240°

Final Fantasy 16 Designers Discuss Why The Series Hasn’t Been Turn-Based For A While

They don't rule out a return to turn-based combat one day, though.

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gameinformer.com
BandarHub835d ago (Edited 835d ago )

It needs to go back to turned base
Square always makes the mistake of thinking they know the market well when they are clueless.
Making the game a hack-and-slash or more action-oriented does not make it more appealing to the west.
If the game costs $100 Million, does mean you have to capture an audience that is not yours, try to introduce a combat system that changes the direction of the series.
Take From software, they know exactly what gamers expect from their games and they deliver exactly that.
Other examples include Atlus and Game freak...they do not stray from the established formulae, and they cultivate a loyal audience.
Square needs to dial it back with their main Final Fantasy and return back to turn-based combat, Devlier a great story akin to PS1-era FF and gives us a decent presentation. There is no reason why FF has to push boundaries and give us top of the line graphics. Apart from FF7, FF was known to be on point with their artstyle rather than top of the line graphics.

CrimsonWing69835d ago

I don’t get why they don’t do FF7 Remakes hybrid battle system. It’s the best middle ground, but I have to say there’s no denying how good the battle system looks in this. Trust me, I’m a turn-based enthusiast and even I’m excited to try this out.

BandarHub835d ago

FF7R was a nice compromise between turn base and action, I really liked it.
But it seems that Square Enix want to appeal to an audience that does not exist. They expect their next Final Fantasy to be the Juggernaut that was FF7...
It's not that I'm not impressed by the game, it most likely will play well but I long yearn for the things that were working well in the past. The ragtag group of misfit characters that would join you in your fight....now its all characters that look rather generic.

LordoftheCritics835d ago

So glad they went real time action.

I don't have the patience for a turn based God of War.

The clear immersive advantages of real time is very very attractive to a storyteller.
Turn based is just about ok for the hardcore role-player but the moment to moment positioning of a story beat or a peak moment is lost.

Games nowadays are pursuing that visceral feeling which only real time can provide.

jznrpg835d ago

They should do both really . I would buy both . I enjoy action RPGs just as much as turn based just do each of them well.

shinoff2183834d ago

Id love to see them give an option. was it pathfinder that gives an option of how you want combat

neutralgamer1992835d ago

BandarHub

Needs to go back is a strong statement. Sales price otherwise and main line FF games will never go back. Those want TBC JPRG's have plenty of options

Fact of the matter is real time combat sells while TBC appeals to a niche market

Hofstaderman835d ago

I agree with you with the sales part, just look at FF15 sales, that convinced Square they on the correct path. On the other hand, DQ 11 sold very well too…

shinoff2183834d ago

Theres really not alot of turned based rpgs these days compared to the past. Far as sales its hard to debate that one cause back in what alot of us call the golden era of jrpgs between the snes and ps1. Ill add snes, ps1, saturn. About 160 million consoles sold. So you were limited to those consoles sold. These days theres atleast 100 million more gamers then there was back in the day(just a guess, but still my point). Way more gamers today. FF sold great back in the day just like today.

lucian229835d ago

As a big fan of turn based games back in the day... They were pretty stale after a while with a few exceptions.... Those exceptions being xenogears, valkyrie profile and legend of legaia.

Pyrofire95835d ago

To reply to your reply to that other guys reply. SE doesn't want FF16 to be FF7, that's your own expectations being put on them. They expect it to be the next Final Fantasy game and they expect it to be successful. There will never be another FF7 but there will be another FF and they games will continue to change and if you only like the old style than those games exist but they wont be a main numbered FF title for the foreseeable future. Turn-based has become a niche and AAA can't be funded by a niche.

shinoff2183834d ago

No one has really tried though, dragon quest sold very well. Also like I pointed out above theres way more gamers these days to.

ChasterMies835d ago

Except a more action focused hack and slash is more appealing to the west. It’s why Microsoft wanted Bethesda. It’s why western gamers use the term “JRPG” as an insult.

