Since 1987, the creators of Final Fantasy have made it very clear that they know many people judge books by their cover. Naturally, throughout the history of the franchise, there have been many different gorgeous artworks that have graced the boxes of these games with the express purpose of capturing your eyes and imagination. We have deliberated, though, and are here to list the top 10 best Final Fantasy cover art.
10. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles initially released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003, and it stayed there for 17 years until the Remastered Edition released on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS in 2020. The new version not only brought additional content, quality of life improvements, and a fresh coat of paint, but it also released with this snazzy new cover art featuring our heroes striking a pose in a stunning pencil drawing by the game’s Art Director Toshiyuki Itahana.
Pencil markings and a paper-like background bring these characters to life in a way that feels nostalgic, perfectly encompassing this remaster of a beloved classic.
9. Final Fantasy (Japan Release)
Few artists are as synonymous with the Final Fantasy franchise as Yoshitaka Amano. For the very first Final Fantasy game, back in 1987 for the Famicom (NES), the developer and publisher formerly known only as Square, pushed the envelope with this beautiful piece of art made for the game they thought would be their last.
While the North American release of the game did not feature this cover art, the franchise nevertheless eventually became a resounding success in both territories. Amano’s first hand at the series’ artwork is a great example of a piece that stands on its own, capable of striking the attention of a passersby that in ’87 had never seen these characters before.
8. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X was a milestone for the franchise, as it was the first in the series to feature fully three-dimensional environments and voice acting. It only serves as appropriate that the cover art for this landmark title would be a beautiful piece of rendered 3D artwork of our protagonist Tidus.
This cover art may not feature an action-packed, dynamic pose– instead, it offers a moment in time of calm and hope, two principal themes in the game. Of course, the render itself let the developer, then known as Square, also show off their technical chops. Final Fantasy X remains one of the most visually impressive games on the PlayStation 2, and this cover certainly conveys that in spades.
7. Final Fantasy III (Nintendo DS Release)
The Nintendo DS remake of Final Fantasy III served as the first time the game had been released outside of Japan. Naturally, the game needed to make a great impression on the rest of the world, and this cover art sealed the deal.
Final Fantasy III’s artwork boasts a beautiful set-piece with desaturated colors, making you feel like you are gazing at art lifted off of an ancient tapestry. The game’s initial setting of a floating continent takes a subtle center-stage in this artwork, with a city enveloped in clouds. It feels grand, it feels mysterious, and it was an excellent re-introduction of this classic title.