Final Fantasy 17: Will It Bring Back the Classic Party System Fans Miss?

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In a daring move for the series, Final Fantasy 16 chose to focus on a sole playable character, Clive Rosfield, with a varying group of allies. This decision led to a more film-like gameplay, yet it also distanced the game from the party-based mechanics that had been characteristic of the franchise for so long. As anticipation grows for Final Fantasy 17, Square Enix might want to think about adopting a larger cast of characters, reminiscent of iconic titles like Final Fantasy 6.

Reviving a strong multi-party system might expand the storytelling horizon for “Final Fantasy 17,” allowing for multiple character-focused side-stories. Games such as “Final Fantasy 6” shone by intertwining individual tales across a vast cast. Embracing this classic structure in a contemporary setting could lead to a more immersive and captivating gameplay experience.

A Full Party System Could Deepen Storytelling in Final Fantasy 17

One standout feature of Final Fantasy 6 was its diverse ensemble of over a dozen playable characters, each with their own compelling backstory. The story often changed viewpoints, offering players a broad understanding of the world. For instance, Terra’s personal journey of self-discovery as a half-Esper added emotional depth to the tale, while Locke’s tireless efforts to rescue Rachel emphasized themes of grief and resilience. Even secondary characters like Cyan, who grappled with the loss of his family at Doma Castle, had well-developed storylines that made the world seem authentic and inhabited.

Instead, unlike Final Fantasy 16 that mainly spotlighted Clive’s individual journey, thus minimizing other character’s exploration, Final Fantasy 17 could innovate by expanding the ensemble storytelling method. By offering more control over character interactions and growth, similar to games in the Persona series, it can potentially amplify emotional involvement. This approach might help Square Enix create a deeper connection with their characters, enhancing the overall impact of Final Fantasy 17.

Modern Combat with Classic Team Synergy in Final Fantasy 17

In contrast to the fast and spectacular combat of Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 6 introduced a more strategic approach, where battles were based on character synergy. Each character had unique abilities that invited players to try out various combinations, such as Sabin’s Blitz commands, which required mastery of fighting game-style inputs, or Edgar’s Tools for attacking multiple enemies simultaneously. The ability to customize party compositions enabled players to tailor their strategies according to the different challenges they faced.

In the modernized setting of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, players were enabled to switch between characters during battle, each with unique combat styles. Square Enix could further develop this notion in Final Fantasy 17 by incorporating a wider range of combat mechanics and teamwork-focused cooperative abilities. For instance, envision a situation where the player commands a character similar to Terra, who can launch powerful magical attacks, while another character like Cyan serves as a tank, offering defensive assistance.

Furthermore, the game “Final Fantasy 6” introduced situations that required players to divide into various teams, enhancing tactical complexity beyond just combat. Square Enix might consider incorporating a contemporary version of this feature in “Final Fantasy 17”, thereby promoting strategic party management and rewarding players for exploring diverse team arrangements.

Potential Challenges of a Larger Cast in Final Fantasy 17

Incorporating a large cast in contemporary AAA games can pose difficulties. To preserve tight storytelling pace and allow for in-depth character growth, Final Fantasy 16 opted for a smaller roster. Enlarging the cast might lead to underdeveloped characters or a less focused main plot. Square Enix could tackle this issue by adopting approaches like Mass Effect did, using personal missions to ensure every party member has a significant backstory and arc.

In the original game, Final Fantasy 6, it maintained a vast roster of characters by incorporating optional character growth instances such as Locke’s mission to rescue Rachel or Shadow’s dream sequences which progressively unveiled his history. In today’s terms, Final Fantasy 17 might enhance player engagement by creating additional side missions and optional cinematics that reward those who take the time to delve into each character’s backstory.

Progress in motion capture technology and voice acting opens up possibilities for a more engaging storytelling experience. Instead of relying solely on pixel art for emotional scenes like Final Fantasy 6, future games such as Final Fantasy 17 could utilize intricate facial expressions and realistic dialogue to intensify character interactions.

The upcoming game, Final Fantasy 17, might capitalize on the strong points of its previous versions by incorporating advanced design elements. By resurrecting the multi-character party system and focusing more on storytelling that delves deep into characters, it could offer players a traditional RPG experience with a tactical edge. Although Final Fantasy 16‘s single-protagonist approach was effective, the sequel might gain from the rich narrative layers and strategic gameplay that characterized earlier versions of the series.

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2025-03-29 21:34