“Final Fantasy XVI” is making it easier for newcomers to enter the FF universe by going back to the good old Middle Ages, a departure from the previous science fiction and steampunk themes. The game takes place in the world of Valisthea, which is on the brink of collapse as six kingdoms fight for supremacy while a deadly plague spreads. Players follow the story of Clive, a young man seeking revenge for the death of his brother Joshua, as he fights against an evil magical being. Newcomers will be relieved to know that prior knowledge of the Final Fantasy universe is not necessary to enjoy the game.
The gameplay of “Final Fantasy XVI” is reminiscent of an interactive movie, with frequent cinematic cutscenes interspersed with brief moments of player interaction. However, some players may find this repetitive and slow, detracting from the overall flow of the game. The game has shifted away from its role-playing game origins and is now more of an action-adventure with subtle role-playing elements in the fight scenes. Players control Clive, who can use a variety of magic attacks in addition to basic sword attacks. Clive often has AI-controlled helpers, but they act autonomously. The combat mechanics involve button-mashing and there is little room for tactics. The game is relatively easy and unchallenging, even on the highest difficulty setting.
Visually, “Final Fantasy XVI” is impressive, particularly during boss fights against giant knights and gods. The game features stunning set pieces and moments of high spectacle. However, there are also moments where the player’s actions are reduced to simple quick-time events. The game world, while large, is not particularly varied and mainly consists of mini arenas for players to complete missions. The missions themselves are straightforward, with players usually having to talk to NPCs, travel to different locations, and defeat monsters. The game also includes automatic leveling up, a skill tree, and a bit of looting.
In conclusion, “Final Fantasy XVI” sacrifices playfulness for spectacular action and melodramatic kitsch. The frequent cinematic cutscenes can disrupt the flow of the game, while the combat mechanics are simple reaction tests. However, the game is visually stunning, especially during boss fights. It offers an undemanding action-adventure experience that may appeal to fans of the series. “Final Fantasy XVI” will be released on June 22nd exclusively for the PS5.
