Final Fantasy 8 would need reworked battle system in hypothetical remake, says series producer

Yoshinori Kitase, the director of Final Fantasy 8 and a key producer of the series, recently expressed his thoughts on the combat system of the beloved title, emphasizing that it would require significant changes in a hypothetical remake.

Final Fantasy 8 stands out from its predecessors due to its experimental approach, particularly with the Junction system, which allows players to enhance character stats through the use of magic. This system has garnered mixed feedback from players, prompting Kitase to consider a rework.

In a candid interview, Kitase mentioned, “I would really rework the battle system,” specifically focusing on the Junction system. He highlighted the challenges players faced, stating, “The thing about that system was the enemies leveled up in line with what the player’s level was.” This scaling made it essential for players to master the Junction system to succeed, which could be daunting for some.

Kitase recognized that the complexity of the Junction system made it difficult for many players to engage effectively. He noted, “Depending on player skills, sometimes they just didn’t work out the best way of doing it.” He aims to create a more balanced experience that enhances the accessibility of the game for both new and returning fans.

The Challenges of Remaking Classic Titles

While discussing potential remakes, Kitase acknowledged the immense effort required to bring classic games into the modern era. He remarked that the scope of remaking titles from the Super Nintendo and PlayStation One eras is far greater than they initially anticipated.

“It did blow us away: the amount of time and effort and resources that we need to realize something like a modern remake was much more than we originally imagined,” he explained. This realization has led the team to approach future projects with greater caution and consideration.

Exploring Different Art Styles

Kitase also shared his thoughts on the visual style of potential remakes, stating that they don’t necessarily have to adopt a hyper-realistic aesthetic. He encouraged exploring various artistic directions that might resonate better with the game’s essence and its fanbase.

On the subject of a possible 2D-HD remake of Final Fantasy 6, he expressed openness to different styles, emphasizing that if a developer within the company feels a particular approach would suit the game best, it should be considered.

Future Possibilities for Final Fantasy Remakes

Despite the challenges associated with remaking classic titles, Kitase remains optimistic about the future of the franchise. He believes that as long as there are passionate developers eager to take on these projects, the potential for new interpretations of beloved games is vast.

As fans eagerly await updates on potential remakes, the question remains: would you welcome a reworked version of Final Fantasy 8, complete with an improved battle system?