Final Fantasy III vs Final Fantasy VII
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Final Fantasy III delivers a timeless turn‑based battle system, iconic job‑change mechanics, and a sprawling fantasy world to explore. The 1994 classic has been remastered with updated graphics, quality‑of‑life improvements, and new side quests while preserving the original story’s charm. Players embark on a quest to restore balance to the world, recruiting a party of heroes, mastering dozens of jobs, and battling formidable foes across diverse environments. The game offers a deep strategic experience that rewards careful planning and creative character builds.
Final Fantasy VII follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past, as he joins an eco‑terrorist group to stop the megacorporation Shinra from draining the planet’s life force. The story weaves personal drama, epic battles, and a richly detailed world that blends fantasy and sci‑fi elements.
- Deep and flexible job system
- Strategic turn‑based combat
- Rich story with memorable characters
- Extensive side content and replay value
- Rich, unforgettable story
- Innovative Materia customization
- Iconic music and visuals
- Extensive replay value
- Original pacing can feel slow to modern players
- Limited voice acting compared to newer titles
- Some UI elements feel dated despite updates
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Occasional pacing issues in early chapters
- Limited save slots in original version
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Final Fantasy III
View all →
Alternatives to Final Fantasy VII
View all →
A breathtaking RPG adventure with fast-paced combat and a deep, emotional story.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataFinal Fantasy III is the safer, cheaper default offering a polished pixel art remaster and flexible job system, while Final Fantasy VII costs more and focuses on a sci-fi narrative with Materia customization.
Key differences
- •Price: Final Fantasy III costs $19.99, whereas Final Fantasy VII is priced higher at $49.99.
- •Combat and Mechanics: Final Fantasy III features a job-change system with over 20 classes and turn-based combat, while Final Fantasy VII utilizes a turn-based system with an ATB gauge and the Materia customization system.
- •Visual Style: Final Fantasy III offers remastered pixel art and modern UI, compared to Final Fantasy VII's sprawling pre-rendered world map and cinematic full-motion video sequences.
- •Critic Score: Final Fantasy III holds a 100/100 critic score, whereas Final Fantasy VII holds an 85/100 critic score.
Gameplay & fun factor
FFIII features a deep job-change system with over 20 classes, whereas FFVII uses the Materia system and an ATB gauge.
Platform availability
Cross-platform cloud saves are noted for FFIII (PC, console, mobile); specific platforms for FFVII are not specified.
Price & value
FFIII costs $19.99 (MSRP), making it significantly less expensive than FFVII which is priced at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer components mentioned.
Content & replayability
FFIII includes hundreds of optional side quests and multiple endings determined by key story choices.
Difficulty & accessibility
FFIII features dynamic difficulty scaling that adapts to player skill, and an ESRB rating of E10+ (PEGI 7).
Graphics & performance
FFIII features remastered pixel art and a modern UI, whereas FFVII has graphics that are outdated by modern standards.
Choose Final Fantasy III if…
Gamers wanting a lower price, pixel art visuals, and a flexible job-change system.
Choose Final Fantasy VII if…
Players seeking a sci-fi narrative, Materia customization, and cinematic FMV sequences.
Common questions
How much do Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy VII cost?
Final Fantasy III has an MSRP of $19.99, while Final Fantasy VII has an MSRP of $49.99.
Do either of these games feature multiplayer?
No, both Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy VII are single-player experiences with no multiplayer components.
What are the main combat and character progression differences?
Final Fantasy III uses a job-change system with over 20 classes and turn-based combat. Final Fantasy VII uses the Materia system for abilities and turn-based combat with an ATB gauge.