Final Fantasy 17 Could Face a Major Fork in the Road After FF15, FF16

by

Final Fantasy 17 Could Face a Major Fork in the Road After FF15, FF16

Key Takeaways

  • Final Fantasy 17 faces a tough decision about its setting post-FF15 and FF16.
  • FF15 featured modern aesthetics and technology, while FF16 returned to a pure high fantasy world.
  • FF17’s setting needs to stand out by possibly revisiting sci-fi or offering a unique mix of other previous designs.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experiencing the myriad worlds of Final Fantasy, I must say that Square Enix has always impressed me with their knack for creating unique and captivating settings. From the medieval fantasy of the original games to the futuristic steampunk of Final Fantasy 7, each entry in the series has offered a fresh take on what it means to explore a fantastical realm.

Throughout its history, the iconic Final Fantasy series by Square Enix has taken players on a diverse array of adventures through various unique worlds, each with their own distinctive characteristics, yet consistently featuring familiar traits of the Final Fantasy universe. While its initial installments were deeply rooted in traditional medieval themes, as Final Fantasy progressed, it began to incorporate a wider variety of elements, such as the dystopian steampunk aesthetic of Final Fantasy 7 or the heavily sci-fi and post-apocalyptic aspects of Final Fantasy 8.

In terms of deviating from traditional genre norms, Final Fantasy 15, released in 2016, introduced a contemporary twist to its world and storyline, blending it with the traditional elements of sword and sorcery. Conversely, last year’s Final Fantasy 16 took us back to a more traditional-feeling world, set in the medieval Europe-inspired land of Valisthea. With speculations running high about the release of Final Fantasy 17, Square Enix appears to be facing a significant decision regarding the setting for this upcoming title. Essentially, they have a crucial choice to make when it comes to determining the vision for FF17’s world.

Many enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the release of Final Fantasy 16 on personal computers, as it is scheduled to debut on September 17, 2024.

Final Fantasy 17 Has a Tough Choice in Deciding its Style and Setting Following FF15 and FF16

Final Fantasy 15 and FF16 Marked Two Opposite but Equally Engaging Settings

Compare the last two main games, and you’ll find an intriguing contrast in their backdrops. Final Fantasy 15’s world, Eos, shares similarities with today’s Earth due to its blend of familiar technologies that lean towards the future. For instance, the protagonist, Noctis Caelum, and his companions traverse Eos’ various nations in a chic convertible, the Regalia, reminiscent of high-end luxury vehicles we know from reality. This, along with other modern elements, contributes to one of the game’s most distinctive settings, setting it apart from others through its unique combination of contemporary life and magical elements.

Instead, Final Fantasy 16 reverted to a traditional high fantasy setting and infused it with a realistic maturity, drawing inspiration from works such as Game of Thrones in various aspects of its storyline and visual style. This shift in styles worked effectively, presenting intriguing and fully developed worlds from both classic and modern perspectives, which helped differentiate the characters and stories. As they represent two vastly different approaches Square Enix could take for FF17, this raises the question of whether either style will be repeated, or if fans might encounter something new altogether.

Wherever Final Fantasy 17’s Setting Goes, it Needs to Stand Out

The latest installment of the series, “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth,” takes gamers back to a revamped Gaia, blending steam-powered technology with mystical elements. Together with “FF15” and “FF16,” these three games have largely explored the possible settings for potential stories in “Final Fantasy 17,” given past trends. This leads us to wonder about the studio’s approach for the setting of the next main title, if they aim to introduce new elements to differentiate it from its predecessors.

There are some avenues Final Fantasy 17 could look to, however, that haven’t been explored in a while. Though it is sometimes thought an outlier, Final Fantasy 8 experimented by embracing a harder science-fiction setting. Perhaps it will look to recapture a similar world after the above settings. Alternatively, the next title could harken further back to something like FF6‘s rendition of a world fueled by equal parts magic and technology, resulting in a title that pulls from the past while distinguishing itself in other ways from its predecessors. Either way, Square Enix has to consider the balancing act of envisioning a setting for FF17 that feels different enough, or is able to split the difference between prior ones in an interesting manner.

Read More

2024-09-01 00:34