Final Fantasy - Softonic English

Square Enix announces the first Final Fantasy HD-2D, but there's a catch

In the last Nintendo Direct, we had several important announcements, but one of the most shocking came from Square Enix. Announcing a new Final Fantasy, the most surprising thing is that it would not be in 3D, but in HD-2D, the aesthetic they have used in games like Octopath Traveler or Triangle Strategy, but never before in a Final Fantasy. And indeed, Final Fantasy Resonance, although it has been marketed to us as a new game in the franchise, is actually something different. A new Final Fantasy, but halfway through Final Fantasy Resonance is an adaptation of the story of the […]

A new Final Fantasy, but half-baked

Final Fantasy Resonance is an adaptation of the story from the first season of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, a mobile game that has already closed and is no longer available to play. According to Square Enix, Resonance takes from the original story to extensively reimagine and reconstruct everything else. Considering that this is neither a port nor a remake of Brave Exvius, but its own game based on the original.

To demonstrate their differences, they have started from the fact that it has new cinematics and 3D-rendered abilities, a new turn-based combat system and elements, as well as a new overworld and thirty-three new songs for the soundtrack, which make it a new game in itself.

https://en.softonic.com/articles/nintendo-give-a-switch-2-patch-to-these-switch-gamesIn addition to all of the above, there will be numerous nods to other games in the franchise, in the form of characters from other installments. Warrior of Light (FF1), Terra (FFVI), Cloud (FFVII), Zidane (FFIX), Shantotto (FFXI), and Y’shtola (FFXIV) will appear as Visions, for the fans of the franchise. And you will be able to discover it for yourself when it releases on October 22 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

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The director of Final Fantasy VII Remake is clear: young people do not connect with Final Fantasy

At Square Enix, they have a problem: Final Fantasy no longer connects with young people. A franchise historically known for connecting with teenagers and young adults is having trouble reaching its target audience. This is evidenced by the latest data from Circana, which states that 70% of players who bought Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in the United States were over 30 years old. Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, claims to be “very aware of the need to consider how we can expand the potential of the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole for the next generation” and that at Square […]

At Square Enix, they have a problem: Final Fantasy no longer connects with young people. A franchise historically known for connecting with teenagers and young adults is struggling to reach its target audience.

Something that is demonstrated by the latest data from Circana, which states that 70% of players who bought Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in the United States were over 30 years old.

Naoki Hamaguchi, the game director, claims to be “very aware of the need to consider how we can expand the potential of the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole for the next generation” and that at Square Enix, when they finish the trilogy of Final Fantasy VII remakes, they want to “think about that expansion towards new audiences“.

On the other hand, this is not a new occurrence among the important leaders in the company. The director of Final Fantasy XIV and producer of Final Fantasy XVI, Naoki Yoshida, has also said something similar in the past. Stating that “the release intervals have stretched so much that some players simply have not had the chance to connect with the series as veteran fans did,” he believes that one of the reasons younger audiences connected with Final Fantasy was its fast release pace.

The numbers fit and do not add up

The data holds up. Between Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy X, the peak of the franchise’s popularity, seven years passed. Between Final Fantasy XII, XIII, XV, and XVI, seventeen years have passed. A whole lifetime for any child, teenager, or young adult.

For this reason, while it is impossible to prove that this is the cause of the franchise’s lack of popularity among young people, it seems to be a likely cause. Whether Square Enix will intervene on this, making more games faster or in another way, remains to be seen. Especially when Final Fantasy XVI, the latest game in the franchise, is from 2023 and a new installment has not yet been announced.

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Atari acquires the rights to the RPG that has shaped all RPGs

Atari has acquired the rights to multiple iterations of the Wizardry franchise. Holding the licenses for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981), Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds (1982), Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn (1983), Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna (1987), and Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom (1988), as well as “many other video games, rights, and other intellectual properties related to Wizardry.” This could well translate into new games for the franchise as well as series, movies, comics, or any other kind of productions. Wizardry, one of the most […]

Atari has acquired the rights to multiple iterations of the Wizardry franchise. Holding the licenses for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981), Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds (1982), Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn (1983), Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna (1987) and Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom (1988), as well as “many other video games, rights, and other intellectual properties related to Wizardry.”

