Why did Final Fantasy 16 Ditched Turn-Based Combat

Several game series have already come and gone, while Final Fantasy (FF) remains strong. Despite already lasting for over 3 decades, the legendary RPG series is arguably still in its prime. Although it has already cemented itself as one of the most beloved and popular video game franchises of all time, it is still not afraid to do adjustments to keep up with the times. And there seems to be no better example of Square Enix’s dedication to evolving with the current times, than the newest upcoming iteration of their flagship series, Final Fantasy 16. This title signals the departure of the series from everything turn-based combat.

This may seem sacrilegious to Final Fantasy fans and those that typically play RPGs, but Final Fantasy 16 is breaking with tradition by ditching turn-based combat completely in favor of an action-based system. But why would they do such a thing? What compelled Square Enix to do this big adjustment to their flagship franchise? Read on to find out the answers.

Final Fantasy 16 Signals the Series’ Complete Departure From Turn-Based Combat Systems

Perhaps you aren’t aware of it, but the FF series has been slowly ditching the turn-based system over the past few years. That said, none are as eager to take such a leap from it as the upcoming 16th mainline entry. As a matter of fact, Final Fantasy 16’s gameplay now feels drastically different from the JRPGs we grew to love and some believe it shouldn’t carry the FF name at all anymore. After all, removing the series’ core features and elements, Final Fantasy 16 resembles Devil May Cry more than any previous FF games. 

Well, there are a few reasons why Square Enix ultimately decided to get rid of turn-based combat. First, action RPGs are just more accessible and appealing to younger audiences. At the end of the day, the FF series is just doing its best to keep up with the current market demand. The people behind the game understand the attraction brought by more fast-paced gameplay and its potential to onboard more players moving forward.

Secondly, Final Fantasy 16 aims to provide the largest spectacles in the history of the franchise. And to do just that, they have to ditch some of the aspects that made the FF series special in the first place. Sad as it may be to hear, turn-based combat can be slow and can require a lot of patience, which most gamers may not have nowadays  

Action-based combat, on the other hand, gives more freedom to spectacles and over-the-top action sequences that is just glorious to the eyes of a wider set of audience. When you’re in the middle of a heated battle, you want to feel like you’re in control and that you’re making a difference. Action-based combat gives you that feeling.

Top Reasons Why The Series is Ditching The Combat System Moving Forward

Tough break to turn-based combat supporters but the Final Fantasy series is now seemingly set to ditch the beloved combat system for good. We understand that this will surely bring up a number of opinions, but here are the top reasons why the series came up to this conclusion:

• While there is still a sizeable market for turn-based games, there is just no denying that the appeal of action RPGs in this current state of the gaming space is unmatched.
  
• Final Fantasy, as a series, is trying to appeal to a wider audience, and action-based combat is more popular with younger gamers. They believe that ultimately switching genres is the path to take to ensure their place in the future gaming landscape.
  
• Final Fantasy 16 is trying to make the combat more exciting and engaging, and action-based combat does a better job of that than turn-based combat. Moreover, it also aims to take advantage of the graphical fidelity the next-gen consoles can bring. You simply cannot showcase just that by sticking to turn-based combat.

I, myself, am a big fan of turn-based RPGs. However, I do agree with Square Enix that ditching turn-based combat is the way to go. It makes the game more accessible to a wider audience, and it makes the combat more exciting and engaging to more people. 

While others may feel that FF is compromising and is now losing its identity slowly, you just cannot blame Square Enix for this decision. Ditching turn-based combat is what they believe is their way of ensuring that they get a spot in the current gaming landscape and the future.