Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series, recently gave an interview to Inverse where he shared his thoughts on the gaming industry, its current direction, and reflected on what the Final Fantasy series could have been. He also weighed in on which title he believes is the best in the series.
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creative force behind the Final Fantasy series, has spent over four decades shaping the world of video games. Now 61, Sakaguchi reflects on his illustrious career and his latest project, Fantasian, a game that blends his signature turn-based RPG style with hand-crafted dioramas. This new endeavor allowed him to return to his roots and explore the childhood fantasy that inspired him: the idea of what Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX might have looked like if they had been created using the pixel art style of earlier games.
Sakaguchi’s career began with the original Final Fantasy in 1987, a game that set a new industry standard with its innovative gameplay and compelling narrative. Over the years, the Final Fantasy series has continually evolved, with each installment experimenting with new ideas while maintaining a core focus on story and world-building. Sakaguchi believes that these elements are the true “DNA” of the series, providing thematic backbones that resonate with players and reflect current events.
Reflecting on the pixel art style that defined the early Final Fantasy games, Sakaguchi often wonders how the series might have evolved if it had continued in that direction. He envisions a world where Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX were rendered in pixel art, creating a nostalgic yet innovative visual experience. Despite his departure from Square Enix in 2003 to form his own studio, Mistwalker, Sakaguchi remains deeply connected to the Final Fantasy franchise, now as a passionate player of Final Fantasy XIV.
In this regard, Sakaguchi said that according to him, Final Fantasy VI is the most complete game in the series. He clarified that by “complete”, he doesn’t necessarily mean the best but rather the one that most fully embodies the series’ essence.
Sakaguchi explained, “Final Fantasy VI stands out because it was the last game in the series to utilize pixel art to its visual potential fully.” This artistic choice gives the game a distinct charm that, according to Sakaguchi, sets it apart from the others. Interestingly, this perspective differs from that of Tetsuya Nomura, another key figure in the Final Fantasy series, who once mentioned that he felt he “could have done a better job” with Final Fantasy VI. Nomura admitted earlier this year that he doesn’t feel this way about many other games.
Sakaguchi acknowledges the shift in the gaming industry towards multiplayer experiences and user-generated content but remains committed to his expertise in single-player RPGs. He sees value in remakes, noting that they allow developers to build on existing foundations while adding new layers of cinematic depth. This perspective is exemplified in the success of Final Fantasy VII Remake, which utilized modern technology to enhance the original game’s impact.
As the industry continues to evolve, he remains optimistic, viewing changes as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. He continues to innovate, exploring new ways to integrate multimedia elements into his games, as seen in Fantasian‘s diorama-based environments. While he contemplates retirement, Sakaguchi hints that his creative journey may not be over, leaving the door open for future projects.
What about you? In your opinion, which is the best Final Fantasy of all time? Let’s talk about it on Reddit.
