In the year 2023, when I find myself in my room, eagerly downloading a pre-release copy of Final Fantasy XVI. To my astonishment, I have been granted the opportunity to review the game.
As I immerse myself in its gameplay, a sense of childlike joy fills my heart, leading me to exclaim to my friend, "My dear, I can hardly believe I am playing this game at this very moment."
Final Fantasy XVI proves to be an exceptional addition to the esteemed franchise, not only living up to its legacy but also standing out as one of Square Enix's most remarkable ventures since the turn of the century (and trust me, I have dedicated considerable time to playing games from this series).
While it initially struggles to establish its own identity, the game gradually blossoms into a captivating experience, featuring endlessly entertaining combat and a compelling storyline. While not flawless, Final Fantasy XVI undeniably shines as a strong contender in Square Enix's repertoire.
Game of Chocobos
Final Fantasy XVI follows the journey of Clive Rosenfield, a gruff yet good-hearted protagonist, over 18 years. We witness his transformation from an honorable aristocrat into a revolutionary figure and savior of Valisthea—a land where humans known as Dominants can harness the power of massive god-like Eikons, while magic users called Bearers face brutal subjugation due to their gifts.
Additionally, a Blight is rapidly turning the continents of Storm and Ash into desolate wastelands.
Storytelling has always been a defining characteristic of the Final Fantasy series, and XVI adeptly combines two prominent influences. On one hand, it encompasses typical elements associated with Final Fantasy—the clear juxtaposition between good and evil, fantastical creatures like chocobos and moogles, an exceptionally captivating antagonist, and perhaps the finest iteration of Cid.
On the other hand, there is a pronounced influence from Game of Thrones, as mandated by Producer Naoki Yoshida, who required the development team to study the acclaimed HBO series.
For the most part, these influences intertwine to form a gripping narrative. However, Final Fantasy XVI occasionally stumbles when leaning too heavily on Game of Thrones tropes.
Observant viewers of the HBO series will discern several parallels, including copious amounts of bloodshed, intricate political intrigue, and exposition-laden instances of sexuality.
Yoshida's comments on representation in the game from the previous year have drawn criticism. He stated, "Due to the underlying geographical, technological, and geopolitical constraints of this setting, Valisthea was never going to really be as diverse as, say, a modern-day Earth."
Although he later clarified his remarks, it remains true that Final Fantasy XVI features fewer characters of color compared to other major RPGs such as Hogwarts Legacy or Diablo IV.
Despite these imperfections, Final Fantasy XVI weaves an astounding tale that delves into the depths of
the human spirit, exploring the lengths individuals will go to protect those they love and fight for what they believe is right.
The game boasts complex characters, well-developed relationships, and a tender romance between Clive and his childhood friend Jill that evoked deep emotions within me—so much so that I found myself moved to tears on multiple occasions (and I do not hesitate to admit it).
Moogle May Cry
Never would I have imagined uttering these words about a Final Fantasy game, but XVI's fast-paced action combat stands as its greatest strength and undeniably ranks among the finest in the series.
Fans of games such as Devil May Cry 5 and Dragons Dogma will immediately feel at home, thanks to the contributions of Ryota Suzuki, a veteran from Capcom serving as XVI's Combat Director.
While not as intricate as DMC5, the combat system offers a similarly flashy, satisfying, and consistently enjoyable experience while remaining accessible to newcomers to the action genre.
Clive possesses the ability to string together attacks into a plethora of combos, granting a sense of familiarity to fighting game enthusiasts. New abilities are acquired at a steady pace throughout the game, ensuring that gameplay remains fresh.
I often found myself quietly exclaiming "Helllllll yeah" after successfully executing a series of combos on staggered enemies, which punctuated numerous victories.
The game also treats players to epic Eikon battles, where colossal mythological beings engage in combat. Although the simplified controls do not present a substantial challenge, these encounters showcase breathtaking cinematic animations.
AAA Done Right
Square Enix has dedicated ample time and effort to polish Final Fantasy XVI, evident in the seamless navigation of the not-quite-open-world regions of Valisthea, the smooth browsing of menus, and the ease of equipping gear and abilities.
Moreover, the game incorporates an abundance of innovative quality-of-life features, with my personal favorite being the Active Time Lore (ATL) system.
At any given moment, players can hold the touchpad to access a concise constellation of entries about relevant characters, locations, or events. These entries function as footnotes within a complex fantasy novel, and I sincerely hope other development teams take note of this feature (I'm looking at you, Kingdom Hearts).
Furthermore, the game offers special accessories that allow players to simplify combat. If combat proves overwhelming, equipping an auto-dodge ring obtained early in the game enables players to rely on basic attack inputs. Another accessory facilitates executing combos with perfect timing, providing a smoother experience for those who prefer a less demanding approach.
Inventory management and crafting have been streamlined to the point of being almost oversimplified. By engaging in side quests, opening treasure chests, and collecting materials along the mostly linear path, players can effortlessly craft each newly unlocked Blacksmith piece without burdening themselves with an overcrowded inventory.
A Legendary Series at Its Finest
My initial playthrough of Final Fantasy XVI spanned approximately 70 hours. During this time, I completed every side quest, crafted every weapon, conquered every hunt, and triumphed over every challenge. Immediately thereafter, I embarked on a New Game+ journey in Final Fantasy mode—the game's equivalent of a hardcore mode.
I yearned to relive the story, gaining a deeper understanding of its nuanced character development. I desired to savor the astonishing soundtrack in its entirety, marveling once again at its virtuosic range, power, and beauty.
I craved the exhilaration of launching enemies into the air, expertly juggling them, and then forcefully slamming them into the ground, all while flawlessly timing my spells. The experience was simply exceptional.
To all Final Fantasy fans who may initially find the game reminiscent of Game of Thrones, I implore you to persist. And to those who are newcomers to the series, Final Fantasy XVI may well be the most accessible entry thus far. Who knows, perhaps you will fall in love with it just as ardently as I have.
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