Kitase: Final Fantasy sequels won't necessarily be the standard going forward

Until the PS2 generation, Final Fantasy sequels were never really a thing. Before Final Fantasy X, fans could always expect “the next FF” title to be something new and fresh with regards to characters, world and event battle systems. However, Once X-2 came around – built on the top of an existing game world and its assets – the gloves were off for Square Enix to sort of expand what was previously contained in singular titles.

With Final Fantasy XV likely the next in line to receive the sequel treatment as well, many have been left wondering if multiple Final Fantasy sub-series will be the norm going forward. Speaking with EGM, Kitase laid out his thoughts for the future – as well as a bit on the fate of Lightning’s character following Lightning Returns.

“We don’t think it’ll be the standard moving forward,” said Kiase. “Final Fantasy XIII being a trilogy was something very experimental — a new challenge that we took on. With each Final Fantasy title, we start with a brand new concept with each installment, so if the team who does Final Fantasy XV decides to incorporate some element like a sequel, that’s their decision. We’re sure that with each successive numbered title, each installment will have its own different concept on how they deliver the story.”

But what about Final Fantasy XIII? Having started development originally in 2004 and released worldwide in 2010, many felt the ending was proper enough before the story was railroaded into now two sequels. Even then, it was expected that XIII-2 would be the definitive end, much as X-2 was before it. Now here we are, saddled with Lightning Returns – and as Kitase puts it, is the definitive end for the series to cap off what has been a longer-than-usual console generation.

“There are no plans for a XIII-4; the story will conclude with this third installment,” said Kitase. “But Lightning, as a character, is a very strong character. So, there may be the possibility that, if other teams were interested, she might make cameos. For example, in Final Fantasy XIV, Lightning will make an appearance in the game, so there might be opportunities for characters to make appearances in other forms.”


About the Author

Erren Van Duine As a self-professed Final Fantasy fan, Erren created Nova Crystallis in 2009 as a place to collect the latest information on her favorite series. As owner and Editor-in-Chief, she also spends her time as a freelance illustrator.

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