
Square’s uncertainty about its Role-Playing Games (RPGs) gaining popularity in the West was deeply rooted in nostalgia and tinged with a touch of sadness, as one commenter pointed out. Developers at that time had reservations about whether Western audiences would appreciate the intricacy and complexity of Japanese RPGs. Essentially, Square thought Western players might not understand these games. Given the initial reception of Dragon Quest, their apprehensions were not unfounded.
In simpler terms, they chose to hide games like Final Fantasy II and III in the background, opting instead for FFIV, which was seen as more cinematic and easier to grasp. This careful approach reflects a broader trend in the industry where localization concerns frequently took precedence over pure fan excitement.
This cautious move raises questions about how this timidity led to confusion among generations of gamers who were left puzzled by missing numbers and unclear titles in a series they adored but found frustratingly complex.