Final Fantasy 16 Review

Final Fantasy XVI has made its highly anticipated debut, and the great news is that both seasoned veterans and newcomers can enjoy this latest installment. Square Enix has expertly crafted the gameplay and story of their brand-new entry in the iconic RPG franchise to appeal to a wide range of players. So whether you’re a hardcore fan or a complete newcomer like myself, it’s time to unleash your inner adventurer and embark on an epic journey.

The captivating tale of Final Fantasy XVI unfolds in the mystical realm of Valisthea, a world divided into six nations teetering on the edge of war. Each nation is protected by a guardian known as a Dominant, a human host for powerful beings capable of wreaking havoc in the blink of an eye and turning the tide of any battle.

As a dark force called the Blight begins to consume the land, Valisthea is plunged into chaos and bloodshed. Desperation reigns, offering the perfect opportunity for aspiring tyrants to exploit those who find themselves brought to their knees. In some ways, the premise of Final Fantasy XVI bears resemblance to George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones, with its intricate web of political intrigue and looming conflicts.

At the center of this war-torn world stands Clive Roshield, a member of the ruling family of the kingdom of Roshield and the guardian of his younger brother, Joshua. Without revealing too much, a tragic event befalls the Roshield family, turning the lives of the two brothers upside down. Clive embarks on a quest for vengeance, but the truth he uncovers becomes a burden too heavy to bear.

Unlike the classic turn-based formula, Final Fantasy XVI adopts a more fluid combat system akin to that of Final Fantasy VII Remake. While personal preferences may vary, I, for one, am not particularly fond of turn-based combat, so the dynamic and seamless battles in this game are definitely my cup of tea.

The combat mechanics draw inspiration from games like Devil May Cry, allowing players to unleash stylish moves by combining button inputs. The game even rewards players for maintaining a rhythmic flow with a combo counter, providing compliments for executing slick moves and deadly counters. Blocking is not an option in Final Fantasy XVI, making well-timed dodges and high-impact stagger attacks crucial, especially against formidable foes capable of dealing devastating damage.

One of the strengths of Final Fantasy XVI is its accessibility to players of all skill levels. With its blend of magical powers and sword-based melee combat, the game is easy to pick up and play for everyone. Clive acquires various powers and abilities throughout his journey, such as The Will of Fire and The Favor of Wind, which allow him to harness elemental forces. Players can freely swap these abilities, providing flexibility in strategic approaches. Furthermore, these powers can be upgraded using earned experience points as Clive grows stronger. However, it’s worth noting that enemies also become more powerful as the player progresses, ensuring a consistent challenge and keeping players on their toes.

In addition to mastering powers and abilities, Clive can also craft and upgrade weapons and gear, thanks to the in-game Blacksmith. This feature provides players with an added advantage when facing epic boss battles, some of which are reminiscent of the colossal creatures seen in Godzilla movies.

Following the series’ tradition, Clive is accompanied by companions throughout his journey, whether during main story missions or side activities. At any given time, Clive can be joined by up to three characters, and from what I’ve experienced, their AI is impressively competent even without player commands. Among the most loyal companions is Torgal, Clive’s faithful canine companion, and yes, you can pet the dog. However, I must admit that hearing Clive repeatedly say “sick’em Torgal” has become a tad grating and would drive me to extreme measures if it continues.

It’s worth clarifying that Final Fantasy XVI is not an open-world game in the traditional sense. Instead, the world of Valisthea serves as a hub area with various distinct locations. As players explore each new area, they have the freedom to fast-travel to and from these locations at will. Each area is substantial in size and encourages players to embark on exploratory journeys, unveiling new discoveries around every corner. While not technically an open-world game, Final Fantasy XVI’s breathtaking landscapes and vistas should not be overlooked, enticing players to delve into its wonders.

When it comes to visuals, Final Fantasy XVI is undeniably one of the most visually stunning games available on modern consoles, leveraging the full capabilities of the PlayStation 5. The game is a visual marvel, boasting exceptional character animations, breathtaking world design, and captivating enemy encounters. In terms of sheer visual appeal, Final Fantasy XVI approaches perfection.

Moreover, players have the option to choose between two visual preferences: Graphics or Framerate. Graphics mode emphasizes visual fidelity, while Framerate mode prioritizes performance. The game maintains a steady framerate in Graphics mode, and choosing Framerate mode does not result in a significant visual downgrade. Ultimately, the choice between the two options depends on personal preference.

As expected from the series, Final Fantasy XVI features top-notch voice acting and a sublime soundtrack. The performances of each character exude energy and passion, immersing players in the game’s world. The composers behind the soundtrack have crafted a masterful score that elevates the overall experience. It is worth noting that regardless of how visually and mechanically impressive a game may be, the heart and soul of its characters and music are essential for creating a truly captivating experience. Final Fantasy XVI excels in delivering on both fronts and more.

If I were to offer any criticism of this game, it would be the lack of ethnic diversity. The absence of representation throughout the world of Valisthea feels out of place, particularly considering the prominence of the game’s characters. Producer Naoki Yoshida has addressed this concern by attributing it to the European medieval theme of Final Fantasy XVI and the purported lack of ethnic diversity during that era. However, historical experts widely refute the notion that medieval Europe was devoid of people of color from various ethnic backgrounds. While it is too late to rectify this issue in the game, one can only hope that future games inspired by medieval Europe will strive for greater inclusivity.

To conclude, Final Fantasy XVI offers an truly epic adventure. It features a fantastical story, outstanding character performances, a sublime soundtrack, and thrilling boss battles, all wrapped in stunning visuals. Seriously, there’s nothing not to love about this game. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, Final Fantasy XVI is undeniably one of the most remarkable and extravagant gaming experiences of 2023, and a strong contender for Game of the Year.

Final fantasy 16 pc

Final Fantasy 16 is generating excitement as it heads to PlayStation 5, promising an immersive high-fantasy adventure that has fans eagerly anticipating its release. However, for those of us who primarily play games on PCs, the question arises: Will FF16 be available on PC? When can we expect the PC release date, and what insights have the developers shared?

Taking cues from previous Final Fantasy titles, which eventually made their way to PC, we can draw some insights for predicting the future. Additionally, it’s crucial to examine the statements made by the team at Square Enix regarding the PC release of FF16.

Pros: Immersive world, stunning visuals, exceptional audio design, and accessible gameplay.

Cons: Lack of ethnic representation.

For fans of: Dragon Age, The Witcher.

Rating: 9/10 – Exceptional.

Final Fantasy XVI was released on June 21, 2023, exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Review code provided by Square Enix.