The Final Fantasy series has long been a cornerstone of the RPG genre, known for its intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and strategic turn-based combat. However, with the release of Final Fantasy XVI, the franchise has taken a bold step into the realm of action RPGs, marking a significant shift in gameplay that has been years in the making. That said, it wasn't the first.

The Turn-Based Era

The early Final Fantasy games were defined by their turn-based combat systems. Players would take turns selecting actions for their characters, carefully planning their moves to outwit their opponents. This methodical approach to combat was a hallmark of the series, allowing for deep strategic gameplay and a focus on character development.

The Rise of Action RPGs

As the gaming landscape evolved, so too did players' tastes. Action RPGs, which blend the narrative depth of traditional RPGs with real-time combat, began to gain popularity. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Dark Souls, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt captivated audiences with their dynamic combat systems and immersive worlds. These games demonstrated that players were eager for more immediate and visceral gameplay experiences.

Clues from the Past

The evolution in Final Fantasy gameplay didn't happen overnight. Several titles in the series changed the game.

Final Fantasy IV introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, adding a real-time element to the turn-based combat, making battles more dynamic and strategic. PC Versions here.

Final Fantasy VII was groundbreaking with its 3D graphics and pre-rendered backgrounds, setting a new standard for visual presentation in RPGs. The Materia system allowed players to customize their characters' abilities and magic. There are many gamers who don't even acknowledge the franchise prior to Final Fantasy VII.

Final Fantasy X brought voice acting to the series for the first time, adding a new layer of immersion to the storytelling. The Sphere Grid system allowed for highly customizable character progression. Final Fantasy X-2 was the first direct sequel in the Final Fantasy series, and the all-female cast was a hit and praised along with the return of the job system.

PC Version here.

Final Fantasy XII introduced a more fluid combat system, allowing players to move freely during battles and set up automated actions through the Gambit system. It also featured a more open-world design, allowing for greater exploration and a more immersive experience. PC Version here.

Final Fantasy XV took this a step further with its real-time combat, where players could control Noctis directly and engage in fast-paced battles. The game also featured a vast open world with numerous side quests, offering a more expansive and engaging experience. Total boy band vibes! There is also a Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition that was the first of it's kind that opened the door to the an abridged version on mobile devices. PC Version here.

Final Fantasy XVI: A New Era

Final Fantasy XVI represents the culmination of this gradual shift. The game features a fully-fledged action RPG combat system, where players can execute combos, dodge attacks, and unleash powerful abilities in real-time. This change has been met with excitement and anticipation, as it delivers a fresh and exhilarating experience while retaining the rich storytelling and character development that fans love.

The journey from turn-based battles to action-packed combat in Final Fantasy reflects the broader trends in the gaming industry. By embracing the popularity of action RPGs and incorporating elements from previous titles, Final Fantasy XVI stands as a testament to the series' ability to innovate and adapt. As the franchise continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Final Fantasy will always be at the forefront of RPG excellence. Will it ever return to strategic JRPG battles? Maybe, but perhaps that will come in the form of a spin-off. Anyway, Final Fantasy XVI is available now on PC and the PS5. I'll leave you with a dose of the first 30 minutes, and until next time, game on!

Square-Enix is going hard... and taking no prisoners with all the content they're delivering. We're playing catch up, and not the kind you can dip fries into (even though that would've been delicious), but we'll get there... there are just a crap load of big games to cover! Blu was actually going to log some hours on console for MGSV while traveling (since an office PC was not going anywhere to cover Square-Enix titles... being reviewed) but... what had happened was... the resort disabled their HDMI. Thumbs down to that crap... seriously (but at least some gaming was enjoyed). I understand they want to prevent people from bringing their own entertainment in order to lock you into using their on-demand system, but there should be options if a resort is already costly enough. Bringing your own monitor is always another option. :p

Anyway... lets get to it, and stay tuned for more action. [Ka-Boom!]





It's safe to say that Final Fantasy XV is going to be huge... and that's what we're talking about, put time into your games and make them marks in history. Just the level of fun and joy you can bring people... would be one of the rewards for me in addition to the support, and that excites me about the growth of SDGT Entertainment and what we will be able to do as we continue to grow. I can't say that FFXV is worth adding to my permanent private collection until I've played it but haven't been disappointed yet. How about you?


KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV™ is a CG movie, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Square Enix. The animated feature weaves together the complexities of kingdoms at war, royal relationships and epic battles in a tale that will set the stage for the main FINAL FANTASY XV narrative. The CG movie features an all-star cast with Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones) voicing Regis, the King of Lucis who has sworn to protect his kingdom, Lena Headey (300, Game of Thrones), voicing Luna, the princess who has been entrusted to deliver the royal ring of Lucis to Prince Noctis, and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), voicing Nyx. The title will be released digitally worldwide before the game’s launch.



BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV™ is a new anime series that consists of five standalone episodes that delve into the extraordinary friendships between crown prince Noctis and his three comrades, setting the stage for the adventure players will set out upon in the action-packed RPG. There will be more episodes dropped before the Sept. 30th (2016) release of the game!

You can pre-order FFXV now... via the Day One Edition, Deluxe Edition, and the Ultimate Collector's Edition (that's only available at the Square-Enix online store). Basically the Ultimate comes with everything the Deluxe has (movie, xbox one avatar content/PS4 theme, Platinum Leviathan Regalia design, access to the Royal Raiment constume DLC) + exclusive disc steel books that contain the soundtrack for the game, the movie and the anime. Not only that (yep there is more... which i'd expect for $270 but anyway) you get a hard-cover artbook, a limited edition (exclusive) variant Noctis PLAY ARTS -KAI- action figure, etc!
If you want another dose of cool, here are two links that give you access to the pinball game "Justice Monsters Five" available within FFXV... so that you can play the game on Android, iOS, and Windows 10 devices (when it's available there). If you've been gaming for as long as I have, this is pretty cool... and I think that Square-Enix should allow for there to be a scoreboard that links all scores together (mobile and in-FFXV). What else can I say? Check it out at the links below & get the Platinum Demo - FFXV... below!

MAGIC AND STEALTH FEATURED IN NEXT ACTIVE TIME REPORT

FINAL FANTASY XV’s March Event Details to Be Unveiled

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 25, 2016) – Fans around the world are invited to tune in this Saturday (Jan. 30)  for the next installment of FINAL FANTASY XV®’s Active Time Report, where director Hajime Tabata and global marketing director, Akio Ofuji, will outline key updates to the title.

Commencing at 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, the English-subtitled program will expand on the warmongering Niflheim empire, and will showcase the latest battle footage and scenes of magic. The program will also provide updates to the upcoming March 2016 event.

And finally, newly released screenshots depict protagonist Noctis casting the iconic “Fire” spell, battling powerful Magitek Armor, conducting aerial strikes against enemies, and utilizing stealth to infiltrate enemy territory.

We thought it would make sense to add Jan. 30th's video to this post for your enjoyment, so... enjoy!

In the name of this pending active report... check out some of the awesome FFXV artwork!