Final Fantasy 17 Has The Chance to Revive a Classic Series Staple

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As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, spanning three decades and countless adventures, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement as we approach the next chapter in this epic saga. With Final Fantasy 16 now available on PC, the anticipation for what’s to come is palpable.

With Final Fantasy 16 now available on PC, fans are eagerly anticipating the future direction of the franchise and what the coming years might hold for the Final Fantasy series. Apart from eagerly awaiting the third installment in the remake trilogy of Final Fantasy 7, there’s also speculation about the next mainline game in the series, which is expected to release soon. Fan expectations for this upcoming title are high given the many departures from tradition seen in Final Fantasy 16. At this point, details about Final Fantasy 17 remain unclear, but incorporating classic elements could be key to revitalizing the franchise.

In the unexpected absence of party management in Final Fantasy 16, players could only control Clive while his companions were controlled by the game’s AI. Future iterations like Final Fantasy 17 can win over long-time fans by restoring features such as multiple party members and party management, potentially with a modern twist on the Job System that was popular in earlier titles like Final Fantasy 3, 5, 12, and Tactics. To bring innovation to this revamped system, Final Fantasy 17 might find inspiration from one of the top RPGs expected in 2024.

Final Fantasy 17 Can Look Within and Outside the Series to Inform a Potential Job System

Although it might be beneficial for Final Fantasy 17 to draw upon its past, there’s no indication that it must adhere strictly to the conventions of the Final Fantasy series. By building on the foundation of the Job Systems that have proven successful in the series, such as those found in games like Square Enix’s Bravely Default or Dragon Quest III HD-2D, Final Fantasy 17 could expand to incorporate elements from other games that feature a class-switching mechanic. However, the game that could teach Final Fantasy 17 the most valuable lessons, one with an exceptional Job System in modern gaming, is Atlus’ Persona 5: Royal.

The core concepts of metaphors in game design draw heavily from the traditional Job System and enhance it through compelling and impactful interactions between character classes, providing a richer and more dimensional battle experience. If Final Fantasy 17 opts for a return to roots within the series, a turn-based combat system seems likely, and this upcoming installment could greatly benefit by examining how contemporary JRPGs have effectively updated and revitalized the aging combat model while still making it feel new and exciting. Atlus continues to push boundaries in this genre, making their games valuable sources of inspiration for how Final Fantasy 17 can strike a balance between innovation and nostalgia.

Supporting Party Members Should Play a Larger Role in Final Fantasy 17

In the game Final Fantasy 16, Clive stands out as an exceptional protagonist, possibly one of the best in the series. However, the fact that the game primarily focuses on a solo journey seems to undervalue some truly remarkable supporting characters. To add to the disappointment, players can’t directly control allies such as Cid, Jill, or Joshua, leaving one to wonder what could have been if Final Fantasy 16 had embraced the traditional methods of companion and party management from the franchise. If turn-based combat and the Job System reappear in Final Fantasy 17, it would be logical for party management to return as well.

The “Final Fantasy” series is renowned for being more than just a single hero’s story, instead offering richly developed characters that significantly contribute to the overall gaming experience. It’s hard to envision games like “Final Fantasy 6” or “7” without their iconic figures, and the upcoming mainline “Final Fantasy” game should carry on this legacy by providing players with control over multiple legendary and memorable characters. Interestingly, Square Enix has a model to follow in managing diverse party members and dynamic team changes, as shown in the handling of parties in “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

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2024-12-14 15:36