It's been rumored that a new game called Final Fantasy Origins is set to be revealed at E3. The leaks and rumors point toward a Soulsborne-style game set either in the world of the first Final Fantasy or maybe even a full reboot. If these rumors prove true, it's likely that Final Fantasy Origins will be leaning into a darker atmosphere and a higher level of difficulty to fit the inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Excitement about what's coming from Square Enix at E3 2021 is already really high. Fans are hoping to get updates about Final Fantasy 16 and maybe even the second part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, although Final Fantasy doesn't really have a presence on its announced line-up (so far). Leaks have pointed toward FF16 being present at Square Enix's show, alongside the company announcing Final Fantasy Origins. As it stands, it's all up in the air. But if a Soulsborne game is joining the ranks of the Final Fantasy franchise, there are two classic monsters that could help establish a more somber tone and the grueling difficulty the subgenre is known for.
Malboro
The Malboro is one of the most classically frustrating enemies in all of Final Fantasy and could make a great fit for either a major boss or powerful enemy in Final Fantasy Origins. Its general design fits the mold of Soulsborne games with its grotesque tentacles and gnashing teeth. Its Bad Breath ability also applies a number of status effects simultaneously and can quickly leave an entire party blind, mute, poisoned, and confused. This kind of brutal punishment could be applied well in a Soulsborne-style Final Fantasy game.
Thematically, if Final Fantasy Origins continues the trend of bringing Final Fantasy into even darker territory, a Malboro could also represent a major threat to the world around it. Something that hasn't really been explored previously is the impact a single massive Malboro or a swarm of the creatures could truly inflict on cities or towns in their paths. Seeing the aftermath of an attack from these plague-spewing creatures could create an engaging backdrop for a questline in Final Fantasy Origins.
Behemoth
Another of the most recognizable creatures from Final Fantasy's history is the Behemoth. Taking various forms over the years and appearing in mainline games and spin-off series like Kingdom Hearts, the Behemoth is often a representation of pure physical power. Some forms of the creatures are infused with magic, but most often the Behemoth is a visceral juggernaut that features both lightning-quick speed and crushingly-powerful slam attacks. A Soulsborne reinvention of Final Fantasy could put the behemoth to great use.
The creation of Behemoths is also something that varies from game to game. Some titles like Final Fantasy 15 see them featured as hulking beasts, but natural ones. Meanwhile in FF7 Remake, they are shown to be the subjects of experimentation, infused with magic abilities and different forms. Either approach could work well for Final Fantasy Origins, as players could be tasked with stopping a wild Behemoth that's come to close to town or deal with a mad wizard's creation. With Final Fantasy Origin likely to be an action-heavy game, the Behemoth could be a great addition to match physical action for action.
Final Fantasy Origins is rumored to be in development.