Final Fantasy III (1990) is celebrated for introducing the flexible Job System, allowing players to customize their party and strategy. Its epic quest, charming world, and innovative mechanics made it a fan favorite. FFIII was the first in the series to feature summons and is known for its challenging dungeons and memorable music. The game’s influence can be seen in later entries and remakes.
1990 | Famicom | 23 Job Classes
Final Fantasy III perfected the job class system. Forget Final Fantasy I's fixed classes or Final Fantasy II's experimental mechanics - Final Fantasy III let you switch jobs freely, creating the template for Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy Tactics.
23 Job Classes including Warrior, Monk, White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage, Thief, Dragoon, Viking, Dark Knight, Bard, Geomancer, Ninja, Sage, and more.
→ Switch jobs anytime outside battle
→ Each job has unique abilities and equipment
→ Master jobs to unlock advanced classes
Four orphaned youths - Luneth, Arc, Refia, Ingus (DS remake names) - fall into a cavern and discover a Wind Crystal. They're chosen as Warriors of Light to restore balance between light and darkness.
The Twist: Light and dark must be in equilibrium. The Flood of Light threatens to consume the world, so you must also prevent pure light from dominating.
This philosophical balance concept became a recurring FF theme.
Final Fantasy III didn't reach the West until 2006 via Nintendo DS remake (16 years after Japan release!). This 3D remake gave characters personalities, full voice acting, and gorgeous visuals.
The Nintendo DS version became the definitive Final Fantasy III experience, later ported to PlayStation Portable, iOS, Android, Steam, and modern consoles.
Final Fantasy III is where job classes reached peak flexibility. Want a party of four Ninjas? Done. All Dragoons? Sure. Mix and match until you find your style.
Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy Tactics refined this system further, but Final Fantasy III laid the groundwork. If you love job systems in RPGs, pay respects to Final Fantasy III.
The job system blueprint.