FF7 Revelation: Balancing Real-Time and Turn-Based Battles
After three installments of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, battle director Teruki Endo still grapples with the perennial challenge of balancing turn-based and real-time combat. Yet, rather than feeling exhausted by the dilemma, he views this continuous refinement as the very source of his enduring passion for revamped JRPGs. As the final chapter, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, approaches, Endo reveals the thoughtful process that drives his work, built on a commitment to maximizing player experience.
Endo notes that whenever he tackles a sequel, the central problem remains the same: how to introduce freshness without overwhelming the player. He emphasizes that simply adding new elements risks disappointing veterans, while changing too much can alienate newcomers. His strategy is not to simply adjust mechanics, but to fundamentally rebuild the game from the ground up by considering the purpose, significance, and role of every single element.
This philosophy informed the creation of systems like the FITS system, a unique job structure that allows players to customize their party members and drastically change their approach to combat. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, Endo positions FITS as a tool designed to help players further sharpen and specialize the direction of Materia-based builds, effectively deepening the customization experience.
The intricate balance between turn-based strategy and real-time action across the trilogy required extensive trial and error. While the decision on a definitive “correct answer” for the combat flow remains elusive for the director, the process itself has proven incredibly rewarding. This careful balancing is perhaps what has allowed him to maintain his enthusiasm across all three demanding titles.
The trend toward turn-based RPGs is certainly gaining momentum, fueled by innovative titles pushing the boundaries of the genre. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 solidify the resurgence of the classic system.
Looking ahead, the industry is watching closely as Square Enix moves forward with its Final Fantasy series. With the upcoming release of Final Fantasy Resonance, fans are eagerly anticipating a return to the full-fat turn-based experience that has defined the series, hoping that the future of Final Fantasy will satisfy that long-standing craving for classic strategic depth.
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