(Image credit: Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive)
Final Fantasy fans have long yearned for the series to embrace its turn-based combat origins once more. Recently, an analyst suggested that the remarkable success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may have Square Enix reconsidering their approach after hesitating to target that specific niche sooner.
The charm of Expedition 33 lies in its endearing characters, exceptional combat dynamics, and an appealingly modest $50 price point, according to Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. He notes there was an opportunity for a modern, realistically-styled JRPG with a classic battle framework.
“Square Enix was reticent to do it with the Final Fantasy series,” Elliott observed. “Now it’s probably kicking itself. Expedition 33 has delivered what RPG enthusiasts had been longing for. Ask any Final Fantasy fan from the late ’90s or early ’00s about their ideal JRPG vision, and it would resemble this game.”
In 2022, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida shared with GamesRadar+ his appreciation for turn-based combat, acknowledging his roots in that style as did many fans of the series. However, he believed action-based battles were a superior match for photorealistic titles.
Yoshida stated, “One thing we noticed is that as graphics become more advanced and characters more lifelike, combining that realism with the abstract nature of turn-based commands creates an awkward disconnect.” While he didn’t pin the pivot to action on sales goals, there is an industry trend favoring action games over turn-based ones.
Larian’s publishing director Michael Dose has expressed how challenging it is to convince audiences of a turn-based RPG’s market potential. Yet, titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrate enduring interest in this genre, echoing what Expedition 33 is achieving among JRPG fans today.
Elliott compares Expedition 33’s sales to Metaphor: ReFantazio, a recent standout in turn-based JRPGs, emphasizing the valuable lessons in traditional combat. Metaphor’s lead battle planner, Kenichi Goto, highlights how these systems let players deliberate their actions, providing feedback that heightens the stakes and excitement.
The ongoing success of these games might finally confirm the broad appeal for turn-based RPGs beyond a niche. While many hope for Final Fantasy to return to its turn-based roots, titles like Expedition 33 offer wonderful alternatives to enjoy in the meantime.
Explore the wealth of great JRPGs available today and rediscover the joy of strategic gameplay.