Ben Starr hit it big with Final Fantasy 16, which, as the name implies, is the sixteenth mainline installment in a beloved franchise that launched all the way back when both Starr and I were mere infants. It’s my favorite gaming franchise on earth, and I’m happy to see it continue, but the actor struck fresh-IP gold as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The industry has been giddily celebrating Clair Obscur’s rise ever since its debut. And for good reason. It’s a brand-new universe that hit it big on account of its gripping storytelling and marvelously poignant world. This is the sort of thing that Starr wants to see carry forward over the next several years: bold new visions, rather than nonstop retreads through familiar ground.
Building The Future
The topic sprung up at Emerald City Comic-Con 2026, where Starr was joined by Jennifer English and Aliona Baranova for a fascinating panel. Starr, whose work as Clive Rosfield is every bit as delicious as his time as Verso, nevertheless pointing to Clair Obscur as the path forward. Which isn’t to say there shouldn’t be a Final Fantasy 17 (I’d be morose), but Expedition 33 shouldn’t be the only foray into brave new IP. Not in the least.
“We should be building new IPs, not always looking back to the past,” Starr said. (Kudos for noticing, GamesRadar.) He cites Resident Evil, whose ninth mainline chapter, Requiem, is blowing up the sales charts. As much as he’d be down for a role, he’d much prefer to be a part of something new again. “Let’s originate characters… That’s what we should be looking towards.”
Starr also went straight for my heart, mentioning that he’d love to be part of the Legacy of Kain franchise. If you hadn’t heard, a brand-new title just released for the first time in decades. But, um. With full respect, it’s not going over well. It doesn’t quite look the way that 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 even heard of it that I’ve seen hardcore lifetime fans who blinked and missed the reveal.
So, forgive me for saying so, but perhaps we’d best wait for Ben to pop up in a more traditional Legacy of Kain. Here’s hoping Ascendance’s reception doesn’t kick such ideas to the curb forevermore.
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