Final Fantasy 13 Could Mark the End of an Era for Traditional Square Enix JRPG's

Does anyone else count FF Tactics as one of their favorite games of all time, like me? I'd cut off a pinky to have a new FF game in that vein with the full scope of current-gen blockbusters.

JRPG's need to evolve in a major way. They are pretty much the same game no matter the developer these days. Some are just better made than others. Every time I try one I feel as though I've done it before.

Next generations forms of play has historically been found on the PC first due to the advanced hardware. Now that Windows 7 and Directx 11 are out hopefully some devs are willing and up to the task.

Also historically devs like ID, Blizzard and Epic made games that made people go out and buy a PC. I remember going out and buying an entry level gaming PC for $1300. Yes it was entry level for $1300 to play one game (Warcraft 2) but it was more than worth it. An entry level gaming PC these days can be had for about $500. A great time for gaming.

Linked is a "awesome" PC build for $600 and change http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/how_build_awesome_pc_647

As an insane traditional JRPG nut, it would be kinda sad to see the classic-style JRPGs fade into the past. However, it's a necessary step in the evolution of the genre's design, and I hope the games get better as a result.

The biggest flaw in many of the JRPGs I've played since the late Playstation/PS2 era is the superfluous crud that's been built atop the stale foundation. Unnecessarily convoluted magic/skill systems, collectibles on top of collectibles, a shitload of different ways to mix and make items/weapons... all while grinding the same random battles. JRPGs lately have taken too much from the MMO grind, which I personally cannot stand. In my opinion, the best JRPG ever released was Suikoden 2. It had a lot of side-quests and collectibles, but its grind was so simple, quick, and streamlined that it never felt like a chore, and it was actually fun going from place to place looking for cool new stuff to do or collect.

As for gameplay changes, I think JRPGs can take a cue or two from some of the stuff singleplayer PC RPGs have been doing: multiple paths, non-combat ways to gain experience points, and more fleshed-out worlds. JRPG environments look fantastic and are often quite original (which, sadly, I can't say for most PC RPGs), but in most of the ones I've played recently there are few ways to interact with these worlds. JRPG characters are also way too trite these days, but I haven't seen that much originality on the PC side of things either.

In short, I'd love to see a blend of the fantastically over-the-top worlds/stories of JRPGs and the depth/interactivity of good singleplayer PC RPGs.

You know... i think if they added more WOW! moments to the newer games they would last longer on the mind. Remember the opera scene in 6? The music? The visuals? Remember the first time being able to actually interact with things? or make choices in a FF game or JRPG? IT was like OH WOW i get to choose! You would get feel like you were playing a completely different game at the time. In those time blending of genres wasnt as common as it is today.

What im saying is, alot of the more memorable games had these little things that made them memorable, that today would go right through you because they've become an everyday part of gaming. (bullet holes in fps's for example) or (genre blending)

The opera scene in a FF6 remake I can almost promise you would be SOOO disappointing... it would be a pretty cutscene, thats it... Do you see how different and unmemorable that would be? Other than the nostalgia factor it would be nothing noteworthy. What could be done to make it re-memorable in an updated FF6? Thats what they need to start doing in their newer games. Dont say, "we can make everything a pretty cutscene", or "we have 100% in game voice over's" Thats not an excuse to use that over innovation. No1 wants to watch or even PLAY for that matter, a movie.

The JRPG is not what it once was but I don't know why. Has the JDrama gotten out of control while the traditional fanbase has simply grown up? Does this statement from Squenix have more to do with the shrinking Japanese game market?

As someone who used to like JRPGs but has since turned traitor and now absolutely despises the genre to the point where I would probably raise a toast to its passing, I recognize that the JRPG brings its own variety to the market and losing it would not be good for the industry. I don't know what would count for innovation in a JRPG, a genre that typically prides itself on grind and linearity which were fine last gen but are not so sexy traits this gen.

Well, we still have Lost Odyssey.

Best new old-school JRPG !

I'm not sure I would miss it that much.

I like the stories they use, but most of the time it feels like they put gameplay elements on the disc just because someone told them they *had* to. I constantly had the sense that they'd prefer to just make a movie, without all the hassle of having to mash buttons in between the scenes.

Considering the series peaked for me (I'm old, so take that into consideration) on the SNES with Final Fantasy III/VI, I don't mind them deciding to try something a little different. I loved VII and IX, but honestly, I never really "got" the new style at all.

So, they're moving away from gunblades, emo guys that look like girls, and stereotypical teenage angst?

First FF I played was 6 back in the day, loved it. Then VII came out and I rented it, and hated it. For no reason atall I rented it again a little later and now it's my most cherished game. I love it.

I want a remake, but I know what they would do to it...it's heartbreaking what they did to Cloud..

I thought FF12 was in many ways a huge step forward for the series. I haven't played FF13 yet but from what I have read it seems to be a bit of a step back. I look forward to seeing what else the FF12 team can do.

What, are they unhappy with FF13 sales? It looks like they're on track to break 2 million sales before the game even appears outside of Japan.

Edge magazine managed to conduct an interview where he said something similar, without sensationalizing the whole thing with such a ridiculous head line... Over react much?

I kinda wondered when this would happen. I mean really, there's just no way something like "Final Fantasy 16" wouldn't sound insane (hell, 10-14 is pretty crazy).

That said, I really enjoyed (and am still enjoying the post-game) FFXIII, and I would be sad to never see something of that sort again. Square (and Square Enix) have done a lot of pretty awesome stuff over the years though, so I'm perfectly willing to trust that wherever they go from here will likely be awesome.

Hell, some of my favorite games of theirs fall outside the traditional JRPG formula anyway (like FFT and VS)

The problem is the detachment of gameplay and story. There's nothing wrong with turn based gameplay, but the stories in FF games don't give the user any input. FF games have just been movies with playable sequences in between plot points, rather than interactive.

"Next generation" forms of play sounds pointless. I beat Demon's Souls and it was one of the greatest RPGs I've ever played. But with Final Fantasy I really look forward to its well established play style and Square has always done just enough to keep it fresh and interesting. I think this would be a huge mistake to change what works so extremely well. The FF-VII/X turn based style should never go away, its awesome in its own way.

My main gripe about FF games is that you pretty much HAVE to get a strategy guide to do the cool stuff.
That being said, I enjoyed FF12 for the way they handled the combat.
other than FF7, the rest bored me

"He further qualified that he believes the FFXII development team,"

Shouldn't that be "the FFXIII development team" or...? I confused, sorry!

"Square Enix potentially letting go of the JRPG formula it not only pioneered, but used to build a massive worldwide fan-base, seems like a risky move that is sure to alienate some long-term fans."

Water under the bridge, my friend. This happened like 15 years ago at this point. FF13 looks like a titanic step backward after a progressive FF12.

Please be making an RPG that at least has a "faster gameplay" mode. I haven't bought or beat a traditional FF game since 7 because of how fucking long their games are.

Meh they changed whatever I liked about the franchise a long time ago.

i wouldn't shed any tears