The Final Fantasy franchise is known for some of video game history's most compelling stories and narratives. From the first title to the sixteenth and everything in between and beyond, the most emotional Final Fantasy moments were often considered high points in the industry, proving just how powerful video games are as a medium.
It is safe to say that the narratives produced by this franchise helped push the industry into the mainstream attention it enjoys today.
Prepare some tissues when reading about the most emotional Final Fantasy moments; they draw out some tears!
Yuna Learns What Tidus Is (Final Fantasy X)
Highly regarded as one of the best entries in the numbered games, Final Fantasy X's rich world sets up a romance story for the ages in Tidus and Yuna.
Tidus, a skilled blitzball player, and Yuna, a summoner on a pilgrimage, are two strangers who share the same tragic fate. As they embark on a quest to save the world, they form a deep bond that transcends their destinies.
While Yuna escapes her sacrificial fate, Tidus does not. His selflessness saves Spira at the cost of his existence, as Yuna tragically finds out. Witnessing the sweet summoner come to terms with his lover's fading has shed a tear from the eyes of many Final Fantasy fans.
Vivi Comes to Terms With His Identity (Final Fantasy IX)
Beneath the adorable appearance of the powerful black mage Vivi Orunitia lies a tragic secret. As the video game progresses, the black mage learns that his kind is a creation of destruction for the villain Kuja. Worse is that he is not meant to live long because of these conditions.
In a powerful sequence during the story, he learns this by coming across a village populated by his kind. Through his interactions with the villagers, he eventually learns to live life to its fullest, even if it's short. Eventually, his legacy is not lost, as a generation of other black mages follow his inspiring way of life.
Zack Fair Achieves His Heroic Dream (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII)
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a fantastic spinoff in the franchise that deserves every praise it gets. From its engaging combat to its deep lore expansion, Crisis Core provides an unmissable addition to the already stellar world of Final Fantasy VII.
At the centre of these high points is none other than Zack Fair. This selfless man kept his heart pure throughout his journey as a warrior, determined to become a hero to all. He achieves this dream at the cost of his life, however, as he dies fighting off soldiers to save his best friend, Cloud Strife. He even imparts the Buster Sword to Cloud, passing his valiant legacy to a hero in the making.
Delita and Ovelia's Fates (Final Fantasy Tactics)
As Final Fantasy Tactics fans will know, the strife in Ivalice is a breeding ground for ill intent. Among the many conflicts that will arise over the narrative, perhaps none is as tragic as Delita and Ovelia's fates.
What started as manipulation rooted in Delita's seemingly noble ambitions to become a king ends in tyranny. Their fates tragically culminate as Ovelia dies in Delita's arms after Ovelia attempts to murder him to stop his continuing tyranny. Delita becomes king after the incident, at the cost of his friends and principles.
Aerith Gainsborough Dies (Final Fantasy VII)
Of course, the most emotional Final Fantasy moment belongs to the most famous. Aerith Gainsborough has to be the sweetest character in Final Fantasy VII's story, and her inherent kindness makes her death more painful. It also cements Sephiroth as one of the most cruel characters in video game history!
The Final Fantasy franchise always strives to push the boundaries of video games as a narrative medium. Each entry consistently creates some of the most emotional gaming moments. At the rate they are going, it is safe to say that the franchise can still achieve new heights.
READ MORE: The Best Final Fantasy Spin-Offs