The debate surrounding the possible return of turn-based combat to the Final Fantasy series has intensified in recent months. The commercial success and impact of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have led many fans and industry professionals to wonder if Square Enix will once again embrace the classic system that defined the franchise's beginnings.
Naoki Yoshida , producer of acclaimed titles like Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, has been clear in several interviews: there is no definitive answer as to whether the future of the series lies in turn-based combat or more action-oriented systems. According to Yoshida, reducing the design of a Final Fantasy game solely to choosing the type of combat is too narrow an approach , as there are other equally important factors, such as graphical quality, narrative, and the overall experience they want to offer players.
The impact of the success of turn-based JRPGs
The recent success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , which has revitalized turn-based combat within the genre, has rekindled interest in more deliberate and strategic approaches. This trend is further reinforced by the phenomenon seen with games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , which has demonstrated that turn-based combat still holds strong appeal among fans, even with the most modern offerings.
Many fans and developers have actively participated in the debate about returning to the series' roots. Michael Douse of Larian Studios stands out, believing that a return to turn-based Final Fantasy combat could lead to both critical and commercial success. Even so, Yoshida insists that each installment must adapt to the creative needs of his team and the message he wants to convey in his story.
Naoki Yoshida and Square Enix's vision
Yoshida himself points out that the franchise has always been a pioneer in RPG innovation , and that the introduction of real-time combat systems is part of a gradual evolutionary strategy to adapt to increasingly realistic graphics and the type of experience today's players seek. More on the trends in the series can be found in " Final Fantasy Towards a Future Without Exclusives ."
Even so, the producer emphasizes that it's essential not to limit or constrain future directors or producers of the saga. Therefore, Square Enix prefers to leave the door open to different interpretations and approaches , depending on who takes on the development of new installments like Final Fantasy XVII or even later ones.
The Japanese company has publicly acknowledged the value of more traditional role-playing games during shareholder meetings, admitting that turn-based combat is in the brand's DNA . However, executives emphasize that the final decision will depend on the artistic and technical vision of the team taking the reins.
Expectations and future of the saga
Many fans of the series believe that a return to turn-based combat would be a nostalgic nod and a way to reconnect with the essence of the early titles. Others, however, appreciate the constant modernization of the latest installments, with increasingly dynamic and spectacular battle systems.
For now, there are no concrete details about the combat system the next major Final Fantasy will adopt. The only certainty is that within Square Enix there is a clear desire to innovate while remaining true to what made the franchise a benchmark of the JRPG genre. The debate remains open, and both players and developers seem to agree that the future of the saga will ultimately depend on the freedom and vision of its creators.
The return of turn-based combat in Final Fantasy remains a mystery. Square Enix has made it clear that it doesn't want to close doors or repeat formulas out of inertia, but it recognizes the importance of its roots. Meanwhile, fans remain attentive to any move by the developer, eager to see how the series reconciles innovation and tradition in its upcoming chapters.
