Why Final Fantasy's Numerical Legacy Must Live On
Removing numbers from main Final Fantasy entries may deter from the series' longstanding impact on the industry, despite the intention to attract new players and avoid the need to play previous titles The legacy of the numbered titles should not be neglected
In a recent interview with GQ, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida proposed the idea of removing numbered entries from the titles of Final Fantasy games after the release of Final Fantasy 16. This suggestion was made to attract new players and avoid the misconception that it is necessary to play the previous 15 titles to enjoy the latest installment. While this idea has its merits, it ignores the long-lasting legacy of the series.
The term "Final Fantasy" was coined by series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi as a reference to his last attempt at making a game before leaving the industry. Since then, each main numbered entry in the series has carried the moniker as a means of establishing it as the final adventure for a group of heroes attempting to save their world from destruction. Removing numbers from the titles of Final Fantasy games would neglect the original spirit and intention of the series, while also discouraging players from experiencing some of the series' past highlights.
In fact, the numbered titles have helped differentiate each entry and have become a significant part of the series' identity. While Yoshida's proposal may have its benefits, it is important not to forget the legacy and history of the Final Fantasy franchise.
After the original Final Fantasy's success, it was clear that the title was misleading. To avoid confusion and exposition overload in marketing, Hironobu Sakaguchi decided to make each game a departure from the previous one, introducing new worlds, characters, and RPG mechanics. Final Fantasy 2 was a notable departure from the first game, and this tradition continued with each subsequent release.
The creators of Final Fantasy 16 have expressed their intention to shake up expectations for a main series entry, with Yoshida aiming to move away from aspects of the series that players might consider outdated. Nevertheless, simply by being a numbered sequel, Final Fantasy 16 stands out from other titles, as every other numbered sequel in the series has before. Rather than abandoning numbered sequels, Final Fantasy 17 should continue to use them to indicate that it is a distinct game from its predecessors, while still paying tribute to them.
Final Fantasy games have a rich legacy and a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Since the release of Final Fantasy 7 in the West, Square Enix has standardized the numbering conventions, making it easier for fans to follow the series across regions. While it's not necessary to play every entry in the series, each game offers its own unique story and perspective on the JRPG formula that Final Fantasy helped popularize. However, with the removal of numbers from future Final Fantasy games, new fans may miss out on the incredible experiences that the older entries provide.
The numbers in Final Fantasy's titles not only differentiate each entry from the titles that came before it, but also inspire fan debate about the best stories and gameplay. Square Enix has recently honored the franchise's past with the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, and it's crucial to continue honoring and experiencing such an important franchise for future generations. If the idea to remove numbers from Final Fantasy was to modernize the series, it's worth noting that updating the franchise while still paying homage to its past is possible.
