Quote Originally Posted by Bolivar View Post
The OP answered its own question, in that, materially, things would not change all that much. Square just does not prioritize original entries in the main series anymore. I could see why, given if we went back to the annual schedule of FFVII-X, it wouldn't be long before Final Fantasies are numbered like Super Bowls. For a game series, such numbers can become tiring and redundant, so I commend Square for trying to find a place for the series in other areas.
I don't necessarily agree that SE's slow churn of numbered entries is a direct result of not trying to overwhelm fans with high numbered sequels and more of a result of a disturbing internal issue that has become more and more public as the years went by.

It's sad to hear how cynical people are about the newer entries, but I guess it's always been fun to speak hyperbole on the internet. FFX is one of the most revered games of all time. XI is fondly remembered and XII is a cult classic. XIV has really got people talking is also a nice next-gen foothold for Square. XIII is the only questionable one but by no means is it a bad game. Its naysayers would be rendered hypocrites if we looked at their favorite games with the same high power microscopes they use to tear it a part. XV looks promising. The pace of the series has slowed down but by no means has its quality. If anything, its storytelling techniques and gameplay mechanics are far more sophisticated than even the greatest triumphs in any previous "golden age."
Someday Bolivar, you're going to come clean with us and reveal you actually work for SE in their online division who goes around trying to advertise on message boards pretending to be a "fan". The PS2 generation up to the current generation has been a very divisive 14 years for the franchise with each installment being a battleground. I can give you FFX being beloved and XII being a cult favorite but the online entries have both shared their controversy and the XIII Trilogy is definitely controversial among fans especially since many feel its partly to blame for XV's delay.

As for judging older games to the same standard as the newer ones, I would point out its a bit different trying to judge an artist by the works he did in the early part of his career against the works they did after years of more experience. Let's face it, XIII made some bad design choices and while I will concede that whether they ruin the experience for you is subjective, most people, even you, have publicly criticized the game for its choices. I wouldn't call it hyperbole as much as you being blind to the truth cause you can't face the idea the series has fallen on hard times.

Quote Originally Posted by Loony BoB View Post
Yeah, the only real issue is the development time, but you have to consider that fast development times these days are generally achieved by games that don't innovate or are rather short in gameplay/gametime by comparison. Still, I would prefer the games be churned out a bit faster - the speed of three very different games in XIII, XIII-2 and Lightning Returns shows that they can bring games out pretty quickly if they really want to. I know these games all used the same engine which is not a normal thing for numbered games, but perhaps a new engine shouldn't be needed every time a new FF comes out.
This has always been's SE's problem and Japanese devs in general, they don't like re-using game engines.

Wolf, you're right, I'd forgotten that you specified that the other games could continue as franchises of their own. I still feel that this would only work in the short term and eventually people would stop buying the games, or joining forums to discuss the series. I think original games are what has allowed Final Fantasy to outlast/outnumber any other major game series (bar the obvious sports games and whatnot... and Mario, should you consider him a franchise in his own right).
I agree.