Area of Effect

Area of Effect refers to an ability's capability to strike more that one target. Since Final Fantasy XI, fighters during battle move around far more frequently, so instead of spells striking one or all targets, they instead target all enemies or allies in range.

Final Fantasy XII
Most upgraded spells hit an area. For example most Magic spells that end in -ra or -ga have an area of effect. The exception is Curaga which only heals one target.

Final Fantasy XIII
Ravagers' second and third tier spells are area of effect dealing less damage to surrounding enemies than to target. Also Saboteurs' and Medics' upgraded spells are area of effect working similarly to Ravager's second and third tier magics. The exception are Synergists' abilities, like Protectra or Bravera, which are just stronger versions. In addition, the Commando ability Blitz has an area of effect.

Final Fantasy Tactics
As a Strategy Role-Playing Game, several skills in Final Fantasy Tactics have an area of effect. An attack can have an area of effect centered on the caster or any point in the caster's range, or even entire parties, regardless of the fighters' positions, like in the case of a Bard's Songs or a Dancer's Dances. Arithmeticians can select groups of fighters through several conditions and inflict them with a wide selection of previously learned magicks from other mage jobs.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
The targeting in this game vary through the various skills of the game, but the options of a skill's area of effect are the same as the original Final Fantasy Tactics.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Due to being a sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, skills present in this game have the same area of effect as they did in the previous game, and no new skills debut any changes to the types of areas of effect.