True. So really, there's no reason to release so many games in short space of time!

Then why is it that, in general, sales on FF games in Japan have been declining? FF13 is the worst-selling mainline FF since FF5. Most of the spinoffs do poorly, because people learned from the beginning that the spinoffs were clearly that- and probably not worth their time. Do I think people would like more FF games as compared to the mid-90s? Sure, but they also want the quality and refinement. And that's where the release schedule comes into play.

I'll start by looking at FF7. It's not a secret that I don't care for 7; it's where I think Square sold out to the mainstream. But I can't fault them on the business side of things- it did spur more sales worldwide, and it still was refined, from the team having time to actually work on the game. It was here, though, where execs saw these new sales, and got greedy. (Note that the milking started shortly after.) And in this rush to fulfill people's desire for more FF games, they rushed things out the door, just to keep people buying. They made sure to deliver on what the people were buying it for, too: a story with pretty graphics. In this rush, though, is when it became more apparent also that the story was actually the same one, just rewritten and set in a new world. Even the plot twists remain the same! However, it was the pretty graphics that fed the graphics whores, and they thus kept buying it, causing what we have today in why the series hasn't crashed and burnt like it should.

So how many of these games truely are different? Not many, really. The only one post-7 that was truely different and refined was FF12. (As I mentioned prior, I disagree with a few of their decisions, but I can't deny the work that was put into it.) And note what the years prior to this game's release were: very light, especially in comparison to other years of this era. The team was not rushed; they had time. This time let them actually do a different story, a different world style (though I think some of it was still FF11's engine reused), and, most importantly for an RPG, exploration. It was a game, you lived a role, doing what you wanted to, not being shoved down some linear path (10, 13), free to discover things as you see fit. Sure, to advance the plot, you would have to stay on their line, but the mere ability to venture off this line is part of an RPG. Being stuck on this line makes it an interactive movie- the direction I really think Square is trying to go. Besides, if the player can't explore, there's less places that you need to create pretty graphics for, also keeping costs down- at the expense of gameplay.

I already know you're going to disagree with me still. Because yes, the games are all different on the surface. But as someone who's been around since the beginning of the series, I can see behind the curtain, and see that it's all the same thing reskinned. And that's where things have stagnated- behind the skin, at the core of the game. This is what's burnt out.

I agree that Square is handling the franchise poorly as of late, but, the franchise is far from being burnt out. However, if Square continues down the path overly long dev- cycles with disappointing results, Final Fantasy may be heading for trouble in the future.

If this thread has reached any form of conclusion, it's that I suppose that this year is pivotal for FF then eh?

If they release quality games, all is well. 

If the games are lackluster, they're d00med.

The next 12 months should be interesting...

@RolStoppable: THERE IS EVERY NEED!

Because every FF is different including the direct sequels FFX-2 was different then FFX so it is no surprise that FFXIII will be Different from FFXIII.  

FF X-2 was an abomination of a game,a shame  to RPGS and a disgrace to the final fantasy series.

This year will be extremely important. To be honest, I'm very curious to see how Final Fantasy XIII-2 sells. I believe that game's sales may be a good indicator to see just how bad the FF name has been tarnished.

Nice Trolling Fail.

Even if its meant to be different, which is irrelevant at this point. Toriyama's words at the 1st production premier were that 'the team are working to respond to the opinions of FF13'. i think Kitase's also mentioned recently they will also be considering the opinions of the international as well as domestic fans.

whether its meant to be different or not is irrelevent, because the impetus for it being different is an acknowledgement that the thoughts the fans have been considered in during the development of this title.

and we also have evidence of playtesting, which they discussed in their post moderm of FF13 came too late in the games development. so its pretty clear, both from what we've been told and what the developers have said they are fully aware of FF13's mixed reception.

how was I trolling exactly?I was referring to the post above mine.You posted just to insult me,which I doubt you would have the guts to do in real life,so I really don't think I'm the troll here. And never talk to me like that again.