For me it's
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Final Fantasy Tactics
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Final Fantasy VII
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Final Fantasy XI
The three games I keep coming back to in the franchise.
Tactics has the best writing imo as well as gameplay.
Visually speaking VII's aesthetic and music are peak FF.
And then when it comes to getting lost in the lore and world of a virtual game, I like XI.
Granted all 3 share similar themes like good writing, music, gameplay, etc. but those are my standouts.
How about you?
II is an interesting choice, most fans don't like it.
I've always loved it. Darker themes, and the Rose rebellion march is a banger.
It would be worst in the series, but XIII and XV exists.