What would excite you about the Final Fantasy franchise?

[Del Murder]

Obviously the announcement of FFXV is pretty exciting, but what else? It could be something to do with FFXV or something in the future.

For me, a 'true' FF game for a handheld system using 2D sprites and getting the full developmental treatment would be pretty cool.

[Laddy]

• Parties with 5 characters or more at a time. Think of the possibilities!
• An Africa-inspired setting. The only game that did this (that I know of) was Guild Wars: Nightfall and it worked brilliantly. Bonus points if it's not depicted as especially impoverished (another nod to Nightfall).
• A revamped turn-based battle system as opposed to a more action-based
• Return to character classes or a job system (especially if the characters have jobs exclusive to them.)
• A more mature look and story without turning into a ridiculous testosterone-fest a la Gears of War.
• Some limited non-linear elements, like factions, a semi-open world, or a relationship system. Xenoblade Chronicles anyone?

Basically Final Fantasy needs to win back their old audience before trying to garner a new one. If the fans can't recommend a franchise, who will?

[Elskidor]

I'd be fine if the party was just back to 4, but also if a new battle system is done well it doesn't have to be turn based for me. Wouldn't mind a game's story to be based in a world closer to the classics or FFIX either.

[Loony BoB]

Moments that make my jaw drop and just generally amazing gameplay with a fantastic story.

A creative magic system where you could combine weapons and magic to 'create' attacks or defenses would be neat, too. In XIV, I'm fairly certain the very first trailer involved two characters combining their strengths to create a unique attack. I would love it if that could happen. It was briefly touched upon with Vivi and Steiner, but I'd like to see it expanded to extreme lengths so that you could genuinely get creative in ways the devs didn't even anticipate. Throw a grenade, freeze it in a block of ice, let the grenade explode and ice shards spear into your enemies. Stuff like that.

[Jinx]

FFVII Remake.

[Gamblet]

Return of the job system aka a new FF V with some improvements.

[Shauna]

Return of the job system aka a new FF V with some improvements.

So... FFX-2?

[Freya]

I would like to see a more fantasy based game. We had IX and X had more fantasy elements but I feel there's too much focus on urban fantasy. I'd like to see some more knights and less guns.

[Gamblet]

Return of the job system aka a new FF V with some improvements.

So... FFX-2?

Ohh, haven't played that one yet, but you got me excited!

[Elskidor]

I would like to see a more fantasy based game. We had IX and X had more fantasy elements but I feel there's too much focus on urban fantasy. I'd like to see some more knights and less guns.

I think it's time for another one of this nature too. I'm fine with Urban Fantasy when it isn't toooo much, but would really love a new game based in a traditional fantasy world.

[Del Murder]

Return of the job system aka a new FF V with some improvements.

So... FFX-2?

Ohh, haven't played that one yet, but you got me excited!

If you don't mind the coat of paint they put on it, FFX-2 is a great implementation of the job and ATB systems.

[escobert]

The removal of voice acting.

[Bolivar]

Interesting dungeons with puzzles, traps and maybe even a Co op element.

A beautiful cell shaded style like Dragon Quest viii or valkyria chronicles.

Any game involving Hiroyuko Ito or Hiroshi Minagawa or Yatsumi Matsuno.

ATB-like ATB with full party control and menus required.

Pre-rendered backgrounds.

Pretty much anything they do on console or handheld.

[SirPrizes]

Fantasy setting

Yoshitaka Amano art style

In-game graphics look like this:


At least 4 characters in the party during battle

Yatsunori Mitsuda does character themes and area themes, Uematsu does all battle themes and themes for special cutscenes

Expanded job system from V

Return of the ATB

Seamless transition to battle (like Chrono Trigger, how has it been almost 20 years and Square STILL hasn't put out a 3D turn-based RPG with a battle system like Trigger's?)

Storyline that isn't too caught up in melodrama, but is still able to have its serious moments (ex. VI, VII)

Massive world map to explore, with lots of hidden dungeons

A flyable airship

[Miriel]

• More interesting art design. I feel like all the games pretty much look the same now. It would be neat if they tried something different or new.
• Puppies. And in general, more cute trout.
• A Final Fantasy game that is a musical. With choreographed dancing and song numbers.
• A more interactive world. Where you can go into the buildings and take clothes out of closets and pick up chairs and move them around.
• More humor and whimsy.
• Fun and interesting new ways for characters to travel.