Final Fantasy’s next game isn’t even out yet, and I’m already thinking about how good a follow-up could be. WhileFF7 Remake Part 3and the inevitableFF17are still a ways away, we’re getting a remastered classic before either drops.Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chroniclesis the next on the slate, and I’d love to see Square Enix spend a little more time in the tactics zone after its release.
I’m admittedly not as excited about the remaster itself as some fans. While Square Enix’s approach looks a lot better than some otherFinal Fantasyremasters, I’d still rather stick to playing the original PS1 disc on a CRT. That’s obviously not convenient for everyone, though, and even though I might notpick upThe Ivalice Chroniclesmyself, it could still lead to greater things.
Let’s Keep This Momentum Up
Final FantasyTacticshas had follow-ups before, with bothTactics AdvanceandTactics A2: Grimoire of the Rifttaking the premise to handheld systems. It’s never gotten a true sequel, though, and it’s been nearly two decades since the last proper installment (I’m not eager to count a 2013 mobile game that was shut down barely a year later).
In the meantime,other tactical fantasy RPGs have been major hits. TheFire Emblemseries picked up more popularity than ever fromAwakeningonward,Unicorn Overlordreceived glowing reviews, and Square Enix’s ownTriangle Strategyearned fans and acclaim. IfIvalice Chroniclesfinds an equally strong audience, developing a modern sequel would be in Square Enix’s obvious best interest.
New Tactics Games Might Be What Final Fantasy Needs
An Answer To The Franchise’s Struggles
A grid-based tactics game doesn’t require the same resourcesthat a modern mainlineFinal Fantasygame would, and after struggling to meet sales expectations withFinal Fantasy 16andFF7 Rebirth, that could be just the ticket for the franchise.Square Enix’s HD-2D games are going strong, indicating a sustainable return on money and time when working in a smaller scale.
Final Fantasyhas been struggling to find its identity in the modern era. Despite the critical acclaim for games likeFF7 Rebirth, the industry-leading status that’s always been associated with the series continues to slip.It’s still a powerhouse IP, but it’s no longer consistently best-in-class.
A newFinal FantasyTacticsgame would provide the opportunity to focus on a compelling story without worrying about open-world structure or blockbuster graphics. WhileFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chroniclescould very well be a one-off, I’m already hoping that Square Enix decides to follow it up with a long-overdue successor.
