The recent release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has resonated strongly among JRPG fans, especially those looking for a more classic experience. Unlike the recent evolution of the Final Fantasy saga, which has embraced an action RPG format, Expedition 33 returns to the roots of the genre with a turn-based combat system, comparable to classics like Persona and Phantasy Star. This nostalgic approach stands out especially in a market where many long to revive the essence of the early Final Fantasy titles.
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Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, has acknowledged that the direction of the next title in the series has not yet been defined. This implies flexibility in the combat style that could be either action or turn-based, depending on the experience that is intended to be offered to players. Hamaguchi states that the most important thing is the enjoyment of the audience, an approach that has been reflected in the positive reviews towards Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Remake, and Final Fantasy XVI.
Although the eloquent voice of fans has cried out that JRPGs are “back,” it is important to note that titles like Persona and Yakuza continue to rise, suggesting that there was no real hiatus in interest for this type of game. Clair Obscur, developed by Sandfall Entertainment, clearly indicates that the Final Fantasy series faces significant competition in the JRPG domain. Square Enix’s response to this new challenge will be crucial for the future of its flagship franchise.
Additionally, as mentioned, the director of Clair Obscur has revealed that there are “still some” secrets to discover in the game, which promises an additional appeal for players looking to deepen their experience.