LordoftheCritics835d ago

Even asian devs consider JRPG as an insult.

shinoff2183834d ago (Edited 834d ago )

Not all of us , especially the older ones . When I say jrpg im meaning it in a good way im putting that j on that cause im happy and excited for those type of games. Ive seen advertising from some of those asian devs putting jrpg on it themselves so its probably a select few. The guy at square doesnt represent the whole industry. Maybe some do maybe most do but you cant use one guys feelings as a fact for the whole

shinoff2183834d ago (Edited 834d ago )

Started in ff12 I wasnt drawn to any of the characters. I also miss the days of the turn based jrpgs we hardly get them these days. Imo even if this ff16 came out turn based itd probably still sell 15 million plus more once it hits other gaming sytems(whether pc xbox, probably not switch though). Im warming up to it a little bit but its a crawl as im not feeling the combat at all. I dont even like devil may cry so that does nothing for me aside from turn me off. Even ff7r I really enjoyed it loved most of it even the story and what they are doing. My only complaint with that is still the combat.

I know it might not be a popular opinion these days with the younger crowd and needing to see the constant action and movement to keep their attention but im personally not a fan. I think dragon quest 11 is squares best game since ff9

BandarHub834d ago

Yeah, I think that it will turn out pretty good if it was turned-based.
This will rally a lot of the fans back onto Final Fantasy.
Square focuses too much on focus groups' opinions and what the current gaming market currently likes.
They have been bad at acknowledging what players wants. Look at FF the first soldier, Stranger of the paradise, Forspoken...what the hell were they thinking making those games.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 834d ago
-Foxtrot835d ago

“ that we want to get this game in the hands of as many people as possible”

And there it is

It’s about potentially loosing sales despite the fact it’s FF and it would sell regardless

Yakuza Like a Dragon was turn based, so was Persona 5 and they did fantastic

So there’s no excuse really

NostaglicFantasy835d ago

Because they are chasing 10 million+ sales, with the amount of money they spend making the game, they pretty much have to. FF15 sold 10 million eventually, even if that was one of the worst games in the franchise.

Yet it still outsold the combined sales of Persona 5, P5R and Persona Strikers. It was arguably the best jrpg of the last generation, yet it couldn't outsell FF15. I understand their reasoning, but I still feel like they could split the series and do both turn-based and action easily enough and satisfy everyone.

343_Guilty_Spark835d ago (Edited 835d ago )

If they wanted 10 million plus they’d launch on multiple platforms

andy85835d ago

It outsold Persona because it's Final Fantasy. It's a much bigger name. If it was turn based it would have still sold as many. DQ 11 is a much smaller name worldwide than FF and that sold over 7 million and it's turn based. FF would have smashed it

shinoff2183834d ago

Persona is still known as a niche game though even though 5 brought it to the spotlight more it still has a bit to go

goldwyncq835d ago

And those two games are nowhere near as big as Final Fantasy so they can afford to take the risk. Let's not forget that many Yakuza fans got mad when the gameplay changed from action to turn-based.

-Foxtrot835d ago

Course they can

FF13 and FF15 were huge letdowns to many fans and still did well financially so if people are going to buy those then I'm pretty god damn sure they'd buy the next one turn based or not.

porkChop835d ago

Like a Dragon was small, selling 2.5 to 3 million units, though it quickly became the best selling game in the franchise. Persona 5 sold more units than FF7R. 8+ million vs 5 million. Aside from the original FF7 (13 million), FF usually tops out around 10 million. I'd say Persona and FF are on pretty even terms these days. Even SE's own DQXI, a turn-based RPG, isn't far off. It was over 6 million before the definitive edition launched.

SE keeps going further and further into realtime action to increase sales but it hasn't worked at all. FF13 sold around 7 million, and 15 took 5 years to finally hit their goal of 10 million. Maybe returning to turn-based is what the series actually needs.

shinoff2183834d ago (Edited 834d ago )

Was it really many, ive been into yakuza since the first and I was cool with it.

Also thanks porkchop

neutralgamer1992835d ago

Fox

Fact of the matter is FF15 & FF7 remake combined sold better than like a dragon and past 5+ persona main and side entries. End of the day publishers are supposed to do what's best for business along with gamers and real time combat appeals to more gamers

I love the fact they went real time combat and for those want TBC they still have persona, dragon quest, like a dragon and many more

shinoff2183834d ago

Of course it sold better, persona and yakuza arent nearly as big as ff. It would have been the case if ff was still turn based or not, combat had nothing to do with it outselling those other to.

