Let me clear something up right off the bat: Just because veteran Final Fantasy fans hate the direction the series has taken does not mean they all want turn-based mechanics back. I love turn-based and I see no reason why it couldn’t be an updated modern system, but that’s beside the point.
The point is that the fans are upset simply because the games don’t feel like role-playing anymore. They feel like hybrids and worse, watered-down hybrids that don’t really excel in any one particular category. The storytelling has declined, for instance, and there’s nothing special about those quasi-real-time combat mechanics.
Therefore, when I saw the new Final Fantasy XV TGS trailer, I wasn’t even remotely excited. I was impressed with the visual achievement but beyond that, it looks like Devil May Cry with visible stats.
Square Enix keeps calling it an “action game” and THAT’S why so many fans hate it
As I said, it’s not the real-time element that’s getting everyone all riled up. It’s the simple fact that aside from a few points of interest, FFXV appears to be more action than RPG. I suppose at best we could call it an open-world action/RPG and while one could argue that Final Fantasy XII was similar, that’s really not the case. The combat in FFXII was a blend of turn-based and real-time elements, and the License Grid and Gambits turned the game into a full-fledged role-playing experience.
Maybe they’ll have similar gameplay structures in place for FFXV, but I doubt it. Every single time Square Enix talks about the game, they put a heavy emphasis on the fact that it has far more action than any previous series entry. They have yet to figure out that their fans don’t want a flashy action game; they want a deep, compelling RPG. We’re currently hearing whispers of various features in FFXV that hint at a deep background, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.
Final Fantasy has always had great graphics, so why are we surprised?
With the possible exception of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, this franchise has always been a high watermark for visual excellence. That’s not in dispute. To assume that FFXV would look anything less than spectacular would go against all historical evidence. I’m not denying that it’ll be a technical tour de force; I’m addressing the gameplay itself. As any avid gamer knows, graphics only go so far, especially as this remains an interactive entertainment medium. You can’t sway me with your pretty visuals, Square Enix. I wanna see what’s underneath.
Thus far, it doesn’t look like there’s much to be impressed about in the gameplay category. If you want to make an action game with RPG elements, great. Fine. Just don’t call it Final Fantasy.
