I'm actually one of the few people who prefer FFV to FFVI. My opinion is somewhat biased, though, since I think FFV is greatly underrated while FFVI is overrated (IMHO). So how does Final Fantasy V do in comparison to FFVI? In terms of storyline, FFVI is better. However, FFV's story is by no means bad. The game actually has a pretty good storyline, and I noticed on my 2nd time through the game how detailed the storyline actually is, and it also has some depth.

FFVI also has more characters and character development, though this doesn't mean FFV's characters are bad. I still managed to grow attached to FFV's characters, and the side characters (Cid, Mid, King Tycoon, Zeza, Kelga etc) are all enjoyable. Gilgamesh is probably my favorite side villain in the FF series (and his theme song is great!). (SPOILER)Exdeath is quite a cliched villain with lines such as "Fools! Fwahahaha!", but at least you can consider him a villain that you can hate. I could never take Kefka seriously. "Wop wop wop wop wop wop wop." Stoopid clown.

FFV's music is great. It isn't as amazing as FFVI's, but it's very beautiful, and the songs work very well in the scenes where they are played. "Nostalgia" (the theme for death scenes) is a really heartbreaking song. But I saved the best for last: IMHO, FFV has the most addictive gameplay and one of the best battle systems in the series, if not the best. The Job/Ability system is just so much fun, and it's great to combine different classes and abilities and create a party of your choice. I think the battle system was something where FFVI failed to impress me, but I thought FFV's was really awesome.

As for other things, FFV has the most advanced "Light Warriors trying to save the crystals" story. This game is also the last FF for a while to take place in a medieval fantasy world (FFVI-VIII worlds had more technology, and we had to wait until FFIX to see a medieval fantasy world again). It's definitely an old-school FF. If you're playing the GBA version, it supposedly has a great script with loads of funny moments, not to mention there's a bonus dungeon and some new classes.

Quote Originally Posted by Elpizo View Post
Compared to VI? I'd rate V higher. A LOT higher. The story is great and underrated. Yes, you can't play with many characters. Like that's a problem. Character development may not be that great, but is that needed when each of the playable characters has a strong character of itself straight from the beginning? Is character develoment really needed when every character in this game is just himself? The story has touching scenes, epic scenes just like the rest of the series. Very underrated, I find it.

But the gameplay of V is great of course, and it has briliant (and underrated) music as well.

Well... For me V will always remain the best of the first 6 FF games. It has the best "Lightwarriors chosen by the Crystals" story, the best death-scene in the entire series, great gameplay and great music as well. How could one possibly not like such a game, that combines everything that makes FF great?
Thank you. This actually sums up my point pretty well.