For how bad/lame the villain switch was the Ultimecia boss fight is pretty fun and the final area is still extremely well regarded; maybe the best in the series outside of FFIV's crystal spaceland.

@fredchuckdave: Yeah Ultimecia's Castle has a really unique aesthetic that is both deeply historical and ancient while also entirely out of time. I love the crazy rooms, especially the art gallery, the treasure vault, and the bell tower. Everything is both rundown and ornate in a way that is really cool.

I don't love the final fight because it is so easy, but that is really just a result of the battle system being easily exploitable.

Did you try casting "Life?"

@zombiepie: There are bosses in ff8 and ff9 that are insta-killed by life spells, but, alas, Ultimecia is not one. The End works on her though.

I would like to mention that I have NEVER played a Final Fantasy game, but was able to make that reference.

Sure you haven't... Look its ok to admit you secretly love FF games and know all of the series minutia. There is no judgement here.

Let's be real...I have never played a game developed by Square Enix.

@zombiepie: Well it look like you need to rectify that problem then. May I suggest FF8? It takes like 12 hours if you play it right. That is so short for an FF game!

FF8 is not a good game, we've been over this Pinguino.

@zombiepie You should play The World Ends With You. It's super interesting and the combat system is incredible, being half character action game half Dance Dance Revolution. The story is pretty good too and all the characters are well written if a bit too fixed to a gimmick.

@corevi: I mean sure if you want a great Square game, play The World Ends With You. If you want the most Square game then play FFVIII. It has all kinds of cliches, plot hols, and improbable shit yet somehow it is endearing and fun despite itself. Also the world is pretty darned impressive. Also 12 hours is so short for an FF game. You may have to play the game a very specific way to beat it that fast, but come on! Think of the value!

Sorry, if you're after an entrance into the series I can't see past IX. Its throwbacks to the classic SNES games coupled with it being the most accomplished of the Playstation lot gives it a fair bit of scope.

@shindig: Well yeah IX is clearly the right answer as far as which one to play. But having the mess of a story that is VIII makes IX all the sweeter.