October 22 can't come soon enough. It's not just nostalgia driving this trend, apparently. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Octopath Traveler, and those incredible Atlus RPGs, like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, suggests that gamers are craving more strategic, methodical experiences - and it's about time, because the turn-based RPG genre has been due for a resurgence, with even indie titles like Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes contributing to its revitalization. No easy feat.

Quick Facts — Final Fantasy Resonance

DeveloperUniversal Studios Hollywood Hub
PublisherSquare Enix
Platform(s)PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2
Release DateOctober 22, this year
GenreTurn-based RPG

It's a thing. You'll see it in Final Fantasy Resonance. Many devs, now in key roles, they've grown up on turn-based RPGs. That's the real feel they want to create. For them, it's about revisiting a genre they love, with a crossover of old and new ideas. Hiroto Furuya, the Director of Final Fantasy Resonance, notes it's not just gaming - you'll find it in anime, manga too, where old projects are being remade or remastered, and that's worth mentioning, it's a key part of a broader cultural movement.

Final Fantasy Devs Explain the Turn-Based Boom

It's all about the real feel. You'll see it in pixel art games. Producer Keisuke Nakashima thinks turn-based RPGs have a lot to offer, with modern tech helping them evolve. Nakashima said "I still believe that there's room to grow, evolve, and advance, even for pixel art turn-based games at this moment in time," which is key to their survival. They've got a good thing going, and it shows in Final Fantasy Resonance, where traditional turn-based combat meets new mechanics like the "stagger system" and "Job-like Visions," offering a deeper layer of strategy and customization, similar to Final Fantasy V's job system, which is worth mentioning.

It's simple. Turn-based RPGs are back. You'll see they suit handheld gaming. For example, short sessions are a perfect fit. That said, the resurgence is key. We've got developers like those at Sandfall Interactive, who've made games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it's clear they're influenced by JRPGs. They've grown up playing these games, now they're creating them. Furuya points this out, saying it's a movement of creators revisiting their old favorites. The real feel of these games is in the details, like party customization options - it's a lot to take in. With games like Final Fantasy Resonance, you'll find depth and approachability, which is worth mentioning, and it's something developers are focusing on, making these games appealing to both new and veteran players, and that's a key part of their success.

It's happening. You'll see it in anime too. They're revisiting old projects. Furuya says that's a thing now. We're seeing it in manga as well. The Final Fantasy Resonance devs are doing it with their HD-2D art style, which is the real feel of retro with a modern twist, and it's key to appealing to fans of all ages, with a style that's worth mentioning for its unique blend of old and new visuals.

The $50 Million Gamble on Tactics

It's back. Kazuhisa Wada has a point. The P-Studio Director thinks we're just rediscovering what we forgot. You'll see what he means. "What we’re calling a ‘resurgence’ may simply be the rediscovery of things that had fallen outside our field of view," Wada said, and it's a fair point, considering interest in game types is cyclical. They've always been there, just overshadowed at times. Games like Baldur's Gate 3, with its deep combat, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, show turn-based RPGs are still evolving, and people are into it, for good reason, as they offer unique experiences that keep players engaged.

It's a thing. Turn-based RPGs are still popular. They've got the real feel. You'll see this in Final Fantasy Resonance, for instance. The devs managed to create a unique mix of old and new, with a focus on honesty in their design approach, and it's worth mentioning that the game's success is key to the genre's resurgence. We've seen this crossover of styles in other games, and it's working, with many titles offering a fresh take on the classic formula, making the genre more appealing to modern gamers, and that's something the Final Fantasy Resonance devs have clearly considered in their development process.

Why Turn-Based RPGs Are Back – Straight From the FF Resonance Team

It's a thing. Final Fantasy Resonance shows the real feel of innovation in turn-based RPGs. You'll spend hours mastering the stagger system, which is key to success - it's all about timing your attacks to mess with enemies' plans. Still, the Visions system is worth mentioning, offering deep character customization, similar to Final Fantasy V's job system, but with a fresh twist, making it fun for new players. Here's the thing: the party customization is pretty complex, allowing for unique team builds that fit different play styles, which is a major part of the game's replay value, making it a great example of what the genre can do.

It's old. The HD-2D style is cool. You'll notice it's not just for looks. It brings past and present together. This mix of nostalgia and new stuff is key. Developers are finding ways to make turn-based RPGs feel fresh, which is a big part of why they're coming back, with games like Final Fantasy Resonance leading the way.

The Secret Resurgence Nobody Saw Coming

The Bad Gamer Take

Square Enix will continue to prioritize turn-based RPGs because the success of recent titles like Octopath Traveler and Persona has proven the genre's enduring popularity. This resurgence is driven by a combination of nostalgia and a desire for more strategic gameplay experiences. WATCH for Final Fantasy Resonance on October 22 to see how the developer balances old and new ideas in a traditional turn-based RPG.

It's back. Turn-based RPGs are popular. You'll see this in Final Fantasy Resonance. The devs say it's due to a mix of old and new. They've got a point. The genre is evolving with games like Final Fantasy Resonance, and it's clear that turn-based RPGs are here for the long haul, offering a unique experience that combines depth, strategy, and storytelling in a way that you'll find with few other genres, and that's key to their enduring appeal, with fans across generations enjoying the real feel of these games.

ℹ️ Note: Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22, this year, for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, promising a fresh take on turn-based combat with its stagger system, Job-like Visions, and intricate party customization.

Key Takeaways

  • Final Fantasy Resonance contributes to the resurgence of turn-based RPGs with innovative mechanics.
  • Developers attribute the trend to creators revisiting childhood gaming experiences and a broader cultural movement of reimagining past works.
  • The genre's adaptability and the accessibility of handheld gaming also play significant roles.
  • Titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Octopath Traveler demonstrate the genre's enduring appeal.