Sometimes a game comes along that’s not only highly praised by critics but also changes how people think about an entire type of game. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the first game from Sandfall Interactive, is one of those titles. It’s even been named Game of the Year by Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Expedition 33 blends the traditional style of JRPGs with new and innovative gameplay, and many Final Fantasy fans are hoping it will encourage Square Enix to bring back turn-based battles.
According to GamesRadar+, director Yuji Hamaguchi has high praise for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, calling it a potential game of the year contender. He wasn’t just impressed with the combat, but with how well all the game’s elements work together. Hamaguchi specifically noted the game’s excellent balance, praising the way its turn-based system is improved by quick-time parries and reactive gameplay.
The Final Fantasy series started with traditional turn-based battles, but has largely moved towards faster-paced action RPG combat. This shift has split the fanbase, with long-time players sometimes preferring the older style and newer players enjoying the change. Interestingly, the success of the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sparked discussions at Square Enix about potentially bringing turn-based combat back to Final Fantasy.
At a recent meeting with investors, someone asked Square Enix if they would consider bringing back the traditional turn-based gameplay of classic games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. They pointed to the success of Expedition 33 as proof that players are interested in this style of game again. Square Enix responded by acknowledging Expedition 33’s positive impact and confirming that turn-based RPGs are a core part of what the company does. They stated that these types of games are where Square Enix began and that they intend to continue making them.
Bringing back the classic turn-based combat system to a new Final Fantasy game could be a big hit. The recent and successful remake of Final Fantasy Tactics proves that players still enjoy this style of gameplay. Hamaguchi, the director behind one of the most popular Final Fantasy remakes, points to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as evidence that a return to these roots is possible. Now, it’s a matter of waiting to see if Square Enix decides to go in that direction and which game might feature it.
Okay, so Final Fantasy has moved away from traditional turn-based battles, which is a bummer for some of us. But honestly, the genre is thriving! There are tons of amazing games still doing it right. Just recently, I’ve been hooked on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it reminded me how great turn-based combat can be. It’s not just that game either – Persona 5, the Suikoden I&II HD Remaster, and even The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy all came out this year and prove it. I really think there’s a lot of potential for even more growth in this style of gameplay, and I wouldn’t mind seeing Final Fantasy jump back in the ring sometime!
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- 10 Most Badass Moments From Arrow
- Wednesday Season 2 Completely Changes a Key Addams Family Character
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition coming to PS5 on November 4
- Jimmy Kimmel Slams ‘Angry Finger Pointing’ Following Charlie Kirk Shooting After Building a Career off Angry Finger Pointing
- Dynasty Warriors remastered title and Dynasty Warriors: Origins major DLC announced
- Jon Cryer Says He Was Paid “a Third” of Charlie Sheen’s Salary
- Wind Breaker Chapter 197 Release Date & What To Expect
- Tom Holland Proved Why He Shouldn’t Be the New James Bond 3 Years Ago
- Silent Hill 2 Voice Actor Says She Has Not Been Contacted for Born From a Wish DLC
2025-10-28 16:41