Final Fantasy as you know it...is ending

[Caller]

videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/square-s-final-final-fantasy-/1389209

SE seems to have caught on: we're sick of the same old game in a new prettied up package. Looks like they're going to create more "Western styled" games in the future...so I wouldn't be surprised if FFXV is a lot like Bioware's current offerings.

Or at the very least they're giving up the random battle/turn based encounter systems they've been chugging out for over 20 years.

I think I like that. I like turn based games well enough, but I like action RPGs a lot better. And bluntly put, there's no excuse for random encounters anymore. None. Not a single one. So thank god they're seeing the light and moving FF into the future.

[Norfy the Walrus]

I enjoy turn based RPGs too even thpugh I prefer more action based styles. Like Dragon Age or KotOR with the option to pause the combat and input specific commands in whatever order. I do hope that RPG companys like SE and whatever other Japanese devs don't abandon turn based play altogether though. Get rid of random encounters and save points. But to lose a classic style of gameplay would be a shame. Update, but don't get rid of it, is what I am saying.

Chrono 3 woud be a perfect place to do that too. Make it, Square! Make it now!

[df2506]

Hmmm. I don't know. This worries me. I'm the opposite of you guys. I like action-rpgs, but I like turn-based rpgs a lot more. FF12 was, um, OK I guess. I do like Dragon Age, KOTOR, and Mass Effect. I also think White Knight Chronicles is great. And yet....I don't know. I still love turn-based battle systems. I was happy to hear that FF13 is more turn-based/menu based. Sure, a fast, more action-based turn-based system, but still turn-based.

No random battles in FF is good. Being able to save anywhere would be good too. Although...I guess I'm a JRPG geek cause apart of me does miss random battles & save points when their gone (thank goodness I have Glory of Hercules for my classic rpg fix).

So, I don't know. I'm not sure about this news. I don't want Final Fantasy to be Fallout (I like Fallout but its no FF game) or Dragon Age or White Knight Chronicles even.

I think the Final Fantasy series has a certain feel. FF12 broke that feel a bit with its battle system. FF13 seems like its going to be the next step after FF10.

Basically, what I'm saying is: I would be less interested in the FF series if its goes to more of a Bioware game. Don't get me wrong: I like Bioware, but I just don't want Square to go there. They should make Final Fantasy however they want and not feel like they have to change the style of the games just to be changing it. Also, in my opinon, we have PLENTY of western style rpgs now. Its seems like JRPGS are fading away on consoles...

So ya, if its gets too Bioware-y & no turn-based system...that would make lose interest in the series. Thank goodness there's still developers who make traditonal rpgs. Mostly on the DS though.

DF2506

[Caller]

12 and WKC are essentially still turn based, don't let the "real time" fool you. FFXII especially -- moving does absolutely nothing. You're still waiting on turns (disguised as cooldowns) to choose your next action, and then there's still a waiting time before you perform said action. It's turn based, just prettied up.

I wouldn't be surprised if Final Fantasy continues the path of 12, or maybe Star Ocean at the most. But it's going to be more than just the battle system they're going to change. Almost all the FFs follow the same basic archetypes, y'know, typical "JRPG." Pre-destined teenagers are off to save the world from a great evil while following a fairly strict Point A to Point B path. They are usually fighting a great evil along the way, with plenty of androgyny, rebellion, evil empires and melodrama to please.

"Western" RPGs tend to focus more on the action, but not always, and are much more frequently open-ended instead of an "on rails" experience. A great many of WRPGs make your choices directly impact your experience in the game. FF has dabbled in this here and there but the plot doesn't change no matter what choices you make, you usually just get a few different quips from party members.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons. But FF needs a change of pace. It's been the same game for..what 20 years now? I already said I liked it though, so I won't say otherwise. FFIX followed very closely by FFIV are two of my very most favorite games. But a little variety couldn't hurt.

[Norfy the Walrus]

I don't want FF to be like Fallout or whatever BioWare game either. It wouldn't ruin the series but it wouldn't be FF anymore. But I definatly do think the series could take some lessons from western RPGs. Do I want FF to be all about dialogue choices and how they effect the game? Short answer, no. Long answer, I like it in WRPGs but that doesn't necessarily mean that type of gameplay needs to be worked into JRPGs. Like I said, some lessons can be learned from the west but they still need to keep their own level of individuality.

Thank goodness there's still developers who make traditonal rpgs

If we are talking traditional....in the traditional sence, then RPGs were always about choices and dialogue and how they effect the game in the end. They even involved the people playing them to roleplay with the game. Ofcourse, now this has been turned into dialogue trees in today's gaming but its just an update of an old concept. I am ofcourse talking about table top games, which are as traditional as you can get.