The argument for Final Fantasy 17 to bring back a forgotten job

From its beginnings, Final Fantasy has continually reshaped the RPG landscape, particularly with its iconic job system. Each game introduced new roles that emphasized unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Among these jobs, a fan favorite has slowly faded from the spotlight: the Blue Mage. Historically, the Blue Wizards have been some of the most unique characters in the Final Fantasylearning powerful monster skills through direct exposure to enemy attacks. This creative mechanic set Blue Mages apart from other job classes.

However, recent titles have overlooked the Blue Mage entirely in favor of more streamlined or action-based combat, with Final Fantasy 14 being the only modern exception. There, Blue Mage operates outside of the traditional party setup and faces significant restrictions in end-game content. This left a void for fans who miss the Blue Mage's unpredictable abilities and adaptable style. With Final Fantasy 17 on the horizon, Square Enix has an opportunity to bring back this classic job and reimagine it in a way that suits modern gameplay.

Why Final Fantasy 17 Should Honor The Blue Mage

Blue mage's unique mechanics encourage strategy

One of the Blue Mage's defining characteristics is his method of learning skills. Unlike other classes that gain spells through level progression or using items, the Blue Mage must face enemies and learn their skills through experience. This mechanic introduced an additional layer of strategic planning as players sought out specific enemies to expand their repertoire. In Final Fantasy 5debut of the Blue Mage, this job quickly stood out for allowing players to turn their enemies' own forces against them.

Resurgence of the Blue Mage in Final Fantasy 17 could reintroduce this layer of strategy, offering a unique break from standard RPG combat. Players should hunt down specific monsters and endure specific attacks, capturing that thrill of discovery. Supporting such a play style with a narrative surrounding it would be very appealing.

Blue mages enhance Final Fantasy lore and character diversity

Over the years, the Blue Wizards have been more than spell carriers – they've embodied unique narratives and personalities. Characters like Kimahri from Final Fantasy 10 and Quina from Final Fantasy 9 have taken on the role of the Blue Mage while adding depth to their stories as outsiders or seekers of self-discovery. It's no doubt one of the reasons why some gamers within the community will passionately defend the “banning” of their respective video game.

By reintroducing the Blue Mage into Final Fantasy 17Square Enix could take advantage of this task to develop character depth and lore. A protagonist or key ally of the Blue Mage could bear the weight of learning and adapting from their experiences, reflecting a journey of personal growth related to their role. With a main character learning from the monsters of their world, the game could explore complex themes like understanding differences, learning from adversity, or embracing diversity in strength.

A modern Blue Mage adaptation in a new Final Fantasy story

Final Fantasy 16 brought players one of the darkest stories in the series' history while focusing on real-time action combat. It also continued the recent tradition of photorealism in game aesthetics. For Final Fantasy 17Square Enix could consider an aesthetic change similar to what Final Fantasy 9 made after the modern nature of FF 7 and FF 8. A Blue Mage character could serve as a proper protagonist or supporting role with his traditional masked, pseudo-superhero appearance, perhaps even wielding a cane.

In ideal modern game terms, the Blue Mage's learning mechanics could be expanded to reward experimentation. Instead of simply copying the enemy's abilities, perhaps players could customize or improve these abilities based on frequency of use or enemies defeated.

Why Final Fantasy 17 needs the Blue Mage

The Blue Mage represents a forgotten but iconic aspect of Final Fantasy history. This craft includes elements of surprise, strategy, and adaptability, creating a memorable playstyle that many fans have missed. By bringing this role back Final Fantasy 17Square Enix could satisfy longtime fans while capturing the curiosity of new players.

Not only would the Blue Mage provide a different gameplay experience than the simpler classes seen in recent games, but it would also allow for deeper character development and party dynamics. That Final Fantasy continues to evolve, has a chance to honor its roots and bring back a job that reminds players of the core charm of the series – where learning from experiences and battles can shape a hero's journey.