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Naoki Yoshida and Hironobu Sakaguchi to discuss RPGs’ future, Final Fantasy XVI at TGS 2021

YukiOnna

Member
Here's a link to what I summarized above (err on the previous page...) about the FF16 portion if anyone wants:

In a panel discussion hosted by Famitsu, Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida took turns asking each other questions regarding the appeal and potential of RPGs.

When Sakaguchi asked Yoshida about the progress FFXVI was making, he responded that the main scenario is currently complete, and that the team is working on the last side quests. Character models are just about done, but they are working on quality improvements. There is also a growth system that is similar to a skill tree that has been implemented.

Development started with a very small team, and they didn’t increase the number of developers until they were confident on the design they were going to implement. For FFXVI, they also focused heavily on the action-based gameplay, and there was a lot of trial and error in doing so.

Sakaguchi asked Yoshida, half-jokingly, if he could write a quest for FFXVI, but Yoshida said he could try writing for FFXIV since he’s now playing it for the first time – to which Sakaguchi laughed responded that he didn’t want to compete with other guest creators Yasumi Matsuno and Yoko Taro.

Final Fantasy XVI is currently announced for PlayStation 5.
 
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Elios83

Member
Here's a link to what I summarized above (err on the previous page...) about the FF16 portion if anyone wants:

In a panel discussion hosted by Famitsu, Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida took turns asking each other questions regarding the appeal and potential of RPGs.

When Sakaguchi asked Yoshida about the progress FFXVI was making, he responded that the main scenario is currently complete, and that the team is working on the last side quests. Character models are just about done, but they are working on quality improvements. There is also a growth system that is similar to a skill tree that has been implemented.

Development started with a very small team, and they didn’t increase the number of developers until they were confident on the design they were going to implement. For FFXVI, they also focused heavily on the action-based gameplay, and there was a lot of trial and error in doing so.

Sakaguchi asked Yoshida, half-jokingly, if he could write a quest for FFXVI, but Yoshida said he could try writing for FFXIV since he’s now playing it for the first time – to which Sakaguchi laughed responded that he didn’t want to compete with other guest creators Yasumi Matsuno and Yoko Taro.

Final Fantasy XVI is currently announced for PlayStation 5.

Excellent news, seems like the game is in the polishing stage and a release in the second half of 2022 is all but given.
Can't wait, this game could be special, a mix of FF12 and Vagrant Story. Yoshida has done an incredible job on FFXIV and he's really focused.
 
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Kev Kev

Member
Hopefully, Yoshida is excited to announce that FFXVI is going to take huge inspirate from the FF7:Remake battle system, Since it's the best battle system Square has ever done.
how-about-no-icegif-2.gif
 

Papacheeks

Banned

I would have to say that’s the right decision. I’ve never played a FF game and want to fight as much as I did in FFVII remake. Using each character was a blast. Instead of older FF where you went by damage out put if they were going to be in your main. I loved how you really could experiment in combo’s.
So in terms of reception they are right.

If you don’t like it then I guess play different FF game. But I feel turn based your less engaged in real-time. After replaying Zodiac age every action you had to be sure. With new system there are ways to mitigate consequences of choice in action.
So keep hating it I guess I love it.

And so did most of not all buyers.
 

Kev Kev

Member
I would have to say that’s the right decision. I’ve never played a FF game and want to fight as much as I did in FFVII remake. Using each character was a blast. Instead of older FF where you went by damage out put if they were going to be in your main. I loved how you really could experiment in combo’s.
So in terms of reception they are right.

If you don’t like it then I guess play different FF game. But I feel turn based your less engaged in real-time. After replaying Zodiac age every action you had to be sure. With new system there are ways to mitigate consequences of choice in action.
So keep hating it I guess I love it.

