Final Fantasy 4 was nearly skipped entirely so the JRPG series could “beat” Dragon Quest: “It was kind of a brilliant idea”
The article reports that Final Fantasy 4 was once considered for omission from the series’ numbering, with the aim of putting Final Fantasy ahead of rival JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. The idea illustrates how closely the two series competed during the period, and how marketing considerations could influence the presentation of major games.
According to the account, the proposed change would have meant moving directly from Final Fantasy 3 to a later-numbered release, allowing the franchise to appear numerically ahead of Dragon Quest. The plan was described as “kind of a brilliant idea”, but Final Fantasy 4 ultimately retained its title and became a landmark entry in the series.
- Final Fantasy 4 was nearly skipped in numbering.
- The aim was to outpace Dragon Quest.
- The game ultimately kept its original title.