Pyrofire95835d ago

Yakua games are 10x cheaper to make and take less time to make. They are not the same. A FF game takes 6+ years to make now, Yakuza releases bi-yearly sometime yearly. (including things like Judgement and Ishin which are technically spin offs in name only, they retain similar budgets and scope so I'd count them too.)

neutralgamer1992835d ago

Yakuza games are definitely on budget. As a huge Yakuza fan since original it was disappoint that they made the series TBC when the whole series was known as a beat em up

But og fans like me are constantly reminded we have judgement now but then in the same those who liked TBC in FF can enjoy other games. We can't praise the developer when it comes to like a dragon and hate on another gor wanting to try different things

CrimsonWing69835d ago

I thought he already made it clear the decision for real-time action was for the younger crowd who apparently can’t handle turn-based and chess-like strategy for fights.

I mean sh*t, we might as well make all chess games real-time action, too.

phoenixwing835d ago

Those were actually the same reasons they gave in this article with one extra detail. They compared it to gta. That's their goal, they want to literally be as high selling as gta. Making it action f ocused will sell more but se is insane to think they can reach gta levels of sales with the ff ip. My opinion is that they should make a gta clone if they want gta sales but that's just me.

shinoff2183834d ago

I remember square head coming out and saying that Japanese developers should try to mimic the west, then square tries to mimic the west with turning their main game action.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 834d ago
Tzuno835d ago

There is no excuse, they wanted to try something new, well... kind of a hit and miss really
Bring back turn based

835d ago
goldwyncq835d ago

Going full action is something new. FF hasn't been turn-based for over twenty years now and it's never coming back for a mainline FF game. People need to accept that.

W34KN35S835d ago

In a perfect world it would have both options and players could switch on the fly. I don't and never have played a Final Fantasy but I did try out and play Kingdom Hearts 1-2 and those are some of my most beloved game experiences and I can certainly say that I wouldn't have played it if it was turn based.

However , Final Fantasy is already established so they should keep things how the fans want and not risk losing their fan base when trying to potentially draw in a new crowd. Every game isn't for everyone.

Pyrofire95835d ago

Final Fantasy also established that they change it up with every number. Some of the older ones are even turned based just menu based like FF7, they maintained real-time-ish (RTB) combat while remaining menu based.

Soulsborne835d ago

Imagine this game, this setting, with turn based. Fingers crossed for FF9 remake to have turn based.

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440°

Final Fantasy XVI Xbox Launch Sees Weak Sales Performance, Fails To Enter Top 20

The Xbox version of Final Fantasy XVI has failed to enter the platform's top 20 paid games list, indicating weak launch sales performance.

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twistedvoxel.com
MaximusPrime_3d ago

On the other hand, FF XVI sold more than usual on PS5

Obscure_Observer3d ago

Day One Release vs One year later release with zero marketing to build excitement/hype.

Both Xbox and SE should know better.

MajorLazer3d ago

Also fewer than half the consoles sold compared to the PS5 so much smaller customer base.

lodossrage2d ago

I get that the game was older.

But so were Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon when they came to playstation and those made it into the top download lists for awhile. So the coming a year later excuse doesn't really fly anymore.

Scissorman2d ago

look at stellar blade on PC. over a year later and it's already sold over a million copies. this has nothing to do with marketing or hype. the xbox audience, broadly speaking, just doesn't purchase games.

ravens522d ago

Excuses lol. Everyone already knew this would be the case. 90% of Xbox players don't buy games.

MaximusPrime_2d ago

As other said, FH5, sea of thieves on PS5 topped the chart.

From reports I heard, seems SE rushed into porting FF XVI to Xbox hence performance has been less than satisfying.

richardmmorales2d ago

Also it's digital only. No physical release on Xbox.
I already have it on PS5. I'd prefer to have it on Xbox but not going to re-buy it unless it's a physical copy.

tay87012d ago

Just points out once again bots don't buy games, even ones they have been crying about not having for yrs. Square is probably reassessing their move right now. Lol. Next new game they release will once again flop on xbox, except this time they wont be getting a bag from sony or dev help for optimizing the game either.

Cacabunga2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

It’s a terrible game.. great start but everything else is shit from you meet Cid. Rhythm falls so low from there and never picks up

1Victor2d ago

@obscured: “ Day One Release vs One year later release with zero marketing to build excitement/hype.”
Sure buddy that and an another account will make you sleep better 🤷🏿.
…..
Everyone know the reason is because it’s not on game pass therefore only the niche hardcore are going to buy this game and play it. Can someone remind my how are those OVER A YEAR OLD MS GAMES are doing on PlayStation release sales 🤦🏿

Christopher2d ago

Weird it's Xbox/SE fault but same level of effort for games put on PS5 after years and they sell well.

