What is so good about Turn-based battle system? (FF XV)

[arcelonious]

I like both turn-based and real-time/action types of role-playing games. As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I've personally tried to stay open-minded for each entry in the series, and for the most part, I have enjoyed each entry that I've played.

I actually really enjoyed the battle system in Final Fantasy XIII, with perhaps my only criticism being that it was too easy for most encounters. I thought the battle system really shined during the hard encounters (i.e., trying to obtain 5 stars on many of the later missions), which encouraged the player to manage their paradigms well and understanding to switch roles effectively.

I also enjoyed the battle system in Final Fantasy XII. In particular, I enjoyed setting up gambits prior to difficult encounters and seeing how well my setups worked.

Overall, the gameplay of the Final Fantasy series has never really disappointed me, even the later titles (XIII is probably my current favorite in terms of gameplay). What I do feel the series has lost in the more recent titles is that sort of "whimsical" feel. The last few titles got more serious and melodramatic in tone, and a part of what I've enjoyed about Final Fantasy were the sillier moments, like Cloud searching for items to cross dress for Don Corneo, the hilarious Active Time Events in IX, and so on.

Back on topic, I'll definitely try to keep an open mind when I play XV, not that it would be difficult to do, since I enjoy a variety of different types of gameplay. I just wish the series went back towards more of the whimsical tone it had in the earlier games. Final Fantasy XV seems like it will continue the more serious and melodramatic approach, so I won't expect it there, but I'm hoping XVI brings back the series to its more fantasy and comical roots.