With its opening hours, Final Fantasy XVI introduces us to a cast of characters that immediately captivate us. Clive, the protagonist, is joined by his sickly brother Joshua and their childhood friend Jill. Their mother, Anabella Rosfield, betrays her family and the entire nation within moments of the game’s start. As Clive and Joshua’s father, the leader, is brutally murdered in front of them, Joshua’s latent powers as a dominant are fully awakened due to the trauma. The events that unfold are harrowing, with even a chocobo (the game’s giant bird mounts) being attacked and an owl being killed. The intensity of the opening moments is further amplified when Joshua, now fully awakened as a dominant, unleashes the fire Eikon (elemental deity), Phoenix, burning enemies and allies alike to ash. Shockingly, Clive also discovers a new, never-before-seen Eikon within himself, Ifrit, who has a grisly encounter with Phoenix. However, Clive wakes up with no memory of these events. A foreboding figure in a hood watches everything unfold, adding an air of mystery to the story.
The voice acting and writing in Final Fantasy XVI is exceptional, selling the melodrama and seriousness of the narrative. This marks a departure from the series’ previous entries, which have often been criticized for cliché or awkward translations. Ralph Ineson, known for his role in Game of Thrones, voice acts for Cid, a character who speaks with a Yorkshire accent. The game’s attention to detail in its voice acting adds depth and authenticity to the world.
For those new to the Final Fantasy series, Ifrit is usually a summonable demon without much significance to the plot. In Final Fantasy XVI, however, Ifrit plays a pivotal role, subverting expectations and paying homage to the series’ past. The game is littered with Easter eggs, both subtle and obvious, that fans will appreciate. The iconic crystal theme, originally composed for the first Final Fantasy game, makes appearances throughout the game, further connecting it to the franchise’s roots.
One of the notable changes in Final Fantasy XVI is the emphasis on real-time combat. While previous entries have dabbled with this mechanic, the game fully embraces it. This shift may be seen as a risky move by die-hard fans, but it aims to attract a new audience. The combat system, however, doesn’t delve too deeply into complexity. Abilities that deal sustained damage and well-timed dodges and counters are the key to success. While there are additional layers to battles, they can be easily ignored, resulting in a straightforward approach to combat. Clive can incorporate skills from different Eikons, enhancing his fire attacks from Phoenix with new forms of attack or counters from other Eikons. Whether there is an elemental dynamic at play isn’t explicitly clear in the game.
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One significant aspect of Final Fantasy XVI is its accessibility. The game includes several accessories that make it one of the most forgiving action RPGs. The Ring of Timely Focus, for example, slows down time when an evadable attack approaches, giving the player ample time to dodge. The Ring of Timely Strikes allows for a barrage of powerful attacks with a simple button input. While these accessories can make the game easier, players can choose to rely solely on their own skills for a greater challenge. Additionally, there is a new game plus mode that offers harder enemies and challenges.
The boss battles in Final Fantasy XVI are visually stunning but tend to drag on, often feeling like damage sponges. This is especially true in Eikon-on-Eikon fights, which feature multiple transitions within a single battle. Once the timing of dodges is figured out, the battles can become repetitive. However, the spectacle of these fights, particularly Clive’s duel against Bahamut, is awe-inspiring and reminiscent of Bayonetta-level epicness.
A notable addition to Final Fantasy XVI is its built-in wiki feature called Active Time Lore. Similar to Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature, Active Time Lore provides quick access to information about the game’s lore and characters. This feature prevents players from getting lost or confused amidst the intricate political maneuverings and complex backstories. Vivian, a character in the game, assists Clive in understanding the wider political implications of his fight and serves as a guide through the game’s narrative. The game also includes a personnel chart and a chronological slider, allowing players to keep track of the characters and their relationships.
While Final Fantasy XVI may differ from its predecessors, particularly in terms of its combat mechanics, it is a refreshing direction for the series. The party battle dynamics are missed by some, but the game doesn’t restrict players with demanding action game reflexes or skills. For those seeking a fantasy adventure with a compelling plot, Final Fantasy XVI delivers. Its mix of intense and emotional moments, exceptional voice acting, accessible gameplay, and the addition of useful features like Active Time Lore make it a worthy addition to the franchise. The game even offers post-game content for completionists and those seeking additional challenges. With Final Fantasy XVI, Square Enix continues to push the boundaries while staying true to the essence of the beloved role-playing series.
