Very like David Bowie, who was doubtless born of a Mothercrystal himself, Remaining Fantasy is consistently reimagining itself. Totally different battle programs, totally different aesthetics, totally different worlds, and an entire new story with each entry. But, the arrival of Remaining Fantasy XVI has been divisive among the many fan base, with venomous boycotters and scorned devotees threatening to surrender the collection altogether, simply because it shakes up the basic system.
And positive—the most recent entry breaks custom in ways in which gained’t be to everybody’s tastes, I get that. However as a faithful fan I can’t grasp the damnation of a franchise constructed round reinvention that, even on this notably daring departure, nonetheless carries a lot of its enduring DNA.
Right here’s why FFXVI’s courageous strides from custom shouldn’t be so polarizing.
The Drawback With Our Shared Remaining Fantasy Nostalgia
Loads of followers declare that the “Golden Period” of FF is over. For some, the collection peaked with FFVI in 1994. For others, the top took form within the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with what many followers in my era seek advice from because the “large three,” VII, VIII and IX. I additionally know gamers who started their journey with FFX and by no means seemed again. The generational divide itself creates a paradox with regards to what the “Golden Period” truly is—we are able to’t all be proper, however the subjectivity in our particular person experiences is completely legitimate.
So how can we cope with the belief that, for us, FF peaked many a long time in the past?
As well as, golden eras solely exist as a result of they’re non permanent; they at all times have a shelf life. The success of the “large three” on the daybreak of the millennium was not simply because they’re distinctive video games—there are such a lot of different elements from cultural tendencies (the ‘90s had been a bizarre fever dream) to the recognition of the PlayStation, to even the constraints of the {hardware} that birthed completely happy accidents for the collection.
Screenshot: Sq. Enix / Kotaku
There’s additionally the frequency of launch. FFVII, FFVIII and FFIX had been all launched inside a interval of simply three years. That’s akin to a full improvement cycle in a non-pandemic world by as we speak’s requirements. The consistency ensured hungry followers by no means needed to wait too lengthy for his or her subsequent meal, and wouldn’t have time to develop out of the fandom both. All of those parts constructed the proper business algorithm for Remaining Fantasy to shine. And shine it did.
Learn Extra: Remaining Fantasy XVI Has Followers Questioning What The RPG Collection Is (And Ought to Be)
The difficulty arises when that algorithm shifts. Sq. and its longtime rival Enix merge, FPS and motion video games surge in reputation, new inventive forces come into play with new concepts, and slowly however absolutely the collection declines. I’d argue, nevertheless, that maybe it’s not a decline, however slightly a sluggish evolution. And due to the bitter nostalgia chasers we’re, we detest this concept, as a result of it takes us additional away from the place we lengthy for. The Remaining Fantasy “Golden Period” in lots of followers’ hearts is an inconceivable house to reclaim now, as a result of time has modified so many issues, together with us. I cringed a bit making an attempt to play Kingdom Hearts three when it was launched in 2019. Doesn’t imply it’s a foul recreation; it means I used to be 14 after I fell in love with the collection, and by 28 I used to be clearly over Donald and Goofy being my wingmen.
So how can we cope with the belief that, for us, FF peaked many a long time in the past? Properly, we are able to both spew hate within the eyes of the modified collection like a livid Malboro, or decrease our keyboard-shaped swords, and refuse to let nostalgia imprison us from having fun with future video games. If we merely don’t take pleasure in them basically, that’s additionally fantastic! Take an enormous dramatic slurp of tea and declare, “I solely favored the previous ones.” And the previous ones – spoiler alert – nonetheless exist. Nobody is taking them away from you. (In reality, you’ll be able to play the spiffy Pixel Remasters of the primary six video games within the collection proper now.) You may stand proudly on the hill that the video games had been higher then, however you don’t must die on it.
FFXVI will likely be loved by many, and disliked by lots extra. However don’t let nostalgic resentment be the explanation you don’t give this iteration the time of day.
What’s Remaining Fantasy actually about?
One key motive FFXVI is so despised is as a result of, like its predecessor FFXV, it’s now not a turn-based RPG. There’s no command menu to enter actions to your social gathering—in actual fact there’s no governable “social gathering” in any respect. Simply Clive, and the actual fact he’ll often yell at his canine to get entangled. Stiil, it performs as a very pleasurable motion recreation akin to 2018’s God of Struggle (I do know that’s a lofty comparability however big bosses, loopy setpieces and the UI format for Clive’s Eikonic Talents has defo obtained a sprinkling of GoW inspiration) or arcade-esque slashers like Satan Might Cry (FF16’s fight director beforehand labored on Satan Might Cry 5).
The lifeblood of Remaining Fantasy runs in XVI’s veins, and we’re nonetheless capable of guzzle it up, regardless of the modifications to the format.
