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Will Final Fantasy Return to Turn-Based Combat?
Recently, games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have sparked interest in turn-based combat. Fans are curious if Square Enix might bring back this style for upcoming Final Fantasy games.
The Final Fantasy series has a rich history of different combat systems. It started with a turn-based system, then switched to an active time battle (ATB) system in Final Fantasy 4. Over time, the games have leaned towards more action-oriented gameplay, with Final Fantasy 10 being a notable exception as it remained turn-based.
Gameplay Is More Than Just Combat
In a recent interview with AnimeNewsNetwork, Final Fantasy producer Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida was asked if the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would influence the combat system in future Final Fantasy games, like Final Fantasy 17.
Yoshi-P responded carefully, saying the debate between turn-based and action gameplay often simplifies the broader question of what kind of experience the developers want to create. He explained that this involves factors like graphic quality and storyline, which affect the game’s design choices.
As director of Final Fantasy 14, he mentioned that it’s a complex question without a simple answer regarding whether future games will be turn-based or action-based.
Yoshida continued, “This includes the battle system, overall game design, and how the gameplay feels. It’s hard to predict if future games will be all turn-based or trend towards more action. We also want to leave room for future directors and producers working on games like 17 or 18, without limiting their creativity.”
He clarified that he is not directly involved in future mainline games, so he can’t make any specific claims about their direction. However, he noted that modern turn-based games often include dynamic elements, like the parry system in Expedition 33, and fans are eager to see what Square Enix might develop in this area.
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