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The release of a new Final Fantasy game is always a significant event in gaming. The U.S. release of Final Fantasy XII is no different. In fact, it has such an impact that some developers are intelligently delaying their games until next year. It's clear that if those games were released near Final Fantasy XII they would be largely overlooked. There will even been a Final Fantasy XII day in New York mid-October celebrating its release. I, personally, am very excited about the new game. But I don't like always waiting for the next Final Fantasy to play the next big story-driven RPG. I can't help but wonder what it would take for another RPG to be just as good or even better than Final Fantasy.
The main problem is that Square Enix innovates RPG gaming and other companies mostly just follow. For instance, Final Fantasy X introduced a strategic bar that displayed the turn order of enemies and player characters. It also introduced the ability to switch characters out of battle. To my knowledge, there was not a single game that had these features before Final Fantasy X was released. But I do know that several games began to copy these features, including the venerable Xenosaga series. After the release of Final Fantasy XII I'm certain that developers will move toward real-time MMO-style gameplay and deeper AI customization. A great idea would be for developers to create something unique and interesting, instead of mimicking what has already been done. I understand that, from a financial perspective, it poses a huge risk to try something that hasn't been done before. But the games that are different are those that become memorable and sell well.
Square Enix has two huge advantages over other developers, primarily its budget. Square Enix, like no other company, can afford to take risks. That's why they are able to try different things and see what works. But actually, they rarely have to take risks. No matter the quality, people will buy a game just because it's Final Fantasy. Dirge of Cerberus, sadly, is a prime example. With its mediocre gameplay and umimpressive story, Dirge simple can't compare to other FPS's. But there's a possibility that sometime next year we'll see the Greatest Hits label slapped across the boxart. Square Enix has an enormous fan base, and that amount of loyalty usually takes time to nurture. It wasn't until Final Fantasy VII, my first Final Fantasy game, that the series became a hit. Before then, Square was in such great financial trouble that they could only afford to localize three of the titles to the U.S. Now, look at them. They can easily pour money into creating gorgeous CG cutscenes and advanced game engines as well as hiring top-notch talent.
Atlus is one of the few publishers that puts out something different. Unfortunately, Atlus games don't have worldwide appeal like Square Enix. The games from Atlus are usually difficult and quite bizarre, limiting them to a hardcore niche of gamers. The Shin Megami Tensei series boasts great battle systems and unique storylines. Battles are difficult, unlike most RPG's, and therefore require deep strategizing. The stories are surreal, usually involving demons and the end of the world. But they fail in quality. The graphics are great, but not polished. Also, it would be great if the games had voice acting. Changing these two factors might give the games some much needed life. As they are, Atlus games are still great, but only a number of people will ever play them.
If any RPG developer stands a chance against Square Enix, I bet it's Level 5. Just about everything they have released has been amazing. It started with Dark Cloud 2, which had great graphics and gameplay that almost rivaled the Zelda series. Then, ironically, Square Enix let them handle Dragon Quest VIII which turned out very well and stayed true to the series. How ironic it would be if Level 5 ended up becoming one of Square Enix's top competitors. From the looks of things, it's quite possible. The upcoming PS2 RPG Rogue Galaxy seems promising. The real time battle system and interesting characters and theme might help it stand out from other RPGs being released soon. Jeanne d'Arc also looks great, touching on an unfamiliar subject in gaming. A strategy-RPG based on French history should be fun and unique. However, of the three upcoming Level 5 games, White Knight, the PS3 RPG, looks to be the best. After viewing the TGS trailer I got excited about the intriguing combat system that flowed like scripted cutscenes and the detailed next gen graphics. If these three games become huge hits, Square Enix just might have a run for its money. Dark Cloud 3 anyone?
So, what exactly keeps most RPGs from being Final Fantasy quality? Sony's Blade Dancer is a prime example. From the story to the battle system, this game is overtly generic. It's almost as if Sony thought that throwing together all the conventions that make up an RPG would make it a worthy title. If so, then they were wrong. An RPG should have something that makes it unique. For instance, the Grandia series has its acclaimed IP gauge that make battles fun and strategic. Without it, Grandia wouldn't be what it is. Another example is Dragon Quest, which has tenacity to keep classic RPG conventions alive. Many of the memorable series has its signature feature that make them stand out. Without these features each game would be just another RPG.
October 31st will be significant indeed. But three months later many RPG gamers will be hungry for another great RPG. Will they have to wait for Final Fantasy XIII? Hopefully not. We'll just have to wait and see. All it takes is one astounding game to combat Final Fantasy's fan base. Halo has already proven that one outstanding game can win over millions of fans and sell systems. Final Fantasy VII also proved it. I bet a great number of the series fans today had not played the Final Fantasy games of old when they were originally released, which is likely one of the reasons for all the ports of the classics. So come on Level 5, Atlus, or somebody. Where's that killer ap? We'll be playing Final Fantasy XII while we wait for it.
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