The “Final Fantasy” series has managed to stay popular for many years, and one key factor behind its long-term success is its unique anthology structure. Unlike other long-lasting game franchises that often lose their appeal with each new release due to audience exhaustion and repetitive stories, “Final Fantasy”‘s flexible approach to plot, characters, settings, and tone allows it to continually innovate.
Apart from narrative and environment, the casual link to continuity also boosts gameplay mechanics quite significantly. For instance, Final Fantasy has successfully appealed to fans of MMORPGs, turn-based combat, and action-RPGs due to its openness to mechanical evolution. Games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake offer players a chance to revisit a classic tale with fundamentally distinct gameplay mechanics. However, Square Enix could benefit from being more adaptable in this area since most Final Fantasy games follow traditional RPG rules. Exploring the series’ experiments with a more western-style format might provide an interesting twist.
It’s Time for More Final Fantasy Shooters
Final Fantasy Has Dipped Its Toes Into the Third-Person Shooter Space Before
Such a blend might appear unusual at first glance, yet it carries the potential to be surprisingly harmonious – even if somewhat unexpectedly so. Notably, there have been at least two examples where Final Fantasy titles have incorporated shooting elements effectively.
- Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7
- Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier
Dirge of Cerberus holds a special place in the hearts of many fans as an unusual gem within the extensive library of spin-off games for Final Fantasy 7. Despite its somewhat rough edges and unremarkable gunplay mechanics, it retains a certain appeal reminiscent of the PS2 era. The narrative, led by the enigmatic Vincent Valentine, offers a dose of campy enjoyment. Additionally, it successfully adapts action-RPG gameplay into a more shooting-oriented format.
In simpler terms, “The First Soldier” wasn’t highly regarded by fans due to the 2021 free-to-play battle royale game not being something they were excited about, given that the genre was starting to feel repetitive when it launched. Regardless of the reasons behind its failure, it seemed like a superficial and misguided attempt that didn’t take advantage of its intellectual property’s strengths. It’s important to note that the shooting mechanics alone weren’t what caused its downfall; Square Enix could still make similar concepts work in a premium release.
A Single-Player Final Fantasy Shooter Isn’t as Strange as It Sounds
In contrast to the majority of real-time Final Fantasy games that emphasize close-combat, incorporating shooting mechanics could harmoniously align with the series’ action RPG traits. A good starting point might be the shooting systems in the remake of Final Fantasy 7, particularly Barrett’s combat which combines realistic gunplay with an abundance of magical and extraordinary elements such as unlimited ammo and magical enhancements to his abilities. It’s also important to note that several turn-based Final Fantasy games feature characters armed with guns or other ranged weapons. If the goal is to create a fast-paced alternative to turn-based combat in real-time Final Fantasy games, then this same design approach could be applied to firearms just as effectively as it is to melee weapons.
A more tactical, gun-based style akin to Barrett or Vincent Valentine’s gameplay could create an immersive and challenging Final Fantasy shooter. The requirement of accurate aiming, timely reloading, and strategic weapon selection would offer a richer combat experience. There would still be opportunities for magical elements, such as guns with elemental properties or even mystical staffs and wands. This would serve as a refreshing departure from the traditional swordplay found in games like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16.
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2025-03-22 22:08