Summary
Through sixteen mainline entriesand multiple spin-offs, theFinal Fantasyfranchise has seen its fair share of sequels. Even though Square Enix has consistently describedFinal Fantasyas an anthology series with no connective tissue between entries, they are certainly not above it, and many of the franchise’s best games have seen sequels. Some games, however, have been left without sequels and would benefit greatly from a continuation of some sort.
Some games in the franchise have such an expansive, wide-open world, that continuing its lore just feels right, while others may have had some sort of unique systems that are worthy of a return. Whatever the case may be, some ofFinal Fantasy’s best games would make a perfect candidate for expansion, as these games often feature memorable characters and worlds that could be revisited.
These titles are ranked based on how much original content could be made, as well as the viability of continuing a game’s story, be it through the return of the primary party or introducing a brand-new cast within the same world. It should also be noted that, due to these games being sequels, some spoilers for certainFinal Fantasygames are included.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicleswas the first home console game in the franchise that Square worked on following their split from Nintendo in 1994, as it launched on the GameCube in 2003. This unique, charming action RPG is played more like aDiablogame, featuring a top-down perspective and a party of four working together. TheCrystal Chroniclessubseries would also include two fascinating entries,My Life As A KingandMy Life As A Darklord,WiiWare games built aroundkingdom and city management.
The combination of the originalCrystal Chronicleswith the city building ofMy Life as a Kingand its sequel would make for one of the most intriguingFinal Fantasysequels, as this warm, inviting world needs to be revisited. While mainline games in the series tend to focus on worlds that blend science fiction with fantasy, the world ofCrystal Chroniclesfeels much softer and cozier, with bright-eyed characters and a kind of folksy energy.Crystal Chronicleswas recently remastered for the Switch and PS4, so a sequel would be more than appropriate right now.
Final Fantasy Tacticswas directed by Yasumi Matsuno, who took over the project when series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi couldn’t due to his commitment to the main series. It turned out to be the right decision, as his eye forstrategy RPGs served the gamewell, resulting in one of the best PS1 games of all time. This outstanding title has received multiple ports and altered versions, but a direct sequel has remained elusive over the years.
Recently, with the debut ofOctopath Traveler, Square Enix has cultivated a beautiful new art style known as HD-2D, which combines 2D sprites with 3D geometry. A sequel using new, much more powerful hardware than the PS1 and the HD-2D art style would be an absolute no-brainer. Bringing back fan-favorite characters like Ramza, as well as introducing a new cast of characters, could make for one of the most anticipatedFinal Fantasysequels of all time.
For as many genres asFinal Fantasyhas expanded to, it has surprisingly few entries in the fighting game genre, save for theDissidiaseries. With only four main entries, the last one being less of a fighting game and more of a traditional JRPG, it’s timefor a newDissidiasequeland one that celebrates the entirety of the franchise.
A newDissidiasequel would be able to take full advantage of the current generation of consoles, with highly detailed characters and even more cinematic battles. And thanks to the time that has passed since the lastDissidia, the roster could be massive. New characters like Clive fromFinal Fantasy 16will have to join the fray, while old favorites like Cloud Strife and Terra Branford make sense to return, as well. A newFinal Fantasyfighter feels like a slam dunk, as it’s been a while since a true sequel toDissidiawas given any time of day by Square.
To appeal to a younger, more impressionable audience, Square wanted to make aFinal Fantasygame that made it more accessible and celebrated the rich, long-running history of their JRPG franchise. It was a good decision, asWorld of Final Fantasyturned out to be one of the most charming, wholesome games the series has ever seen, featuring characters like Rydia, Squall, and Lightning all coming together.
It stands to reason, then, that a sequel toWorld of Final Fantasywould continue this trend, as despite having a large roster of classic characters, it had a few that were missing. Balthier and Vaan fromFinal Fantasy 12would be great candidates, as would Clive fromFF16. And it’s not just heroes that could appear, as Benedikta from FF16 and fan favorites like Sephiroth and Ultimecia would make great bosses for a potentialWorld of Final Fantasysequel. Whatever direction Square would take, a sequel to this lovely game would be a fantastic way to celebrateFinal Fantasy’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2027.
Originally envisioned as a mobile game,Final Fantasy Type-0is the second game in theFabula Novala Crystallissubseries, which began with the13trilogy. Focused largely on the crystal mythology that defined the franchise in the beginning, theFabula Novala Crystallisseries hasn’t been heard from sinceFinal Fantasy 15, which means it’s more than ready for a return. WithType-0, Square envisioned a much darker, more adult vision ofFinal Fantasy, and it paid off brilliantly.
Following the end ofType-0, a sequel would have to follow a new group from the Vermillion Peristylium Academy, asClass Zero tragically died duringthe finale of the original. A sequel could also canonize the alternate ending, which saw Class Zero go on to live happy lives. Either way, a sequel toType-0is an absolute must, as this fast-paced, compelling story of war and betrayal would be a perfect way to revitalize theFabula Novala Crystallisseries and explore a side of the franchise that hasn’t been heard from in a decade.
