Call of Duty Zombies and Final Fantasy, while seemingly different games, are currently embroiled in a similar debate among their respective fanbases. The crux of this argument revolves around the clash between those who value tradition and those who advocate for innovation. This battle between old school and new school is shaping the future of both Final Fantasy and Call of Duty Zombies, with no definitive answer in sight.
Over the years, both Call of Duty Zombies and Final Fantasy have undergone significant transformations. Zombies originated as a simple bonus mode in Call of Duty: World at War but has since evolved into a complex and lore-filled experience, becoming a substantial element in subsequent Call of Duty games, particularly those developed by Treyarch. On the other hand, Final Fantasy, which began with its humble pixel-art and turn-based JRPG roots that many strive to replicate, has progressed into grand cinematic productions with real-time combat, characterizing the modern era of the franchise. This disagreement revolves around the choice between returning to the nostalgic past or forging ahead to explore the boundaries of what can be achieved, dividing fans of both games.
Returning to Tradition or Pressing Forward For Final Fantasy And CoD Zombies
The sentiment of "I prefer the old style" is a common one among fans of these franchises, showcasing a natural tendency towards nostalgia and the passage of time. People often gravitate towards an artist's earlier works or a filmmaker's older movies. This sentiment is evident in the gaming community as well, with fans yearning for the return of Fallout's CRPG days or Pokemon's 2D format.
However, it's important for the "return to tradition" crowd to consider that deviating from the established format has led to some of these franchises' most iconic moments. Square Enix's decision to break away from turn-based gameplay resulted in the beloved Final Fantasy 7, while Treyarch's exploration of larger maps led to the creation of remarkable Call of Duty Zombies experiences like Der Eisendrache.
There's No Correct Answer For CoD Zombies or Final Fantasy
The debate between returning to old tried-and-tested systems or exploring new concepts in game series is one without a definitive answer. Revisiting older ideas can attract nostalgic players and offer opportunities for development and enhancement, like the Die Maschine map in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, which modernizes the original Nacht der Untoten map. However, it can also become repetitive, as some fans have criticized the frequent reappearance of maps like Nacht Der Untoten. On the other hand, while modes such as Outbreak demonstrate potential, some fans prefer the enduring survival structure of Zombies, considering its longstanding format.
Square Enix seems to prioritize broad appeal and sales by not introducing any new turn-based Final Fantasy games. However, the absence of new entries with similar qualities to the older ones does not mean there is a void waiting to be filled in the market. In the modern era, JRPG fans have been treated to games like Dragon Quest 11, Persona 5, Shin Megami Tensei 5, Bravely Default 2, and many others that offer turn-based combat systems. Final Fantasy's reputation as one of the prominent franchises in JRPG history comes from its innovation and ability to stand out. Returning to old combat systems without any other changes to the formula could diminish the series' uniqueness. Hopefully, as Call of Duty Zombies and Final Fantasy continue to evolve, they will find ways to cater to all types of fans.