And so did most of not all buyers.
ffvii remake battle was "alright", i wouldnt mind it being in again. but it wasnt the best, not even close, and it needs to be slowed down and tweaked (but the poster i quoted actually thinks its a gift from the FF gods and that it needs to speed up and made even more difficult... which is beyond retarded)

youre right about one thing tho: im mostly checked out of FF. its basically dead to me at this point. but i still hope future installments bring it back to its former glory, which is why im posting itt, and why i disagree the ffviiR battle system needs to be the new standard (bc that would make even more dead lol, if that is possible). i still want it to be good and i want to play it, but i also have an opinion on how i currently feel about the franchise, and if you think im the only one you are seriously delusional. plenty of people hated ffviiR and its battle system, and have hated just about everything square has done for the last 15 years.

FF has been devolving and getting worse with each new sequel and its reached a point where its just not that good anymore. ill probably try ffxvi but i expect it to be mediocre at best. its over. dead. gone. deceased. and im a little bit bitter about it, if you couldnt tell.

so as a result, ive just been focusing on the old school games for the last year or two, which has been a blast! because they are actual good games, as opposed to the drivel that square has been slopping out for the last 15 years. 13 was bad. the initial release of 14 was an abysmal failure. 15 was unfinished. and lately, all theyve been focusing on is cheesy, horrible dialogue, shit tier graphics mobile games that nobody wants.

so basically...
mc-coy-hes-dead-jim.gif


but i hope XVI changes my mind! we'll have to wait til 2027 and see (lol jk jk 2026)

this video really sums up how i feel about the direction of FF, specifically as it relates to the recent release of ffviiR and people thinking its "good", and how that relates to where the direction XVI is headed
 

YukiOnna

Member
Excellent news, seems like the game is in the polishing stage and a release in the second half of 2022 is all but given.
Can't wait, this game could be special, a mix of FF12 and Vagrant Story. Yoshida has done an incredible job on FFXIV and he's really focused.
Yeah, the game sounds set for next year, which lines up with the 35th Anniversary. I think we might see the game at The Game Awards or a SE Presents in January or something when they're close to done the game.
 

Lethal01

Member
ffvii remake battle was "alright", i wouldnt mind it being in again. but it wasnt the best, not even close, and it needs to be slowed down and tweaked (but the poster i quoted actually thinks its a gift from the FF gods and that it needs to speed up and made even more difficult... which is beyond retarded)

The game was pretty slow and easy even at the hard difficulty. I'm sorry if it was too fast for you but acting like most people were overwhelmed is crazy, it's no faster than any action game.

Anyway, didn't say it was the perfect rpg system, but it's the best final fantasy one, I may hesitate to say that if tactics wasn't a spinoff. And if FF16 is a pure action game with no switching between your teammates and resource management it will be a step back.
 

Lethal01

Member
I think it's crazy to me that some people can't register FFO is a fun side project they did like all the other ones. If the cutscene or it being a collab title didn't make one realize, then the fact that the concept has existed since Dissidia 012 and never saw daylight till as a side project should have. It in no way represents the mainline series or other great spin-offs over the years and still has a solid chance to be a fun title.

It is what it is I guess. Easier to do a pot shot than anything. But yeah, typical cycle.

You can accept something as a side project and still think it's a terrible game. OR atleast one filled with flaws
 

TheInfamousKira

Reseterror Resettler
You can accept something as a side project and still think it's a terrible game. OR atleast one filled with flaws

I think he's(?) more referring to the blatant hyperbole crowd who can't formulate distaste without jumping to the largest exaggerated speech possible in the English language. I've seen plenty of people who convey the idea of "this looks bad," but dress it up with "This series is dead. It raped my childhood. I've never endured such an egregious affront to everything I once loved such as this," Like...it's a budget Gaiden game that's not even in the same gameplay as the series at large. It's not a sign of things to come, or a blatant disrespect for the Ip's heritage, or a personal challenge to consensual combat, it's money for the mainline piggy bank. It's the basket of dry biscuits you get while waiting on your meal.
 

