Final Fantasy is a franchise with a rich multi-decade history, console generations and aesthetic changes. Since 1987, fifteen main entries have been released, and Final Fantasy 16 will seek to carry on the legacy as it returns to an imaginative and medieval setting in the war-torn land of Valistea. There will be players who have experienced the magic of the series from the start, along with players like Terra Branford, Cloud Strife and Tidus, but others will see Square Enix’s next game as a reason to finally Final Fantasy opportunity.
Final Fantasy 16 will be the start of many fans’ journey into the property, and it’s evolved a lot from a turn-based experience with sprite character models to something faster and more visually impressive that will no doubt appeal to modern players. Final Fantasy 16 has the arduous task of staying true to its origins, but must not abandon the younger generation in search of nostalgia.
How Final Fantasy Has Changed
Final Fantasy has defined the JRPG landscape from the beginning and is what most people think of when the topic of Japanese role-playing comes up. There’s a reason for that, as the gameplay innovation and familiar approach to storytelling, RPG mechanics and combat systems have been replicated by other properties for years. Final Fantasy in 1987 and Final Fantasy 15 however, are very different games, as the changes over time have evolved the structure of the entire series. Final Fantasy 16 still looks different, and future entries are sure to leave behind modern technology and presentation. Final Fantasy has stood the test of time as it has adapted over the years and console generations, and Final Fantasy 16 will be the last example of it.
While these changes may have been driven by a desire to capture a western market, the move to action-based gameplay and consistent, realistic character models has brought it more in line with what most expect from modern AAA releases. Of course, updated visuals and streamlined menu systems will be more appealing to a younger audience, as blocky textures and complex connection and material systems will not be good at provoking player retention in 2022. Final Fantasy 16 seems to be radically different from games in Square Enix’s heyday on PlayStation 1, which will benefit gamers of all kinds, not least the younger market.
Appealing to a younger audience
Final Fantasy competes with a plethora of exceptional franchises in the 2020s, not just titles within its own genre. Modern games push stories and gameplay that encompass all gamers in pursuit of sales, and if Final Fantasy continues to find mainstream popularity, it must take younger gamers into account if it wants to surpass. Whether it’s more accessible storytelling or a less complex combat system, it’s critical for the upcoming game to cast a wide network if it wants to compete with the strong commercial reception of games like Cyberpunk 2077, Borderland 3, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and The last of us 2.
Veteran fans of the franchise have survived the growing pains of Final Fantasy 8 and Final Fantasy 11but this just won’t work today. Final Fantasy 16 is the latest in a long line of games that some have been fans of for years, but will be the starting point for many others. If the game is a cluttered mess of confusing systems and nonsensical story beats, then it will more than likely scare off potential new fans. Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a shining example of how Square Enix can create an experience that can appeal to different player bases, and Clive’s upcoming journey should do the same rather than isolating youthful eyes.
The Future of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy 7 is a nostalgic experience for thirty-somethings, and should the franchise continue for years to come, Final Fantasy 16 could be the same for younger gamers in this generation. Final Fantasy must prevent him from becoming a dinosaur that is only attractive to those who view the series through rose-colored glasses. This will be challenging, as the series relied on staples that have become commonplace over time, but merging them with new ideas is key to future success.
Stories of origin achieves this, just like Dragon Quest 11but Shin Megami Tensei and live alive not on Nintendo Switch, and while this may be by design, it’s no coincidence that they haven’t sold as well as the aforementioned games. Experiencing the classic JRPG formula will always be desired by many, but the genre as a whole needs it Final Fantasy to be the pioneer most people know.
Final Fantasy needs the youth
Final Fantasy 16 should appeal to a younger audience, not only to satisfy a wide range of gamers, but also to ensure it lasts in later generations. Not adapting to modern times and player preferences is the quickest way to make any franchise irrelevant as other properties and developers are working to make sure everyone is happy with every new listing in their respective properties. Even a valued series like Final Fantasy is not exempt from the change of time.
Final Fantasy has never been one to push the boundaries of age ratings, rarely offering enough blood, guts and gore to make it unsuitable for youthful gamers. From Vane to Squall, Final Fantasy protagonists are often young themselves, so each game’s main character usually has recognizable traits that can be explored to make the story more memorable for everyone. While the game seems to take on a darker tone than some previous installs, Final Fantasy 16 should leave room for all kinds of fans. Final Fantasy has a rich history and some of its fans have aged significantly, but appealing to the younger generation is just as important as providing a satisfying experience to experienced players.
Final Fantasy 16 launches 2023 for PS5.
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