This could well translate into new games in the franchise as well as series, movies, comics, or any other kind of productions.

Wizardry, one of the most influential video games in history

In fact, Atari is not new to the world of Wizardry. In 2024, they published a remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, developed by the studio Digital Eclipse, which updated the graphics and mechanics of the game to make it more accessible to new generations of players. Something very necessary given the difficulty and roughness of a game originally released in 1981 for the Apple II.

The importance of Wizardry cannot be overlooked in any case. The franchise is of great significance to video games, as it shaped what RPGs would become thereafter.

Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Baldur’s Gate are direct heirs of Wizardry, as their creators have explicitly stated more than once, but anime also has a clear heritage from this game, as its popularity was such that it has influenced numerous cultural productions outside of video games, including the pioneer of high fantasy in Japan: Record of Lodoss War.

On the other hand, it seems that things are not so clear. Drecom, the company behind the rights to Wizardry in Japan and which has been in a decades-long struggle for the rights with its original creator, Robert Woodhead, claims that Atari has not acquired the rights to Wizardry. Therefore, it seems that there will still be discussion about how all this will translate into the future of the franchise.

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The writer of Expedition 33 would have to kill us if she told us what she is working on

In a recent interview with GamesRadar+ at the Game Developers Conference, the lead writer of Sandfall Interactive, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, addressed the future of the acclaimed series Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite her enthusiasm, Svedberg-Yen was evasive when discussing possible directions for the series, mentioning that the influence of Final Fantasy on its development has been significant. This reference suggests the possibility that Clair Obscur could transform into a multi-game series or adopt an anthology format, similar to other standout titles in the industry. We will have to wait to find out Svedberg-Yen, in a playful tone, stated: “I can’t reveal these […]

In a recent interview with GamesRadar+ at the Game Developers Conference, the lead writer of Sandfall Interactive, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, addressed the future of the acclaimed series Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.Despite her enthusiasm, Svedberg-Yen was evasive when discussing possible directions for the series, mentioning that the influence of Final Fantasy on its development has been significant. This reference suggests the possibility that Clair Obscur may transform into a multi-game series or adopt an anthology format, similar to other prominent titles in the industry.

We will have to wait to know

Svedberg-Yen, with a playful tone, declared: “I can’t reveal these things. If I did, I would have to kill you,” reflecting her desire to keep the suspense about the future of the franchise. The writer, who is excited about the interest that Clair Obscur has generated among Final Fantasy fans, also emphasized that the series has multiple paths to explore, including direct sequels or the creation of independent stories that share only a common iconography.

With so many possibilities on the horizon, the gaming community eagerly awaits news about Clair Obscur. For now, the uncertainty remains about whether the series will expand in one direction or another, which will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention and interest of its followers.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released on all platforms without sacrificing performance along the way

The long-awaited release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will finally be on June 3. Unlike its predecessors, which were exclusive to PS5 at their initial launch, this new installment will be available on all platforms from day one, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Xbox Series X/S. This strategy from Square Enix aims to expand the player base, allowing more people to enjoy this iconic remake. No one should miss it Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, has addressed the concerns that arise with this decision, assuring that there will be no compromises in quality. In an interview […]

The highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will finally be on June 3rd. Unlike its predecessors, which were exclusive to PS5 at their initial launch, this new installment will be available on all platforms from day one, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Xbox Series X/S.

This strategy by Square Enix aims to expand the player base, allowing more people to enjoy this iconic remake.

Let no one miss it

Naoki Hamaguchi, the game director, has addressed the concerns that arise with this decision, ensuring that there will be no compromises in quality. In an interview with Automaton, Hamaguchi explained that each version of the game is individually optimized to maximize performance and minimize the inherent limitations of each platform. This attention to detail is vital to ensure that players on different devices enjoy an optimal visual experience.

The development of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is progressing well, starting on a high-end PC to ensure superior visual quality. Hamaguchi commented that if the game can run at 30 fps on less powerful platforms, it is reasonable to expect 60 fps on more advanced consoles.

This technical approach underscores the team’s commitment to maintaining the visual integrity of the game, refining specific parameters for each system without sacrificing the overall experience.

Although the final title of this third and last part of the trilogy has not yet been officially revealed, a first teaser and the name will be shared later this year.

