Final Fantasy 17: Turn-Based or Bust? Yoshida's Cryptic Clues Spark Debate
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Naoki Yoshida's comments on Final Fantasy 17's potential return to turn-based combat have sparked speculation, but he emphasizes the importance of the overall game experience over a strict adherence to tradition. It seems the fate of Final Fantasy's battle system is still very much up in the air, and depends on what future directors think is best.
Right, buckle up, Final Fantasy fans, because the crystal ball just got a whole lot murkier. According to Eurogamer, Naoki Yoshida, the man who’s been steering the Final Fantasy ship (or at least a sizable chunk of it) has weighed in on whether Final Fantasy 17 will return to its turn-based roots, and his answer is… well, it's about as clear as a potion brewed by a goblin on a bender.
The question arose following the surprisingly warm reception of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, a game with a clever spin on turn-based combat. It seems *Clair Obscur* has become a sort of rallying cry for those yearning for the good old days of menu-driven mayhem. But what does Yoshida reckon? Is this a sign Square Enix might ditch the action-heavy approach of *Final Fantasy 16*?
Not so fast, says Yoshida. In an interview at Anime Expo 2025, he argued that the turn-based vs. action debate is far too simplistic. As reported by Anime News Network, he stated that "It's not a clear-cut answer, whether it will become all turn-based, or if it's going to become more action-based." He pointed out that the battle system is just one piece of a larger puzzle, influenced by the narrative, graphical fidelity, and overall experience the creators are aiming for. Fair enough, mate, makes sense.
And, get this, Yoshida also slyly mentioned he probably *won't* be leading the charge on *Final Fantasy 17*, so he doesn't want to box in whoever *does* take the reins. Sounds like he's giving the next director some elbow room to experiment – a very brave move, if you ask me. Remember, Hironobu Sakaguchi (the OG Final Fantasy guru) himself said that Final Fantasy is all about taking risks.
Now, I'm not gonna lie, I enjoyed the blockbuster spectacle of *Final Fantasy 16*, but I can see why some purists felt a pang of nostalgia for the strategic depth of older titles. *Final Fantasy 7 Remake* arguably struck a decent balance, but the shift towards action is undeniable.
So, what's the takeaway? Is Square Enix feeling the pressure after *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth* and *Final Fantasy 16*'s sales "did not meet expectations" (as Eurogamer reports)? Will the upcoming remaster of *Final Fantasy Tactics* scratch that turn-based itch? Is there a Web3 play here? I'm not so sure, but I do have a sneaking suspicion we won't have a fully turn-based experience anytime soon. But it is something that they are considering.
Honestly, I reckon Yoshida's playing it smart. He's acknowledging the desire for turn-based combat without making any promises he can't keep. He's essentially saying, "We hear you, but we're not going to just blindly follow trends. We're going to do what we think is best for the game." Which, you know, is probably the right approach. Whether that involves blockchain-based item ownership or some other Web3 integration remains to be seen, but my gut says those elements will be peripheral, not core.
Tags: Final Fantasy 17, Naoki Yoshida, Turn-Based Combat, Square Enix, Clair Obscur
Original article: Eurogamer