Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Aims to Redefine the JRPG Experience

Final Fantasy VII set the stage for turn-based RPGs to become blockbuster hits. Nearly three decades later, the classic JRPG genre faces challenges from emerging styles, particularly real-time action games. With the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Square Enix has struck a balance between contemporary gameplay and the expectations of long-time fans. When asked if the combat system could serve as a model for future Final Fantasy titles, director Naoki Hamaguchi emphasized that each project should determine its own direction, but he believes he has demonstrated that this genre can evolve to be “bigger” and “broader” than before.

“My goal with the Final Fantasy VII remake series was to showcase the potential of Final Fantasy—what it can become. I don’t view this as a negative, but rather as a recognition of JRPGs as a specific category,” he shared in an interview. “The charm of these games lies in their linear storytelling, characters, and battle systems. Turn-based mechanics are integral to that, and they have their own merits.”

He elaborated:

However, I wanted to illustrate that Final Fantasy can transcend those boundaries to become a global, competitive action RPG with an open-world approach. These are the dominant trends in gaming right now, and I aim to prove that Final Fantasy can stand shoulder to shoulder with other major global franchises—and even surpass them.

Through the evolution of Remake, Rebirth, and Revelation—encompassing gameplay, systems, and our approach to this style of game—I wanted to establish a vision for the future. It can be broader, it can be bigger, and we can achieve that. I’m pleased that we’ve met the objectives I set out to accomplish.

Final Fantasy XVI adopted a more arcade-like real-time combat system reminiscent of Devil May Cry. While it was well-received, it marked a significant shift from the franchise’s traditional gameplay, which left some fans feeling uneasy. The recent success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, featuring classic turn-based combat with added parry and dodge mechanics, has led some players to wish for a return to Final Fantasy’s roots. Hamaguchi clarified that while he aims to broaden the expectations of what a Final Fantasy game can be with the Remake trilogy, he still appreciates the value of traditional JRPGs.

“I don’t want to be misunderstood—I’m not criticizing JRPGs at all,” he stated. “They’re fantastic… What I want to convey is that Final Fantasy doesn’t have to be confined to traditional JRPGs. We’ve established a foundation that allows for different gameplay styles, but we can still embrace the traditional elements. Each project should decide what’s best. Final Fantasy isn’t a JRPG simply because it can only be a JRPG; it’s because that’s the most suitable choice for that particular game. That’s the direction I want to pursue.”