Is It Time for Final Fantasy to Embrace Turn-Based Combat?

by

The subject of turn-based role-playing games (RPGs) has gained significant interest since the launch of Sandfall Interactive’s potential Game of the Year title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This has led to renewed discussions about whether the genre is making a comeback or if it has always remained relevant. Here, we have rounded up the top five turn-based RPGs available right now.

As a devout fan, I’ve found myself pondering over one intriguing query regarding turn-based games: Should the iconic franchise, Final Fantasy, which played a significant role in the popularization of this genre, revert back to its classic turn-based gameplay?

The Final Final Fantasy

It’s hard to dispute that Final Fantasy significantly popularized turn-based role-playing games (RPGs), and yet, it feels unexpected that this series, which once embraced its roots, now appears to be distancing itself from what initially made it unique.

The call for going back to the traditional gameplay style is at odds with an expanding player base who enjoy the dynamic, action-packed gameplay that can rival contemporary RPGs. In other words, Final Fantasy finds itself in a challenging situation, sandwiched between modern action-RPG titans and its rich history. It seems Square Enix has access to internal statistics backing their strategy, and it’s evident that real-time combat has been instrumental in attracting a larger, more diverse audience.

After the letdown of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series, Square Enix appears to have recognized the importance of capturing new, younger players instead of solely focusing on long-time fans who crave the traditional turn-based gameplay. In an interview with VG247 a few years back, Yoshinori Kitase himself hinted at moving away from a return to the series’ roots.

The Future

In Final Fantasy XV, the game series transitioned completely to real-time battle mechanics, a significant change from its historical focus on turn-based gameplay. However, this change seemed less about developing its unique identity and more like an imitation of other popular action games that have prevailed in the market.

In simpler terms, the fighting style of Final Fantasy XV was greatly influenced by Kingdom Hearts’ dynamic and smooth battles. Conversely, Final Fantasy XVI tends to emulate the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry, but it simplifies the mechanics, making it mainly about pressing a single button to string together combos.

READ: Retrospective: Final Fantasy 16 Is All Style, No Substance

There’s More Than Just Final Fantasy

It’s unfortunate that it seems we won’t get another turn-based Final Fantasy game from Square Enix, as they seem to be focusing solely on real-time combat. However, there’s still hope! They haven’t abandoned the turn-based format entirely. Games like Octopath Traveler, Live A Live, and the Diofield Chronicles series are keeping the traditional turn-based gameplay alive, each with their own innovative elements. For those longing for a contemporary Final Fantasy that harks back to its origins, it might remain a dream for now.

A Personal Fantasy

Although the current direction of the franchise may not be what I’m hoping for, I remain optimistic that Square Enix might one day try out a fresh approach to their turn-based system. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Sea of Stars from Sabotage Studio have demonstrated how combining turn-based mechanics with QTE elements can work effectively, suggesting there’s still potential for innovation in this format.

Numerous options exist for enhancing the traditional turn-based battle system by incorporating real-time features, and it’s clear that Square Enix possesses the necessary resources to attempt such a venture. However, the key issue remains: will they choose to do so?

READ: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy Can Co-exist

Read More

2025-04-29 16:42