FFXIV’s game director andFF16’s producer Yoshi-P has answered a question about the next installment in theFinal Fantasyseries,Final Fantasy 17, that every fan has been asking, even if his answer is somewhat ambiguous.Naoki Yoshida has been the face of the franchise lately, even if he is not necessarily directing all the games in the series.Even so, there is some expectation that he will be involved with the next core game in the franchise. It’s unknown what path the series will tread afterFF16’s reception, but developer Square Enix is listening.
Now,Yoshi-P has revealed that there is still a chance forFinal Fantasy 17to be turn-based following the success of the gameplay structure presented by the Game of the Year contender,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In an interview withAnime News Network, the developer said that “it’s not a clear-cut answer, whether it will become all turn-based, or if it’s going to become more action-based.” Yoshi-P’s statement comes after a report that Square Enix is aware ofClair Obscur’s success and that it could makeFinal Fantasyreturn to turn-based combat.
FF17 Being Turn-Based Is Up In The Air
Turn-Based Combat Could Work Well For Future Games In The Series
For now, however, it seems like the future of the franchise is still uncertain. While the positive reception toClair Obscur’s interpretation of the classic turn-based model has caught Square Enix’s eye,there is still a chance the company will continue to invest in action-based combat, or at least a hybrid of it, like in games that compose theFF7 Remakeseries. One of the main criticisms directed at the most recent core games in the series is the action-based combat. While it is good, it lacks more depth that, in turn, offers players an opportunity for strategic thinking.
As such, it would make sense for the company to look back on the model that made the franchise successful before. Turn-based combat is often seen as an antiquated gameplay mechanic, butClair Obscurproves how innovative it can still be.There is no reason for a new game in the series to explore new avenues within the turn-based combat model. After all,Final Fantasyhas been built on innovation, and seeing it apply innovation creatively to a classic model would be within the company’s expertise.
Final Fantasy’s Future Is At A Crossroads
The Series' Recent Games Have Been Heavily Criticized
While the gameplay model doesn’t necessarily represent everything that is wrong with the series nowadays, as there is also abranding issue withFinal Fantasy,choosing between action-based and turn-based combat could be what determines the future of the franchise and how it’s perceived. The series is at a crossroads, and choosing either one could have a significant impact on where the franchise will go after that. I’m keen on seeing the return of an elaborate turn-based system, or at least a hybrid, inFinal Fantasy 17, but I’m also aware that it doesn’t mean the game will be great.
I am, however, comforted by the fact that Square Enix has an open mind for turn-based combat and that Yoshi-P hasn’t set anything in stone just yet, as there could be a positive return of turn-based combat or, perhaps, a full reevaluation of the action-based systems the company has used during the past decade. As much as the decision between both will be an important one, I’m still hopeful for the future ofFinal Fantasy, regardless of what system Square Enix picks.
