Final Fantasy 16: A Triumph in Narrative and Combat
Final Fantasy 16 is an epic tale of political intrigue and sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of a world filled with strife and corruption. The game manages to pull it off with finesse, thanks to its focus on character development. Each member of the cast feels like a person, rather than an enemy or an object to be collected. The quests, though mundane in nature, feel significant because of the people you meet along the way and the stories they tell.If you want to know what it's like, picture curling up on the couch in your pajamas, cuddling up with a hot chocolate, and watching a Tales OfSorrowSeed.
Final Fantasy 16 balances narrative-driven gameplay with engaging combat, offering hope for the future of JRPG games. After spending over 50 hours with a preview build of the game, I'm a believer.
A Beautiful World
Final Fantasy 16 takes you on an epic journey through the continent of Valisthea. Clive Rosfield, the outcast brother of the Rosaria Crown Princess and heir to the throne, is trying to bring peace to the kingdom. The conflict will not be easy, as it pits him and his allies against an opposing faction bent on keeping the peace by threatening to eradicate both the enemy and their allies in the process. How far will they go for peace or power? It's up to them.Everything about this game is big. The world itself is as large, if not more massive, than any in the series' history. There are six full regions, each brimming with unique settlements and environments. The world feels alive with diverse locations of varying geographical and environmental qualities. From the drought-stricken desert of the Za-Lomat Ahava to the freezing peaks of Pujilq, the setting conveys rich narratives in each location.
Adding to the presentation, the cities themselves are vibrant, fleshing out the setting with steampunk vibes that feel right at home in the series. Towns and organizations feel unique, as they each embrace different personalities, reflect the local culture, and adopt different traditions. Some places are shrouded in secrecy, and as the narrative progresses and the party grows, more areas are unlocked, guiding the players through the heart of the continent until they reach the bustling metropolis of Eylis.
The world feels even richer thanks to the game's excellent writing. Each member of the expansive cast has their own voice and backstory that is constantly communicated through interactions with them in the community. In addition to a strong localization, experienced actors like Lena Headey and Liam Mulvey deliver a level of vocal performance that matches any prestige drama.
Each character has their own motivation and backstory, sometimes complicated, sometimes intimately tied to the narrative, and often reflective of the greater themes of power, destiny, and the consequences of a magical society. Some of those ideas are familiar, but the way the characters struggle with them speaks to our current cultural trajectory. In most RPGs, it is easy to identify the antagonist long before they are given a chance to justify their perspective. In Final Fantasy 16, even the most primary adversaries are as nuanced and complex as the allies you grow to love. Their moral arguments are real, and the difficult choices they present challenge you to navigate through a grey spectrum determined by your own morality and destiny. It's a special kind of game that can capture that well.
Final Fantasy 16 is also a visually stunning game. It evokes raw emotional responses at times, with breathtaking scenes such as seeing the characters make their first aerial trek across the desert and reach into Pujilq's cloud-filled kingdom, or watching the full moon illuminate the fields of the Hejira Territory.
In certain wealthier city districts, you can bike through the roads and between buildings while gliding over the shops and restaurants in their twilit nightlights. The world is a joy to navigate, feeling both expansive and fully explorable. Certain landmarks, like Altissia and Pujilq, are not fully explorable. While Altissia is made up of sizable explorable districts, the heart of the city itself is off-limits. Pujilq, on the other hand, only allows aerial traversal in specific locations on the mountains, making the region less accessible.
