The Final Fantasy franchise has long been a pillar of the RPG genre, captivating players with its intricate storytelling, deep character development, and expansive worlds. As we look ahead to Final Fantasy 17, a pressing question arises: should the next installment experiment with a new approach to storytelling, or should it remain faithful to the traditions that have defined the series for decades?
The Evolution of Storytelling in Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy series has consistently evolved its storytelling methods. Early entries, such as Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy VI, established emotional, character-driven narratives within the constraints of 16-bit hardware. The transition to 3D with Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII brought cinematic cutscenes and deeper world-building.
Each new era introduced storytelling innovations—Final Fantasy X revolutionized voice acting in the series, while Final Fantasy XII introduced a more politically charged narrative structure. The most recent entry, Final Fantasy XVI, shifted towards a darker, more mature tone, drawing inspiration from Western fantasy narratives such as Game of Thrones. With this precedent of evolution, Final Fantasy 17 stands at a crossroads: should it continue this trajectory, or return to its roots?
Final Fantasy XVI: A Bold Departure
Final Fantasy XVI took a bold step away from traditional Final Fantasy storytelling, embracing a grittier, more mature tone with political intrigue, deep character conflicts, and less emphasis on fantasy elements like magic and summons. This approach received mixed reactions—while some praised the cinematic depth and mature themes, others felt it lost the whimsical charm that made previous titles so memorable.
For Final Fantasy 17, the challenge lies in striking a balance between innovation and nostalgia. The series must evolve to stay relevant while ensuring that it retains the essence of what makes a Final Fantasy story so captivating.
Should Final Fantasy 17 Experiment with Storytelling?
1. A Return to High Fantasy and Mysticism
One of the criticisms of Final Fantasy XVI was its departure from traditional high fantasy elements. Many longtime fans missed the mystical worlds filled with mythical creatures, airships, and deep-rooted magic systems.
For Final Fantasy 17, reintroducing high fantasy storytelling could be a winning strategy. This means emphasizing legendary figures, ancient prophecies, and magical realms reminiscent of Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy Tactics. Such an approach would align with the core identity of the series while differentiating itself from the political intrigue-heavy tone of its predecessor.
2. Expanding the Role of Player Choice
One avenue for storytelling innovation could be the incorporation of player-driven narratives. While Final Fantasy has traditionally followed linear storytelling, an interactive approach akin to games like The Witcher 3 or Mass Effect could add depth and replayability.
Imagine a Final Fantasy game where choices shape the world, relationships, and even the protagonist’s fate. This could introduce branching storylines, multiple endings, and personalized character arcs. If handled correctly, such a system could enhance immersion without compromising the series’ rich narrative focus.
3. Refining the Cinematic Experience
The cinematic presentation of Final Fantasy XVI was one of its strongest aspects. However, Final Fantasy 17 has an opportunity to refine this further by integrating seamless, real-time cutscenes that blend organically into gameplay.
A shift toward a more immersive, in-engine storytelling approach could reduce reliance on lengthy, pre-rendered cutscenes while keeping the emotional weight of character interactions intact. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War have successfully implemented this technique, proving that it enhances both narrative and engagement.
4. Deepening Character Relationships
Memorable characters are at the heart of Final Fantasy’s greatest stories. While Final Fantasy XVI had compelling protagonists, some fans felt the supporting cast needed more development.
For Final Fantasy 17, a greater focus on party dynamics could bring back the beloved character interactions and relationships that defined older entries. Final Fantasy X’s Sphere Grid dialogue system and Final Fantasy XV’s group camaraderie are excellent examples of how character interactions can shape the player’s experience.
Implementing a system where character bonds influence battles, story arcs, and side quests could make for a richer, more engaging narrative experience.
5. A Balanced Narrative Tone
A major debate among fans is whether Final Fantasy 17 should continue the dark and mature storytelling of its predecessor or return to a lighter, more fantastical tone. The best solution may lie in a balanced approach, similar to Final Fantasy VII Remake, which successfully blended serious themes with moments of humor, wonder, and classic fantasy adventure.
Instead of committing to a single tone, Final Fantasy 17 could introduce multiple narrative layers, allowing for high-stakes conflicts while still preserving the lighthearted charm and whimsical elements that defined past games.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Final Fantasy Storytelling
As Final Fantasy 17 enters development, its storytelling direction will play a crucial role in shaping its success. While experimentation is necessary to keep the series fresh, Square Enix must strike a balance—one that honors the franchise’s rich legacy while embracing the evolving expectations of modern RPG audiences.
Whether through high fantasy world-building, player-driven choices, deep character relationships, or cinematic immersion, the next installment has the potential to redefine storytelling in the franchise. With the right balance of innovation and tradition, Final Fantasy 17 could deliver a narrative experience that not only satisfies long-time fans but also introduces a new generation of players to the magic of the series.
