A New Era for Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy XVI marks one of the boldest shifts in the franchise’s history. While past entries have often balanced traditional JRPG systems with cinematic storytelling, XVI fully embraces an action-RPG identity. With fast-paced combat designed by veterans of Devil May Cry, a mature tone reminiscent of Game of Thrones, and a deep focus on political intrigue, this is unlike any Final Fantasy before it — for better and for worse.
Story & Characters
The narrative follows Clive Rosfield, whose life is torn apart after tragedy strikes his family and homeland. What begins as a personal story of revenge expands into a sweeping tale of nations at war, the fading power of magic, and the devastating force of god-like beings called Eikons.
Clive’s journey is dark, emotional, and surprisingly grounded for a series known for eccentric characters. Supporting cast members, especially Jill, Cid, and Torgal (yes, even the dog), add warmth and humanity. The voice acting and cinematic direction elevate nearly every cutscene to prestige-TV levels.
That said, some pacing issues crop up. The middle portion of the game slows down with side quests that often feel like filler. While these quests add lore, they lack the engaging design players expect in 2023.
Gameplay & Combat
This is where Final Fantasy XVI makes its biggest departure. Turn-based battles and party micromanagement are gone. Instead, players directly control Clive in real-time combat that feels fluid, stylish, and deeply satisfying.
Combat revolves around channeling the power of different Eikons. As you progress, Clive unlocks new abilities — from fiery combos to lightning-fast strikes — allowing for impressive customization. Boss fights, particularly the colossal Eikon vs. Eikon battles, are jaw-dropping showcases of spectacle rarely seen in gaming.
However, fans of traditional RPG depth may find the systems shallow. There’s no true party control, limited gear customization, and simplified RPG progression. XVI is more about moment-to-moment action than strategy.
Presentation & Performance
Visually, Final Fantasy XVI is stunning. The PS5 hardware is pushed to deliver sprawling vistas, richly detailed environments, and cinematic set pieces that feel like playable cutscenes. Character models are equally impressive, with lifelike animations that bring emotion to every interaction.
The soundtrack, composed by Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), is a masterpiece. From quiet, mournful melodies to thunderous orchestral pieces during Eikon battles, the music elevates every moment.
Performance on PS5 is strong, though not flawless. The game offers both Quality Mode (4K visuals at 30 FPS) and Performance Mode (dynamic resolution aiming for 60 FPS). The latter is smoother but prone to dips during busy battles.
Final Verdict
Final Fantasy XVI is not a traditional Final Fantasy, but it’s a bold reinvention that succeeds in delivering an unforgettable experience. Its gripping story, breathtaking presentation, and thrilling combat make it one of the standout PS5 exclusives of this generation. Yet, its streamlined RPG systems and occasionally sluggish pacing may divide longtime fans.
For those open to change, XVI is a must-play. For purists, it may take some adjusting — but once it clicks, the journey is unforgettable.
Score: 9/10
A dark, cinematic reimagining of Final Fantasy that trades tradition for spectacle, with stunning results.
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