The sustained success of the Final Fantasy series can largely be attributed to its anthology-like nature. Unlike other long-standing game franchises that sometimes struggle to keep their momentum due to audience burnout and tired storylines, Final Fantasy gives itself room to breathe by not sticking too closely to any one plot, character, setting, or tone. This flexibility has paved the way for continuous creativity and innovation.
The benefits of a loose narrative structure extend beyond just story and setting; gameplay also receives frequent revitalization. Final Fantasy successfully caters to players with preferences ranging from MMORPGs to turn-based combat and action-RPGs. Its adaptability is evident with releases like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which offers a fresh gameplay experience even within familiar narratives. However, it might be refreshing for Square Enix to push these boundaries further. While many titles conform to traditional RPG elements, exploring Western gaming conventions could introduce some exciting twists.
Interestingly, the idea of Final Fantasy venturing into the realm of shooters might seem unexpected, yet it’s not entirely uncharted. Instances like Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier showcase attempts to experiment with shooting mechanics. Dirge of Cerberus, while not perfectly executed, is fondly remembered as a quirky piece in the expansive Final Fantasy 7 universe. Its rough yet charming shooting elements make it a fascinating attempt at blending action-RPG and shooter mechanics. On the other hand, The First Soldier, a free-to-play battle royale, didn’t quite hit the mark, not because of flawed shooting mechanics, but due to its overall shallow execution and misalignment with the franchise’s core strengths.
One might wonder whether a single-player shooter could fit under the Final Fantasy umbrella, but it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Although real-time games in the series usually emphasize melee combat, incorporating shooting elements could naturally align with its action-RPG roots. The Final Fantasy 7 remakes showcase how characters like Barret blend grounded shooting tactics with fantastical elements, offering a good foundation for a possible shooter expansion. Rethinking this mechanic, possibly a deeper version of Barret or Vincent Valentine’s style, could yield an engaging shooter enriched with tactical depth and magical enhancements. This could serve as an exciting departure from the sword-centric gameplay common to games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16.
