Final Fantasy series games

Final Fantasy

— a series of role-playing games published by Square Enix; considered the benchmark of "Japanese RPGs," although it includes not only classic role-playing games but also action-RPGs, RPGs with tactical elements, multiplayer online games, and more. As of 2019, the main part of the series includes 15 numbered installments, with sequential numbering starting from Final Fantasy II (released back in 1988, a year after the first game); the newest installment, Final Fantasy XV, was released in 2016 on PS and Xbox, and in 2018 on PC and in a mobile version for iOS and Android. In addition, there are a large number of spin-offs, and some games in the series have sequels and prequels.

The numbered installments are not directly connected in terms of plot — the action takes place in different worlds and settings. Nevertheless, all games have common elements that are quite noticeable and easily recognizable. For example, the plot usually revolves around a group of heroes fighting against a powerful evil force, often represented by a vivid, charismatic antagonist. Besides actions, psychological moments play a significant role in the plot development — interactions between heroes, "ghosts of the past," and so on. Certain names and types of characters and spells are repeated from game to game. Another characteristic feature is references to the history and mythology of specific regions of the real world.