Final Fantasy 17 Has to Make a Massive Change if It Is to Succeed

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For many years, *Final Fantasy* has been more than just a series of video games – it’s become the standard for how I judge role-playing games, especially when it comes to compelling stories, detailed worlds, and complex gameplay. I cherish each new installment because they all try something different, often taking risks and surprising me while still respecting what made *Final Fantasy* great. Some of these changes have been huge hits, like *Final Fantasy VII*, which really changed the RPG landscape, but not all of them have been well-received by Square Enix or its fans.

To fix this issue, Square Enix should revisit turn-based combat. Instead of continuing to focus on fast-paced, real-time battles, they need to remember what made the early *Final Fantasy* games so successful. With *Final Fantasy XVII* on the horizon, this is a crucial decision that will determine the future of the series.

What Past Final Fantasies Did Right and How Modern Ones Failed

For many, the golden age of Final Fantasy includes games like *VII*, *VIII*, *IX*, and *X*. These titles weren’t just popular with critics – they truly shaped RPGs for a generation. While they all used turn-based combat, Square Enix kept things interesting with unique systems and designs. Players needed to think strategically and plan their moves, rather than just randomly pressing buttons. Boss fights often felt like challenges that required specific tactics and items to overcome.

Compared to earlier games, *Final Fantasy XV* and *Final Fantasy XVI* moved away from the traditional turn-based combat system – with *Final Fantasy XIV* being the exception. These newer games prioritized fast-paced action, boasting incredible graphics and cinematic sequences. While I enjoyed both titles, they didn’t capture the same magic as the older installments. *XV’s* combat, though ambitious, felt chaotic, and I often struggled with the camera controls. Even *Final Fantasy XVI*, a personal favorite, sometimes felt more like watching an action movie than actually playing a role-playing game because it focused so much on visual spectacle.

Both games are enjoyable, and even though Square Enix wasn’t thrilled with how well they sold, I really loved them. I especially appreciate their immersive worlds and compelling stories. However, I often found myself wishing they used the traditional turn-based combat system – and many other Final Fantasy fans feel the same way. The older games still feel fantastic to play, and while *Final Fantasy VII Remake* managed to succeed despite moving to real-time action, Square Enix’s other attempts at this style haven’t been as successful. This should signal to Square Enix that it’s time to reconsider the future of the series.

What Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Proves About Modern Turn-Based RPGs

Many believe turn-based combat feels old-fashioned and isn’t popular with modern gamers. However, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* from Sandfall Interactive proves that idea wrong. Coming from a brand new studio, this debut RPG has become a contender for Game of the Year and is even being adapted into a live-action series. The game captivated players with its compelling story and surprisingly engaging turn-based gameplay, demonstrating that there’s still a strong audience for this style of RPG.

Sandfall Interactive successfully blended the stunning graphics of action games with the thoughtful strategy of turn-based games. This success has reportedly caught the attention of Square Enix, who are now thinking about bringing turn-based combat back to the *Final Fantasy* series. It’s unclear if this will happen with *Final Fantasy XVII*, or if they have other plans. One possibility is that Square Enix might try out turn-based gameplay again by remaking older titles like *Final Fantasy VI* or *Final Fantasy IX* before introducing it in a completely new game.

As a long-time RPG player, I think Square Enix is in the perfect spot to really bring turn-based combat back. That *Clair Obscur* game showed there’s still a huge fanbase for it, but Square Enix could seriously kick things up a notch and start a whole new era of amazing turn-based RPGs. Final Fantasy is already legendary, honestly one of the biggest names in gaming, and going back to its roots with turn-based battles could make it even better than ever before. I’m really hoping they do it!

Why Returning to Strategy Could Secure the Final Fantasy’s Future

For *Final Fantasy XVII* to truly succeed – not just in sales, but as one of the series’ greatest games – Square Enix needs to learn from its history. While action RPGs can be fun, the core of *Final Fantasy* lies in turn-based battles that allow for strong storytelling and memorable characters. *Final Fantasy XV* and *Final Fantasy XVI* both had moving stories and likeable characters, but their repetitive combat eventually became tiresome. To really stand out, the next game needs to prioritize engaging, strategic battles over simply mashing buttons.

I love how Final Fantasy games make you think strategically about your whole team and how each character works in battle. It’s really satisfying to balance offense and defense across multiple characters. However, newer, more action-focused games often focus on controlling just one character and prioritize exciting visuals, which takes away that strategic depth. The game *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* showed that you can still have amazing, cinematic combat even with a turn-based system. *Final Fantasy XVII* could really benefit from taking inspiration from games like that, and even *Final Fantasy VII Remake*, to create a perfect mix of strategic depth and exciting action.

Square Enix has shown with the *Final Fantasy VII Remake* and *Rebirth* that they can successfully blend classic elements with modern game design. To keep the series strong and innovative, the next installment, *Final Fantasy XVII*, could benefit from a focus on strategic gameplay instead of just action – a return to its origins. While turn-based combat is popular now, its staying power depends on developers like Square Enix embracing it. Sandfall Interactive’s *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* is promising, but it can’t revive the genre on its own. *Final Fantasy XVII* has the potential to be the game the genre needs, and I hope Square Enix recognizes that opportunity.

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2025-09-28 23:11