Next Final Fantasy could be an action RPG

Square Enix has suggested Final Fantasy XV will move away from its turn-based nature and further embrace the action of Western RPGs.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 producer Yoshinori Kitase described the increasing popularity of action RPGs – such as Dragon Age and Skyrim – as a trend you ignore at your peril”.

He told Edge: In the global market we see many players moving away from games that used turn-based systems toward what you might term an action RPG.

"That’s a trend, and you ignore things like that at your peril."

Final Fantasy has changed massively since its inception in the late ‘80s. In recent years the Japanese franchise has mixed its traditional turn-based gameplay with faster-paced action, in titles such as Final Fantasy XII and XIII. But it is open to further change for Final Fantasy XV.

"I think the nature of the franchise is to present something new each time," Kitase added.

"FFXIII and FFXIII-2’s battle systems have those elements of speed and action that are the key words for us, though that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to stick to the same route in our next game," he said. "That’s something only time can tell."

Square Enix has also developed MMOs including Final Fantasy XI and XIV – the latter of which was poorly received by players. It is currently scheduled for a relaunch in late 2012.

The next release in the series, Final Fantasy XIII-2, will hit UK shelves on February 3rd 2012 for Xbox 360 and PS3.