With the long wait finally over with the release ofFinal Fantasy 16, the positive reception and feedback have been clear to see. Based on the reactions to trailers, reveals, and every part of marketing prior to release, there was little doubt that Square Enix’s efforts on this occasion would be disappointing, as developers have managed to produce an epic title that is one for many to remember.
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While there is undoubtedly plenty of applause to give forFinal Fantasy 16more so than its downsides, the latter is still worth mentioning as for what the title could have done better, especially within the aspect of its RPG features compared to other modern titles.
5Best: Characters & Voice Acting
From the main protagonists of the story including Clive Rosfield, Jill Warrick, Joshua Rosfield, and more, to its side characters more notably the villains,Final Fantasy 16possesses some of the best voice-acting performances in gaming. Without diving into spoilers, thedirector Hiroshi Takaiand the rest of the creative team managed to produce compelling character arcs, their progression, and journeys during the narrative, including some twists and turns that may pull on players' heartstrings.
While the narrative ofFinal Fantasy 16covers many different time periods and events constantly evolving after every quest, one thing that remains consistent in a positive manner is the characters and how quickly players may become attached to them.
4Worst: Side Quests
While it is worth noting that there are afew side quests that are worthwhile, a large majority of them are unfortunately lackluster. Throughout most of these, players will find themselves fetching items for NPCs inThe Hideaway, or simply speaking to one to travel to a location to speak with another for completion. Despite some of these including some interesting context and storytelling behind certain time periods within the game, they are more time-consuming than useful.
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Given the presence of side quests that can provide players with useful items, aside from the help of guides, players will feel forced to do side quests rather than pressing on with the main story. Many may argue that titles such asThe Witcher 3have set a precedent for the kind of side quests games should produce, butFinal Fantasy 16’s side quests could have done much better regardless.
3Best: Combat
One ofFinal Fantasy 16’s biggest highlights of all is its combat, providing an experience that is incredibly similar to that ofDevil May Cry,given the presence of combat director Ryota Suzuki. With the option of multiple different abilities aftergaining access to multiple Eikons, the possibility for stylish combos, and flawless evasions are all present.
Once players have completed the game journeying through the main story, there are multiple activities for them to still partake in ranging from the new game plus, arcade mode, stage replay, and practice mode, as developers appear to have adhered to and highlighted the replayability factor on this occasion.
2Worst: Customization & RPG Elements
Like its predecessors,Final Fantasy 16does not provide any form of customization for players at least not to the effect that many modern-day RPG titles currently do. With the aforementionedThe Witcher 3, and other titles such asElden Ring,and Cyberpunk 2077, developers gave players the freedom to adjust and customize their character to their own liking. Despite the fact that many fans may have expected this entry to stick to the formula of its predecessors within the customization region, it has also left many surprised considering how successful the aforementioned features are in other titles outside the franchise.
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While there are elements of an RPG present within this rendition ofFinal Fantasy, they are very basic and almost non-existent, as players will hardly find themselves tinkering with items or accessories in the main menu, aside from equipping a new weapon orunlocking new abilities. It is clear that this title intended to take a huge step in the direction of an action title, but its missing RPG elements were very much required to enhance players' experience.
1Best: Boss Fights
The biggest and most convincing selling point ofFinal Fantasy 16is without a doubt its epic and edge-of-the-seat boss fights. While it can include quick-time events and transitions from cutscenes to gameplay, it does not hamper the experience and only adds to its level of brilliance. With the plethora of Dominants and Eikons that are present within the narrative, players will find themselves coming up against some of the mightiest in spectacular fashion.
From the visuals, attacks, build-up, dialogue, and most importantly the soundtrack,Final Fantasy 16features some of the best boss encounters in gaming providing a cinematic experience that rivals sequences present in Santa Monica Studios’God of War 3.Boss fights can occur during free roam hunting after enemies that are deadly and dangerousout in the semi-open world, but are mostly present in the enthralling and breathtaking battles between different dominants.From start to finish, there is a non-stop build-up of tension between nations, and more enemies that Clive must take out, and this is what makesFinal Fantasy 16a Game of the Year contender.
Final Fantasy 16is now available on PS5.
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