If it doesn't work the first time, try again.
Monster Hunter.
In all seriousness, it's about time we have a talk about this. A new generation is upon us, and IMO, the future of Square Enix depends entirely on the success of both XIV:ARR & XV (also, Kingdom Hearts III, but that's for another thread). This IP has been very successful for a very long time, and I'm sure both SE and the gaming community at large would feel very sad if the series continues to regress.
Which brings me to my next point: my my, has this has been a very long and painful fall from grace or what? The last 8 years or so have done FF no favors whatsoever. To understand where we should go, we gotta remember where we've been. Let's start with the obvious first.
- Fabula Nova Crystalis aka "The XIII Compilation" aka "The Lightning Saga" aka "The Game That Always Watches Over You and Supports You" aka "Roses in a D-Cup". Toriyama's wonderchild (and waifu) was the sole FF representation for consoles this gen. It's a shame to because it was such a waste (and very indicative of HD game development and publishing in Japan in general). The compilation introduced a cast of characters that no one outside of Japan seems to like, two unnecessary sequels, one game that never hit stateside, and another game that ended up going next-gen. I don't know if I would go as far to say that the Lightning Saga ruined SE's reputation, but it actually doesn't sound too hyperbolic to say at this point. Also, dynamic boob physics, shoehorning Gilgamesh-like crossover appearances, and cat outfits.
- XIV. This game should be used to remind students at DigiPen what happens when you fuck up royally. SE won't admit as much, but it's certain that XIV has been a huge money pit for them. But, since SE seems to be incapable of holding themselves accountable, they decided to continue to sink money into XIV, creating a mulligan in the form of "A Realm Reborn". While it's been a good game so far (in its beta stages), I don't think this redo will make the game profitable.
- The whoring out of FF on mobile platforms. SE might be the only company that continues to justify price-gouging on re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-releases because reasons. Square saw F2P games being sold like hot cakes on iOS and Android and said "LETS CHARGE YOU 14-30 US DOLLARS FOR A 15 YEAR OLD GAME AND PUT MICROTRANSACTIONS IN IT ANYWAY PLEASE UNDERSTAND!" "All The Bravest" is the most painful kick in the nuts, though. Of all the blatant cashgrabs and shameless pandering within the industry, that game is the most offensive overall by far.
- The VII cocktease. Never have I seen so many people get their emotions played with by a damn tech demo. And to this day, people are still asking for a VII remake, which I guess justifies SE re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-releasing the old PS version to hold them over for the next 8 years.
So, where should Square go from here?
I think they need to look at the game that was a huge turning point for the IP: XII. That game had a lot of ambitions in numerous directions, and it was great for it. I think Final Fantasy would recapture it's magic if it uses XII to rediscover the "Fantasy" part of its moniker. Because, as it stands, all "Fantasy" refers to is Toriyama's wet dreams about his pink-haired Cloud-enstein.
Speaking of which... get him way the fuck outta here, man. Toriyama is the creepiest dude in the industry, by far. I mean, every time the guy speaks on his game, it just comes off as if he creates Lightning and Snow loli hentai in his free time. Not only that, but Nomura is the captain this ship needs right now anyway...
THIS IS NOT A GENERAL FINAL FANTASY DISCUSSION THREAD. NO LIST WARS. RELATE YOUR POSTS TO CURRENT-GEN AND NEXT-GEN ONLY.