Expedition 33 Devs ‘Exchange Ideas’ with Final Fantasy Team

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would not exist without Final Fantasy.

Although it might seem surprising, it’s accurate – I don’t think Sandfall Interactive would argue with this statement. This year, their relatively low-budget RPG has been a massive hit on the PS5. In many ways, it resembles a contemporary update of a traditional Final Fantasy game.

It’s quite intriguing to observe Square Enix extending an invitation to the creators of Expedition 33, even though their series can stir up controversy, to visit their headquarters in Tokyo. During their journey, they also made a stop at Kojima Productions.

It appears that the specific details of their conversation remain unknown, but it’s evident that Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, seemed genuinely excited following his recent visit.

Guillaume Broche, Francois Meurisse, Tom Guillermin from Sandfall Interactive, along with Alexis Garavaryan from Kepler Interactive – the minds behind Expedition 33 – paid a visit to Square Enix’s office for an enriching exchange of creative thoughts and brainstorming sessions on innovative ideas,” they shared on X (or Twitter).

It’s important to recall that Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a strong contender for Game of the Year awards last year, indicating that Square Enix hasn’t veered too far off course.

However, Expedition 33’s reversion to traditional turn-based combat and map-based worlds has stirred a longing for gameplay elements that Final Fantasy has neglected for a while. It’s thrilling to observe the collaboration between these teams as they share similar concepts and values.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt6_WEN4rCw

It’s important to note that Square Enix hasn’t given up on turn-based games completely. Case in point, their Octopath Traveler series boasts classic combat styles, even though it’s not currently playable on the PS5. Similarly, their Bravely Default series also offers this style of gameplay.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share the latest insights from Final Fantasy 16 director, Naoki Yoshida. In a recent discussion, he hinted that the success of Expedition 33 might not definitively decide whether upcoming Final Fantasy titles will stick to turn-based combat or explore new battle systems.

He told the Anime News Network:

In discussing turn-based versus action gameplay, it’s important to remember that these elements only encompass the battle system. The creators’ overall vision for the game, such as its graphical quality, narrative, and other design aspects, significantly impact how the game systems are structured. This means considering not just the battle system, but also the overall game design and player experience. It’s not a simple matter of choosing one style over the other; instead, it’s about finding a balance that aligns with the game’s intended aesthetic, storytelling, and gameplay feel.

What are your thoughts on where Final Fantasy is heading currently, and what lessons do you hope Square Enix takes away from Expedition 33? Please share your next move in the comments below.

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2025-07-25 22:36