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

In the world of role-playing games (RPGs), the debate over turn-based versus action-oriented gameplay has been reignited by the recent release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This game, which went live last week, has been widely acclaimed by IGN and other gaming outlets as an outstanding RPG. It proudly showcases its inspirations, including a turn-based system, Pictos to equip and master, zoned-out "dungeons" to explore, and an overworld map.

In an insightful interview with RPGsite, producer Francois Meurisse shared that Clair Obscur was envisioned as a turn-based game from its inception, drawing specific inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X. Additionally, the game's mechanics echo those found in FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the Mario & Luigi series, blending quick-time events with strategic turn-based action. This hybrid approach results in a gameplay experience that feels both traditionally turn-based during strategy phases and more action-oriented during combat sequences.

The success of Clair Obscur has sparked a broader conversation on social media about the viability and appeal of turn-based games, particularly in light of comments made by Naoki Yoshida, the producer of Final Fantasy XVI. Yoshida, in an interview with Famitsu (via VGC), noted a growing sentiment among younger gamers who find less appeal in selecting commands in games, which has influenced the direction of recent Final Fantasy titles towards more action-based mechanics.

While some fans may see Clair Obscur's success as a rebuttal to this shift, the situation is more nuanced. Square Enix has not abandoned turn-based games entirely; titles like Octopath Traveler 2, SaGa Emerald Beyond, and the upcoming Bravely Default remaster for Switch 2 demonstrate a continued commitment to the format. However, the mainline Final Fantasy series has indeed moved towards more action-driven systems, as seen in Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and the VII remake series.

The question of whether Final Fantasy should follow Clair Obscur's model is met with a resounding "nope" from many fans and analysts. Final Fantasy has its own unique aesthetic and iconography, and reducing Clair Obscur to a mere imitation does not do justice to either game. The debate over turn-based versus action-oriented gameplay is not new; it echoes past discussions about games like Lost Odyssey and comparisons between Final Fantasy VII and VI.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved remarkable sales, reaching 1 million copies sold in just three days, which is a testament to its appeal and success. However, Square Enix's expectations for Final Fantasy typically exceed this, reflecting the high stakes and costs associated with major franchise entries.

The broader lesson from Clair Obscur's success is the value of authenticity in game development. Games that genuinely reflect their creators' vision and passion tend to resonate more deeply with players. This sentiment is echoed by Larian CEO Swen Vincke, who emphasized that high-budget single-player games can still achieve significant success if they are well-made and true to their creative vision.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the success of turn-based RPGs like Clair Obscur, Baldur's Gate 3, and Metaphor: ReFantazio suggests that there is still a vibrant audience for this style of gameplay. However, whether this will prompt a significant shift in the direction of major franchises like Final Fantasy remains to be seen, given the broader market dynamics and the costs associated with developing such titles.