My mom has been playing JRPGs like Tales of and FF since almost their beginnings, and she strongly feels this way. She constantly complains about newer JRPGs trying too hard to look western or appeal to overtly “manly” gamers, and while she takes it to a degree far more than me, I do agree with her. Especially since I know this article mentions kids were mostly playing Pokemon.
We watched the first hour or two of FF 16, and while I kinda liked the plot, it just looks too gritty and rough (and also the fuck was that softcore sex scene???). I maybe will play it since I’m doing my initial FF series marathon (started with the 3D remake of III), but I just feel meh about the later games.
I played FF XV a year ago and was severely underwhelmed, especially since I didn’t know the game is essentially unfinished without the additional story DLC. The setting took me out of it too, I was expecting a way more fictional and creative world than I got because, well, it is called “Final FANTASY”, but the reality was just. Watch this boyband drive a car for hours and do sidequests until “Oh shit we need to get the blessings of the titans/guardians/whatever!”
Having that as my first FF game was kinda disappointing lol.
graymess@hexbear.net 5 days ago
You’re onto something. FF16 is probably the least appealing FF title so far to me. And I’m the kind of person who tunes out fantasy stories as soon as magic crystals become plot relevant. The settings don’t feel as fun and imaginative.