When it comes to gaming, I feel like the Final Fantasy fan base is one of the most divided out there. Futuristic or classic fantasy? Tifa or Aerith? Turn-based or action combat?
It’s this last one that has always proven especially contentious. Gamers who grew up with the original Final Fantasy games are RPG purists, and many of them argue that the action-oriented focus of entries like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are antithetical to the strategic nature of a classic RPG. Others would argue that changes were needed to bring Final Fantasy up to date. There’s no right answer here, but that’s what makes it so tricky.
Will Final Fantasy 17 Return To Turn-Based Combat?
It’s not actually impossible
Despite the success of the last few Final Fantasy games, we can’t actually completely rule out a return to turn-based combat for Final Fantasy 17.
It’s worth remembering Final Fantasy 17 hasn’t even been officially announced yet, but earlier this year, series producer Yoshi-P acknowledged that another change to the combat isn’t out of the question.
In an interview with Anime News Network, the developer said “it’s not a clear-cut answer, whether it will become all turn-based, or if it’s going to become more action-based.” This came hot on the heels of a report that Square Enix is eyeing up Clair Obscur‘s success and that it could make Final Fantasy return to turn-based combat.
Obviously, this makes sense. Square would have to be very silly indeed to look at the massive success of Clair Obscur and not want to copy a little bit of its homework. Even if Clair Obscur did technically copy Square’s homework first… but we’re all friends here.
What this means for Final Fantasy 17 remains to be seen, then, but that hasn’t stopped the fans from sharing what they want to get out of the next mainline entry in the series.
Final Fantasy 17’s Combat Has Fans Divided
Some things never change
Predictably, there are a range of opinions from fans that run the gamut from doom and gloom, to genuine excitement for the next Final Fantasy.
One Reddit user claimed Final Fantasy 17 going back to turn-based combat would be a “huge downgrade”, which feels a little harsh. Look at games like Clair Obscur or Baldur’s Gate 3. Very different approaches, granted, but two approaches that prove there’s an appetite for engaging turn-based combat yet.
“Literally don’t care if it’s turn or action-based, I just care that it’s good,” one fan responded.
Another wisely added: “Turn-based can either peak or trash. Action can be peak or trash. Doesn’t matter as long as it’s well-designed and good.”
Other fans, meanwhile, hope for Final Fantasy 17 to offer a best-of-both-worlds approach.
One sage Reddit user predicts:
“I expect it to be a turn-based/action RPG hybrid. The RPG mechanics will be more robust than 16. There will be a real party, but it will be small (3-4) with the occasional side character that temporarily joins up. We’ll be returning to a cyberpunk setting. Less dark in tone than XVI or even VII. Vibrant color palette. Releasing 2031. Will receive mixed reviews from fans, and excellent reviews from critics. Won’t be considered beloved until 2044ish.”
I reckon we should all bookmark this particular prediction and come back to it in 2044, because they could well be bang on the money with that.
For now, Final Fantasy fans will just have to look forward to the third entry in the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, which we probably won’t see until 2027 at the earliest.
Systems
- Released
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June 22, 2023
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
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Square Enix
- Engine
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Proprietary Engine
- Cross-Platform Play
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Final Fantasy 16 does not support cross platform multiplayer
- Cross Save
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yes
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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yes