YukiOnna

Member
You can accept something as a side project and still think it's a terrible game. OR atleast one filled with flaws
What TheInfamousKira TheInfamousKira said. Nothing about liking or disliking the game since it hasn't even released, but... if you're trying to state FF Origins as anywhere near representing FF as a whole or the next mainline game is going to be like FF Origin, that's asinine and just feels like you wanted to drop your witty remark in to look cool and leave. It makes no sense.

And yea I'm a he (sorry)
 

DonkeyPunchJr

World’s Biggest Weeb
I think he's(?) more referring to the blatant hyperbole crowd who can't formulate distaste without jumping to the largest exaggerated speech possible in the English language. I've seen plenty of people who convey the idea of "this looks bad," but dress it up with "This series is dead. It raped my childhood. I've never endured such an egregious affront to everything I once loved such as this," Like...it's a budget Gaiden game that's not even in the same gameplay as the series at large. It's not a sign of things to come, or a blatant disrespect for the Ip's heritage, or a personal challenge to consensual combat, it's money for the mainline piggy bank. It's the basket of dry biscuits you get while waiting on your meal.
……… bullshit.

[puts on some shitty generic nu metal from the early 2000s]
 

NahaNago

Member
I mean, we literally have FF14 which is one of the best games in the franchise. Outside of 13 and 15, most of the main entry games have been fantastic. 15 I would argue is a good game, just not a great one.
but that means we haven't had a fantastic or great offline final fantasy game in 15 years if were going from 12. My personal taste would have been since 10 so that is nearly 20 years for me.
 
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Dr. Claus

Vincit qui se vincit
but that means we haven't had a fantastic or great offline final fantasy game in 15 years if were going from 12. My personal taste would have been since 10 so that is nearly 20 years for me.

The numerous fantastic spinoffs, remasters, remakes - all would beg to differ. FF7R was amazing. FFXIV is amazing and just because its online doesn't make it not a part of the franchise. World of Final Fantasy, Dissidia, Theatrythm, all fantastic.

Final Fantasy has always been more than just the mainline numbered entries.
 

K2D

Banned
I just realized it's been 19 years between 7 Remake and the last (non online) main line FF I was able to stomach.

I loved the first KH at the time (for its realtime combat) and I loved the 7 Remake (X-2 was fine and xiii-2 and xiii-3 I never gave the light of day).

Whatever they do, they've got to prioritize the gameplay and the writing. If they can find good music, that would be lightning in a bottle *drumroll*.
 

Dr. Claus

Vincit qui se vincit
I just realized it's been 19 years between 7 Remake and the last (non online) main line FF I was able to stomach.

I loved the first KH at the time (for its realtime combat) and I loved the 7 Remake (X-2 was fine and xiii-2 and xiii-3 I never gave the light of day).

Whatever they do, they've got to prioritize the gameplay and the writing. If they can find good music, that would be lightning in a bottle *drumroll*.

Good music has been a constant in every game. What are you on about?
 

K2D

Banned
Good music has been a constant in every game. What are you on about?
What?? I was listing things that make a Final Fantasy great to me. Gameplay, writing and music.

What are YOU on about? If you're referring to my attempt to make a bad ff13 joke, then - fuck off dude 😁

Series might very well have great music after X. I just wouldn't know because I haven't played them. I do know I don't like the little I've heard of the writing from 13 and 15, and that I don't like the gameplay of 12.
 

Clear

CliffyB's Cock Holster
ffvii remake battle was "alright", i wouldnt mind it being in again. but it wasnt the best, not even close, and it needs to be slowed down and tweaked (but the poster i quoted actually thinks its a gift from the FF gods and that it needs to speed up and made even more difficult... which is beyond retarded)

youre right about one thing tho: im mostly checked out of FF. its basically dead to me at this point. but i still hope future installments bring it back to its former glory, which is why im posting itt, and why i disagree the ffviiR battle system needs to be the new standard (bc that would make even more dead lol, if that is possible). i still want it to be good and i want to play it, but i also have an opinion on how i currently feel about the franchise, and if you think im the only one you are seriously delusional. plenty of people hated ffviiR and its battle system, and have hated just about everything square has done for the last 15 years.

