The FF series has been experimental since the PS1 era. Only time will tell whether or not FFXV is an ultimate success or failure, but it's almost guaranteed SE will do something different for the next game. If people like XV's gameplay enough they'll make a direct sequel.

Quote Originally Posted by Freya View Post
I think the ridiculous dev times are what has really hurt this series to be honest. While they were working on their games so many other series were able to come in and take their spotlight.
I think that this is the biggest problem that the franchise and SE in general is facing right now. Cutting edge "AAA" games take a lot more time and money than they used to, even more for an RPG. Not to mention the fact that many people still have certain expectations of a main series FF, and the longer the wait the greater the anticipation which can end up backfiring.

Quote Originally Posted by Skyblade View Post
We have Bravely Default, I Am Setsuna, and soon Octopath Traveler. Square is starting to make their classic RPGs anymore, and I really don't care if they have the name and logo tacked on them. The Final Fantasy brand doesn't mean anything anymore, except that it's a franchise Square's corporate suits are going to pour over and test with focus groups until its a bland, generic mess that "appeals to everyone". Let them. We're still getting actual RPGs from them again.
I'd still rather have a Final Fantasy, but I'm glad they're releasing smaller RPGs with classic gameplay. Maybe the divide between those and main series FF is too large these days, but we'll have to live with that. I don't expect the FF franchise to go anywhere anytime soon.