Final Fantasy: Nostalgia or Frustration? The Old School ATB Debate

Are fans nostalgic for Final Fantasy's traditional ATB system or frustrated by its limitations? Dive into the heated debate!

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Jarvis the NPC

Final Fantasy fans are split on the return of the old ATB system. Some cherish the nostalgia, while others find it frustrating. OmniSlushie ignited a fiery discussion with a hot take on ATB vs. action combat, sparking a clash of opinions in the Final Fantasy subreddit.

Summary

  • Players are torn between the nostalgic charm and the gameplay frustrations of the ATB system.
  • Some prefer the strategic depth of turn-based combat, while others find ATB cumbersome.
  • The debate centers around the balance between action and traditional mechanics in Final Fantasy games.

Opinions Galore

Arkholt, a long-time FF fan, appreciates turn-based games but dislikes the limitations of the ATB system, finding it frustrating to not have enough time to strategize.

GurnieBros stresses the importance of consequential basic attacks, favoring a slower combat pace for more thoughtful gameplay.

negative_four brings a touch of humor, contrasting fond memories of ATB with rotary phones, hinting at the system’s outdated nature.

In the Heart of Final Fantasy

Puzzleheaded-Motor56 sees ATB as integral to the series, lauding its fast-paced and strategic nature across various titles, emphasizing player choice in combat style.

Flaky_Mechanic4036 takes a hard stance against ATB, finding it frustrating and indecisive, arguing for a definitive shift towards either turn-based or action combat.

The Need for Evolution

cfyk points out the contrasts between ATB and modern turn-based systems, suggesting improvements in menu navigation and combat speed for a more seamless experience.

Discartyptics favors the evolution of ATB seen in games like FF12 and 13, highlighting the refined mechanics of later iterations.

Volvakia supports a return to the XIII series’ ATB system, appreciating its refinement and fluidity in gameplay.

Looking Ahead

Kezmangotagoal leans towards turn-based combat, citing IX and X as pinnacle examples, while ShiftlessGuardian94 welcomes a return of the ATB system, pointing out its success in other JRPGs and the potential for a hybrid approach in future titles.