Key Takeaways
1. Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy 16, suggests that the battle system debate goes beyond just turn-based versus action mechanics, impacting overall game design and player experience.
2. There is uncertainty about whether future Final Fantasy games will lean towards turn-based or action-oriented gameplay, with no clear direction for Final Fantasy 17 yet.
3. Square Enix acknowledged that Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth did not meet expectations, with mixed reactions to the focus on action-based combat.
4. Final Fantasy 7 Remake attempts to balance turn-based elements with real-time combat, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 explores innovative turn-based mechanics.
5. The future of Final Fantasy remains uncertain as Square Enix aims to innovate rather than simply follow trends or revert to older gameplay styles.
Fans who wish for Final Fantasy to go back to its classic turn-based gameplay should lower their hopes for the time being. Naoki Yoshida, who is the producer of Final Fantasy 16 and the director of Final Fantasy 14, talked about the future of the series’ battle mechanics at Anime Expo 2025. This discussion was spurred by Sandfall Interactive’s game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The Battle System Debate
Yoshida provided a thoughtful take on the ongoing discussion about action versus turn-based combat. He explained to Anime News Network:
“When we talk about turn-based versus action, it often limits the conversation to just the battle mechanics. It doesn’t really consider what kind of experience the creators want to give to the players. For instance, the level of graphical quality we aim to deliver or the story we wish to present has a direct impact on how we design the game’s systems. This encompasses the battle mechanics, overall game design, and the feel of the gameplay.”
He went on to express some uncertainty, stating, “It’s not a straightforward answer whether the future will lean entirely towards turn-based or if it’ll shift more towards action-oriented gameplay.”
Looking Ahead
Yoshida mentioned that the direction for Final Fantasy 17 hasn’t been established yet, noting that he might not be part of its development:
“I might not be working on Final Fantasy 17, so we don’t want to restrict or limit whoever will take charge of future titles like 16 or 18. We aim to give them freedom to explore their own vision.”
In a rare move, publisher Square Enix admitted that Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth “did not meet expectations.” Final Fantasy 16, released in 2023, heavily focused on action-based combat, drawing influence from series like Game of Thrones, Attack on Titan, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Godzilla. While some players appreciated the ambitious Eikon battles and combat system, others missed the traditional turn-based gameplay.
A Different Approach
On the other hand, Final Fantasy 7 Remake tries to find a balance between its turn-based roots and a real-time combat system.
At the same time, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took a fresh approach on turn-based mechanics, featuring elements like parrying and dodging. Square Enix has recognized the success of Expedition 33. Yet, Yoshida’s comments indicate that the company is careful about simply chasing trends or going back to older styles just because of Sandfall Interactive’s achievements.
For now, the future of Final Fantasy remains uncertain. It’s unclear whether Final Fantasy 17 will adopt turn-based gameplay or stick to action-based systems. Creative minds at Square Enix will probably strive to forge a new direction, as has been the trend throughout the years.
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