Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V is easily my favourite entry in the Final Fantasy series, and it makes the short list of my all-time favourite JRPGs. I love the Job system that was introduced in FFV. I know FFIII had already started down this track, but it's a far better implementation of the concept in FFV. All the Jobs and Abilities; the combinations feel almost limitless. I can always come back for more with FFV. Another more recent JRPG favourite of mine is Bravely Default, which I think it's safe to say drew a lot of inspiration from FFV.
For those unfamiliar with FFV, here are some very handy resources to get into it:
- FFV Four Job Fiesta: An annual challenge play of FFV where you are rolled a random set of Jobs. You quickly learn that pretty much any combination of Jobs will work. Weird Job combinations really make you think outside of the box.
- Djibriel's FFV Walkthrough: If you're ever stuck on something, this will get you un-stuck.
- FFV Algorithms and Stats FAQ: Posted on GameFAQs, put together by instructrtrepe, it's got everything you need to know in detail about how things work in FFV.
Four Job Fiesta
I have regrettably not kept a record of my past runs in the FJF. I completed at least a handful of runs every summer from 2012 to 2023, with run totals in the double digits a couple years. Altogether, I probably did three or four dozen runs in the Fiesta during that span. Life and other stuff got in the way in recent years, but in 2025 I'm back! and enjoying the heck out of it again.
2025 FJF Run #1: White Mage, Summoner, Bard, Chemist
Completed! These were rather lucky rolls. It was a very easy run. Practically the optimal Jobs for a no-stress romp through the game. Summons are very powerful throughout the game, White Magic keeps you safe, the Bard's songs are IMHO very underrated by many people that assume Bard is a weak Job, and the Chemist's !Mix command basically breaks the game. What more could you possibly need?
2025 FJF Run #2: Ninja, ?, ?, ?
Just getting started on Run #2. Ninja is a great start. When has a Ninja ever not been an OP class in an RPG!?