The success of Expedition 33 might lead Final Fantasy to return to its turn-based origins. Learn more about Square Enix's perspective on this classic combat style and how the company navigated challenges after the departure of the series' creator.

Final Fantasy May Return to Its Origins

Square Enix Values Turn-Based Combat

Square Enix may be steering Final Fantasy back to its roots, acknowledging turn-based combat as a core part of its identity. At a recent shareholders' meeting on June 25, a discussion emerged about strategies for new Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy titles.

As reported by Game’s Talk.net on June 26, a shareholder named Yuzu suggested annual releases for Square Enix's flagship IPs to maintain fan engagement and a return to turn-based gameplay. He cited the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—selling over 3.3 million copies in 33 days—as proof of a strong market for the genre.

Square Enix acknowledged Expedition 33's performance and is monitoring market trends, which could influence future projects. The company emphasized that turn-based RPGs are fundamental to Square Enix, describing them as the "origin" of the company.

Many fans have consistently requested a return to Final Fantasy's classic gameplay. Recent entries like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series and Final Fantasy 16 shifted to action-oriented combat, creating division within the fanbase.

The move toward real-time action was aimed at attracting younger players. In a June 2022 Famitsu interview, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida noted that turn-based combat feels less familiar to modern gamers. He explained that advancements in console technology now allow for real-time character expression without relying on command selections.

"It's not a matter of which is better, but the gap in preference has widened significantly across generations," Yoshida stated. However, he added that a future Final Fantasy title could very well revisit a command-based system.

This potential shift aligns with Square Enix's stated appreciation for the genre. Despite Final Fantasy 16's success, the company plans to deliver turn-based RPGs to its audience in the future. It will be intriguing to see how Square Enix modernizes this classic gameplay approach.

Square Faced Challenges After Final Fantasy Creator's Departure

In related news, legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu revealed that the company struggled after original Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi left in 2003. Sakaguchi's exit followed financial difficulties at Square, leading him to found his own studio, Mistwalker, in 2004.

Earlier this month, Sakaguchi was a guest on Uematsu's podcast, NOBIYO To Isshoni. The two iconic figures discussed their history with Square Enix (then Square), particularly around the time of Sakaguchi's departure.

Uematsu described Sakaguchi as the "big boss" who could unite everyone, even when the company felt more like a "university club" than a formal corporation. He noted that Square encountered significant challenges after Sakaguchi left. "When he departed, the organization seemed to collapse suddenly. I thought to myself—I need to get out of here," Uematsu recalled.

Despite past struggles, Uematsu commended Square Enix for its resilience and continued game development. Both parties maintain a positive relationship, with Uematsu frequently collaborating as a freelancer on Final Fantasy projects.

Since 2004, Sakaguchi and Uematsu have collaborated on several ventures and show no signs of stopping. They are reportedly planning a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy 6.