Final Fantasy XVI says you have a reason to love the world you live in, even if everything begs and claws at you to give in. Love’s presence is palpable through what can feel endlessly bleak and grim for much of the experience, wondering when it truly lets up, if our efforts will yield reward. The oppressive weight placed on bearers, the harm of holding a faith’s teachings as absolute, the cruelty to take advantage of you at your weakest. But as the story progresses, it gives way to a brighter tone symbolizing the gradual success of our protagonist, Clive Rosfield’s, endeavors. The reward when a community achieves the impossible, the acceptance of your deeds and committing yourself to righting your wrongs, the understanding that nobody should convince you to settle for less. The game asks you to love you for you. To make peace with your individuality, and join with those who would elevate each other.

I didn't want to dump a college thesis onto this website so extremely long form review here: https://kingelireviews.blogspot.com/2023/07/final-fantasy-xvi-review-labor-of-love.html