Square Enix is known for a wide variety of video games, but their "Final Fantasy" games are some of their most praised and most recognized works. "Final Fantasy XV" is launching this November, and now, brand manager Shinji Hashimoto has started discussing what fans should expect when "Final Fantasy XVI" comes out.
Speaking during the Lucca Comics and Games event held in Italy (via Gematsu), Hashimoto explained that they always reassess the games with each numbered release. Each main "Final Fantasy" game is like a reboot, maintaining only a few similar mechanics but with a new world, new story and characters.
Because of this system, there is no guarantee that "Final Fantasy XVI" would be set in a modern world with strong science fiction elements the way "Final Fantasy XV" does.
"Sometimes the direction is changed on purpose based on the director, like when we went from 'Final Fantasy VIII' to 'Final Fantasy IX.' Since it's based on the director's way of thinking, it doesn't necessarily mean it will always be an action RPG," Hashimoto explained.
While "Final Fantasy XV" uses a real-time action mechanic similar to the "Kingdom Hearts" games there is a possibility that "Final Fantasy XVI" will go back to a more traditional turn-based system. If a new director is chosen it may even use a battle system never seen in the franchise before.
The example Hashimoto stated should also be taken into consideration. "Final Fantasy VIII" was a very modern science-fiction story, while "Final Fantasy IX" was a callback to traditional fantasy titles, focusing on medieval worlds, magic, dragons, and knights. "Final Fantasy XVI" may see a similar shift in genre and setting.
During the presentation, Hashimoto did touch on other "Final Fantasy" titles.
Hashimoto stated that "Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age" would be released soon to coincide with the game's 10th-year anniversary. He also stated that "Final Fantasy X-3" was not yet in the works, given that Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura were busy with other projects. He then stated that there was no guarantee yet that "Final Fantasy VII Remake" would roll out in 2017, although they are working hard on the title.
