: We originally ran this feature in 2012. It has been updated with a new section on Final Fantasy XV, as well as some updated recommendations for newcomers to the series. Please be excited!

The+History+Lesson

Why+Do+People+Love+It?

East+vs.+West

What's+a+Chocobo?

What's+a+Moogle?

What's+a+Summon?

What's+an+Airship?

Magic

Jobs

Where+to+Start

Trying something new takes courage of various quantities. Taking the plunge into a new cuisine or hobby always comes with a mote of nervous excitement. The same holds true for video games. We all know what we like so departing from those norms could mean wasted time and money. Fortunately, despite Final Fantasy's 28-year history, you can get started without much trouble.Allow us, long-time Final Fantasy enthusiasts, to help you try your hand at a legendary Japanese RPG series enjoyed across the world.The first Final Fantasy launched in Japan on December 18th, 1987. Developed by Square Co. (now Square-Enix), Final Fantasy represented a desperate attempt to make a hit by creator and director Hironobu Sakaguchi following several unsuccessful efforts by the company. Final Fantasy was a tremendous success and started a series that would define JRPGs for years after.The Final Fantasy series includes 15 main installments, four sequels (one for X, one for XII, and two for XIII), and numerous spin-offs. Besides the four direct sequels, none of the installments relate to each other outside of thematic motifs and the occasional inside joke. In this way, newcomers can start with virtually any installment without missing important plot points. Each game features an original story populated by an original cast.With a fan base spanning the globe, you might wonder why so many gamers dote on Final Fantasy. While the original focused on a dungeon-filled world and exciting combat, the series grew to highlight story and characterization as much as the battles that drove it forward. From a troubled dark knight to a flirtatious king, Final Fantasy populates its worlds with an eclectic assortment of heroes and villains that inspire fan renderings, cosplay, and even a few crushes.Each installment in the series attempts something different from the last. Final Fantasy has both ups and downs, but gamers can always trust that the developers will explore new ground in an effort to redefine old systems and earn your interest for hundreds of hours.If you know western RPGs like Fallout, Mass Effect, and Elder Scrolls, you might be surprised at how different Final Fantasy feels compared to its western counterparts. Most of this comes from the obvious cultural gap between Japanese developers creating a product that reaches a non-Japanese audience. Subtleties, such as character mannerisms and dialogue, reflect actual cultural differences. A hero, for example, might gesture and emote in ways that feel unusual for a gamer outside of Japan.Most Final Fantasy installments use some form of a turn-based battle system, though recently more action-orientated combat has been introduced to the series (XIII and XV are good examples of this). Some players may find turn-based battle too slow, but the advantage is that it promotes strategic thinking. If you lack the ability to input button combinations with inhuman quickness, Final Fantasy enables you to enjoy an exciting battle without fast reflexes.A fictional, recurring creature in the Final Fantasy series, chocobos are large, yellow birds that -- once domesticated -- serve as mounts and a source of cuteness. See image below.Moogles are furry little creatures with a "pom pom"—a red ball of fur on an antenna—emerging from their heads. They first appeared in Final Fantasy III and have appeared in every main series game since, with the exception of Final Fantasy IV. Their function depends on the game: some can be summoned into battle, others (like Final Fantasy V I's Mog) will fight alongside your heroes. Moogles often give helpful advice, and can even act as save points. Their trademark cry is "Kupo!"Summons are powerful beasts that can be called into battle by Summoners to assist your party. They are known for special attacks that either deal heavy damage to enemies or heal your characters. Summons appear on the battlefield for only a short time, and in some cases can be directly controlled by the player. They are known by multiple names: Aeons, Espers, Eidolons, Guardian Force, Avatar, Primal, and Totemas.Want to get somewhere in a hurry? Take an airship! These aerial vehicles allow players to quickly travel anywhere in world, including hard-to-reach areas. Airships are usually acquired midgame or later, and their appearance varies. They are often associated with a recurring character named Cid.Magic is one of the two principal forms of attack in Final Fantasy (the other being physical attacks). Those who wield magic are known as Mages.Magic is divided into seven categories: Black Magic, White Magic, Blue Magic, Summon Magic, Time and Space Magic, Spellblade, and Item Magic. Players usually start off with basic spells like Fire and Cure, then acquire more powerful spells (like Fira and Cura) later on.Many Final Fantasy games feature "Jobs," classes that allow characters to specialize in different types of abilities. There are over 30 Job classes in the series, divided into physical, magical, and mixed types. Physical Jobs include Knights and Gunners, Magical Jobs include Mages and Summoners, and Mixed Jobs include Red Mages and Dancers.Some Final Fantasy games allow you to change a character's Job at any point, but others predetermine the character's Job class from the start (see: Final Fantasy IV).Considering Final Fantasy's long history, its many installments have appeared across numerous consoles and handheld devices. Almost any modern gaming device supports at least one Final Fantasy game, so you needn't run out to buy an original Nintendo Entertainment System to play the classics.For those interested in seeing where it all begin -- more a novelty than a necessity -- a remake of the original Final Fantasy is available for iOS devices . Final Fantasy Origins, a collection containing updated versions of Final Fantasy I and II, is available on the PlayStation Network. Final Fantasy VI will better serve you if you want to see the series' greatest "old-school" moments. This installment also appears on numerous devices, including the PlayStation Network.If 16-bit sprites don't suit you and you want something more modern, look no further than one of the most popular installments: Final Fantasy VII . Now available on the PlayStation Network, this one also made it to PC. If you're willing to wait, there is also a remake currently in development, though the release date is unknown.For those looking to dip their toes in a more modern Final Fantasy, FF X/X-2 HD Remaster is the easiest to find and most up-to-date. Its endearing story and comprehensive battle mechanics make it a great place to start for anyone new to the series.The most recent Final Fantasy, XV, will be making its way to Playstation 4 and Xbox One sometime in the near future. The demo (Final Fantasy XV Episode Duscae) is currently available for both platforms. If you enjoy more action-orientated gameplay, be sure to this this one out.Select the Final Fantasy that sounds right to you and give it a shot. I hope you enjoy it. If not, you can always try another one, or go back to your gaming staple of choice. But don't give up before riding a chocobo. Everyone needs to ride a chocobo.

Meghan Sullivan is one of IGN's foremost RPG experts. Talk JRPGs and WWE with her on Twitter at @Meghan_IGN . Ryan Clements is also a foremost RPG expert. Talk JRPGs and K-Pop with him on Twitter at @PwamCider