FF has been devolving and getting worse with each new sequel and its reached a point where its just not that good anymore. ill probably try ffxvi but i expect it to be mediocre at best. its over. dead. gone. deceased. and im a little bit bitter about it, if you couldnt tell.

so as a result, ive just been focusing on the old school games for the last year or two, which has been a blast! because they are actual good games, as opposed to the drivel that square has been slopping out for the last 15 years. 13 was bad. the initial release of 14 was an abysmal failure. 15 was unfinished. and lately, all theyve been focusing on is cheesy, horrible dialogue, shit tier graphics mobile games that nobody wants.

so basically...
mc-coy-hes-dead-jim.gif


but i hope XVI changes my mind! we'll have to wait til 2027 and see (lol jk jk 2026)

this video really sums up how i feel about the direction of FF, specifically as it relates to the recent release of ffviiR and people thinking its "good", and how that relates to where the direction XVI is headed


That video is hilarious, in all the wrong ways...

Gotta love the. "I don't want to be pretentious but... this is like turning the Sistene Chapel into a whorehouse!" /facepalm.

Some people just need to get over it. 1997 is nearly a quarter of a century ago and the whole of gaming has changed a lot since then in every dimension from the economic to the cultural. "Creative bankruptcy" is recoverable, but financial bankruptcy is not and the costs of making games now as opposed to them are immensely greater.

You can't support a business by catering to a demographic that "aged out" years ago. Especially if you want to spend big to maintain the prestige of a franchise, you have to take a populist tack. Which in itself is a difficult thing because the mainstream is a moving target, and if like in the 360 era Japanese-flavoured product is out of fashion... things start looking bleak pretty quick.

Juggling legacy expectations and present/future market appetites is a tricky task in short. That being said however, FFXIV being such a great success after its horribly rocky start shows that SE are as committed as ever to the franchise. And in all fairness the "decline" of FF kinda hangs on only a couple of entries; XIII which really was just a less successful variation on the FFX formula, and XV which had one of the most torturous development histories ever - a thing that was due in great part to events happening outside its own production.
 

Daymos

Member
It was fun watching that, but very hard to follow the English translator.

I'm ready to play ff16, but probably on steam with lower 1080p graphics.. a couple years after release.

Yoshidas comment about it being expensive to make PS5 graphics concerns me.. not about FF, square/enix can afford it. Rather I'm concerned about jrpgs from falcom, atlus, and other studios. I hope they can all survive the 4k leap.
 

Dr. Claus

Vincit qui se vincit
What?? I was listing things that make a Final Fantasy great to me. Gameplay, writing and music.

What are YOU on about? If you're referring to my attempt to make a bad ff13 joke, then - fuck off dude 😁

Series might very well have great music after X. I just wouldn't know because I haven't played them. I do know I don't like the little I've heard of the writing from 13 and 15, and that I don't like the gameplay of 12.

Nah, mate. I may have just misread and if so I do apologize. Was mostly going by this sentence:
If they can find good music, that would be lightning in a bottle *drumroll*.

Didn't realize this was an FF13 joke, but read it more as that good music is hard to come by. That was entirely my bad.
 
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It was fun watching that, but very hard to follow the English translator.

I'm ready to play ff16, but probably on steam with lower 1080p graphics.. a couple years after release.

Yoshidas comment about it being expensive to make PS5 graphics concerns me.. not about FF, square/enix can afford it. Rather I'm concerned about jrpgs from falcom, atlus, and other studios. I hope they can all survive the 4k leap.
They've been complaining about "HD towns" since the PS3 lol.
 
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