Summary
- Final Fantasy Explorers resembles Monster Hunter but fell short in execution, warranting a second chance.
- Monster Hunter Wilds marks strong resemblances to Final Fantasy, hinting at the potential for a sequel or remake.
- Final Fantasy Explorers would benefit from refined gameplay like depth in combat mechanics and detailed environments.
Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series 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 mainline Final Fantasy series 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, some Final Fantasy spin-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 as Final Fantasy spin-offs go, Final Fantasy Explorers is 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 Explorers borrows the game design of Capcom’s Monster Hunter franchise, 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 that Monster Hunter Wilds shares with Final Fantasy make a strong case for Final Fantasy Explorers getting a second chance in either a sequel or a remake.
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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 Wilds bears some strong similarities to Final Fantasy, to the point that it almost feels like a Monster Hunter game that takes place in the world of Final Fantasy. The most notable similarity is Monster Hunter Wilds‘ art style, which is more mature and hinges more on realism than the series’ previous titles. Prior to Monster 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 resembles Final Fantasy even more than it resembles its past self.
There are some very clear similarities between Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy, but the clearest comparisons can be drawn between Monster Hunter Wilds‘ Seikret and Final 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 longtime Final Fantasy fans do a double take. In addition to that are Monster Hunter Wilds‘ character models, which look like they were pulled straight out of a Final Fantasy game.
Specifically, Alma, Gemma, and Nata all exhibit physical characteristics and attire that deviate from traditional Monster Hunter appearances and instead look more like something one would find in Final Fantasy.
Final Fantasy Explorers Deserves a Second Chance With Refined Gameplay
While these similarities alone might not be enough to justify Final Fantasy Explorers getting a second chance, the fact that it might be difficult for some gamers to play Monster Hunter Wilds without thinking about Final Fantasy says something. The elements for a great Monster Hunter-like Final Fantasy spin-off are already there, as the latter even has a roster of monsters that is extensive enough to produce long-term gameplay, as evidenced in Final Fantasy Explorers. This is, of course, not to mention the potential that the original Final Fantasy Explorers failed to meet that a sequel or remake might be able to.
Adding more variety to Final Fantasy Explorers‘ missions would help its gameplay to feel less repetitive — a major criticism of the original game. Final Fantasy Explorers‘ combat also felt a bit too simplistic in comparison to Monster Hunter, and a sequel or remake could change that by adding the depth that Monster Hunter has in its combat mechanics. A second chance for Final Fantasy Explorers could also result in some more detailed environments, especially if they included the ecosystems of Monster Hunter Wilds. Finally, Final Fantasy Explorers‘ story could be overhauled to offer the same level of impact that other Final Fantasy games have had.
More than any installment before it, Monster Hunter Wilds bears some strong similarities to Final Fantasy, to the point that it almost feels like a Monster Hunter game that takes place in the world of Final Fantasy.
With Monster Hunter Wilds featuring a style and worldbuilding approach that mirrors Final Fantasy more than ever, the potential of Final Fantasy Explorers is 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 environmental storytelling of Monster Hunter Wilds.
- Released
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February 28, 2025
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor