NoJoTo
I think the best answer for a 2D game to start on is FF6 in the snes rom form. The pixel remaster is pretty ok if you want it in wide screen but be sure you play it on PC if you care about fonts (so you can replace them).
Why ff6 tho? Because it has the most stuff going on and is the most likely to please. Its a good intro because if you fall in love with the game’s core the other Final Fantasy games will prolly be more hook-y despite aspects you dont enjoy as much. Where as if you bounce off before trying 6 I feel like you missed out on the big one.
FF5 and FF6 (snes versions) allow 2 player co-op in battle which I think is just neat.
I don’t thing 3D final fantasy ever got better than FF7. But ff7 is so weird and “important” this isnt even a final fantasy rec. The materia system is really fun and all the minigames are a blast. This feel like the last time a finalfantasy was this rich with ideas and content. (until 14 which is an MMO) The later entries feel sort of paired down to be more tight around central themes. and probably less expensive to make while being self serious and pretty. I’m in the camp that thinks the remake is bad AND incomprehensible if you didnt play the original first.
These are all stand along games and getting in deep with nearly any of them will give you the trope and lore back ground you need to “get” final fantasy.
