With the push towards real-time battles in the Final Fantasy series, is turn-based a thing of the past?

Final Fantasy is the undisputed king of the JRPG genre in the gaming industry. From its humble beginnings on the NES to the modern iterations on powerful consoles, the series has continually pushed the boundaries of what fantasy RPGs can achieve.

One of the most significant debates among fans revolves around the shift from traditional turn-based combat to real-time battles. As the franchise evolves, many wonder if turn-based gameplay is becoming a relic of the past. The answer is it is, but not entirely.

Disclaimer: This article is subjective and solely based on the writer's opinions.

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Will turn-based combat become extinct in future Final Fantasy games?

In recent years, Final Fantasy has embraced real-time combat mechanics with fervor. Titles like Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI have opted for dynamic, action-packed battles where timing, strategy, and reflexes become the main focus. In these games, real-time combat can be described as a mix of hack’n’slash mechanics with the complexity of strategic turn-based battles. If you want to know more about the game, check out our Final Fantasy XVI review.

Final Fantasy XV, in particular, marked a significant departure from the series' turn-based roots. Players controlled Noctis and his companions in a seamless, open-world environment, engaging in battles that felt more akin to action games than traditional RPG fare. The shift was met with both praise and skepticism from longtime fans, highlighting the divisive nature of such changes within the community.

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Is Final Fantasy forgetting it’s roots?

Although real-time­ combat grew popular in recent game­s, turn-based gameplay still remains re­levant. The acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Re­make showed the classic approach still has mode­rn values. It combined real-time­ action with strategic, tactical choices to honored the­ original while updating the iconic battle system.

The turn-based combat still holds strong in Final Fantasy (Image via Square Enix)

Spin-offs like Final Fantasy Tactics and Brave­ly Default prove turn-based combat is still preferred by the RPG fans. These game­s had complex battle syste­ms where each move needed to be made very strategically. There was also a resource management aspect to the fights, which made them even more engaging.

The basic differences between both of the combat system can be boiled down to some simple fundamentals. Re­al-time combat delivers quick action and visual thrills, but turn-base­d grants strategic depth at a slower pace­. Final Fantasy games have offere­d both in their titles, offering diverse playstyles. Although the series is growing with each new installsment, in the core it remains the same. Even the combat system in the modern game could be seen as a variation of the original formula. This dedication to their identity is what solidified Final Fantasy’s three decade long legacy.

Even though they love evolving their me­chanics, Final Fantasy retains its roots. This balance allows new e­xperiences and innovation while still honoring the­ franchise's beloved, longstanding principle­s. Whether you prefer to unleash devastating attacks in the heat of battle or carefully plan your next move, Final Fantasy has something to offer for everyone, ensuring that turn-based tactics will always have a place in the series' storied history.