Summary
- Final Fantasy has not delved into the ARPG subgenre despite having a rich Job system and live-service expertise.
- The class-based loot system in ARPGs aligns well with Final Fantasy's iconic Jobs, allowing for unique builds and flexibility.
- Square Enix's success with live-service in Final Fantasy 14 could benefit a potential live-service Final Fantasy ARPG, making it a natural evolution.
Despite the formula it has established and grown comfortable with over decades, Square Enix's Final Fantasy series is no stranger to branching out and experimenting with gameplay ideas that it would have otherwise called "unconventional." From the battle royale formula of Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier to the multiplayer Monster Hunter-style gameplay of Final Fantasy Explorers, there seems to be no end to what Square Enix will attempt with its beloved franchise. Even with all that it has explored so far, however, Final Fantasy has yet to dig into one RPG subgenre that would fit it perfectly.
The ARPG space is one that Final Fantasy could very well succeed in, as it already has all the right ingredients to produce something that could compete with the likes of Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo franchise. With its extensive Job system seen throughout multiple entries and its experience in the live-service industry with Final Fantasy 11 and Final Fantasy 14, Square Enix's Final Fantasy series is sitting on an ARPG gold mine that it shouldn't neglect to experiment with in the future.
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Final Fantasy Should Experiment With an ARPG
Final Fantasy's Job System Is Built for Class-Based Loot Gameplay
At the heart of ARPGs like Diablo, Path of Exile, and Last Epoch is class-based loot-driven progression that sees players using diverse character classes to mow down massive waves of enemies in search of better gear. This is a big part of what qualifies Final Fantasy for the ARPG scene, as it has arguably the richest class system in video game history, with decades of iconic Jobs like the Dragoon, Black Mage, Samurai, and Red Mage classes. Entries like Final Fantasy 5, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy 10-2 showed just how deep these systems can go and how flexible they are, encouraging players to create unique builds based on their playstyle.
The ARPG space is one that Final Fantasy could very well succeed in, as it already has all the right ingredients to produce something that could compete with the likes of Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo franchise.
A Final Fantasy ARPG could take this even further by using the Jobs system it already has in place as a starting point. Perhaps players could level a Warrior who could eventually unlock cross-class passives from the Thief and Monk class trees, which would make chasing after gear that would complement that build all the more fulfilling. Final Fantasy could even implement a skill tree like Path of Exile 2's, which is not only regarded as one of the biggest skill trees ever designed, but also gives players almost limitless freedom over their build, as opposed to confining them to one character class.
Final Fantasy 14 Proves Square Enix Knows the Live-Service Industry Well
Since most modern ARPGs follow a live-service model, that means a Final Fantasy ARPG could benefit from Square Enix's expertise with live-service games, considering Final Fantasy 14 is widely regarded as one of the best MMOs ever made. While Final Fantasy 14 had an incredibly rough start, its reboot saw an influx of new players to its world that has persisted to this day, meaning Square Enix obviously knows how to keep a game relevant for years on end. The same would likely be true of a live-service Final Fantasy ARPG, thereby adding another element to the case for the series to explore such territory.
A Final Fantasy ARPG wouldn't need to be a live-service game, but given how many modern ARPGs opt for the model, it would make sense.
Square Enix has never been afraid to take risks with Final Fantasy, so exploring the ARPG genre feels less like a gamble and more like a natural evolution. With its iconic Job system, decades of lore, and a proven track record in the live-service industry, the Final Fantasy series already has all the pieces it needs for a standout ARPG experience. All that's left is for it to boldly take the plunge.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
