- Joined
- Dec 1, 2024
- Messages
- 9
- Level up in
- 15 posts
- Reaction score
- 20
- Points
- 2
- Location
- United States
5 JRPGs the Devs Need to (Re)Play Before Releasing Final Fantasy XVII 
The Final Fantasy series has long been a staple in the JRPG genre, constantly innovating while holding onto its roots. As anticipation builds for Final Fantasy XVII, it’s easy to wonder what new directions the series might take. To craft something truly exceptional, Final Fantasy developers could benefit from looking at some of the genre’s other heavy hitters. The following five games each have their own unique strengths that could inspire the next Final Fantasy and bring something fresh to the table.
Here are the five JRPGs that should serve as inspiration for Final Fantasy XVII—each with its own contribution to the genre that could push the series to new heights.
1. Claire Obscure Expedition 33 – Narrative and Atmospheric Storytelling
A memorable Final Fantasy needs to deliver more than just flashy visuals and complex mechanics—it must create an immersive, emotionally resonant story. This is where Claire Obscure Expedition 33 excels. Known for its unique approach to storytelling, the game blends deep character-driven narrative with dark psychological elements and surreal environments. It’s a game that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it in every corner of the world.
For Final Fantasy XVII, the devs could look to Claire Obscure Expedition 33 as a model for weaving emotional depth into every aspect of the world. The game excels in using atmosphere and environmental storytelling to create a world that feels lived in and personal. The next Final Fantasy title could greatly benefit from a stronger focus on building tension, mystery, and character relationships in a way that feels less linear and more organically entwined with the player's choices.
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio – Creativity in Combat and Magic Systems
Innovation in combat has always been a hallmark of the Final Fantasy series, but Metaphor: ReFantazio takes the concept of spellcasting and combat to new heights. The game introduces a dynamic, customizable magic system that gives players the ability to craft their own spells, mixing various elements and effects. This opens up a world of strategic possibilities where no two encounters are ever quite the same.
For Final Fantasy XVII, introducing a more flexible and creative combat system could invigorate the series. The game could take inspiration from Metaphor: ReFantazio's approach, allowing players to design their own magic combos or adapt their strategies on the fly, making each battle feel unique. Given the shift toward action-focused combat in recent entries, incorporating an expanded magic system with endless possibilities could add complexity and depth, while still keeping the action fluid and accessible.
3. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster – Character-Driven Storytelling and Emotional Core
Final Fantasy X is widely regarded as one of the franchise’s best entries, largely due to its powerful character-driven storytelling. The relationships between Tidus and Yuna, and the emotional growth of each character, remain a touchstone for what makes a Final Fantasy game truly impactful. The HD Remaster of Final Fantasy X/X-2 allows a new generation of players to experience this emotional journey in a more polished form, but the heart of the game’s storytelling remains unchanged.
In Final Fantasy XVII, leaning into the personal journeys of characters, just as FFX did with its core duo, could create a story with lasting impact. Instead of focusing solely on epic, world-saving stakes, the next Final Fantasy could tell more intimate, character-driven stories. The bonds players form with their companions should feel meaningful—leading to growth both for the characters and the player themselves.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition – Exploration and Open-World Design
When it comes to crafting a truly vast, awe-inspiring world, few games do it better than Xenoblade Chronicles X. The Definitive Edition refines the already impressive open-world experience, giving players a sprawling alien world to explore with vast, varied ecosystems, mechs to pilot, and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.
An expansive world is a core feature of any Final Fantasy title, but Xenoblade Chronicles X takes this to another level. The sheer scale of the world—paired with the ability to explore it freely—offers a sense of freedom rarely seen in JRPGs. If Final Fantasy XVII were to take inspiration from this game, it could focus on creating a massive, interconnected world that feels alive, with dynamic ecosystems, rich lore, and opportunities for players to engage in exploration at their own pace. This world wouldn’t just be vast in terms of geography but would be filled with stories, quests, and cultures that feel genuinely worth uncovering.
5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – Complexity in Political and Social Narratives
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is one of the most intricate and fascinating JRPGs when it comes to its handling of political intrigue, social dynamics, and world-building. Set in a world that feels like it’s constantly evolving, Trails Through Daybreak presents a rich, multifaceted narrative that isn’t afraid to dive deep into the complexities of its characters' relationships with the world around them. There are multiple factions, varying ideologies, and shifting political power at play—each influencing the game’s story in subtle ways.
For Final Fantasy XVII, this approach could prove invaluable. The next Final Fantasy game could draw on Trails Through Daybreak's sophisticated narrative structure, incorporating political maneuvering, societal change, and nuanced character motivations. Rather than a simplistic “good versus evil” plot, the game could feature morally gray characters and situations, where the player’s choices and allegiances have real consequences. This type of narrative depth would add layers to the story and encourage players to engage with the world on a more intellectual level.
Conclusion
To make Final Fantasy XVII stand out, the devs should look to games that have pushed the boundaries of what a JRPG can be. From Claire Obscure Expedition 33’s atmospheric storytelling to Metaphor: ReFantazio’s innovative combat, Final Fantasy XVII can evolve into a game that honors its legacy while pushing the genre forward. Drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy X/X-2's emotional core, Xenoblade Chronicles X’s open-world design, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak's complex social narratives could help create a JRPG that’s not only grand in scope but also deeply engaging on a personal and intellectual level.
