Talking of XIII, the thing that stood out for me in that article was how SQEX sees the XIII trilogy as having performed within expectations, and that if fan reaction had been different they would have handled them differently. It makes me think that if there had been more of a push for new stuff from fans, then XIII would probably have stayed as a standalone title, and we might even have gotten Versus XIII as intended, with XV being something entirely different. Mind you, probably wouldn't have saved XIV's original form, but it's interesting to think based on what they said.
Yeah... I mean, the whole FNC+FFXIV fiasco is pretty sad when you think about it. It's why I so hated that period of time: we had to stuck from 2006 all the way to the 2010 decade without nothing new, just Lightning and friends' adventures and Noctis' CG videos.
I mean, before (well, prior to XII, as that game had its problems too) it was: "you don't like VIII's gameplay/looks/whatever? Don't worry, we've got IX for you". "Don't like that one either (you fucking uncultured degenerate)? Here's X for you." "Tired of single-player games? FF XI has your back".
That's why I hope they're working concurrently (and have been for a while) in mainline SP FFs. At least they got the right idea and ditched any potential XV sequel or spin-off (or, at least, they're not a priority for now). That's why I (maybe too naively) assume that they
have to have started development on XVI.
I'm a little worn out with his style too. But they've got plenty of other character designers. Out of those they've used, they could contract to Akihiko Yoshida or Yusuke Naora, or actually have characters designed by Yoshitaka Amano like in the SNES days, now they have the technology to render them properly. For new artists, they could bring in Kimihiko Fujisaka (Drakengard, The Last Story) for some totally epic designs, give Raita Honjou (Valkyria Chronicles) free reign, they might choose Yusuke Kozaki (No More Heroes, Fire Emblem) provided they reign in the high heels. So many possibilities...
Yeah, I know. I actually really like what Naora seems to have done in XV, but it's kinda hypocritical as that had to fit the style I want a long break from. Yoshida would be great, as always, but I'd love a new one.
Now, a Yoshitaka-designed modern FF? That'd be fucking great, whether they try to fit his gorgeous artstyle or adapt it in a different way (similar to what happened in I-VI).
I really like Fujisaka, now that you mention him. Actually, this guy here was my avatar before I got the current one (man, does it suck this wasn't for an actual game):
Literally my ideal look for what a FF main character should look like (I mean, not that there is
one look, but you get what I mean). His other work is lovely too, as are the others' you listed.
As you say, lots of possibilities. I think new FFs needs a huuuuge break from Nomura (and I guess he might appreciate it too) and start anew there too.
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