A New French Game Shines a Light on Square Enix's Missteps

A French game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has made a big splash. It has sold over a million copies in just three days. This game is a throwback to classic turn-based JRPGs. It has a dark fairy tale plot and top-notch graphics. The game's success is a stark contrast to recent Final Fantasy titles. These games have strayed from their roots, chasing trends instead of fan preferences. Square Enix has been on a strange path lately. They have been ignoring what made their games great in the first place. Instead, they have been trying to copy other successful games. This has led to mixed results. Games like Final Fantasy 15 and 16 have not been as well-received as their predecessors. Fans have been craving the classic turn-based combat that made the series famous. But Square Enix seems to have forgotten that. The company has been claiming that players don't want turn-based games anymore. They have been pushing for more action-oriented gameplay. But the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proves otherwise. This game has shown that there is still a big audience for turn-based JRPGs. It has also shown that Square Enix is out of touch with its fanbase. Naoki Yoshida, the producer behind Final Fantasy 14's revival, has been a key figure in this shift. He has been pushing for more realistic graphics and less turn-based combat. But this approach has not worked for the mainline Final Fantasy games. It has led to a decline in popularity and relevance. Fans have been left wanting more from their favorite series. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breath of fresh air. It is a reminder of what made JRPGs great in the first place. It is a game that respects its roots while also innovating. It is a game that listens to its fans. It is a game that Square Enix should be paying attention to. The success of this game is a clear message to the industry. Turn-based games are not dead. They are just waiting for someone to give them the love they deserve.