This is my second time playing a Final Fantasy title, my first being Dissidia on the PSP. Aside from all of the cons many fans of the series have already stated, I'm thoroughly enjoying it about 15 hours in. Standouts for me so far are Cid, the boss battles and the soundtrack (mainly the battle theme). The combat is only as good as the person playing in my opinion but I think it's neat.
Fucking God tier.
"fuck it, finally a fantasy"
~fred durst (2021)
consistently fun but bogged down by way-too-frequent mmo-esque fetch quests, a dogshit main antagonist and jill's comical lack of characterization
when it hits though, it really fucking hits. clive is a terrific lead, (kupka is also a fantastic rival) every major set piece manages to one up the last and the combat, whilea bit easy for an action game absolutely braindead, is really fucking fun
only ps4/5 game thus far to feel like a truly "next gen" experience and a crystal clear reminder of the heights this series can reach when it's not rife with developmental problems
edit: that last line is still mostly correct but not in the way i'd like. it's certainly next-gen in terms of scope and scale with regards to spectacle, but the actual writing is piss poor. this was very much a honeymoon game and ng+ made it clear. xvi feels like a first draft
~fred durst (2021)
consistently fun but bogged down by way-too-frequent mmo-esque fetch quests, a dogshit main antagonist and jill's comical lack of characterization
when it hits though, it really fucking hits. clive is a terrific lead, (kupka is also a fantastic rival) every major set piece manages to one up the last and the combat, while
only ps4/5 game thus far to feel like a truly "next gen" experience and a crystal clear reminder of the heights this series can reach when it's not rife with developmental problems
edit: that last line is still mostly correct but not in the way i'd like. it's certainly next-gen in terms of scope and scale with regards to spectacle, but the actual writing is piss poor. this was very much a honeymoon game and ng+ made it clear. xvi feels like a first draft
Meu nome é Shadow the Hedgehog e em toda minha vida eu nunca vi um jogo tão ruim quanto esse...
A série Final Fantasy já vinha sofrendo mudanças no quesito de sua gameplay à tempos, porém dessa vez, a Square Enix, quis ir mais além do que anteriormente, mudando de um JRPG para um DEVIL MAY CRY?
Como Shadow, eu não esperava algo assim... mas ainda com esperança(Vou te matar Sonic).
Quando você entra na gameplay de fato e percebe a BOSTA de situação gameofobica que está, você se treme de medo.
A história por si só é irrelevante, como em todos os jogos do Sonic(o bostolão né guys), então pouco prestei atenção nisso enquanto jogava.
Não zerei mas achei uma bosta, droppei nos 30 minutos de jogo (Vou te salvar Maria)
A série Final Fantasy já vinha sofrendo mudanças no quesito de sua gameplay à tempos, porém dessa vez, a Square Enix, quis ir mais além do que anteriormente, mudando de um JRPG para um DEVIL MAY CRY?
Como Shadow, eu não esperava algo assim... mas ainda com esperança(Vou te matar Sonic).
Quando você entra na gameplay de fato e percebe a BOSTA de situação gameofobica que está, você se treme de medo.
A história por si só é irrelevante, como em todos os jogos do Sonic(o bostolão né guys), então pouco prestei atenção nisso enquanto jogava.
Não zerei mas achei uma bosta, droppei nos 30 minutos de jogo (Vou te salvar Maria)
Eu não consigo imaginar um retorno à forma de uma das franquias que definiu meu gosto por arte feito de maneira mais brilhante do que esse jogo. Uma das histórias que mais mexeu comigo em níveis pessoais, algo que apenas as melhores conseguem entregar.
say goodnight to the fate.
From the very first moments, Final Fantasy XVI captivated me with its intense tone clearly inspired from western fantasy media such as Game of Thrones. The game transcended boundaries, showcasing a darkness and level of violence that is on the level of or surpasses any previous instalment of the Final Fantasy franchise. It wasn't limited to the gory spectacles of battles or the crushing clashes of godlike figures; instead, it fearlessly wove explicit narratives of persecution and enslavement. The repercussions of political strife and supernatural conflicts were laid bare, exposing a world ravaged by death and destruction. The victims' suffering was depicted with unflinching brutality, at times pushing the boundaries of embellishment to evoke a profound emotional response. Yet, amidst this unyielding harshness, Final Fantasy XVI found thematic coherence, seamlessly merging the struggles of ordinary individuals with the fantastical elements that shaped their destinies. Within this realm, suffused with magic and ethereal enchantment, a captivating tale unfolded—a story of characters clinging to their humanity, propelled by unbreakable bonds and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to usher in a better world. This narrative was uniquely Final Fantasy, a testament to the franchise's ability to craft immersive and impactful experiences.
