Retrospective: Final Fantasy 16 Is All Style, No Substance

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The more I reflect on Final Fantasy 16, the more I realize it had no lasting impact on me.

To set the record straight, let me clarify that my affection for the Final Fantasy series is undeniable, and playing as Clive Rosfield in the captivating world of Valisthea was truly enjoyable. However, I can’t help but feel that Final Fantasy XVI didn’t stray too far from being another action game akin to Devil May Cry.

In this article, I’ll share some small criticisms I have regarding Final Fantasy XVI and explain why I feel it falls short in moving the series forward.

This post will present my modest complaints about Final Fantasy XVI and the reasons I believe it doesn’t take the franchise to new heights.

Combat Is Monotonous

In contrast to Final Fantasy 16’s combat system, which is indeed swift and visually captivating, it seemed less integral to the overall gameplay compared to what I had anticipated, more like Devil May Cry with its dynamic Eikon styles. However, my anticipation was dampened when I realized that one can only utilize two of these styles concurrently, rather than switching between multiple ones as expected.

The combat system is problematic because it employs a cooldown mechanism that seems illogical. This restricts the ability to perform combos effectively and contradicts the game’s supposed fast-paced style, leading instead to slower, more deliberate play rather than the continuous, free-flowing action I expected. Frankly, it’s confusing why this design decision was made.

The Politics Bored Me

The world of Final Fantasy 16 teems with life and boasts an intriguing backstory for each of its nations, where every nation has a unique reverence towards the Eikons. However, surprisingly, the political plot seems to take a back seat in favor of focusing on the final boss’s role. In the game’s closing scenes, you won’t find a complex political conspiracy—just narrative elements that don’t seem to contribute much to the overall story.

As a devoted fan, I found myself eagerly anticipating a narrative reminiscent of Game of Thrones’ political intrigue and drama. Alas, the game disappointingly veered towards yet another grandiose, apocalyptic storyline that missed the mark. What a squandered chance.

The Boss Fights Are Tedious

Initially, I was all-in with the boss battles in Final Fantasy XVI; they were thrilling the first time I encountered them. However, upon subsequent playthroughs, my enthusiasm has waned a bit.

The Eikon battles in the game are indeed dramatic, but they primarily consist of avoiding at opportune moments and repeatedly pressing the attack button. The only genuinely challenging boss fight was Odin, which seemed like a test of skill and demonstrated that FFXVI could offer more complexity. Regrettably, even the final battle felt underdeveloped.

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The Eikon battles in this game are undeniably cinematic, but they lack depth beyond timing your dodges and spamming the attack button. The only boss fight that truly engaged me was Odin, as it seemed like a genuine challenge and showed that FFXVI had potential for greater complexity. Unfortunately, even the final battle felt rather simplistic.

Watching others fight against Titan, Phoenix, or Bahamut offers a visually stunning experience, yet engaging in similar battles myself feels laborious, prolonged, and seems overly dependent on dramatic visuals instead of captivating gameplay mechanics.

Post-Game Content Should Have Been in the Base Game

One concern I have about Final Fantasy XVI is the disjointed nature of its storyline, primarily due to Square Enix opting to conclude it through subsequent post-launch updates. I was anticipating a complete, well-rounded narrative, but what I found instead was a game that felt fragmented—like two halves sold individually.

Adding this content to the main game would have greatly enhanced my gaming experience, particularly since the original journey didn’t feature Leviathan. It seems more appropriate for DLC to add supplementary content, rather than material that appears to have been intended for the game from the outset.

Read more: Clive Rosfield in Tekken 8 is Hilarious

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when I realize that the true ending of this game is concealed within the final DLC, a decision that leaves me questioning the creative choices made by Creative Business Unit III.

A Final Fantasy That Lacks Identity

Initially, I was eagerly anticipating Final Fantasy XVI, but ultimately, it fell short of my expectations as it seemed more like a repetition of previous installments rather than an innovative step forward. The game had trouble defining its own identity, with its battle system, political narrative, and tempo failing to coalesce effectively.

I found great pleasure in the main characters – Clive, Joshua, Jill, and undeniably, the wonderful Torgal – yet none of them managed to leave a deep impact on me. Final Fantasy 16 seemed like a streamlined version of what the series can achieve, resulting in minimal lasting effect. However, I must say, the soundtrack is exceptional.

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2025-03-24 18:47