Following the much-anticipated release of Final Fantasy 16, it is evident that the game has been met with a highly positive response. The reception, feedback, and enthusiasm surrounding the trailers, promotional materials, and overall marketing campaign left little room for doubt that Square Enix would deliver a disappointing experience. The developers have successfully crafted a remarkable title that will be remembered by many.
While it is undeniable that Final Fantasy 16 deserves considerable praise, it is important to acknowledge its few shortcomings. Particularly in terms of its RPG elements when compared to other contemporary titles, there are areas where the game could have excelled even further.
1. Best: Boss Battles
Undoubtedly, the most impressive and captivating aspect of Final Fantasy 16 lies in its grandiose and thrilling boss battles. These encounters seamlessly blend quick-time events and seamless transitions from cutscenes to gameplay, enhancing the overall experience rather than hindering it. Within the game's narrative, players will face a diverse array of Dominants and Eikons, engaging in awe-inspiring confrontations.
Final Fantasy 16 excels in multiple aspects when it comes to its boss fights, including stunning visuals, powerful attacks, gripping build-up, compelling dialogue, and a standout soundtrack. The quality of these encounters rivals the cinematic sequences seen in Santa Monica Studios' God of War 3. While some boss battles may occur during free-roaming hunts, where players pursue dangerous and lethal foes in the semi-open world, the true essence lies in the enthralling and breathtaking clashes with various dominants. From beginning to end, the tension escalates continuously as Clive faces off against relentless adversaries and warring nations, solidifying Final Fantasy 16 as a strong contender for Game of the Year.
2. Worst: Lack of Customization & RPG Features
Similar to its predecessors, Final Fantasy 16 falls short in terms of offering substantial player customization, especially when compared to many contemporary RPG titles. Games like The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077 have provided players with extensive freedom to personalize and modify their characters according to their preferences. This departure from customization in Final Fantasy 16 has surprised fans, considering the success and popularity of such features in other titles beyond the franchise.
While Final Fantasy 16 incorporates certain RPG elements, they are rudimentary and barely noticeable. Players will find minimal engagement with items or accessories within the main menu, apart from equipping new weapons or unlocking abilities. It is evident that this installment has aimed to prioritize action-oriented gameplay, but the absence of robust RPG features detracts from the overall player experience, leaving a notable void.
3. Best: Combat
One of the standout features in Final Fantasy 16 is its combat system, which bears a striking resemblance to the action-packed gameplay found in Devil May Cry, thanks to the involvement of combat director Ryota Suzuki. Players can unlock various abilities as they gain access to different Eikons, allowing for the execution of stylish combos and seamless evasive maneuvers.
Even after completing the main story, Final Fantasy 16 offers a plethora of additional activities to keep players engaged. These include new game plus, arcade mode, stage replay, and practice mode, showcasing the developers' commitment to emphasizing the game's replayability factor.
4. Worse: Side Quests
While it is important to acknowledge that a handful of side quests in Final Fantasy 16 offer enjoyable experiences, the majority of them unfortunately fall flat. Most of these quests involve tedious tasks like retrieving items for NPCs in The Hideaway or simply engaging in conversations that require traveling to different locations. Although some of these quests provide interesting context and storytelling related to specific time periods in the game, they tend to be more time-consuming than rewarding.
Despite the existence of side quests that offer useful rewards, players may feel obligated to complete them out of necessity rather than genuine interest, often resorting to consulting guides for assistance. Many argue that games like The Witcher 3 have set a standard for high-quality side quests, and Final Fantasy 16's side quests could have undoubtedly been improved to meet those expectations.
5. Best: Characters & Voice Acting
In Final Fantasy 16, the strength of its characters and the quality of voice acting stand out as exceptional. From the main protagonists such as Clive Rosfield, Jill Warrick, Joshua Rosfield, and others, to the side characters, notably the villains, the game showcases some of the most remarkable voice performances in the gaming industry. Without delving into spoilers, director Hiroshi Takai and the creative team have crafted compelling character arcs, showcasing their progression and personal journeys throughout the narrative, which includes unexpected twists and emotional moments that resonate with players.
While Final Fantasy 16's story spans multiple time periods and evolves with each quest, one consistent and positive aspect is the depth and likability of its characters. Players will quickly form attachments to these well-developed individuals, adding an extra layer of engagement to the overall experience.
>>>Read more: 4 Best RPGs To Play If You Like Witcher 3
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