Completed FF XVI.
After looking at FF 14, I consider XVI to be the type that learns from the mistakes of its predecessors (FF 13, FF 15), incorporating what works in the current gaming industry while focusing on aspects that core fans desire, elevating them to over-the-top levels as goals, rather than just adding too much without delivering. Ultimately, when discussing core gameplay, character moments, lore, spectacle, and music, FF XVI stands out as one of the best in the series.
+ The Eikon fights are mind-blowing spectacles. The grandeur they present makes FF XVI the pinnacle of the entire FF series in this aspect. I'd even go as far as to say that experiencing this game on PS5 is a must for the Eikon scenes alone.
+ The music is an eargasmic experience. I've been listening to FF 14's OST daily, and in FF XVI, Soken has truly taken it to the next level. If the album were to be released, I'd definitely buy it.
+ The action is enjoyable, solid, and satisfying. The skill rotation is relatively easy, the parrying feels smooth, and staggering combos can deal hundreds of thousands of damage. As someone who isn't a fan of the action genre, I find the gameplay quite solid. The accessories also greatly enhance the game's accessibility, even though the game itself is quite manageable without them.
+ I like the characters, especially Clive, whose voice acting deserves commendation. Jill, Cid, Mid, and even the NPCs are all well-written.
+ The character moments are well-executed. They all deliver exceptionally well. The ending is tear-jerking, and I'm quite satisfied with the impact that Clive's actions have shown after the credits.
+ Torgal, the good boy.
= I honestly don't mind some characters being underexplored, but I hope there will be DLCs addressing the relationships between Cid, Barnabas, and Benedikta.
- I still feel that FFT and Tactics Ogre are the true mature RPGs from SE (outside of the aspects of sex and blood). The political intrigue in FF XVI feels shallow and gimmicky, lacking dynamism.
- The hate crime bearer isn't relatable, and its message regarding slavery seems to miss the point. The game also mishandles this theme and how it's used as a narrative motivator. I have my own thoughts on this matter.
- The story's motivations feel somewhat messy and lacking depth, with some reveals discarding interesting aspects of the story's motivations.
- The sidequests... 😪 but you miss out on a lot if you don't follow them, especially towards the end. I even had to turn off my PS when I was hyped to face the final boss, just to complete them.
- Many elements feel like they're just ticking the checkboxes of modern RPGs, such as side quests, item shops, world areas, crafting, equipment, evolving hideouts, etc., which I believe have a lot of potential but aren't taken seriously.
Overall, I consider FF XVI to be one of the best FF games I've ever played, though my list may be unique (currently, my top four are FFT, FF XIV, FFXVI, and FFXII, with the development teams being related to one another). In my opinion, this game is a must-play if you own a PS5; it's a spectacle that I haven't experienced since Shadow of the Colossus and God of War 3.
My rating: 4/5.
After looking at FF 14, I consider XVI to be the type that learns from the mistakes of its predecessors (FF 13, FF 15), incorporating what works in the current gaming industry while focusing on aspects that core fans desire, elevating them to over-the-top levels as goals, rather than just adding too much without delivering. Ultimately, when discussing core gameplay, character moments, lore, spectacle, and music, FF XVI stands out as one of the best in the series.
+ The Eikon fights are mind-blowing spectacles. The grandeur they present makes FF XVI the pinnacle of the entire FF series in this aspect. I'd even go as far as to say that experiencing this game on PS5 is a must for the Eikon scenes alone.
+ The music is an eargasmic experience. I've been listening to FF 14's OST daily, and in FF XVI, Soken has truly taken it to the next level. If the album were to be released, I'd definitely buy it.
+ The action is enjoyable, solid, and satisfying. The skill rotation is relatively easy, the parrying feels smooth, and staggering combos can deal hundreds of thousands of damage. As someone who isn't a fan of the action genre, I find the gameplay quite solid. The accessories also greatly enhance the game's accessibility, even though the game itself is quite manageable without them.
+ I like the characters, especially Clive, whose voice acting deserves commendation. Jill, Cid, Mid, and even the NPCs are all well-written.
+ The character moments are well-executed. They all deliver exceptionally well. The ending is tear-jerking, and I'm quite satisfied with the impact that Clive's actions have shown after the credits.
+ Torgal, the good boy.
= I honestly don't mind some characters being underexplored, but I hope there will be DLCs addressing the relationships between Cid, Barnabas, and Benedikta.
- I still feel that FFT and Tactics Ogre are the true mature RPGs from SE (outside of the aspects of sex and blood). The political intrigue in FF XVI feels shallow and gimmicky, lacking dynamism.
- The hate crime bearer isn't relatable, and its message regarding slavery seems to miss the point. The game also mishandles this theme and how it's used as a narrative motivator. I have my own thoughts on this matter.
- The story's motivations feel somewhat messy and lacking depth, with some reveals discarding interesting aspects of the story's motivations.
- The sidequests... 😪 but you miss out on a lot if you don't follow them, especially towards the end. I even had to turn off my PS when I was hyped to face the final boss, just to complete them.
- Many elements feel like they're just ticking the checkboxes of modern RPGs, such as side quests, item shops, world areas, crafting, equipment, evolving hideouts, etc., which I believe have a lot of potential but aren't taken seriously.
Overall, I consider FF XVI to be one of the best FF games I've ever played, though my list may be unique (currently, my top four are FFT, FF XIV, FFXVI, and FFXII, with the development teams being related to one another). In my opinion, this game is a must-play if you own a PS5; it's a spectacle that I haven't experienced since Shadow of the Colossus and God of War 3.
My rating: 4/5.