Ben Starr hit it big with Final Fantasy 16, which, as the name implies, is the sixteenth mainline installment in the beloved franchise that began when Starr and I were both just kids. It's my favorite gaming franchise on earth, and I'm happy to see it continue, but the actor has won fresh-IP gold as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The industry has been celebrating the rise of Claire Obscure since its debut. And for good reason. It's a brand new universe that made it a big hit because of its captivating storytelling and wonderfully poignant world. This is the kind of thing Starr wants to see moving forward over the next several years: bold new visions rather than nonstop retreads through familiar ground.
Building the future
The topic came up at Emerald City Comic-Con 2026, where the star was joined by Jennifer English and Aliona Baranova for an engaging panel. Starr, whose work as Clive Rosefield is as delicious as Verso as his time, nevertheless points to Claire Obscur as the way forward. Which isn't to say Final Fantasy 17 shouldn't happen (I'd be sad), but Campaign 33 shouldn't be the only move to a brave new IP. not least.
“We have to build new IPs, not always look back to the past,” Starr said. (Thanks for the heads up, GamesRadar.) He cited Resident Evil, whose ninth main chapter, Requiem, is blowing up the sales charts. As much as he is down for the role, he prefers to be a part of something new again. “Let's have the characters originate … that's what we should be looking for.”
Starr also went straight for my heart, mentioning that he wants to be a part of the legacy of the Kane franchise. In case you hadn't heard, a new title was just released for the first time in decades. But, um. With all due respect, it's not going well. This doesn't seem to be the way most of us remember the setting, and for good reason; It's got a mostly negative score on Steam right now, and so few people have heard of it that I've seen Lifetime die-hard fans who blinked and missed the reveal.
So, forgive me for saying so, but maybe we can wait for Ben to pop up in the more traditional legacy of Kane. Here's hoping the Ascension reception doesn't stop such thoughts forever.
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