Final Fantasy XVI Review – Forged By Flame

Last Fantasy XVI on PS5

After each Eikon battle in Last Fantasy XVI, I saved asking myself “how can the following one be any higher?” Solely to be confirmed mistaken every time.

The dimensions and scope of Last Fantasy XVI are completely staggering on each stage, from the complicated narrative that looks like a multi-season TV present, to the expansive motion fight that grows and modifications meaningfully throughout dozens of hours. All of that is highlighted with what is perhaps one of the best boss battles I’ve ever seen in a online game. There are some minor quibbles available, however Last Fantasy XVI is an prompt traditional in a collection already full of many.

Last Fantasy XVI takes place in a model new setting referred to as Valisthea, a darkish fantasy realm cut up into a number of warring kingdoms that battle over management of the Mothercrystals, large objects that enable the individuals of the world to make use of magic and reside in consolation. Throughout Valisthea there are a choose handful of those that have inherited the ability of Eikons, large god-like creatures that take the type of summons from previous video games, like Titan, Shiva, and Bahamut. You management Clive Rosfield, the second son of the Duke of Rosaria, a rustic steeped in custom that worships the Eikon of Hearth, Phoenix. After a tragic flip of occasions Clive awakens as a second Eikon of Hearth, one thing beforehand thought unimaginable.

Last Fantasy XVI weaves a fancy story steeped in politics and subterfuge within the early sport. From the bounce it’s abundantly clear that the event staff has taken liberal inspiration from Recreation of Thrones, however that type actually works right here.

There’s definitely a extra “grownup” tone that seeps into Last Fantasy XVI, however that advantages this sport largely due to some stellar performances from the voice forged that add a number of maturity. That being stated, that extra grownup tone doesn’t imply this sport doesn’t have the identical type of whimsy that you simply may anticipate from a Last Fantasy. There are many heartfelt moments and a stunning quantity of comedy. On that latter side, an enormous spotlight is Clive’s uncle, Byron Rosfield, who feels just like the larger-than-life galumph of an previous man, proper according to Galuf from FFV or Cid from FFVII.

Regardless that Clive is the one playable character there are a wealth of individuals he forges relationships with all through the story, from shut confidants like Jill, Shiva’s dominants, to the fantastically-written Cid. You will not be constructing a celebration, per se, however there’s significant growth for practically each main character, each by way of their very own tales and the way they relate to Clive. So whereas some could also be disillusioned by the dearth of “customization” for a celebration, the narrative crux of working collectively remains to be there in full drive.

An totally soul-crushing opening paves the way in which for an emotional story that places the main focus squarely on a dynamic forged of characters, and it turns into clear early on that narrative is a large focus of Last Fantasy XVI. That darkish fantasy type does a terrific job of investing you on the earth, earlier than the latter half of the sport takes some wild fantastical jumps that put the story squarely within the fantasy and sci-fi wheelhouse the collection is constructed on.

Clive himself is an enchanting protagonist that’s initially wracked with self-doubt and a singular deal with revenge, however as time goes on each of these factors soften and he has to learn to lean on others. There are many weighty themes that the sport isn’t afraid to dive headfirst into, together with slavery and subjugation, breaking freed from a cycle of oppression, and striving to create a greater world for everybody. Its themes are surprisingly topical at this second in time, and for essentially the most half, they’re tackled nicely.

A number of the sport’s advertising has proven these massive bombastic battles and set items, however FFXVI has a stunning quantity of gradual character growth and world-building interspersed between all that. A curler coaster experience is definitely an excellent comparability as you’ve got sure between these ultra-high depth story moments and slower methodical questing.

Curiously, Final Fantasy XIV gamers will completely see a number of parallels within the storytelling right here, and even in a number of of the twists. It’s clear that the event staff has taken the teachings they’ve discovered during the last decade on the MMO to coronary heart. Maybe what most stunned me, nevertheless, is how narratively complicated Last Fantasy XVI‘s sidequests really feel.

There’s an actual weight behind the storytelling, and Last Fantasy XVI actually desires to point out you ways its world and characters change over time. Among the sport’s most tear-jerking moments can really be present in optionally available sidequests, however there’s a catch. Whereas these quests are narratively complicated, they’re mechanically easy, usually amounting to nothing greater than killing a number of enemies or accumulating objects. The rewards are sometimes lackluster as nicely, which means the narrative payoff is the actual motive you may pursue facet actions.

In fact, aside from the narrative selections the opposite massive change with Last Fantasy XVI is its bounce to full-on motion RPG. On its face the fight system is deceptively easy, giving Clive fundamental combo, dodge means, ranged magic, and so on. The opening hours ease you into the expertise by incrementally introducing these programs, however the place issues actually get wild is while you begin to unlock the totally different Eikon units, as each offers Clive a handful of recent skills.

