"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sparks Debate on Turn-Based Games"

The topic of turn-based games in the realm of role-playing games (RPGs) remains a hotbed for discussion among gaming communities. With the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the conversation around the direction of genre giants like Final Fantasy has been reignited. This game, launched last week, has garnered significant acclaim, including from IGN, as a stellar example of the RPG genre. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proudly showcases its inspirations, featuring a turn-based combat system, Pictos to equip and master, dungeon crawling, and an overworld map reminiscent of classic RPGs.

In an insightful interview with RPGsite, producer Francois Meurisse emphasized that Clair Obscur was envisioned as a turn-based game from its inception, drawing particular inspiration from Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X. The game also incorporates elements from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Mario & Luigi series, blending quick-time events for attacks and parrying/dodging for defense into its turn-based framework. This fusion creates a dynamic gameplay experience that shifts between traditional strategy and action-oriented excitement, sparking widespread discussion.

Social media platforms have become a battleground for debates, with fans using Clair Obscur's success to argue against the shift of RPGs, particularly Final Fantasy, towards more action-based mechanics. Naoki Yoshida, during the media tour for Final Fantasy XVI, highlighted the evolving preferences of gamers, especially younger audiences, towards action over turn-based systems. This shift is evident in Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and the Final Fantasy VII remake series, which have embraced more action-driven gameplay, each with its mix of fans and critics.

The discourse often circles back to whether turn-based games resonate with players. Clair Obscur's triumph has reignited the debate, with some seeing it as validation of the turn-based format's enduring appeal. However, the situation is more nuanced. While Square Enix has indeed steered Final Fantasy towards action, it hasn't abandoned turn-based games entirely. Titles like Octopath Traveler 2, SaGa Emerald Beyond, and the upcoming Bravely Default remaster for Switch 2 demonstrate continued support for the format.

Suggesting that Final Fantasy should mimic Clair Obscur oversimplifies the unique aesthetic and iconography that define the series. While comparisons are inevitable, reducing Clair Obscur to a mere imitation of Final Fantasy does not do justice to either game's unique contributions to the genre. The ongoing discussions about RPGs' direction are not new; similar debates have surrounded games like Lost Odyssey and the comparison between Final Fantasy VI and VII.

Sales considerations also play a significant role in game development decisions, as Yoshida noted with Final Fantasy XVI. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 achieved impressive sales of 1 million copies in three days, Square Enix's expectations for Final Fantasy are notably higher. The success of turn-based games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Metaphor: ReFantazio highlights that the genre can still achieve acclaim and financial success.

Clair Obscur's success is a testament to Sandfall Interactive and Kepler's vision, marking a potential resurgence of mid-budget RPGs alongside titles like Visions of Mana or Ruined King. Whether it will reach the heights of games like Baldur's Gate 3 or Disco Elysium remains to be seen, but its strong start is undeniable.

As for whether Clair Obscur's success necessitates a drastic shift for Final Fantasy, the answer is less clear. Recent entries like Final Fantasy XVI and FF7 Rebirth have faced challenges in meeting profit expectations, influenced by broader shifts in the gaming industry and the high costs of developing major franchise entries. The key takeaway from Clair Obscur's success is the importance of authenticity in game development. As Larian CEO Swen Vincke noted with Baldur's Gate 3, creating a game that the team is passionate about can lead to significant success. This approach encourages innovation and authenticity over rehashing old debates, offering a constructive path forward for the RPG genre.