After Monster Hunter Wilds, One Final Fantasy Spin-Off Should Be Revived

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After Monster Hunter Wilds, One Final Fantasy Spin-Off Should Be Revived

Key Takeaways

  • Final Fantasy could reintroduce Final Fantasy Explorers post-Monster Hunter Wilds for a potential resurgence.
  • Final Fantasy Explorers struggled against Monster Hunter, lacking a competitive edge initially.
  • If revamped, though, Final Fantasy Explorers holds potential as a strong competitor to Monster Hunter Wilds.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the gaming landscape has seen its fair share of ups and downs. One franchise that has stood the test of time is Final Fantasy, but even giants like this can stumble now and then.

It’s still unclear when it will happen, but it seems that the release of Monster Hunter Wilds is drawing near. This game made a strong impression during its debut at Gamescom, and it looks set to build on the phenomenal success of Monster Hunter World. While Capcom appears to be in good shape, things are less clear for Square Enix. They’ve been moving several mainline Final Fantasy games towards the action RPG genre, which has boosted their performance and that of their star franchise. However, they haven’t quite reached the heights they once did. To continue, Final Fantasy and similar titles might need to tap into new player bases.

Over the years, the popular franchise “Final Fantasy” has experimented with numerous gameplay styles. The main series has ranged from turn-based to action combat, while side games have dabbled in real-time strategy, “Mystery Dungeon” integration, and even a “Soulslike” style of play. This broad experimentation is integral to the series’ character, but there’s one area it hasn’t fully explored yet. Following the release and initial success of “Monster Hunter World”, “Final Fantasy” will have an opportunity to revive an old spin-off that fans thought might never return: “Final Fantasy Explorers”.

Final Fantasy Explorers Couldn’t Make The Cut

Way back in 2014, I first heard about “Final Fantasy Explorers” during June, which was exclusively available on the Nintendo 3DS in Japan. It had a similar vibe to “Monster Hunter,” but with a twist of classic “Final Fantasy” creatures and jobs tailored for newbies like me. The game was a hit, managing to sell over 265,000 copies by the end of 2015. Eventually, it made its global debut in January 2016. However, after that, sales data became scarce, hinting at the game’s eventual outcome. Despite positive reviews and recommendations, going head-to-head with “Monster Hunter” proved to be its downfall.

Monster Hunter’s Audience Didn’t Need Alternatives In FFE’s Heyday

Prior to the global console sensation that Monster Hunter World became, the Monster Hunter series held a dominant position within its niche on handheld devices. The beloved Monster Hunter 4G, also known as 4 Ultimate, actually came out before Final Fantasy Explorers in Japan by several months, and in other regions almost a year ahead. Even the Japanese release of Monster Hunter X/Generations preceded the localization of FFE by two months, with Generations following soon after worldwide. The mobile spin-off of Final Fantasy Explorers-Force also received a lukewarm response, which meant that Final Fantasy Explorers (FFE) lacked the necessary impact to dethrone Monster Hunter as the preferred choice among hunting game enthusiasts.

Final Fantasy Explorers Could Nail Its Second Try

A contemporary version of “Final Fantasy Explorers” could potentially shift the game’s fortunes. With a surge in popularity and acceptance for hunting action-RPGs, “Final Fantasy Explorers” wouldn’t need to make significant alterations to its structure to fit seamlessly into this niche. Given that “Monster Hunter” currently dominates the genre, a well-crafted game with consistent updates could easily claim the second position. If a new iteration of “Final Fantasy Explorers” aligns with “Monster Hunter’s” update schedule and is released during a period when player activity usually dwindles, it would likely be very successful, provided it avoids the mistakes made by “Wild Hearts.

The Second Final Fantasy Explorers Has A Working Formula Already

In the development of a fresh FFE game, it’s not essential to adopt an open-world setting similar to Monster Hunter Wilds; instead, it should match or surpass the expansive maps found in Monster Hunter World. An integral aspect that should continue is the ability to gather small monsters as AI companions during single player sessions, which could be enhanced by introducing aspects of traditional Final Fantasy dungeon design leading up to boss battles. Throughout this journey, players would accumulate materials for crafting recognizable or monster-themed FF gear. Additionally, the well-known job system from Final Fantasy, offering numerous play styles, could make a significant impact, positioning the new FFE as a formidable competitor to Monster Hunter Wilds.

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2024-09-10 19:33