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Entertainment • Video Game

Final Fantasy VI

Final Fantasy VI is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Final Fantasy VI is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. It is the sixth main entry in the Final Fantasy series and was released in North America as Final Fantasy III. The game is known for its steampunk-inspired setting, ensemble cast, and unusually large number of playable characters.

Gameplay and structure

Final Fantasy VI is a turn-based role-playing game with exploration, battles, and menu-based character management. It is notable for its large cast of playable characters and party-based progression, with fourteen permanent playable characters — the most in the main series.

Plot and setting

The story takes place in a fantasy world with technology resembling the Second Industrial Revolution. It follows a resistance movement opposing the Gestahlian Empire and explores themes such as war, magic, and redemption.

Release and naming

Square released the game in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1994, and it later reached North America — including Canada — under the title Final Fantasy III. Later re-releases restored the sixth main-series numbering in most regions, and the game has appeared on multiple Nintendo and other platforms.

Reception and legacy

The game was highly praised on release and has since been considered one of the most influential entries in the series and the RPG genre more broadly.

Key facts

  • The game is the sixth mainline entry in the Final Fantasy series.
  • It originally launched for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994.
  • Its North American SNES release used the title Final Fantasy III.
  • The story features a rebellion against an imperial dictatorship in a steampunk-style world.
  • The game is widely regarded as a landmark title in the role-playing genre.
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Canadian context

Final Fantasy VI was released in North America, including Canada, on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and later appeared on multiple Nintendo and other platforms, making it familiar to Canadian players who followed the series’ original console releases.[2][3][14]

Frequently asked questions

What is Final Fantasy VI?
It is a 1994 role-playing video game by Square and the sixth main entry in the Final Fantasy series.
Why was it called Final Fantasy III in North America?
The North American Super NES release used the number III because several earlier Final Fantasy games had not been released there.
How many playable characters does it have?
It has fourteen permanent playable characters, which is the most of any main-series Final Fantasy game.
What is the game’s setting?
It is set in a steampunk-inspired fantasy world with technology resembling the Second Industrial Revolution.
Who published Final Fantasy VI?
Square developed and published the original game.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: Setting, story themes, and fourteen permanent playable characters.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: Developer, North American title, story premise, release platform, and sales note.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: Original release dates, series position, and later platform re-releases.
  4. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: 1994 SNES release and Game Boy Advance remake reference.
  5. Final Fantasy Wiki — https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: Plot framing involving the Gestahlian Empire, espers, and Terra Branford.
  6. StrategyWiki — https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI
    Supports: North American naming as Final Fantasy III and later renumbering.