Last Fantasy XVI does an exceptional job with its development, incrementally introducing new Eikon units, every of which feels totally distinct. You’ll be able to equip as much as three Eikon units at any time letting you entry all three’s distinctive perks. Nevertheless, Eikon skills might be combined and matched nevertheless you please when you spend sufficient SP, letting you create a wealth of various playstyles.

For instance, Titan focuses on inflicting large harm to single enemies and utilizing counters, whereas Odin is nice at dashing between crowds of enemies and unleashing AoE assaults.

The sheer number of this technique is staggering, particularly as you proceed to unlock new choices after dozens of hours. The one draw back right here is that outdoors of the Eikon system, a number of the “RPG” components really feel paper skinny. There’s a leveling and crafting system however each require so little enter from the participant they will simply fade into the background. For many of the sport, there’s sometimes one choice for a greater weapon and armor, though equipment do present far more customization for what sort of construct you need.

Whereas there are get together members that be part of Clive throughout his journey they’re utterly hands-off, besides to your devoted hound Torgal. This large wolf is the one character that’s always with you, and he primarily works as a fight help.

By urgent left on the d-pad you possibly can change out of your objects to instructions for Torgal, and utilizing these instructions in tandem with your personal assaults can create new combos. For those who’d slightly Torgal handles issues himself, although, there’s an adjunct that makes that occur, together with equipment that may assist alter fight issue by letting you do computerized combos, make dodges simpler, and so on.

Whereas there’s a number of selection packed into the totally different enemy and boss varieties, absolutely the pinnacle of Last Fantasy XVI is the jaw-dropping Eikon battles, which function climaxes for each the narrative and gameplay.

Every of those Eikon battles feels wildly totally different, and absolutely the scale of the motion occurring on-screen looks like one of many first true moments we’ve seen what the PS5 is able to.

Whereas the Eikon battles sometimes contain a wholesome dose of cutscenes, each additionally has its personal distinct gameplay type. One mixes issues up with rail-shooter components, one other has you racing up the facet of an enormous opponent whereas dodging obstacles, whereas one other looks like a tough-as-nails sword duel between you and your opponent.

Time and again I discovered myself in awe of the ambition of those Eikon battles; they every really feel so mechanically wealthy and distinctive, whereas additionally serving as turning factors for the story. I actually can’t consider one other sport on the market that pulls boss battles off this nicely this constantly.

An enormous a part of that, after all, is just how beautiful Last Fantasy XVI‘s presentation is on each stage. Cutscenes look completely incredible with lifelike character animations and dazzling particle results, particularly in these aforementioned Eikon battles. On the similar time, the world of Valisthea feels environmentally numerous with sweeping European-esque vistas, arid deserts, crumbling cities, and extra. I performed Last Fantasy XVI totally in Graphics Mode, which held at 30fps constantly, and I can’t consider a single time I noticed any type of frame-rate drop, even within the overwhelming motion sections.

An enormous a part of the presentation that deserves particular point out is the soundtrack; an eclectic mixture of epic opera, sweeping orchestral, heavy metallic, and rock. Masayoshi Soken’s work has been defining for Last Fantasy XIV, however he’s completely outdone himself with this soundtrack, which provides a lot weight and gravitas to each the narrative and gameplay.

There are flaws I can level to in Last Fantasy XVI, like often sluggish pacing and skinny RPG components, however these flaws are so utterly overshadowed by all the things the sport will get proper.

Last Fantasy XVI desires to engross you in its world and lore, and takes liberal steps to that, even with the smallest of facet characters. You’ll be able to dive as deep into the sport’s lore as you need, however crucially you don’t must, it by no means forces you to. The fight system grows by leaps and bounds, leading to some of the exhilarating motion experiences on the market, particularly within the jaw-dropping boss and Eikon battles.

After 80 hours what I discover most fascinating about Last Fantasy XVI is its full dedication to redefine what it means to be a Last Fantasy sport, whereas additionally nonetheless staying true to the roots and themes of the collection. It is a prime instance of how Last Fantasy doesn’t must be sure by one thought or system, and I sincerely hope it serves as inspiration for future builders to take the collection in their very own, utterly new, route.

In regards to the creator

Hayes Madsen

A connoisseur of all issues RPG associated, and all the time on the lookout for the inventive expression in gaming. His love of Gundam is just matched by his love of Pizza. Enjoying Video games Since: 1991 Favourite Genres: RPGs, JRPGs, Technique,