The Final Fantasy series has always embodied the spirit of reinvention, and FFXVI emerges as a testament to its unparalleled evolution. Embarking on a journey far removed from its predecessors, the combat system strides closer to the realm of Devil May Cry, illuminating the boundless possibilities of an action-RPG. Initially appearing as explosive set-pieces, the battles against Eikons gradually unfurl into immersive and narratively profound moments, where the spectacle intertwines seamlessly with the game's overarching storyline. As I delved into the game's breathtaking conflicts and emotionally charged cinematic sequences, I found myself questioning in astonishment, "Can this game truly achieve such extraordinary feats?" The resplendent melodies of the soundtrack became etched in my mind. However, amidst these exhilarating peaks, I encountered remnants of design choices that felt antiquated, momentarily disrupting the immersive experience during my extensive 50-plus hours with the game. Nevertheless, it is the indelible memories of FFXVI's remarkable and awe-inspiring moments that cement its place as one of the franchise's most distinguished entries.
FFXVI fearlessly embarks on audacious leaps, leaving a profound impact with every stride. Its narrative intricately intertwines threads that safeguard the very essence defining the extraordinary nature of the Final Fantasy franchise. Although its elements converge gradually and encounter a few familiar tropes along the way, the culmination it achieves remains an unmatched experience. FFXVI's power emanates through the electrifying surge of action, the unfiltered depths of emotions, and the seamless fusion of both, etching an indelible mark resonating within the depths of my soul.
One captivating aspect that enthralled me in FFXVI was its combat system, seamlessly interwoven with the core fabric of the game's identity. Assuming control of Clive throughout the enthralling journey, I witnessed the gradual expansion of his repertoire of Eikon abilities, synchronizing with the progression of the narrative. The masterful framing of his most monumental battles artfully highlights his finesse as an agile and skilled swordsman, wielding an array of awe-inspiring powers that can be unleashed and skillfully intertwined at any fleeting moment.
The boss battles in FFXVI showcase an exceptional level of design, fully exploiting the potential of the stylish-action combat system. Rather than adhering to predictable patterns, these encounters demand a thoughtful and strategic approach. Skillful management of the stagger meter is crucial, as depleting it opens up opportunities to unleash a relentless barrage of devastating attacks, taking advantage of the damage multiplier when the enemy is vulnerable. However, these battles transcend mere offensive prowess; they also serve as tests of agility, precise positioning, and the ability to anticipate and swiftly counter incoming assaults. As an avid player with extensive experience in Final Fantasy XIV's challenging savage raids, I can unmistakably recognize the clear influence of MMORPG boss mechanics on the design of FFXVI. This incorporation of design philosophies from a different genre elevates the overall experience, and I wholeheartedly embrace this seamless fusion.
FFXVI offers a balanced level of difficulty, occasionally featuring DPS checks and powerful enemy attacks that can be mitigated with potions. The Arcade Mode and New Game+ Ultimania difficulty provide additional challenges for leaderboard rankings and hardcore players. Optional accessories can assist players struggling with combat mechanics, offering features like auto-combos and lenient dodge timing. Regardless of playstyle, the satisfaction of triumphing over formidable foes using Eikon abilities is unmatched.
FFXVI follows a straightforward structure, centered around The Hideaway as a home base and gradually expanding hub areas. Sidequests and optional boss fights can be found within these regions, rewarding players with XP and materials. The main quest unfolds through combat-focused scenarios, combining thrilling boss fights with captivating story moments and cinematic sequences, creating a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience.
In the realm of FFXVI, true marvel lies in the clashes between Eikons themselves: pivotal junctures where fully transformed Dominants push their limits and unleash their might in an all-out war. Though these encounters are scarce, those encountered from the midpoint onwards deliver mind-boggling spectacles, surpassing the boundaries of what we've witnessed in the realm of gaming. As the game progresses, fresh abilities tailored for these battles gradually unfold, ensuring an experience that goes beyond mere quick-time events or mindless button presses. Even in instances where quick-time events come into play, the sheer exhibition of strength rivals that of Asura's Wrath, leaving an indelible mark. As someone not easily swayed by flashy visuals or cutting-edge graphics, FFXVI stands as a rare exception where its technical prowess enhances the immense scale of these jaw-dropping and truly astonishing moments.
