Final Fantasy XVI’s RPG Elements Are Barely There

Final Fantasy XVI’s RPG elements have sparked discussions among fans due to their limited depth and lack of player engagement. While the game impresses with action-focused gameplay, traditional RPG features such as crafting, levelling, and party members fall short of expectations. In this article, we explore the criticisms surrounding Final Fantasy XVI’s RPG mechanics and discuss how the game could have better integrated these elements to create a more satisfying gameplay experience.

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The Combat Designer’s Influence and Action-Focused Gameplay

Ryota Suzuki, the renowned combat designer behind Devil May Cry 5, was brought on board by Square Enix to shape the combat mechanics of Final Fantasy XVI. Suzuki’s expertise shines through in the game’s combat system, featuring tight combos, counters, move-cancelling, and diverse build options that are reminiscent of high-intensity action games.

Despite the game’s focus on action, Final Fantasy XVI still retains several features traditionally associated with the series. These include the ability to craft and equip various weapons and armor for the protagonist, Clive, as well as a levelling system and passive party members. 

RPG Elements of Final Fantasy XVI

The RPG elements of Final Fantasy lack depth and player interaction which has left many fans criticising the game for being more of a hack-and-slash and adventure game instead of a JRPG. For example, Clive’s canine companion, Torgal, levels up automatically as the story progresses, with no direct input from the player. 

The crafting system, although offering an abundance of materials, fails to provide meaningful options for their usage. Plus, the game lacks the level of customisation found in other RPGs, making armor customisation feel limited. While sidequests and exploration in Final Fantasy XVI contribute to the narrative and world-building, the rewards for these activities often feel lacking. The acquisition of numerous crafting materials does not provide the same narrative payoff, making sidequests feel disconnected from the overall experience. 

Both the levelling system and party members in Final Fantasy XVI feel like afterthoughts rather than active systems for player engagement. While previous Final Fantasy titles allowed customisation of entire parties, Final Fantasy XVI designates Clive’s friends as “party members”, without offering any significant customisation options. Although the absence of a customisable party aligns with the game’s new gameplay style, it feels out of place to label them as such, suggesting a level of customisation that is absent.

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The Power of Clive’s Eikon Abilities

In contrast to the shallow RPG elements, Clive’s Eikon abilities provide deep and meaningful customisation. These abilities unlock as the story progresses, with each Eikon granting Clive a unique feat and three new abilities. Feats are specific to each Eikon, such as the Phoenix Eikon’s ability to teleport instantly or Bahamut’s power to unleash a devastating magical attack. Abilities can be equipped across Eikon sets, offering a dynamic skill tree reminiscent of action games like Devil May Cry or God of War.

How Final Fantasy XVI Elements Can Be Improved

For a game known for its RPG elements, stripping them away has left many fans feeling disappointed in Final Fantasy XVI. Some ways the developers can remedy this problem is by providing more substantial rewards that could have created a more satisfying and cohesive gameplay experience, aligning both the narrative and mechanical aspects of the game.

To enhance the core action experience, Final Fantasy XVI could have benefited from streamlining and stripping away certain elements. The crafting system, for instance, feels unnecessary and overly complex in this title, as the same result could have been achieved by providing players with new weapons after defeating major story bosses. Furthermore, the intricate explanations of Torgal’s stats and the designation of party members appear redundant, adding unnecessary complexity to the game. 

Final Fantasy XVI shines brightest when it breaks new ground, but its absence of a properly fleshed-out RPG system has hindered its potential.

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Conclusion

Final Fantasy XVI is undoubtedly an exceptional action game; however, players seeking a deep and complex RPG experience may find themselves somewhat disappointed. It is apparent that the franchise will either have to break free from these lingering RPG elements to truly redefine itself or go back to its roots and stick to what made it successful in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Final Fantasy XVI More Focused on Action Gameplay Compared to Previous Final Fantasy Games?

Final Fantasy XVI aims to push into a more mature and action-focused territory. The combat designer behind Devil May Cry 5 was brought on board to shape the combat mechanics, resulting in tight combos, counters, move-cancelling, and a wealth of builds and play styles that reflect high-intensity action games.

Does Final Fantasy XVI Retain Traditional RPG Elements Like Crafting, Levelling, and Party Members?

Final Fantasy XVI still features certain RPG elements, such as the variety of weapons and armor that can be crafted and equipped on the protagonist. There is also a levelling system in place. However, these RPG elements are described as shallow and lacking depth compared to other RPGs, and the party members are passive without significant customisation options.

Are There Meaningful Rewards for Completing Sidequests and Engaging in Exploration in Final Fantasy XVI?

While sidequests and exploration in Final Fantasy XVI contribute to the narrative and enhance the world and characters, the mechanical rewards behind them are lacking. Gathering crafting materials as rewards from sidequests may not feel as satisfying compared to the narrative payoff.