I was absolutely pumped when Square-Enix revealed Final Fantasy Gaiden for DS.  A back-to-basics turn-based RPG with Akihiko Yoshida [Vagrant Story, FF Tactics, III, XII] as art director?  Sign me up!  But I was recently informed of one aspect of the game that leaves me feeling like a plucked chocobo.

Hit the link to find out why I facepalmed upon seeing Gaiden's screens.

As I said, I was pretty darn excited about Final Fantasy Gaiden.  I should have known when I heard that different armor actually changes the character model's appearance, but I was surprised nonetheless when I realized that the game would be in 3D.  Weak!

If it's an old-school-styled RPG, then why is it in 3D?  Shouldn't the aesthetics match the engine?  Apparently, the designers don't agree, saying that they mean to create a retro game yet utilize modern technology.

Like I've noted before, it's kind of silly to make RPGs for portables, so wouldn't that, along with the fact that the developers want to make full use of current technology, warrant a console or DLC release?  Apparently the game's makers only want to utilize PS1/N64 level hardware.

Dear Square, I want a 2D, simple Final Fantasy with sprites and backgrounds on the same level as Odin Sphere.  K?  Thanks.

So what do you prefer?  Blocky 3D models or beautiful - yet flat - 2D graphics?  Hit up the comments and let me know.

Comments (3)

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written by Trevor, August 07, 2009

Silly to make RPG's for portables?

Have you ever played Pokemon?

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written by zmttoxics, August 07, 2009

FF3 / FF4 were fantastic in 3D on the DS. I will be delighted to trudge through this one too.

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written by lightside, August 07, 2009

I really think that 2D games have been trying to muster a renaissance in the last couple of years. We've had a steady trickle of critic favorites like Braid, Oboromuramasa, & BlazBlue. I think some of it has to due with the uptick in small studio XBLA/PSN/WiiWare games. It's certainly has a part of the fighting game resurgence at least. As a result, bigger companies like Capcom and SNK are supporting 2D fighters again, to an extent.

I can only cross my fingers for the RPG genre though, and hope that Square-Enix, Atlus, and the rest of them see the value in creating a GORGEOUS 2-D RPG in the near future. Now imagine a Vanillaware 2-D RPG in HD... what I wouldn't give...

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