Top 10 best Final Fantasy cover art, ranked

Since 1987, the creators of Final Fantasy have made it very clear that they know many people judge books by their covers. Of course, throughout the history of the franchise, there have been many different pieces of beautiful art that have graced the boxes of these games with the express aim of capturing your eyes and your imagination. We’ve changed our minds and are here to list them Top 10 Best Final Fantasy Cover Art.

10. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles was originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003 and stayed there for 17 years until the 2020 Remastered Edition was released on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS. The new version not only brought additional content, quality of life improvements and a fresh coat of paint, but it was also released with this snazzy new cover where our heroes pose in a stunning pencil drawing by Toshiyuki Itahana, the game’s Art Director.

Pencil marks and a paper-like background bring these characters to life in a nostalgic way, perfectly summing up this re-imagining of a beloved classic.

9. Final Fantasy (Release in Japan)

Few artists are as synonymous with the Final Fantasy franchise as Yoshitaka Amano. For the very first Final Fantasy game in 1987 for Famicom (NES), the developer and publisher formerly known only as Square pushed the envelope with this beautiful artwork made for the game they thought it would be it would be her last.

While the game’s North American release didn’t feature this cover art, the franchise eventually became a resounding success in both territories. Amano’s first look at the series’ artwork is a great example of a standalone piece that can capture the attention of a passerby who had never seen these characters before in 1987.

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’s only fitting that the cover art for this landmark title is beautifully rendered 3D artwork by our protagonist, Tidus.

This cover image may not show an action-packed, dynamic pose – instead it offers a moment of calm and hope, two main themes in the game. Of course, the render itself allows the developers, who were then still known under the name Square, to shine technically. Final Fantasy X remains one of the most visually stunning games on the PlayStation 2, and this cover certainly conveys that in the highest degree.

7. Final Fantasy III (Nintendo DS Release)

The Nintendo DS Remake of Final Fantasy III marked the first time the game was released outside of Japan. Of course, the game needed to make a big impact on the rest of the world, and this cover artwork sealed the deal.

Final Fantasy III’s artwork features a beautiful set-piece with desaturated colors making it feel like you’re looking at art lifted from an old tapestry. The game’s initial setting, a floating continent, takes a subtle center stage in this artwork featuring a cloud-shrouded city. It feels great, it feels mysterious, and it was an excellent reintroduction to this classic title.

6. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain up

Cover art can sometimes be a bit of fun, as a reward. The cover art of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call features a delightful chorus of adventurers, many of whom have slain gods. However, killing God gets tiring – you have to live a little sometimes.

The pop-up book style fits in well with the light-hearted tone of the Theatrhythm spin-off series, while making great use of the Nintendo 3DS’ stereoscopic 3D capability. Taking a step back, this precious work of art shows the heroes in a wide angle, all together in unison, all together at peace. There is a time and place for sword fighting, but this phase is not. Taking a break from the series’ often serious artwork, Curtain Call provides a delightful breath of fresh air.

5. Final Fantasy Tactics progression

A great video game cover tells a story at a glance. On the cover of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, our main characters, four ordinary children, are drawn unknowingly looking at the pages of a mysterious book. The brilliant part of this piece of art is the use of color contrasting colors utilizing warm soothing tones that are soon engulfed by big oppressive cool tones.

These characters are unaware of the adventure that soon unfolds before them and the dangers that lie ahead, and this moment artwork is a stunning expression of that innocence in the wake of something far more dangerous. Evoking emotion and intrigue, this cover image is worthy of representing a fan favorite in the Tactics spin-off series.

4. Final Fantasy II (Release in Japan)

Imagine: 1988. You are Square and you published Final Fantasy expecting the series to start and end with a single game. However, the success of the first game led to an unexpected opportunity to create a sequel. Learning from their first attempt, Square decided to make the first Final Fantasy sequel more story-centric, which has remained a central focus in the franchise ever since.

Yoshitaka Amano returned with a piece that exudes confidence for this cover artwork of the Japanese release. The bold new logo design and protagonist Firion’s bold eyes feel like a lap of honor and let the viewer know this series is here to stay. While no action-packed imagery is depicted, few pieces of cover art in the franchise feel as visually arresting as that of Final Fantasy II.

3. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Ask any Final Fantasy fan what their favorite entry in the franchise is and you’ll probably hear Final Fantasy VII. This iconic entry had such great cover artwork that when a remake was released 13 years later, the artwork was retained, albeit with a visual upgrade. Then, when an enhanced version of the remake, titled Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, was released a year later, developer and publisher Square-Enix used that artwork a third time.

Featuring our hero Cloud Strife staring up at the Shinra building, this artwork has always shown phenomenal use of perspective, gazing at the oppressive symbol of greed and corruption. The iteration of this artwork isn’t just for the purpose of wringing nostalgia from you, but it really hits every note, visually and narratively.

2. Final Fantasy XV (Release in Japan)

The Japanese release of Final Fantasy XV featured cover artwork that nailed the game’s atmosphere and brotherhood theme. With the four heroes alone on an open road, you can barely see any signs of life in the distance, which sets you up for the game’s sprawling landscapes. This artwork invites you to find answers to the questions of who they are and what lies over the horizon.

The North American cover of Final Fantasy XV opted for a more action-packed scene, but using the Japanese artwork’s perspective gives you the feeling of peering into the lives of these friends, who are the only signs of living hope down a desolate road. This work of art promises a grand adventure, and Final Fantasy XV certainly delivered.

1.Final Fantasy VI

The Final Fantasy VI cover takes the number one spot on this list as an incredible example of a standalone work of art that nails its story, only enhanced by the accompanying classic title. On this cover we see the protagonist Terra Branford as one of the few color characters in an atmospheric setting reminiscent of the works of Zdzisław Beksiński. Terra was under the mind control of the Gestahl Empire for much of her life; This cover art gives us a glimpse of Terra that’s bigger than the empire she’s about to crush, while using her own technology no less.

Giving the Oppressor a taste of his own medicine is an enticing endeavor, and letting the player feel the excitement of overthrowing this sinister evil is an immense satisfaction that this work of art captures with fervor; The use of high-contrast black and white intensifies the visuals and the call-to-arms behind them. There are moments of grace in this cruel world, and Yoshitaka Amano makes that statement loud and clear in the best Final Fantasy cover art.