However right here’s the factor: Remaining Fantasy, the very spirit of the collection, is about a lot greater than standing patiently on one facet of a battlefield ready to clobber the enemy. Story has at all times been at its coronary heart; lovely tales of cinematic melodrama are what makes the collection sparkle. The heroes, the romance, the eccentrically camp villains…all very important components. Sure, the turn-based technique components had been enjoyable as heck; sure, I loved having a celebration of characters enjoying numerous roles; sure, I favored meticulously shopping for all my potions and ethers in multiples of 5 as a result of I’m a bit neurotic. However take away that component, and there’s nonetheless a lot to the Remaining Fantasy system that lights my soul up. The music—my god, the music. Listening to the primary few notes of Aerith’s theme causes my pores and skin to erupt into gooseflesh. The brilliantly written characters, the typically goofy, irreverent dialogue, the wildly formidable fantasy ideas…
Screenshot: Sq. Enix
FFXVI has the entire above. In abundance. The type of twists and turns that make you scream on the TV. It feels very Sport of Thrones (not simply because lots of the characters are “reyt Northern”), and lots of evaluations have highlighted this comparability, successfully evaluating the darker, extra mature plot components to fantasy writing royalty. The protagonists complement each other so properly, with Cid’s buoyant sarcasm and one-liners bouncing hysterically off Clive’s scowling stoicism, and Jill’s well-timed facial expressions cementing each second the pair are unnecessarily bickering.
In the meantime, the villain (no spoilers) is your textbook FF soft-spoken enigma who’s each theatrical and terrifying in equal measure. It has the most effective voice appearing in any Remaining Fantasy up to now. The epic choral battle themes pull the fight collectively so properly, particularly once you enter the kaiju-esque brawls between Eikons. The Eikons themselves are additionally unmistakably Remaining Fantasy—in fact they’re this iteration’s reply to summon spells, however the very idea of regular folks enjoying host to offended gods able to immense destruction is simply so on model.
The lifeblood of Remaining Fantasy runs in XVI’s veins, and we’re nonetheless capable of guzzle it up, regardless of the modifications to the format. You would possibly swallow an aspirin or dissolve one in water; it’ll nonetheless relieve ache. What you beforehand beloved about FF continues to be current on this dose, it’s simply the tactic of ingestion that’s totally different.
And for those who’re right here to inform me that the ONLY factor you really liked about Remaining Fantasy was the turn-based battles…oh, come on. There’s no manner you sat via that many cutscenes and all that dialogue only for the joys of urgent “Assault.” I favor turn-based RPGs too. But when I’d refused to provide XVI a shot purely on the premise that I missed my beloved ATB gauge, I’d have missed out on a unbelievable entry.
Let Others In On The Magic Of Remaining Fantasy
Video games are sentimental issues, aren’t they? Very like books, films and TV exhibits, after we expertise a deep love for a factor, it might probably usually really feel prefer it simply belongs to us.
Many Remaining Fantasy followers will see the course Sq. Enix has taken with FFXVI as an opportunity to push the franchise mainstream, and truthfully, why shouldn’t they? Motion video games are extra in style. From a enterprise perspective, it is smart for the corporate to attempt to broaden the enchantment of its flagship collection. “However these aren’t the video games actual followers need you to make!” I hear the web cry. Chances are you’ll be proper. However SE acknowledges that the aforementioned “Golden Period” is, as we recognized earlier, a fleeting creature of impermanence. Evolution is vital, and to turn into resistant to vary may additionally result in a decline within the franchise, as the standard system dangers rising previous with its viewers.
The perks of FFXVI focusing on a extra mainstream viewers are that the seriescan (hopefully) proceed to develop and develop its fascinating storytelling for years to come back. Although we’d really feel protecting in regards to the good previous days (once more, that’s the bitter capsule of nostalgia for you), we shouldn’t contemplate it wildly offensive that SE is opening the gates of Remaining Fantasy to a brand new era of gamers. Reaching a contemporary viewers may very well be very important for the collection’ survival. I’ve already had so many non-FF mates inform me they may dive in.
Screenshot: Sq. Enix
Although the gradual transition of the collection from a basic turn-based RPG right into a extra action-focused affair will not be totally out of left area, a minimum of not once you take a look at the success of Kingdom Hearts within the mid ‘00s, we additionally don’t know if that is an inescapable future for the franchise. The wind’s been blowing this manner for a while, however it might probably at all times change as soon as once more….
Hironobu Sakaguchi famously stated, “I don’t assume I’ve what it takes to make an excellent motion recreation. I believe I’m higher at telling a narrative.” So the collection was by no means supposed to be an motion fest; that’s the product of adaptation. We are able to nonetheless take pleasure in Sq. Enix churning out their trademark turn-based bangers within the type of Octopath Traveler too. The format isn’t useless, and I’d like to see SE return to it for an FF title sooner or later, however I actually gained’t begrudge them for making an attempt one thing new. Is the hybridized method to motion typically flawed? Positively, as are the general public you’re keen on, I’d wager. Is it nonetheless enjoyable? Heck sure. And let’s be trustworthy, it’s not the primary time we’ve neglected a key element of a Remaining Fantasy recreation in favor of an incredible story and gameplay. I’m taking a look at you, Junction System in FFVIII…
FFXVI could be a daring shift when it comes to gameplay, nevertheless it captures the collection’ trademark magic with such attraction and soul. Earlier than you kick it to the curb as an outlier, contemplate the fantastic thing about reinvention. Sq. Enix defied their destiny and carved a brand new path, and there’s nothing extra Remaining Fantasy than that.
