Square Enix is likely feeling regret over not returning the Final Fantasy series to its turn-based roots sooner, according to analyst Rhys Elliott. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a realistic turn-based JRPG, has proven that fans still crave this style of gameplay.
Expedition 33’s lovable characters, great combat, and affordable $50 price tag have contributed to its popularity. However, the game also tapped into an existing demand for modern, traditional battle systems. This is a niche that Square Enix previously avoided in the Final Fantasy series.
Producers like Naoki Yoshida of Final Fantasy 16 acknowledge the appeal of turn-based combat but believe it struggles with realistic graphics and character models. This “strange gap” between realism and turn-based gameplay has led to the trend of action-based battles in modern JRPGs.
However, games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrate that there is still an appetite for turn-based RPGs. These titles offer players the chance to think strategically about their actions and receive feedback based on those choices.
While Square Enix has not officially announced plans to revive its turn-based roots in the Final Fantasy series, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success suggests a growing market for this style of gameplay. As analyst Elliott notes, there is still an opening for modern, realistic-looking JRPGs with traditional battle systems, and fans are eager to see more titles like Expedition 33.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/jrpg/square-enix-is-probably-kicking-itself-seeing-the-success-of-realistic-turn-based-jrpg-clair-obscur-expedition-33-analyst-says-after-being-reticent-to-do-it-with-the-final-fantasy-series