In conclusion, FFXVI delivers an unforgettable gaming experience with its captivating story and breathtaking moments that evoke both awe and emotion. The well-crafted dialogue and exceptional voice performances bring the characters to life, turning them into memorable legends. The action combat system is thrilling and immersive, especially during epic boss battles that showcase its true brilliance. Accompanying the gameplay is a remarkable soundtrack that captures the essence of each moment, whether it's the excitement, weight, or emotional depth. While the game occasionally shows its age in certain quest structures and has some minor narrative flaws that may overshadow its intended message, FFXVI remains a fresh and original addition to the beloved Final Fantasy series. With its strengths and immersive world, FFXVI is a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking an extraordinary gaming experience.
The Final Fantasy series has always embodied the spirit of reinvention, and FFXVI emerges as a testament to its unparalleled evolution. Embarking on a journey far removed from its predecessors, the combat system strides closer to the realm of Devil May Cry, illuminating the boundless possibilities of an action-RPG. Initially appearing as explosive set-pieces, the battles against Eikons gradually unfurl into immersive and narratively profound moments, where the spectacle intertwines seamlessly with the game's overarching storyline. As I delved into the game's breathtaking conflicts and emotionally charged cinematic sequences, I found myself questioning in astonishment, "Can this game truly achieve such extraordinary feats?" The resplendent melodies of the soundtrack became etched in my mind. However, amidst these exhilarating peaks, I encountered remnants of design choices that felt antiquated, momentarily disrupting the immersive experience during my extensive 50-plus hours with the game. Nevertheless, it is the indelible memories of FFXVI's remarkable and awe-inspiring moments that cement its place as one of the franchise's most distinguished entries.
FFXVI fearlessly embarks on audacious leaps, leaving a profound impact with every stride. Its narrative intricately intertwines threads that safeguard the very essence defining the extraordinary nature of the Final Fantasy franchise. Although its elements converge gradually and encounter a few familiar tropes along the way, the culmination it achieves remains an unmatched experience. FFXVI's power emanates through the electrifying surge of action, the unfiltered depths of emotions, and the seamless fusion of both, etching an indelible mark resonating within the depths of my soul.
One captivating aspect that enthralled me in FFXVI was its combat system, seamlessly interwoven with the core fabric of the game's identity. Assuming control of Clive throughout the enthralling journey, I witnessed the gradual expansion of his repertoire of Eikon abilities, synchronizing with the progression of the narrative. The masterful framing of his most monumental battles artfully highlights his finesse as an agile and skilled swordsman, wielding an array of awe-inspiring powers that can be unleashed and skillfully intertwined at any fleeting moment.
The boss battles in FFXVI showcase an exceptional level of design, fully exploiting the potential of the stylish-action combat system. Rather than adhering to predictable patterns, these encounters demand a thoughtful and strategic approach. Skillful management of the stagger meter is crucial, as depleting it opens up opportunities to unleash a relentless barrage of devastating attacks, taking advantage of the damage multiplier when the enemy is vulnerable. However, these battles transcend mere offensive prowess; they also serve as tests of agility, precise positioning, and the ability to anticipate and swiftly counter incoming assaults. As an avid player with extensive experience in Final Fantasy XIV's challenging savage raids, I can unmistakably recognize the clear influence of MMORPG boss mechanics on the design of FFXVI. This incorporation of design philosophies from a different genre elevates the overall experience, and I wholeheartedly embrace this seamless fusion.
FFXVI offers a balanced level of difficulty, occasionally featuring DPS checks and powerful enemy attacks that can be mitigated with potions. The Arcade Mode and New Game+ Ultimania difficulty provide additional challenges for leaderboard rankings and hardcore players. Optional accessories can assist players struggling with combat mechanics, offering features like auto-combos and lenient dodge timing. Regardless of playstyle, the satisfaction of triumphing over formidable foes using Eikon abilities is unmatched.
FFXVI follows a straightforward structure, centered around The Hideaway as a home base and gradually expanding hub areas. Sidequests and optional boss fights can be found within these regions, rewarding players with XP and materials. The main quest unfolds through combat-focused scenarios, combining thrilling boss fights with captivating story moments and cinematic sequences, creating a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience.
