Square Enix Might Add Turn-Based Combat in Their Next Final Fantasy Game

Square Enix has officially admitted that turn-based fighting is fun. This is a well-known approach that helped the Final Fantasy series gain popularity in the first place. Fans have new hope after all this time. That was said at a recent meeting of owners. When they discussed strategy direction and market demand, turn-based systems were mentioned again. Investors discussed how more people are playing games like Expedition 33, the new turn-based RPG that received a lot of attention for its unique take on old-school game concepts.

It's been years since Square Enix tried to change the way people play Final Fantasy games. In games like Final Fantasy XV and XVI, the battle systems went away from the usual turn-based ones that made the series famous all over the world and toward ones that work more like films. Another new game is Final Fantasy XVI, which is more character-based than action-oriented. It looks and plays a bit like Devil May Cry. What fans and critics thought about the big change in direction was very different.

A lot of people liked Final Fantasy XVI because of its high production value, cinematic story, and fight choreography. But some players felt that the series' soul had been lost in the process. The decision to focus on real-time action seemed to be in line with what most people in the industry think: that turn-based RPGs aren't popular in today's fast-paced, Twitch-streaming world.

However, that view is being increasingly called into question.

Persona 5 Royal, Octopath Traveler II, Sea of Stars, and the Bravely Default series are all new games that have turn-based gameplay. This shows that people still really like this way of playing. The games have also done well at the box office and have been praised by reviewers. This shows that turn-based systems can work well with the way games are designed now.

This is where Expedition 33 comes in. The game has already garnered a lot of attention, even though it hasn't been released yet. It has a unique mix of normal turn-based gameplay, exciting graphics, and a new tone for the story. Someone who was a shareholder in Square Enix said that Expedition 33 was a great example of what turn-based RPGs can do now. Other than that, they suggested that Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games should consider returning to the style that made them popular.

They said that Square Enix "knows about Expedition 33" and "values turn-based RPGs." This may seem like an easy statement, but because of recent decisions about franchises, it could mean a shift in how things are really thought about. People will remember this comment because it's one of the few times the company has directly mentioned how fans and shareholders feel.

Many people have ideas about what this means for Final Fantasy in the future, but no one is certain, as they are discussing a game that is said to be a copy of Final Fantasy IX. There was a time when Square Enix games were very popular, and Final Fantasy IX would be a great game to bring back those great times. A lot of people see the first game as a love letter to the series' early years. It features silly world-building, character-driven stories, and a turn-based battle system. They are both excited to see if the remake will stay true to the original or change it for a more modern audience.

People are also interested in Final Fantasy XVII at the same time. Aside from what they've said in public, Square Enix could change the series' direction with the next major game. Are you going to keep making action-packed games, or are you going to try to mix old and new by adding turn-based games with new features? Recently, the company has said things that make it sound like they are more willing to look into those choices.

From a business point of view, the math says a lot. The turn-based genre still has a lot of life, as evidenced by the popularity of games that feature good graphics and clean gameplay. Instead, it's enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to writers who know how to make old ideas work better without changing what they're about. Now that Square Enix has worked in this field for decades, it has a unique chance to lead this revival—if it wants to.

Think about what this means in terms of culture as a whole. Turn-based role-playing games are more than just a way to play. They're a way of thinking about how to play that stresses patience, planning, and having fun. People want experiences that reward thoughtfulness and depth of story more than ever in a world where fast-paced shows and instant gratification are the norm. It's not just a nostalgic move to bring back turn-based design; it's also a smart one that fits with how people's tastes are shifting.

In the end, what Square Enix said about how important turn-based fighting is isn't just an aside. It shows that the company and the whole industry are talking more openly about what players want and how franchises can grow without losing sight of what made them famous in the first place. It is still unclear whether this will actually lead to changes in Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, or brand-new games. Anyway, it seems like the fans were heard, and turn-based RPGs may be around for a long time to come.