With these influences, Final Fantasy XVII could be the evolution the series—and the JRPG genre—deserves. What do you think? Which games should the Final Fantasy devs draw from for their next big adventure?
The Final Fantasy series has long been a staple in the JRPG genre, constantly innovating while holding onto its roots. As anticipation builds for Final Fantasy XVII, it’s easy to wonder what new directions the series might take. To craft something truly exceptional, Final Fantasy developers could benefit from looking at some of the genre’s other heavy hitters. The following five games each have their own unique strengths that could inspire the next Final Fantasy and bring something fresh to the table.
Here are the five JRPGs that should serve as inspiration for Final Fantasy XVII—each with its own contribution to the genre that could push the series to new heights.
1. Claire Obscure Expedition 33 – Narrative and Atmospheric Storytelling
A memorable Final Fantasy needs to deliver more than just flashy visuals and complex mechanics—it must create an immersive, emotionally resonant story. This is where Claire Obscure Expedition 33 excels. Known for its unique approach to storytelling, the game blends deep character-driven narrative with dark psychological elements and surreal environments. It’s a game that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it in every corner of the world.
For Final Fantasy XVII, the devs could look to Claire Obscure Expedition 33 as a model for weaving emotional depth into every aspect of the world. The game excels in using atmosphere and environmental storytelling to create a world that feels lived in and personal. The next Final Fantasy title could greatly benefit from a stronger focus on building tension, mystery, and character relationships in a way that feels less linear and more organically entwined with the player's choices.
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio – Creativity in Combat and Magic Systems
Innovation in combat has always been a hallmark of the Final Fantasy series, but Metaphor: ReFantazio takes the concept of spellcasting and combat to new heights. The game introduces a dynamic, customizable magic system that gives players the ability to craft their own spells, mixing various elements and effects. This opens up a world of strategic possibilities where no two encounters are ever quite the same.
For Final Fantasy XVII, introducing a more flexible and creative combat system could invigorate the series. The game could take inspiration from Metaphor: ReFantazio's approach, allowing players to design their own magic combos or adapt their strategies on the fly, making each battle feel unique. Given the shift toward action-focused combat in recent entries, incorporating an expanded magic system with endless possibilities could add complexity and depth, while still keeping the action fluid and accessible.
3. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster – Character-Driven Storytelling and Emotional Core
Final Fantasy X is widely regarded as one of the franchise’s best entries, largely due to its powerful character-driven storytelling. The relationships between Tidus and Yuna, and the emotional growth of each character, remain a touchstone for what makes a Final Fantasy game truly impactful. The HD Remaster of Final Fantasy X/X-2 allows a new generation of players to experience this emotional journey in a more polished form, but the heart of the game’s storytelling remains unchanged.
In Final Fantasy XVII, leaning into the personal journeys of characters, just as FFX did with its core duo, could create a story with lasting impact. Instead of focusing solely on epic, world-saving stakes, the next Final Fantasy could tell more intimate, character-driven stories. The bonds players form with their companions should feel meaningful—leading to growth both for the characters and the player themselves.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition – Exploration and Open-World Design
When it comes to crafting a truly vast, awe-inspiring world, few games do it better than Xenoblade Chronicles X. The Definitive Edition refines the already impressive open-world experience, giving players a sprawling alien world to explore with vast, varied ecosystems, mechs to pilot, and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.
An expansive world is a core feature of any Final Fantasy title, but Xenoblade Chronicles X takes this to another level. The sheer scale of the world—paired with the ability to explore it freely—offers a sense of freedom rarely seen in JRPGs. If Final Fantasy XVII were to take inspiration from this game, it could focus on creating a massive, interconnected world that feels alive, with dynamic ecosystems, rich lore, and opportunities for players to engage in exploration at their own pace. This world wouldn’t just be vast in terms of geography but would be filled with stories, quests, and cultures that feel genuinely worth uncovering.
5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – Complexity in Political and Social Narratives
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is one of the most intricate and fascinating JRPGs when it comes to its handling of political intrigue, social dynamics, and world-building. Set in a world that feels like it’s constantly evolving, Trails Through Daybreak presents a rich, multifaceted narrative that isn’t afraid to dive deep into the complexities of its characters' relationships with the world around them. There are multiple factions, varying ideologies, and shifting political power at play—each influencing the game’s story in subtle ways.
For Final Fantasy XVII, this approach could prove invaluable. The next Final Fantasy game could draw on Trails Through Daybreak's sophisticated narrative structure, incorporating political maneuvering, societal change, and nuanced character motivations. Rather than a simplistic “good versus evil” plot, the game could feature morally gray characters and situations, where the player’s choices and allegiances have real consequences. This type of narrative depth would add layers to the story and encourage players to engage with the world on a more intellectual level.
Conclusion
To make Final Fantasy XVII stand out, the devs should look to games that have pushed the boundaries of what a JRPG can be. From Claire Obscure Expedition 33’s atmospheric storytelling to Metaphor: ReFantazio’s innovative combat, Final Fantasy XVII can evolve into a game that honors its legacy while pushing the genre forward. Drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy X/X-2's emotional core, Xenoblade Chronicles X’s open-world design, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak's complex social narratives could help create a JRPG that’s not only grand in scope but also deeply engaging on a personal and intellectual level.
With these influences, Final Fantasy XVII could be the evolution the series—and the JRPG genre—deserves. What do you think? Which games should the Final Fantasy devs draw from for their next big adventure?
Last edited:
I honestly think you should mail this suggestion to square enix:-)