In the realm of FFXVI, true marvel lies in the clashes between Eikons themselves: pivotal junctures where fully transformed Dominants push their limits and unleash their might in an all-out war. Though these encounters are scarce, those encountered from the midpoint onwards deliver mind-boggling spectacles, surpassing the boundaries of what we've witnessed in the realm of gaming. As the game progresses, fresh abilities tailored for these battles gradually unfold, ensuring an experience that goes beyond mere quick-time events or mindless button presses. Even in instances where quick-time events come into play, the sheer exhibition of strength rivals that of Asura's Wrath, leaving an indelible mark. As someone not easily swayed by flashy visuals or cutting-edge graphics, FFXVI stands as a rare exception where its technical prowess enhances the immense scale of these jaw-dropping and truly astonishing moments.
In conclusion, FFXVI delivers an unforgettable gaming experience with its captivating story and breathtaking moments that evoke both awe and emotion. The well-crafted dialogue and exceptional voice performances bring the characters to life, turning them into memorable legends. The action combat system is thrilling and immersive, especially during epic boss battles that showcase its true brilliance. Accompanying the gameplay is a remarkable soundtrack that captures the essence of each moment, whether it's the excitement, weight, or emotional depth. While the game occasionally shows its age in certain quest structures and has some minor narrative flaws that may overshadow its intended message, FFXVI remains a fresh and original addition to the beloved Final Fantasy series. With its strengths and immersive world, FFXVI is a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking an extraordinary gaming experience.
A solid entry into the series, while I wouldn't put it among the best it is by no means bad.
As per Final Fantasy standards, the game looks fantastic and the music is nothing short of amazing.
Although not the most complex of stories I still enjoyed it all the same.
The combat, while not particularly hard, is fun and offers some neat customization.
As per Final Fantasy standards, the game looks fantastic and the music is nothing short of amazing.
Although not the most complex of stories I still enjoyed it all the same.
The combat, while not particularly hard, is fun and offers some neat customization.
Depois de ter passado 52 horas fazendo tudo, terminei Final Fantasy XVI tendo certeza que é meu GOTY e também o melhor da franquia
Esse jogo é conjunto de excelências que mostram o carinho com o qual ele foi feito: Um dos melhores combates que já vi, um storytelling impecável com um cast de personagens super carismático, boss fights ridiculamente insanas que me surpreende elas rodarem de boa num PS5, trilha sonora que seria um crime não ganhar nenhum prêmio, direção de arte fantástica etc.
É verdade que as side quests demoram um tempo pra engatar, você vai passar umas horas fazendo missões bobas até elas realmente ficarem interessantes e passarem a contribuir pro worl building... Mas no fim vale a pena
Há quem diga que o level design é datado, mas eu não poderia discordar mais. Esse jogo é um respiro de alívio no meio de tantos jogos mundo aberto e cinematográficos. Nesse aspecto ele parece um jogo de PS2/PS3 e digo isso da forma mais positiva possível
Anyway, fico feliz demais de que atendeu minhas expectativas que eram altíssimas
Nota: 10/10
Esse jogo é conjunto de excelências que mostram o carinho com o qual ele foi feito: Um dos melhores combates que já vi, um storytelling impecável com um cast de personagens super carismático, boss fights ridiculamente insanas que me surpreende elas rodarem de boa num PS5, trilha sonora que seria um crime não ganhar nenhum prêmio, direção de arte fantástica etc.
É verdade que as side quests demoram um tempo pra engatar, você vai passar umas horas fazendo missões bobas até elas realmente ficarem interessantes e passarem a contribuir pro worl building... Mas no fim vale a pena
Há quem diga que o level design é datado, mas eu não poderia discordar mais. Esse jogo é um respiro de alívio no meio de tantos jogos mundo aberto e cinematográficos. Nesse aspecto ele parece um jogo de PS2/PS3 e digo isso da forma mais positiva possível
Anyway, fico feliz demais de que atendeu minhas expectativas que eram altíssimas
Nota: 10/10
Final Fantasy XVI
Personalmente mi Final Fantasy favorito, ha conseguido juntar todas las cosas que me gustan y materializarlas como juego. De las cosas que más me ha cautivado es su ambientación medieval oscura que me encanta, y la adición de elementos que nunca se habían visto en la saga (sexo, gore, etc.), que le han dado un toque mucho más maduro, creíble y visceral.
No quiero entrar en detalles de la trama para que cada uno lo valore y pueda jugar al juego sin saber absolutamente nada, pero simplemente comentar que la idea que presenta me gusta mucho, y conserva los elementos típicos de la saga.
