Final Fantasy XVI Review: An Epic RPG for PS5

Final Fantasy XVI has caught the attention of PS5 players, who want to get their hands on the game as soon as possible. If you’re someone who’s unsure whether to spend £64.99 on buying Final Fantasy XVI, then dive into our article as we review the game in detail. 

Storyline

In Final Fantasy XVI, players embark on a journey through Valisthea, a realm powered by colossal artefacts called Mothercrystals. The game’s protagonist, Clive Rosfield, serves as the First Shield of Rosaria and must protect his younger brother, Joshua, who possesses the powers of the Eikon Phoenix. As the story unfolds, Clive finds himself on a quest for revenge and discovers the truth behind the Mothercrystals.

The narrative of Final Fantasy XVI is supported by thoughtful side quests that enrich the lore of Valisthea. While some of these quests share similar structures and objectives, they provide valuable backstories for the citizens of Valisthea and further develop the main and supporting cast of characters. These quests add depth to the overall story, ensuring players feel a stronger connection to the game world.

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Combat

One of the most exciting aspects of Final Fantasy XVI is its real-time combat system. Clive gains various Eikon powers throughout his journey, offering a wide range of abilities that keep battles fresh and exhilarating. From electrifying Ramuh powers that strike multiple enemies to freezing Shiva abilities that immobilise foes, players have access to diverse combat techniques.

The game also impresses with its smooth aerial combat mechanics. Clive can launch opponents into the air, chaining midair combos before delivering devastating ground strikes. The combat system’s flashy and satisfying nature resembles that of the acclaimed Devil May Cry series. Additionally, the Eikon fights, which serve as intense showdowns between Dominants, add an extra layer of excitement and cinematic spectacle to the game.

Performance and Presentation

Final Fantasy XVI delivers a visual feast, showcasing stunning particle effects when Clive employs his Eikon powers. Whether it’s the radiant beams of light from Bahamut or the sleek, dark slashes of Odin, these visual displays enhance the overall gameplay experience. The open-world environments of Valisthea, accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack, create an immersive atmosphere. The soothing piano-backed tunes while traversing the world contrast with the tension-filled battle theme, enhancing the emotional impact of each moment.

The game’s performance on the PlayStation 5 is commendable, with only occasional minor slowdowns during intense Eikon battles. When it comes to choosing the perfect graphical experience, players can opt for one out of two modes: Quality mode, which prioritises top-notch graphic details showcased in marvellous Ultra HD (3840×2160) visuals along with 30 fps output, or you can go for Performance mode, where you get mesmerising picture quality in Quad HD (2560×1440) visuals running smoothly with flawless 60 fps. The flexibility provided lets players personalise their visual experience based on their taste.

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Redundant Loot and Eikon Battles

While Final Fantasy XVI excels in many aspects, it does have a couple of minor flaws. One such drawback is the redundant nature of the materials and weapon upgrades throughout the game. Upgrading Clive’s gear becomes less essential as the surplus of currency and crafting materials accumulates. Furthermore, the inability to purchase and upgrade gear for party members other than Clive feels like a missed opportunity for further customisation and resource utilisation.

Another slight disappointment is the scarcity of Eikon battles in the later stages of the game. While the pacing leading up to these battles is well-executed, incorporating more Eikon encounters, perhaps within side quests, could have further enhanced the overall experience.

RPG Elements

The RPG elements in Final Fantasy XVI have faced criticism from fans for their lack of depth and limited player interaction. Instead of embodying the traditional RPG experience, the game has been perceived more as a hack-and-slash adventure. One notable example is Clive’s canine companion, Torgal, whose levelling occurs automatically as the story progresses, depriving players of direct input.

Furthermore, while offering abundant materials, the crafting system fails to provide meaningful choices for their utilisation. The game’s customisation options, particularly in terms of armor, feel restricted compared to other RPGs. Although sidequests and exploration contribute to the narrative and world-building, their rewards often leave players unsatisfied. The acquisition of numerous crafting materials lacks the same narrative impact, resulting in a sense of disconnection between sidequests and the overall game experience.

The levelling system and party members in Final Fantasy XVI come across as afterthoughts rather than engaging gameplay systems. Unlike previous Final Fantasy titles that allowed customisation of entire parties, Final Fantasy XVI designates Clive’s friends as “party members”, without offering significant customisation options. While the absence of this feature aligns with the game’s new gameplay style, labelling them as such creates an expectation of customisation that ultimately falls short.

The Verdict

Final Fantasy XVI stands as one of the best RPGs of 2023, offering a captivating and coherent story, exhilarating combat mechanics, and breathtaking visuals. With its expansive world, engaging side quests, and well-developed characters, players are guaranteed to be immersed in the rich lore of Valisthea. While the game does have minor shortcomings, such as redundant loot and a limited number of Eikon battles, the overall experience provided by Final Fantasy XVI is an epic journey that should not be missed.

That said, with the lack of RPG elements in the game, long-time fans of the series have heavily criticised the series for shifting towards a hack-and-slash type of gameplay. 

With a playtime of approximately 60 hours to complete the main story and side quests, players are getting their money’s worth from this expansive RPG. Additionally, the inclusion of a New Game Plus mode adds replayability, allowing players to carry over their progress and face increased challenges. 

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Conclusion

Final Fantasy XVI presents gamers with a breathtaking RPG-esque journey that demonstrates the utmost qualities of the genre. From its immersive story and intense combat to its phenomenal visuals, this game firmly asserts itself as a remarkable addition to the PlayStation 5 library and is undeniably one of the platform’s most engrossing games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Plans for Story DLC or Expansions for Final Fantasy XVI?

As of the current information available, Square Enix has not disclosed any particular intentions for story DLC or expansions in Final Fantasy XVI. However, they have expressed their openness to the idea and will closely monitor audience reception. Given the rich and expansive world of Valisthea, it is highly possible that Square Enix may consider expanding upon the game in the future to provide players with additional content and further explore the captivating lore of the game’s universe.

Can I Play Final Fantasy XVI on Platforms Other Than the Playstation 5?

As of now, Final Fantasy XVI can only be enjoyed by PlayStation 5 users as there are no intentions stated about making it accessible on other platforms. To enjoy this incredible RPG, players must possess a PlayStation 5 console.

How Does the New Game Plus Mode Enhance Replayability?

The New Game Plus mode in Final Fantasy XVI allows players to embark on a fresh playthrough with added challenges. By carrying over Clive’s level, equipment, and abilities from a completed game, players can tackle harder difficulties and face reimagined enemy encounters. This mode injects a fresh sense of excitement and replayability into the game, making subsequent playthroughs feel different and engaging.