Final Fantasy XVI review (PS5)

Final Fantasy XVI, the latest installment in the renowned Final Fantasy franchise, ventures into new territory as a fully-fledged action RPG – marking what is perhaps too grand of a departure for some of the long time fans of the more RPG-oriented games in the series. Developed by an experienced team led by Naoki Yoshida, the game aims to deliver an enjoyable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. With its dynamic real-time action combat system, intricate lore, and captivating world, Final Fantasy XVI offers a polished and immersive gameplay experience.

The game’s premise follows the journey of Clive Rosfield, the protagonist and former First Shield of Rosaria. The narrative unfolds in the dark fantasy world of Valisthea, a land threatened by the spread of the Blight. Clive, along with a cast of characters, is caught up in a great tragedy and swears revenge on the enigmatic Dark Eikon, Ifrit, who brings calamity wherever it goes. The story establishes a grim atmosphere, reminiscent of earlier Final Fantasy titles, with a mature tone that adds emotional depth without being excessive.

One of the strongest aspects of Final Fantasy XVI is its lore and worldbuilding. The game provides players with an extensive Active Time Lore (ATL) system, accessible at any time, which offers deep insights into the world of Valisthea and its inhabitants. With over 2,800 written entries, players can immerse themselves in the backstory and context of the game’s rich universe. However, it is worth noting that fully appreciating the lore requires investing quite a bit of time in exploring the game’s side content and engaging with NPCs, as they provide crucial context and relationship dynamics.

The sidequests in Final Fantasy XVI deserve special mention, as they go beyond mere filler content. While initially low-stakes, they progressively become thought-provoking and play a vital role in strengthening character relationships and connecting players to the conflict at hand and the world in which it takes place. Even seemingly minor characters receive significant focus, adding depth to the overall narrative. However, the game falls short in terms of the development of its antagonists as rich and engaging characters, as they often feel lacking in impact and depth. As a result, the final showdown provides an epic battle but fails to feel quite as impactful on a character development level.

In terms of gameplay, Final Fantasy XVI shines with its action-focused combat system centered around the Eikons. Clive can harness the abilities of these powerful summoned beasts through a skill tree, offering varied approaches to combat. The seamless switching between Eikon toolkits allows for experimentation and customization, ensuring a personalized experience for each playthrough. The combat itself is smooth, engaging, and deeply satisfying, with the primary objective of staggering enemies before launching devastating attacks. The enemy design is superb, with well-crafted telegraphs that require players’ attention and quick reflexes.

Accessibility is a key focus in Final Fantasy XVI, with the inclusion of Timely Accessories that allow players to customize the game’s difficulty according to their play style. However, the difficulty settings and the new game plus mode called Final Fantasy lack the desired challenge for dedicated players seeking more. While the game provides avenues for pushing limits, such as the challenging Ultimaniac difficulty mode, the overall difficulty progression could have been better balanced.

Visually, Final Fantasy XVI is gorgeous, featuring stunning cinematic sequences and breathtaking setpieces. The game’s Eikon battles, where Clive transforms into Ifrit to engage other Eikons, provide some of the most spectacular moments in the franchise thus far. The inclusion of Cinematic Clashes, which are quick-time events that add to the spectacle, further enhance the sense of grandeur. However, the inability to skip scenes in Eikon Battles during replays can be slightly frustrating once you reach that point where you feel like you’ve seen it all already.

In conclusion, Final Fantasy XVI offers an expansive and thrilling gameplay experience with its polished combat mechanics, engaging worldbuilding, and captivating narrative. While it may have some shortcomings, such as underdeveloped antagonists and uneven difficulty progression, the game excels in delivering a dark fantasy adventure that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy. With its immersive lore, intense combat, and stunning visuals, Final Fantasy XVI is a worthy addition to the franchise and a must-play for action RPG enthusiasts.

Score: 8.6/10