I started playing the series when the first one came out on the nes (yeah i"m old) but i'd have to say final fantasy vi is my favorite. Kefka is the most deranged villian in the series so far and the only one to actually "destroy the world". I got it for my snes when it was orginally released as final fantasy III and Sabin is still the most bad ass character in my opinion so far. After that, i'd have to say ix, iv, then x.