The success of Expedition 33 may be inspiring Final Fantasy's return to turn-based mechanics. Discover Square Enix's evolving stance on combat systems and how the franchise faced challenges after its original creator's departure.
Final Fantasy Potentially Returning to Classic Gameplay
Square Enix Reaffirms Commitment to Turn-Based Systems
Square Enix appears to be reevaluating turn-based combat as core to its identity. During a recent shareholders' meeting on June 25, discussions emerged about potential strategies for Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises.
As reported by Game's Talk.net, shareholder Yuzu recommended annual releases of Square Enix's flagship IPs accompanied by a return to turn-based mechanics. The suggestion referenced Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's impressive performance - selling 3.3 million copies within 33 days - as proof of sustained interest in the genre.
Company executives acknowledged Expedition 33's achievements while monitoring evolving market preferences. They emphasized turn-based RPGs represent Square Enix's foundational legacy, stating these systems are "the origin of Square Enix."
This development follows years of fan requests for classic gameplay revivals. Recent Final Fantasy installments like FF7 Remake and FF16 adopted action-oriented combat, creating division within the player base.
Square Enix originally shifted toward real-time action to attract younger audiences. FF16 Producer Naoki Yoshida explained in a 2022 Famitsu interview that modern gaming hardware enables dynamic character expressions without command-based inputs.
"This isn't about better or worse systems, but rather significant generational preferences," Yoshida noted. However, he hinted at potential future projects returning to traditional command systems. This suggestion appears increasingly plausible given Square Enix's recent statements valuing turn-based mechanics.
While FF16 succeeded commercially, the company now aims to deliver turn-based experiences alongside action-oriented titles. The gaming community eagerly anticipates how Square Enix might modernize this classic approach for contemporary audiences.
Organizational Challenges After Founder's Departure
Legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu reveals the company faced turmoil following original creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's 2003 departure.
Nobuo Uematsu recently disclosed that Square's structure faltered after Hironobu Sakaguchi left the company. Sakaguchi's exit followed financial difficulties, prompting his 2004 establishment of Mistwalker studio.
During an episode of Uematsu's NOBIYO To Isshoni podcast, both industry veterans reflected on their Square history. Uematsu described Sakaguchi as the charismatic leader who united the team, comparing early Square more to "a university club than a corporation."
"His departure caused organizational instability - I seriously considered leaving too," Uematsu admitted. Despite these challenges, he praised Square Enix's resilience in continuing franchise development.
The composer maintains collaborative relationships with Square Enix as a freelancer. Since 2004, both creators have worked on various projects, including current plans for a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6.
