Highlights
In recent times, the tactical RPG style has skilled a exceptional resurgence, fascinating each seasoned fans and newcomers alike. As a latest convert myself, I’ve witnessed the style’s attract firsthand. With the continuing wave of success and even the endorsement of influential figures like Yoshi-P (Naoki Yoshida) from Sq. Enix, the timing appears ripe for the long-awaited return of Last Fantasy Ways.
Yoshi-P Says So
I discovered myself nodding in settlement with beloved Last Fantasy 14 and 16 developer Yoshi-P when, in an interview with TheGamer at PAX East, he talked about that Last Fantasy Ways was primed for a brand new entry.
Cheekily mentioning the thought of the Last Fantasy 16 staff engaged on a Ways entry, Yoshi-P mentioned:
“We’ve got numerous our employees who labored on earlier video games like Last Fantasy Ways or Last Fantasy 12, so that you’re going to have numerous that [Tactics] really feel as a result of numerous the identical individuals are on the staff. We’re very blissful so that you can counsel this as a result of we’re all followers, but when we had been going to make this, we wouldn’t need to do the identical story that seems to be a special story.”
I admit, studying this put a spark in my eye. As a fan of Last Fantasy 14, having performed the sport for effectively over a decade, I do know that Yoshi-P’s phrases are given deep consideration when discussing the franchise’s future. In spite of everything, he’s broadly credited because the driving pressure behind the exceptional resurgence of the once-flailing 14th entry, reworking it into one in every of Sq. Enix’s greatest money-makers.
Furthermore, the corporate holds him in excessive regard, entrusting him with the helm of the sixteenth entry and increasing the collection into a number of territories. This contains crafting arguably essentially the most mature storyline in a mainline entry, embracing an motion fight model, and even introducing the collection’ first brazenly homosexual foremost forged member.
Yoshi-P’s affect, fueled by the latest resurgence of tactical RPGs, for my part, is akin to dangling a lit match over a gasoline spill.
The “Increase” Of Tactical RPGs
My private journey with tactical RPGs does not boast veteran standing. My first profitable enterprise into the style occurred early within the pandemic when, after a lot encouragement from a pal, I bought Fireplace Emblem: Three Homes. It served as my introduction to the style, providing accessibility and forgiveness.
I am not alone in being drawn to this style, with titles like Unicorn Overlord garnering reward for his or her intriguing, darkish political narrative and flashy fight. Moreover, the basic recreation Ways Ogre obtained the remaster therapy with Ways Ogre Reborn. To not point out my private early 2023 favourite, Fireplace Emblem Interact, a recreation which I nonetheless preserve had a greater story than critics urged.
Make Last Fantasy Tactical Once more
Within the midst of the reward for brand new entries throughout the Last Fantasy collection resembling Last Fantasy 16 and Last Fantasy 7 Rebirth, we’re witnessing the franchise thrive by providing followers a various array of experiences. Not all of them should be motion RPGs, nor have they got to be hybrids like Rebirth. And by now, it’s develop into a well-known chorus that turn-based RPGs stay in excessive demand throughout the gaming group. From BG3 to Persona 3 Reload, the record goes on.
But, amidst this resurgence, Last Fantasy quietly stays absent from the proverbial desk. Last Fantasy Ways, for a lot of, served as their introduction to tactical RPGs, providing a fantastically distinct shade throughout the collection. As evidenced by Yoshi-P’s interview, its affect continues to echo in modern-day entries.
So, sure, Yoshi-P is correct. Deliver on Last Fantasy Ways 2.