Fans of theFinal Fantasyfranchise have been enjoying the plethora of mainline and spin-off games for more than thirty years at this point. Luckily for those fans, it doesn’t seem like the series has any intentions of slowing down any time soon. Including a newly revealed game at E3 2021, sequels, and a couple new mobile games on the way,Final Fantasyfans have a lot to look forward to over the next several years.
E3 2021 saw the announcement ofStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. The dark reimagining of the world of the originalFinal Fantasyis equal parts Soulslike, and modernFinal Fantasygame. The unique blend of the two traditions was the onlyFinal Fantasygame to make a proper appearance at E3, but there are still a slew of other games in the works at Square Enix. Taking a look at each game shows off just how many options fans are going to have both on consoles and mobile.
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Mobile Final Fantasy Games And the Pixel Remastered Collection
Over the years Square Enix has shown a strong commitment to its mobile presence. Nearly every classicFinal Fantasygame is available on Android and iOS, soon to be released for multiple platforms via theFinal Fantasy Pixel Remastered Collection.There’s also a huge smattering of spin-off games includingBrave ExviusandDissidia: Opera Omnia. While mobile games aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, there is a lot to like in some of the mobile offerings fromFinal Fantasy. Square Enix looks to continue that trend with theupcomingFinal Fantasy 7: The First SoldierandEver Crisisgames.
It’s no secret that Square Enix has been betting heavy into fans' love ofFinal Fantasy 7.Intergradereleased recently, including major changesto the story ofFinal Fantasy 7. Both of its announced mobile games exist within the universe ofFinal Fantasy 7as well.The First Soldieris looking like an interesting departure from the series in terms of gameplay, as it is a multiplayer battle royale title. It will be interesting to see how much the game focuses on its story, given its nature as a prequel to any otherFinal Fantasy 7content released thus far. Fans ofFinal Fantasy 7and mobile multiplayer titles could find a lot to like later this year.
Ever Crisisis another mobile game coming that’s directly tied toFinal Fantasy 7. WhileThe First Soldieris acting as a prequel,Ever Crisisis aiming to take all of theCompilation of Final Fantasy 7content and reintroduce it in a new format. The game looks to be covering prequel content likeCrisis Core; the nameEver Crisisitself had many fans wondering whether it would focus on Zack Fair completely.
The game looks to have a visual style very similar to theDissidiamobile game but then transitions into a “battle mode” with visuals that look straight out ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. No announced date yet, but the game is apparently slated for some time next year, and is one to watch for fans who want a pocket-sized version of theFinal Fantasy 7story.
Ever Crisiswill be releasing in chapters over time, starting withCrisis Corecontent from what’s been shown so far. While fans will be glad to haveThe First SoldierandIntergradeto chew on for a while, manyFinal Fantasyfanatics are likely looking ahead to the major console releases on the horizon.
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Final Fantasy’s Upcoming Major Releases
Continuing the trend from its mobile releases, Square Enix has oneFinal Fantasygame that’s likely its most anticipated:Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2. While another mainline game is on the way, and will likely release first, excitement about the next part of theFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeproject is something many fans are waiting for. After the stellar reception ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeand all of the implications thatIntergradehas added to the story, fans are clamoring for any new information about the next chapter in the new story of Cloud (and now Zack), and AVALANCHE.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2doesn’t have an official date as of yet, but Square Enix has assured fans that its development is progressing smoothly. Some fans were worried that the extra content created forIntergradewould cause delays forFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2,but it seems that the game is still well on its way. The firstFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, and nowIntergrade, have already established many changesfor the original story ofFinal Fantasy 7. However, after the success of the first chapter, many fans are likely excited to see where those changes lead in the future ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.
E3 2021 showed off a lot of upcoming games, butFinal Fantasy 16was notably absent. Gameplay footage was used as part of a sizzle reel about all the Square Enix games on the way, but no new information was given. As the next mainline game in the storied franchise,Final Fantasy 16has a lot of excitement (and expectation) around the game.Final Fantasy 16is continuing the trend of Square Enix bringing its JRPG franchises into darker territory.
The one trailer fans have received has done a lot to build hype around the game, though. The combat system seems fast-paced and a natural evolution of the combat inFinal Fantasy 15,and its story seems to bring the summon creatures, called Eikons inFinal Fantasy 16, to the forefront. Unfortunately, there’s not yet an official release date, but the game has been confirmed as a PS5 exclusive.
Again, bringingFinal Fantasyto darker atmospheres is the newly confirmedStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. While it hasmany connections to the originalFinal Fantasy,Stranger of Paradiselooks to be a wholly new adventure featuring both new and classic characters. The game had been rumored for a while before its official announcement, so excitement about another team-up between Square Enix and Team Ninja. Members of the teams that createdDissidia,Nioh,andNieR: Automata, are all on board forStranger of Paradise.
Stranger of Paradisedefinitely wears its history on its sleeve. A demo released very soon after the game’s first trailer, and fans quickly got a taste of a SoulslikeFinal Fantasy.The game has an emphasis on fast combat, aggressive magic, and quick defense that fits theNiohmold well. The game does show off an almost cheesy level of grimdark that is reminiscent of the firstDevil May Cry, but that may end up being part of its charm. The main character Jack is obsessed with killing “Chaos.” Jack makes sure players are aware of his mission throughout the trailer too.
While none of the upcomingFinal Fantasygames have official release dates just yet, there’s still a lot to be excited about.Stranger of ParadiseandThe First Soldierare set to release this year whileEver CrisisandFinal Fantasy 16are likely to come in 2022.Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2is the true wild card of the group but based on Square Enix’s comments, it may arrive as early as 2023.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Originis set to release in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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