Interview with Yasumi Matsuno

[11.05.01] » The creator discusses the ever-present possibility of a Final Fantasy Tactics 2.

   The latest Weekly Famitsu magazine talks to the designer of Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story, Yasumi Matsuno, about the future of his creations.

Famitsu: Let's get right to it. Is there to be a sequel to Vagrant Story or Final Fantasy Tactics?

Matsuno: There are no such plans at this time. But even if it's not one of Square's current titles, a sequel is always a possibility. It's just not currently in production, if that's what you're wondering.

Famitsu: Are you hoping to be able to make them someday?

Matsuno: I'd like to, if I get the chance, but I'd also like to work on other games as well. I would like to take that style of game a step further, perhaps to something beyond the simulation RPG style altogether. I'd like to make the name, plus "2," go as far as it possibly can. I don't think anyone besides myself will make a sequel to FFT, but it's the same as the FF series. The players' demand rises, followed by the industry itself, so the company wants a sequel. If I am working on something else, chances are someone else will be chosen to make it. But FFT wasn't just my game, after all, and if it's the same team at work, I think it would still be FFT2.

Famitsu: You say you don't like sequels, but that if the game contains something new, it might be worth considering?

Matsuno: Vagrant Story wasn't a sequel to FFT, per say, but I was able to bring back certain elements, like FFT's 3D map system. Now that work on FFXII has begun, I have been trying to incorporate elements from Vagrant where I can. In that way, each new title is like a sequel. To us, at least. But of course, players will say that's not a real sequel. In that sense of the word, maybe if something new was being added, a real FFT2 might be possibly next time around.

Famitsu: I see. So you are in something of a bind. You can't promise it will be made, but you don't want people to forget about it either.

Matsuno: That's right. *glances at Mr. Sousui, the PR rep* But I'm not sure what the company has in store.

Sousui: Heck if I know either!

Everyone: Hahahaha

Sousui: Well, I think it all depends on what the players want. As it stands, we can discuss it in our board meetings, and a sequel might be possible.