Summary
Square Enix’sFinal Fantasyseries has no shortage of spin-offs, with a staggering number of games set within its iconic universe that span a wide variety of genres. While the mainlineFinal Fantasyseries remains the heart of the franchise, Square Enix has long experimented with different art styles, settings, and gameplay mechanics to produce an enormous variety of spin-offs. However, someFinal Fantasyspin-off concepts have been largely tossed aside after a lukewarm reception, including one that follows the example of one of Capcom’s biggest franchises.
As far asFinal Fantasyspin-offsgo,Final Fantasy Explorersis one of the most average titles available, with an idea that should theoretically work but one that wasn’t executed well enough to lead to a successful launch. In a nutshell,Final Fantasy Explorersborrows the game design of Capcom’sMonster Hunterfranchise, seeing players hunt down large bosses and then gathering their materials to craft better gear. While the game didn’t perform well in 2016 due to considerable flaws in its approach, the similarities thatMonster Hunter Wildsshares withFinal Fantasymake a strong case forFinal Fantasy Explorersgetting a second chance in either a sequel or a remake.
Monster Hunter Wilds Makes a Strong Case for a Final Fantasy Explorers Sequel
Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy Are Very Similar
More than any installment before it,Monster Hunter Wildsbears some strong similarities toFinal Fantasy, to the point that it almost feels like aMonster Huntergamethat takes place in the world ofFinal Fantasy. The most notable similarity isMonster Hunter Wilds' art style, which is more mature and hinges more on realism than the series' previous titles. Prior toMonster Hunter Wilds, most installments in the series had leaned more on the cartoon side of things when it comes to their art style, but the upcoming entry resemblesFinal Fantasyeven more than it resembles its past self.
There are some very clear similarities betweenMonster Hunter WildsandFinal Fantasy, but the clearest comparisons can be drawn betweenMonster Hunter Wilds' SeikretandFinal Fantasy’s Chocobos. The two creatures are so similar, in fact, that putting a picture of both of them next to one another might even make longtimeFinal Fantasyfans do a double take. In addition to that areMonster Hunter Wilds' character models, which look like they were pulled straight out of aFinal Fantasygame.
Specifically, Alma, Gemma, and Nata all exhibit physical characteristics and attire that deviate from traditionalMonster Hunterappearances and instead look more like something one would find inFinal Fantasy.
Final Fantasy Explorers Deserves a Second Chance With Refined Gameplay
While these similarities alone might not be enough to justifyFinal Fantasy Explorersgetting a second chance, the fact that it might be difficult for some gamers to playMonster Hunter Wildswithout thinking aboutFinal Fantasysays something. The elements for a greatMonster Hunter-likeFinal Fantasyspin-offare already there, as the latter even has a roster of monsters that is extensive enough to produce long-term gameplay, as evidenced inFinal Fantasy Explorers. This is, of course, not to mention the potential that the originalFinal Fantasy Explorersfailed to meet that a sequel or remake might be able to.
Adding more variety toFinal Fantasy Explorers' missions would help its gameplay to feel less repetitive — a major criticism of the original game.Final Fantasy Explorers' combatalso felt a bit too simplistic in comparison toMonster Hunter, and a sequel or remake could change that by adding the depth thatMonster Hunterhas in its combat mechanics. A second chance forFinal Fantasy Explorerscould also result in some more detailed environments, especially if they included the ecosystems ofMonster Hunter Wilds. Finally,Final Fantasy Explorers' story could be overhauled to offer the same level of impact that otherFinal Fantasygames have had.
More than any installment before it,Monster Hunter Wildsbears some strong similarities toFinal Fantasy, to the point that it almost feels like aMonster Huntergame that takes place in the world ofFinal Fantasy.
WithMonster Hunter Wildsfeaturing a style and worldbuilding approach that mirrorsFinal Fantasymore than ever, the potential ofFinal Fantasy Explorersis worth reconsidering. The original game had a strong foundation but ultimately failed to deliver the depth and variety needed to stand alongside the best of either franchise. A sequel or remake could correct that, refining combat, expanding mission diversity, and embracing the environmentalstorytelling ofMonster Hunter Wilds.
