Final Fantasy XVI Review

1. Story and Plot

Narrative: Final Fantasy XVI presents one of the most engaging and well-written stories I’ve come across. The narrative is deeply immersive, with themes such as slavery and free will driving the plot. The story was so captivating that it made it hard to put the game down. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a world rife with conflict, where power struggles and the blight have left nations vying for control. The adventure Clive embarks on is filled with tension and emotion, making it a standout in the series.

Characters: The characters are all exceptionally well-crafted, each with their own depth and development. Clive, the protagonist, is a warrior dedicated to freeing the realm from tyranny and the blight. His journey is supported by Jill, whose relationship with Clive is full of chemistry and emotional resonance. Cid adds humor and wit, making the darker moments of the story more bearable. Even the villains are well-developed, with Anabella standing out as a particularly impactful antagonist. Though she isn’t a combatant, her actions leave a significant mark, and I found myself cheering out loud at her eventual downfall. On the other hand, Ultima, while still an effective villain, didn’t leave as strong an impression as others like Barnabas (Odin).

World-Building: The world of Final Fantasy XVI is rich and detailed, divided into multiple countries that are locked in a struggle for power due to the encroaching blight. The narrative of traveling the world to destroy the mother crystals, which serve as the source of magic, is an intriguing twist on the series’ longstanding theme of crystal collection. The lore is well-integrated into the story, making the world feel expansive and alive, even as it faces collapse.

2. Gameplay

Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics are somewhat intuitive, allowing players to customize Clive’s abilities based on the Eikons he wields. The system is flexible, enabling players to adapt their strategies and playstyles. I also appreciated that the game required little to no grinding, which kept the pace enjoyable and consistent (a refreshing change from earlier titles like Final Fantasy V).

Combat System: Final Fantasy XVI features an action-oriented combat system, where players combine skills to create powerful combos. This system feels like a perfected version of what Final Fantasy XV attempted, but failed to fully realize. The combat is fluid and dynamic, making each battle engaging and rewarding.

Exploration: The game’s exploration is structured around multiple maps, rather than a fully open world. This limited exploration suits my preferences, as it keeps the focus on the story and action without unnecessary distractions.

Quests and Side Activities: The side quests in Final Fantasy XVI are well-integrated into the main narrative, often contributing to character development. They feel like natural extensions of the story, which is something I wish more games would do. The Hunt Board is another feature that adds depth to the game, offering challenges that help with leveling Clive without the need for traditional grinding.

3. Graphics and Art Design

Visual Style: The game has a darker tone compared to previous entries in the series. While it may not be traditionally aesthetically pleasing, the visual style perfectly matches the story's somber and mature themes.

Technical Quality: The graphics quality, including textures, lighting, and animations, is outstanding and aligns seamlessly with the narrative’s tone. During my playthrough, I did not encounter any graphical glitches, indicating a well-polished experience.

Character and Environment Design: Character design is a strong point, particularly with the Eikons like Ifrit, Shiva, and Bahamut, who are visually stunning. However, Ultima’s design was less impactful compared to these other iconic beings. The environments are meticulously crafted to match the dark and complex themes of the story.

4. Sound and Music

Soundtrack: The soundtrack is excellent, complementing the game’s tone perfectly. The ending theme, “Tsuki wo Miteita” (Moon Gazing), is a particular standout, adding a beautiful and emotional close to the story.

Voice Acting: The voice acting is top-tier, with performances that effectively convey the characters’ emotions and personalities. This level of quality helps draw players deeper into the world of Final Fantasy XVI.

Sound Effects: The sound effects are equally impressive, enhancing the immersion and realism of the game, especially during combat sequences.

5. User Interface and Controls

UI Design: The user interface is intuitive and accessible, providing all necessary information without overwhelming the player. It follows the standard of quality you’d expect from a Final Fantasy title.

Controls: The controls are highly responsive, which is crucial for an action-oriented RPG like this. Final Fantasy XVI excels in this area, ensuring that combat feels smooth and fluid.

6. Replayability and Content

Game Length: The game took me about 89 hours to complete, which aligns with what I’d expect from a Final Fantasy title post-SNES. The pacing felt just right, keeping the experience fulfilling without dragging.

Replay Value: Replayability is somewhat limited, mainly offering the chance to try different ability builds for Clive. Once the story is completed, there isn’t much incentive to replay unless you're interested in the New Game Plus mode.

Post-Launch Content: Final Fantasy XVI has released two DLCs, “Echoes of the Fallen” and “The Rising Tide.” While I haven’t played them yet, they promise to extend the game’s content and replay value.

7. Performance and Technical Aspects

Performance: The game runs smoothly on the PlayStation 5, with no noticeable performance issues. The stable frame rate and quick load times contribute to an overall seamless experience.

Bugs and Glitches: I did not encounter any bugs or glitches during my playthrough, which indicates a well-optimized and polished game.

8. Originality and Innovation

Innovation: While Final Fantasy XVI doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new features, it does refine and improve upon elements from Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy VII Remake. The gameplay is a polished evolution of its predecessors, offering a more satisfying experience.

Comparison: Compared to other games in the genre, Final Fantasy XVI stands out as a massive improvement over Final Fantasy XV. The narrative, combat mechanics, and overall polish make it an excellent addition to the series.

9. Overall Enjoyment

Personal Experience: Final Fantasy XVI is one of the most enjoyable entries in the series that I’ve played in recent years. For a long time, I considered Final Fantasy VII, VI, and IX to be the best in the series. However, after playing Final Fantasy XVI, I’m torn between placing it in my top three. The story, characters, and gameplay all contribute to an experience that rivals some of the series’ greatest hits.

Target Audience: This game is best suited for young adults, particularly those aged 17 and older, due to its mature themes and darker tone. Fans of action RPGs and long-time Final Fantasy enthusiasts will find much to love in this entry.