The third part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake will continue using the same engine

The Final Fantasy 7 series has once again captured the attention of the video game industry following the recent release of the first part of the remake, known as Intergrade, for the new Nintendo Switch 2. This event has generated a wave of interest, leading its director, Haoki Hamaguchi, to give various interviews where the plans for the third part of the project have been discussed, which promises to be the culmination of this ambitious reinvention. If the old works, why change Despite the expectations about the graphic potential that an update to Unreal Engine 5 could offer, Hamaguchi […]

The Final Fantasy 7 series has once again captured the attention of the video game industry following the recent release of the first part of the remake, known as Intergrade, for the new Nintendo Switch 2. This event has generated a wave of interest, leading its director, Haoki Hamaguchi, to give various interviews where the plans for the third part of the project have been discussed, which promises to be the culmination of this ambitious reinvention.

If the old works, why change it

Despite the expectations regarding the graphical potential that an update to Unreal Engine 5 could offer, Hamaguchi has announced that they will not migrate to this new version of the graphics engine. Instead, the team will continue their work on Unreal Engine 4, which they have already adapted to meet their specific needs. According to the director, it is more beneficial to have something we are familiar with and that we have adapted to what we need.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that the sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, will be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Hamaguchi emphasized that the team is dedicating significant efforts to ensure a stable frame rate, which implies making all the necessary small adjustments to optimize the game’s performance on this console, which, comparatively, has less power than other current gaming systems.

The reception of the Intergrade port has been positive, indicating that Square Enix has done a good job in terms of performance optimization of the game, despite the hardware limitations of the Nintendo Switch 2. Sales have accompanied this release, suggesting that interest and expectations for the project continue to grow, despite the decision not to update the graphics engine for future installments.

If Expedition 33 can be easily broken, blame Final Fantasy X, says its director

The director of Clair Obscur, Guillaume Broche, has recently acknowledged that the title Expedition 33 might be too easy for some players, especially in the final boss fight. During a conversation with Edge magazine, Broche explained that many players chose to complete side content before facing the climax of the game, which led to a combat experience that was less challenging than the team had anticipated. A game inspired by the classics, for better or worse The structure of Expedition 33 is inspired by classic RPGs from the PS2 era, such as Final Fantasy 10, […]

The director of Clair Obscur, Guillaume Broche, has recently acknowledged that the title Expedition 33 might be too easy for some players, especially in the final boss fight. During a conversation with Edge magazine, Broche explained that many players chose to complete side content before facing the climax of the game, which led to a combat experience that was less challenging than the team had anticipated.

A game inspired by the classics, also for the bad

The structure of Expedition 33 is inspired by classic RPGs from the PS2 era, such as Final Fantasy 10, where players have the freedom to either advance directly to the final boss or dedicate themselves to exploring additional content. Broche admitted that, while the intention was to allow those focused on the narrative to jump from the end of Act Two directly to the end of the game, it resulted in many players completely surpassing the recommended difficulty levels.

Since the last update, players have discovered ways to inflict extremely high damage, which has impacted the gaming experience. Some users have begun to raise their damage statistics to astronomical figures, reaching tens of billions, something that Broche considers a success in terms of game design. “If you go back and look at Final Fantasy 10, you can take down the final boss in one hit if you’re overpowered,” Broche explained, personalizing the reflection with his own experiences in the genre.

Before the launch, the Sandfall team had modest expectations, betting that Expedition 33 would score around 80 on Metacritic. Despite the challenges in the difficulty of the final combat, Broche and his team feel satisfied with the overall results and their approach to RPGs in the gameplay formula.

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The director of Expedition 33 is blunt: "it's not about following processes, but about making a game that you want to play"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent development by Sandfall Interactive, has become a benchmark of the JRPG genre in the Double A gaming scene. Directed by Guillaume Broche, the project is a tribute to classics from the golden age of Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy X, with a combat system reminiscent of the Dark Souls saga. Broche has defended the studio’s creative philosophy, which prioritizes enjoying the development process over conforming to player expectations: “It’s not about following processes, but about making a game that you want […]

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent development by Sandfall Interactive, has become a benchmark in the JRPG genre in the Double A gaming scene. Directed by Guillaume Broche, the project is a tribute to classics from the golden age of Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy X, featuring a combat system reminiscent of the Dark Souls saga. Broche has defended the studio’s creative philosophy, which prioritizes enjoying the development process over conforming to player expectations: “It’s not about following processes, but about making a game that you want to play.”

