While waiting for the release of the game, we allow ourselves a reflection, at times controversial, on Final Fantasy XVI and its action nature: is the turn-based JRPG genre really dead?
Final Fantasy XV was, for every fan of the franchise, a burning, bitter and indisputable disappointment. Not so much for the game itself, which let’s face it wasn’t even as bad as A-JRPG, but for the results of a troubled development that had seen, among the many setbacks, also a change of director (from Tetsuya Nomura to Hajime Tabata). What could have been the fifteenth chapter of one of the most beloved series ever we will never know. What it was, however, is a sieve in terms of lore and narrative, surrounded by a structural limitation that simply scuttled it as the main chapter of Final Fantasy. But, oh, it’s still a good A-JRPG if you’re interested.
Final Fantasy XVI will not be a turn-based JRPG, but a pure action: is it so wrong?
At the announcement of Final Fantasy XVI, therefore, the hearts of all fans of the Square Enix franchise leapt for two authentic reasons: fear and expectation. Mindful of what was (or, we repeat, was not) Final Fantasy XV, we all feared to find ourselves in front of a fragmented, holey and terribly inconsistent prince chapter. A fear that has faded as the trailers continued and which, basically, was greatly limited by the presence of one of the most loved personalities of the Square Enix circle, Naoki Yoshida, hero who saved Final Fantasy XIV from the deepest abyss and who, in this new fleet, is a producer. As director, however, we find Hiroshi Takasi. No trace of Nomura, for better or for worse.
We were saying, the great coherence and solidity that underlie Final Fantasy XVI we have been able to experience, so far, unfortunately only through the various trailers and gameplay released by Square Enix over time. We will be able to tell you ours in more depth when, as the launch approaches, we will finally be able to get our hands on the game. You may wonder why this special and the answer is quite direct: Final Fantasy XVI’s gameplay doesn’t hurt anyone, neither the industry nor gamers.
Rounds is not ATB | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
If we are to be really honest, Final Fantasy abandoned the classic turn-based combat scheme with the advent of Final Fantasy IV and Active Time Battle (ATB). Although it is also true that we gradually went in the direction of Action-JRPGs, up to this sixteenth chapter which broadly winks at other exponents of the genre (Devil May Cry in primis), turn-based combat, the real ones , ended up for Final Fantasy way back in 1991. And so why complain now about the end of classic turn-based JRPGs, those who have been loved so much over time and equally mistreated in recent years? And above all: is the genre really over?
In this special we would like to go and see with you, in short paragraphs, five different turn-based JRPGs that you could substitute for Final Fantasy XVI, if you’re really that passionate about the genre. This is because, to tell the truth, the market is full of great titles and productions even of a certain budget that could satisfy your illustrious palate. Let’s see them together: there are five only because making an excessively long list would have been harmful, but we assure you that if you search the net you will find many others. So, while not counted, we mention Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Chained Echoes, the Pokémon series, the Fire Emblem series and Triangle Strategy (although we focus more on turn-based tactics there) and many, many more. Let’s go.
Person 5 Royal | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
We start, of course, with a bang. Persona 5 Royal is in our opinion (which you will find fully explained in our review) one of the exponents of the genre that any fan should play, explore and experience. We could have also included Persona 3 or Persona 4 Golden, available in the Xbox Game Pass, but we think that the fifth chapter is the closest to that threshold of “perfection” that Atlus has always wanted to seek with its titles. And it is also, unquestionably, the most mainstream in the West as well. Try it, you won’t regret it: its unique mix of turn-based combat, social interactions, exploration and immersive story, combined with memorable characters, an extraordinary art and aesthetic style and an unprecedented soundtrack make it one of the best JRPGs of the last years.
Shin Megami Tensei V | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
Atlus returns in a great career also in this position, with Shin Megami Tensei V (here our review!). The highly anticipated latest installment in the Devil Survivor series, this fifth iteration boasts exactly what all fans have always sought in Shin Megami Tensei: complexity. It differs a lot from the Persona series precisely because of it the more serious mood, the deeper themes and a decidedly less permissive gameplay compared to the spin-off. Recommended for all those who would like to experience a more “hardcore” (pass us the term) Persona. And also to all those who want a challenging, satisfying and immense content turn-based JRPG.
Octopath Traveler – Bravely Default | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
We recently talked about Octopath Traveler, due to the release of the second chapter (our review here!), but it is one of the most recognizable turn-based JRPGs of the last few years by the mass of gamers, especially due to the graphics sector. The captivating aesthetic result deriving from the use of 2D-HD fielded by Square Enix and the game mechanics (although derived from another great exponent of the genre, also by Square Enix, i.e. Bravely Default) make it indisputably a godsend for all shift enthusiasts. If you manage to postpone a too fragmented narrative experience, you will definitely find bread for your teeth.
Soul Hackers 2 | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
We return to Atlus with Soul Hackers 2, a title currently available through the Xbox Game Pass service. Another round, another spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, which this time focuses on greater ease of use. Soul Hackers 2 is definitely a more streamlined title than both Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei V, doesn’t get lost in frills and is much less sought after than its two older brothers. However, he offers a decent alternative for all those who are looking for a good turn-based JRPG with the typical Atlus style: eccentric to the right point. And then come on, it’s on Game Pass, try it.
Dragon Quest XII | Final Fantasy XVI and the death of turn-based JRPGs: is it really like this?
Finally: the current king of Dragon Quests. While waiting for Dragon Quest XII, the eleventh chapter has been confirmed, after various re-editions on the various platforms, as the largest, most accurate and valid of all the iterations of the franchise (here our review!). Rich in content, with a world full of things to do, experiences to have and monsters to defeat, a narrative that maintains the stylistic features of the genre while remaining simple, usable by all and able to alternate moments of lightness with existential dramas. In short: a Dragon Quest like Square Enix has accustomed us to living and, currently, the best chapter of the whole franchise.
We finish it here
In short: is the turn-based JRPG genre dead because Final Fantasy XVI has become pure action? Absolutely not. The franchises evolve, fortunately, with each new iteration and, unfortunately, it can happen that they move away from what we are actually looking for in the medium. However, the video game industry has expanded so much over the last twenty years as to offer an overview of very valid alternatives even among higher budget productions. In this article we have deliberately not mentioned the indie titles that represent the genre, just to demonstrate that we don’t necessarily have to look for the detail or the needle in the haystack to find something that suits us. Sometimes, all you need to do is push the ham out of the eyes. We are waiting for you, Final Fantasy XVI. And no, Square Enix didn’t kill anything this time. For now, at least.
Final Fantasy XVI will be available on PS5 starting June 22nd. Let us know if you will buy the title below in the comments, we will continue to keep you updated with all the videogame and tech-themed news, guides and reviews! And if you are interested in game keys at advantageous prices, we suggest you take a look at the Kinguin catalogue!