Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is making waves in the gaming community with its turn-based battle mechanics, suggesting that there’s a strong demand for traditional JRPGs among players. This contrasts sharply with the recent trajectory of the Final Fantasy series, which has increasingly embraced an action RPG style.
What sets Clair Obscur apart is its resemblance to classic role-playing games like Persona and Phantasy Star. The game’s methodical combat system and immersive world, rich with numerous menus, harken back to an era when turn-based gameplay was the hallmark of Final Fantasy before it transitioned to a more active approach.
While Square Enix has taken note of the enthusiasm surrounding Expedition 33, it’s unlikely to drastically alter its design philosophy. As Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, conveyed in a recent interview with TheGamer, “The design for numbered Final Fantasy entries heavily relies on the director’s vision. Whether the next title will embrace action or turn-based gameplay hasn’t been finalized yet.”
He added, “If you were to ask me, ‘Will [my next game] be an RPG?’, I would say there’s certainly a chance. But will it be turn-based? Even though Expedition 33 has garnered a warm reception, including numerous comments about the resurgence of JRPGs, my focus remains on delivering a game experience that fans will truly enjoy, which is the top priority.”
Hamaguchi’s perspective reflects a valid point; prioritizing fan experience is crucial. Both Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Remake have received critical acclaim for their gameplay mechanics and overall presentation, and Final Fantasy 16 was similarly well-received. Players don’t seem to be turning away from action-oriented gameplay.
However, claiming that JRPGs are unequivocally “back” may be an exaggeration. Franchises like Persona and Yakuza continue to thrive, further supported by a steady stream of re-releases, such as the recent Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. While the genre hasn’t truly vanished, it may not have been at the height of its popularity.
Sandfall Entertainment, the studio behind Clair Obscur, has made it clear that Final Fantasy now has fierce competitors. The next steps for Hamaguchi and Square Enix in response to this evolving landscape remain to be seen.
Moreover, the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 mentioned that “there are still a few” secrets for players to uncover in this JRPG.