Final Fantasy 17: Turn-Based or Bust? Yoshida Weighs In (Sort Of)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Rumors are swirling about *Final Fantasy 17*'s combat system, and while producer Naoki Yoshida isn't giving a straight answer, he hints the decision rests with the game's director. Basically, it's a 'wait and see' situation, but with the promise of multiplatform releases keeping things interesting.
Right, so everyone's been buzzing about whether *Final Fantasy 17* will ditch the real-time battles of recent entries and go back to its turn-based roots. And it seems the success of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, with its old-school combat, has really got folks wondering. Makes sense, doesn't it? Nothing like a bit of nostalgia to stir the pot.
But here's the thing: Naoki Yoshida, the chap who produced *Final Fantasy 14* and *16*, has weighed in... sort of. In an interview at Anime Expo 2025 (thanks, Anime News Network!), he dodged the question like a Chocobo dodging a Behemoth. Basically, he said it's up to the director of *FF17*. Fair enough, I reckon.
Yoshida was clear that he's not necessarily calling the shots on *Final Fantasy 17*, adding that Square Enix doesn't want to box in whoever *is* in charge. Which, let's be honest, is probably the smartest thing they could do. No one wants to be stuck on a pre-determined path, especially when you're crafting a whole new world.
He also mentioned that Square Enix is sticking to its guns with multi-platform releases. Which, while not exactly ground-breaking, is good news for everyone. More players, more fun, right?
Now, *Final Fantasy* has had more combat systems than I've had cups of tea (and that's saying something). We had the Active Time Battle system back in the day (*FF4* through *10-2*), then everything went a bit bonkers with each new game trying to reinvent the wheel. *Final Fantasy 16* went full-on real-time action, which, let's be honest, divided the fanbase more than pineapple on pizza.
So, where does that leave us with *Final Fantasy 17*? Well, it sounds like it's all up in the air. The director gets to decide whether we're mashing buttons in real-time or strategizing our every move in a turn-based system. Honestly, I'm cautiously optimistic. A fresh perspective could be just what the series needs.
Plus, Yoshida and Creative Studio 3 are also working on *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* remaster, which will include Classic and Enhanced gameplay modes. So, turn-based strategy is not forgotten!
Ultimately, what matters is whether they can create something that feels fresh and exciting, regardless of the combat system. Let's hope they don't drop the ball, eh?
Tags: Final Fantasy 17, Naoki Yoshida, Turn-Based Combat, Square Enix, JRPG
Original article: Game Rant