Methinks the built-by-design system of subscription service and low hardware sales versus please-buy-our-games and much larger hardware sales might have something to do with this.

XBManiac2d ago

Well it was one of the stars on Xbox Showcase some weeks ago... it has had more marketing than hundreds of games this year.

Jingsing2d ago

or Xbox users are just not interested in Final Fantasy, It is not hard to see that they have been with PlayStation since PS1. This was always a fools errand for Square Enix. Lesson learned I guess.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
ocelot072d ago

Yup and it can't be because it's a "old game". Apparently everyone wanted these titles on Xbox. They got them and sold terrible.

Yer Playstation fans got access to a 6 year old sea of thieves and over 600k bought it. Then when Forza release spite it being a 4 year old game still sold 1.4+ million on playstation.

Imo majority of Xbox fans are conditioned to solely rely on rentals these days.

repsahj2d ago

Because Xbox players just want free stuff.

TheEroica2d ago

No it didn't... It was a sales disappointment as stated by Square. Fake news bud.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2d ago
CrashMania3d ago

If it ain't on gamepass, they ain't interested.

Great job MS for training most of your player base to not want to actually buy games, maybe SE will realise releasing FF on xbox isn't somehow going to help them match their exaggerated sales targets. Hopefully remake fairs better, probably will on Switch 2 at least.

Lightning772d ago

You realize it got most of its sales on PS5 right? Not even the PC version did all that well. One platform will take most of the sales as it had moat of the hype.

Tacoboto2d ago

It also has like, no positive word of mouth.

Nearly two years late and the worst modern title in the franchise, who actually wants to play it?

Sonic18812d ago

FACTS. This is one of the reasons. I'm one of them LMAO

Vits3d ago

No game, especially a AAA one, deserves strong sales after taking years to arrive on a platform and still asking the same price as everywhere else. You can’t just ignore a platform for that long and then expect people to be excited by the release. That cycle came and went already, there is no hype for it anymore.

Either you're all in from the start or you're not. This lazy, bare-minimum approach of tossing out a late port and calling it a day shouldn't be rewarded. If you're not willing to respect the platform, don't bother showing up at all.

crazyCoconuts3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

But the formerly exclusive Xbox games like Forza Horizon enjoyed great sales on PS even after years past their initial release.
Your references to deserving and "shouldn't be rewarded" implies that gamers are buying games based on some moral platitude that simply doesn't exist in practice.
Gamers buy games because they want to play them.

Vits3d ago

Nah, it implies how it should be. If gamers weren't the dumbass consumer class around, being played like freaking dumbass because they can't get over the hype for a freaking second and think if that purchase even make sense.

Tacoboto2d ago

Who is asking to play FF XVI though? It's a bad Final Fantasy

Outside_ofthe_Box2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

@Tacoboto

"Who is asking to play FF XVI though? It's a bad Final Fantasy"

Wasn't there whining about big bad Sony making Final Fantasy 16 and 7 remake exclusive "forever" during the whole Activision deal?

Tacoboto2d ago

If XVI was a good game, yes I'd fault Xbox gamers that wanted it and didn't buy it. But it's not and the Xbox port is the worst version. Gamers buy games because they want to play them.

VII Remake - great game, they should throw their money behind it. But again, uphill battle now as you're expecting people to buy a game over half a decade old, not just two years old.

The longer you wait, the more people jump ship from Xbox, the fewer people there are who don't already have access to these games.

repsahj2d ago

@Tacoboto

LOL! Who is asking?

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
Chevalier3d ago

This is EXACTLY why they wouldn't and shouldn't bother im the first place. I can't remember which FF game launched on Xbox with the Switch and Playstation version and ONLY did 4% sales on Xbox. So lets not pretend these sales would have been better because if you believe that you are absolutely delusional

Vits3d ago

"Either you're all in from the start or you're not. This lazy, bare-minimum approach of tossing out a late port and calling it a day shouldn't be rewarded. If you're not willing to respect the platform, don't bother showing up at all."

Chevalier3d ago

Weird. How come you don't say the same about Xbox studio games that show up some YEARS/DECADES later as well?

Sea of Thieves
Grounded
Forza Horizon 5
Pentiment
Hi Fi Rush
Gears of War

Mostly at full price and selling well. Oh right doesn't fit your BS narrative

andy852d ago (Edited 2d ago )

In fairness they didnt. This was 16, 15 released on Xbox day one.