The player is not that important

Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, highlighted the collaborative nature of the development, where art, narrative, and music influenced each other. This approach has allowed for the creation of a cohesive world that reflects the team’s passion for the work. The influence of iconic titles on character design and the combat system underscores the team’s dedication to honoring their sources of inspiration while seeking to provide a unique and engaging experience for players.

Despite its initial success, the game faces a controversy that has marked its trajectory. Clair Obscur was disqualified from the Indie Game Awards just one day after being recognized as Game of the Year and Best Debut, due to the use of AI-generated images during its development. Although these elements were removed shortly after the release, the strict policy of the competition regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence invalidates its nomination. This situation highlights the challenges developers face in an ever-evolving environment with increasingly strict regulations.

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The creator of Dragon Quest is clear about what differentiates his franchise from Final Fantasy, and it is what his protagonists talk about

The Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, fundamental pillars of the JRPG genre, have maintained a relationship of competition and comparison over the years. In a recent interview, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, shared his vision on the narrative differences that characterize both sagas, highlighting how their design has influenced the player’s experience. Emphasis on narrative or immersion Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, allowing them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X […]

Emphasis on narrative or immersion

Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, which allows them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X are examples of heroes who guide the narrative through their emotions and dialogues. This approach, while rich in narrative content, presents a marked contrast with the approach of Dragon Quest, where the protagonist remains silent, allowing the player to identify with the character. For Horii, this silence does not imply a lack of depth, but rather is a deliberate resource for the player to identify with the main character.

This divergence in design philosophies reflects two distinct ways of telling stories within the world of Japanese role-playing: silent immersion versus guided narrative. Both formulas have proven to be successful and have greatly contributed to the development of the genre, inspiring new generations of developers and players.

Horii also emphasizes that this historical rivalry is not negative, but rather represents a creative diversity that enriches the landscape of Japanese role-playing games. By observing how both sagas have evolved with remakes and new releases, their reflection remains alive in the hearts of players, who today can choose to become the silent hero of Dragon Quest or accompany the protagonists of Final Fantasy in their emotional stories.

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The latest State of Play disappoints and the producer of Octopath Traveler 0, one of the announced games, comes out to apologize

The recent State of Play organized by Sony surprised the gaming community by focusing exclusively on the Japanese market, but it did not meet the high expectations that many fans had anticipated. Announcements from iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts were expected, especially with the possibility of revelations about the third part of Final Fantasy VII Remake or the fourth installment of Kingdom Hearts. However, the event culminated with the presentation of a trailer for Octopath Traveler 0 and the confirmation of a free demo. The one with the least blame apologizes

The recent State of Play organized by Sony surprised the gaming community by focusing exclusively on the Japanese market, but it did not meet the high expectations that many fans had anticipated. Announcements were expected from iconic franchises such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, especially with the possibility of revelations about the third part of Final Fantasy VII Remake or the fourth installment of Kingdom Hearts. However, the event culminated with the presentation of a trailer for Octopath Traveler 0 and the confirmation of a free demo.

The one who has the least blame apologizes

The event, hosted by actor Yuki Kaji, known for his role in Attack on Titan, failed to connect with the audience as expected. Throughout the 26 minutes of broadcast, many viewers began to speculate about the anticipated announcements, which quickly turned into disappointment when only more content about the previously announced title, Octopath Traveler 0, was revealed, with its release scheduled for December 4, 2025. Comments on the official channel reflected this discontent, with some users labeling the event as “the scare from Square Enix.”

In light of the dissatisfaction generated, Hirohito Suzuki, producer of Octopath Traveler 0, publicly apologized acknowledging that the announcement did not meet everyone’s expectations, although he emphasized that the game was developed with a lot of love. Through social media, he invited players to give the title a chance.

For those interested, Square Enix has released a free demo of the game on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, allowing players to experience the first three hours of the story. This trial version offers players the option to transfer their progress to the final version, providing an opportunity to explore the world of Octopath Traveler 0 before its official release.