Following the success of Atlus' newest IP inMetaphor: ReFantazio, it seems likely that a new cornerstone of the developer’s catalog could be joiningPersonaand mainlineShin Megami Tenseimoving forward. While those mainstays have always shared many traits in their premises and gameplay elements alike, however, theworld ofMetaphor: ReFantaziorepresents an experimental departure away from those more modern settings which has paid off. With mounting comparisons to classicFinal Fantasyentries due to taking up a growing share of the turn-based RPG market, this bold evolution should serve to drive a similar energy in Square Enix’s flagship series.
The artistic direction ofFF16being a full return to a medieval setting is a landmark moment forFinal Fantasy, as it’s a franchise which has increasingly integrated both modern and light science fiction elements over time. Geopolitics of warring kingdoms without many anachronistic elements in sight have set the adventure of Clive Rosfield apart, but the switch to action RPG combat has also left the series' original niche unoccupied. In the same way that Atlus may have been inspired in its recent release,FFtaking notes from the likes ofPersonacould be a fresh take on an aging legacy.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Genre Shift Has Drawn Apt Final Fantasy Comparisons
Finding Success in a Medieval World After Decades of Shin Megami Tensei
It’s not strictly adherent to one time period in specific, but theUnited Kingdom of Euchronia inMetaphor: ReFantaziois a massive aesthetic change from the typically urban-inspired settings ofPersona. Traditionally, Atlus has thrived on bringing esoteric, mythological figures and powers into modern cities, but this departure into epic fantasy worldbuilding taps into the JPRG tropes that the company originally subverted. References to real-life history have formed a robust thematic foundation for breaking down the game’s symbolism, showcased directly in the use of the Esperanto word Fantazio to reflect ideas about global unity and utopia.
There are implications that Euchronia actually exists after the post-apocalyptic remnants of current civilization have faded away, but the overall content of its style is deeply steeped in new forms of familiar fantasy elements. It could be argued that this quasi-medieval sentiment actuallytiesMetaphor: ReFantaziotoFinal Fantasyto an even further degree, but Square Enix doesn’t need to repeat the same formula as it continues.
The Next Final Fantasy Could Mirror Atlus' Efforts Through Taking Inspiration From Persona’s Modern Setting
Subverting the Pattern Established Final Fantasy 16 and Metaphor: ReFantazio
After beginning with a classic fantasy adventure, the franchise found itself heavily leaning into steampunk and sci-fi elements by the time ofFF6.Valisthea ofFinal Fantasy 16is a hard pivot into revamped medieval intrigue, a change that can be attributed to overall media trends as much as a desire to return to series origins. This can be reflected in even Atlus electing to take a shot atMetaphorbeing the opposite ofSMT, but it also makes staying on this path predictable across the board.
The Potential to Go Beyond Even the Contemporary Vibe of Noctis' Journey
Instead of the full dive into sci-fi aesthetics that dominated theFF13era, the direction ofFinal Fantasy 15saw it veer uncannily close to reality through its incorporation of many modern designs. Its greater world was still grounded in the series' magical tone, but going even deeper into simulating current times could allow the next game to capture a similar appeal to Persona. There’s hardly abolder move forFinal Fantasy 17to take than scaling back into a more intimate story that parallels the real world, and that kind of innovation has been shown to be rewarded by players now more than ever.
Final Fantasy 16
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An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