Knightofelemia2d ago

Sony and Square have a deal where the game remains a timed exclusive everybody knows that. The game appearing on Xbox means the time is up. The only thing between the two games is one is at full price and the other game is all ready half the price.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
Snookies122d ago

I will say it does have its flaws, but it also has unforgettable moments! Some of the highest "highs" in gaming I've ever experienced in my 28 years of playing games.

It is simply phenomenal.

repsahj2d ago

My only flaws for me is the ending. I really hate it.

Snookies126h ago

@repsahj - Whaaa-?? I absolutely loved the ending! I just didn't love some of the middle sections of the game. The slower areas where it felt kind of boring between the main story beats.

Relientk773d ago

Continual proof Xbox gamers don't buy JRPGs. Shocker

Chevalier3d ago

Wait but I was told by Xbox fans that they support FF and these franchises? Weird. Shocked

PapaBop3d ago

Honestly, if you're a JRPG fan, you're going to own a PS5, Switch or PC. Only benefit of owning an Xbox for JRPGs is all the money you save by not having any games to spend it on.

originaljohn2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I'm an xbox owner although I spend much more time on my PC & Switch 2 these days. I let my gamepass sub expire but I regularly talk to friends who still play a lot on xbox and GP. Recently GP has been amazing for RPG fans, it has Metaphor: Refantazio and Expedition 33. I buy physical and I take ages completing games so GP isnt for me at all.
For FF 16 the timing is very poor, it has to complete with the best 2 JRPG's in the past 2 years which are part of a very popular sub.

Show all comments (92)
210°

Final Fantasy XVI Maintains 60 FPS on Xbox Series X via FSR, but With Lower Resolution Than PS5

Final Fantasy XVI runs at a lower resolution on Xbox Series X compared to PS5, maintaining stable 60 FPS but with visual compromises.

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twistedvoxel.com
raWfodog7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

"While the PS5 version maintains superior resolution and visual fidelity, it cannot consistently deliver the same frame rate stability, especially in its Performance mode. Even the more powerful PS5 Pro struggles to keep frame rates within its VRR window when the action intensifies.

For players who prioritize performance above visual quality, the Xbox Series X version may offer appeal due to its stable frame rate. However, those seeking the best graphical presentation may find the lower resolution and various graphical compromises on Xbox a drawback. Digital Foundry concluded that while the port is serviceable in its current form, several issues, such as broken foliage rendering and contrast imbalance, remain in need of technical refinement."

----

As someone who prefers better framerate over visuals, it seems the X has the edge over PS5 in that department. But it apparently comes at the cost of more degraded visuals than one would imagine in this case. Perhaps it has not been fully optimized for the X yet, as the article also pointed out that this port perhaps derived from the PC version rather than the PS5 version. We'll see what the future brings (if anyone cares lol).

Obscure_Observer7d ago

I´ll take performance over graphics, thanks.

raWfodog7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

That's always my preference as well. More importantly, I prefer a smoother, stable framerate more than simply hitting higher framerates. But I do like it to look pretty as well lol.

Lamusiqa7d ago

That's usually my preference. But at 720p in 2025 with a 4K TV? Yikes.

CrashMania7d ago

I wonder if you had the same energy with Hellblade 2.

PhillyDonJawn7d ago

Yeah im not really a graphics 304. I feel like graphics has hit its peak and prioritizing graphics over gameplay has made games less enjoyable.

andy857d ago

I took performance mode on the PS5, genuinely didnt look bad even at a low resolution

Snookies127d ago

@andy85 - Yeah, the performance mode was definitely the way to go. I guess with everything going on in battles, I never noticed the lower dynamic resolution kicking in. I was kind of stunned to hear how much the resolution drops when in battles.

I just wish the PC port had been good... I was getting 100 FPS in some areas, and under 30 in others no matter how I configured settings. Sad that Square-Enix has such an awful reputation for their PC ports.

gold_drake7d ago

it depends.
720p on my 75 inch tv aint pretty at all lol

but this is hardly a hardware issue but a square enix issue.
the games pretty but there isnt a whole lot going on in general in the game, outside of battles

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 7d ago
Elda7d ago

Nothing worse than looking at & playing a nice looking game with good graphics but the visuals are blurry.

badz1497d ago

12TF for 720p 60fps in 2025...WOW!

50°

LOGOS: The World of Final Fantasy XVI and The Art of FF XVI: Echoes of the Rising Tide Announced

Square Enix has announced two new books which expand the lore and world of Final Fantasy XVI.

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nettosgameroom.com