In a recent podcast interview, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, discussed his thoughts on the future of the Final Fantasy series. While he hesitated to confirm his involvement in Final Fantasy 17, Yoshida shared two intriguing ideas for the next installment of the beloved franchise – a hybrid combat system and a return to pixel art. These concepts represent a departure from the series’ conventions and could potentially redefine the Final Fantasy experience for a new generation of gamers.
Embracing Change: A New Director for Final Fantasy 17
Yoshida expressed the importance of bringing in fresh perspectives and younger talent to helm Final Fantasy 17. He acknowledged the need to look towards the future and adapt to the challenges of today’s world. By inviting a younger generation of directors with more youthful sensibilities, Final Fantasy can evolve and resonate with contemporary audiences. This departure from the “same old guys” who have traditionally helmed the series could inject new life into Final Fantasy and push the boundaries of the franchise.
Yoshida emphasized that Final Fantasy has always been about challenging the norms and surpassing its predecessors. He encouraged aspiring directors to first envision their own vision of the most enjoyable Final Fantasy experience before conforming to preconceived notions. This approach opens up exciting possibilities for Final Fantasy 17, suggesting that it doesn’t have to adhere strictly to previous gameplay mechanics or art styles.
One of the ideas put forth by Yoshida is a hybrid combat system that combines real-time action with turn-based battles. This approach would offer a fresh take on combat mechanics and cater to different playstyles. By incorporating elements from both styles, Final Fantasy 17 could appeal to a wider range of players who enjoy the strategic depth of turn-based battles while also craving the excitement of real-time action. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize how battles are fought and keep the gameplay engaging and dynamic.
A Pixel Art Renaissance: Returning to Final Fantasy’s Roots
Yoshida also pondered the idea of Final Fantasy 17 embracing pixel art, a departure from the series’ modern graphical fidelity. While this concept may seem radical, Square Enix has shown interest in pixel art games with titles like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. By adopting pixel art, Final Fantasy 17 could pay homage to the series’ origins while also offering a unique and visually stunning experience. Furthermore, pixel art graphics can enhance the immersion and nostalgia for players who grew up with earlier Final Fantasy titles.
As Final Fantasy fans eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, Naoki Yoshida’s ideas for Final Fantasy 17 offer a glimpse into the potential direction of the franchise. A new generation of directors with fresh perspectives could bring about exciting changes and innovations. Whether it’s a hybrid combat system or a return to pixel art, Final Fantasy 17 has the opportunity to redefine the franchise and captivate players in new and unexpected ways. Only time will tell what path the next installment of Final Fantasy will take, but fans can rest assured that the future looks promising for this beloved series.
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