the romanization of that last word), which translates to "Four Warriors of Light." It's scheduled to be out in Japan in fall 2009. Other releases are unknown.


Final Fantasy i

Released in Japan in 2004, this is a so-called "mobile" version of Final Fantasy -- that is, a game you can play on certain cell phones. I don't know exactly how that works, but yes, in Japan, there are extremely elaborate games and even full RPGs for cell phones. (Yes, the game's title has a lowercase "i" at the end. The usage of the "i" is kind of like Apple's iMac, iPod, etc.)

I do not know if FFi is a re-release of a prior FF game. On Square Enix's site, there's a paragraph there that, according to an online translator, says FFi "takes various elements from Final Fantasy games." From the screenshots I've seen, it looks like a combo of FF1 (there's a screenshot with FF1 bad guy Astos) and FF2 (the characters look like they use the job classes from FF2). However, since I haven't played the game myself, I do NOT know any of this for certain.


Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales

This Nintendo DS game isn't *strictly* part of the Final Fantasy series in terms of gameplay and style, but it does bear the Final Fantasy name specifically (unlike the Chocobo Racing game), so I'm adding it here. An action/adventure game using cards as the battle system. The Japanese version was titled "Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon," which translates to "Chocobo and the Picture Book of Magic."


FF game collections

After FF7, the numbering and the naming of the games in the U.S. have been kept the same as the Japanese versions, so I'm not bothering to explain them in detail here. There have been several FF game collections released:


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Last revised October 17, 2009

ly the PS versions ported over to GBA, and if so, what kinds of changes were made.

  • Final Fantasy X / X-2 Ultimate Box: released in Japan in September 2005 for the Playstation 2. Includes FF10, FFX-2, and a DVD titled "Final Fantasy Another Story," which tells what happened in the FF10 world between the two games. The DVD content is identical to the one included with the Japanese version of Final Fantasy X International.

  • Final Fantasy XI Vana'diel Collection 2007: released in November 2006 for Windows PC. It collects Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht Urhgan, includes foldout Quick Manual with a world map, and a starter's guide.

  • Final Fantasy XI Vana'diel Collection 2008: released in November 2007 for Playstation 2, Xbox 360, and Windows PC. (The Japanese version of this collection was called simply "Vana'diel Collection.")


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    Last revised October 17, 2009