Los personajes de Final Fantasy XVI son otro aspecto destacado del juego. Desde los protagonistas hasta los secundarios, todos tienen un trasfondo sólido y se sienten realmente vivos. A través de las misiones secundarias y las interacciones con los NPCs, los personajes se desarrollan y se vuelven más complejos, generando un vínculo emocional con el jugador. Además, sus diálogos, están acompañados de unas expresiones faciales muy muy detalladas que me han llamado mucho la atención, algo que hace que sin duda estos personajes se sientan más realistas.
Una de las cosas que me gustan más en los juegos son las referencias a otras entregas de las sagas, y este juego podremos ver referencias a la propia saga, haciendo una mención especial a Final Fantasy XIV, ya que tiene muchísimas referencias a éste. Desde la música hasta los sutiles guiños en el entorno y la trama, esto hace que la aventura se sienta muchísimo más familiar a parte de ser un homenaje para los fans cómo últimamente quieren mostrar las entregas de esta saga.
Es imposible no mencionar la influencia de Ivalice, algo que personalmente me ha gustado mucho ya que recientemente he jugado a Tactics Ogre y Vagrant Story y me gustan mucho las entregas de Matsuno. El juego adopta diseños y ambientaciones inspirados en Ivalice, y la manera en la que se enfoca la histori en la primera parte de la trama, donde se presentan intrigas políticas y conflictos internos que recuerdan a los juegos de Ivalice.
A pesar de los impresionantes gráficos del juego, es importante destacar que la calidad de los gráficos no es lo que más me impacta pero si su belleza visual, y este juego, es una obra de arte tanto en su diseño de entornos cómo en los planos de sus cinemáticas.
El gameplay, a pesar de no ser un experto en este tipo de gameplay y no saber exprimirlo al máximo, me ha gustado mucho la libertad que permite mezclar los poderes de los EIkons y las animaciones de los ataques.
Me atrevería a decir que es el juego con mejores cinemáticas de pelea que he visto, por la coreografía, por el entorno y por la sensación que te da le formar parte de esas cinemáticas con QTE.
Volviendo a lo de los gráficos, jugando, recordé aquellos momentos en mi infancia cuando observaba a mi hermano jugando, y flipaba impresionantes escenas CGI en los videojuegos y decía "Ojalá jugara con estos gráficos". Finalmente estamos en ese punto. No es nada importante pero me vino a la cabeza mientras jugaba y quería comentarlo.
Quería dedicarle un detallito a Clive, que sin duda se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos de los videojuegos, por su historia, sus momentos badass, los momentos en los que no tiene miedo de mostrar sus sentimientos, todo en general de este personaje me ha fascinado.
En resumen, Final Fantasy XVI me ha encantado. Su estética medieval oscura, la revolución de añadir contenido explícito, las referencias a la saga, la influencia de Ivalice, los impresionantes gráficos y los personajes memorables se combinan para crear una experiencia inolvidable.
Los fans de la serie se sentirán gratamente sorprendidos y los nuevos jugadores podrán de disfrutar de un juego increíble. Espero que Final Fantasy XVI se convierta tarde o temprano en un hito de la saga y reciba las críticas que realmente se merece.
(10/10)
Muchas gracias al equipo de FFXVI por haber hecho un juego tan afín a mis gustos y tan precioso.
Personalmente mi Final Fantasy favorito, ha conseguido juntar todas las cosas que me gustan y materializarlas como juego. De las cosas que más me ha cautivado es su ambientación medieval oscura que me encanta, y la adición de elementos que nunca se habían visto en la saga (sexo, gore, etc.), que le han dado un toque mucho más maduro, creíble y visceral.
No quiero entrar en detalles de la trama para que cada uno lo valore y pueda jugar al juego sin saber absolutamente nada, pero simplemente comentar que la idea que presenta me gusta mucho, y conserva los elementos típicos de la saga.
Los personajes de Final Fantasy XVI son otro aspecto destacado del juego. Desde los protagonistas hasta los secundarios, todos tienen un trasfondo sólido y se sienten realmente vivos. A través de las misiones secundarias y las interacciones con los NPCs, los personajes se desarrollan y se vuelven más complejos, generando un vínculo emocional con el jugador. Además, sus diálogos, están acompañados de unas expresiones faciales muy muy detalladas que me han llamado mucho la atención, algo que hace que sin duda estos personajes se sientan más realistas.
Una de las cosas que me gustan más en los juegos son las referencias a otras entregas de las sagas, y este juego podremos ver referencias a la propia saga, haciendo una mención especial a Final Fantasy XIV, ya que tiene muchísimas referencias a éste. Desde la música hasta los sutiles guiños en el entorno y la trama, esto hace que la aventura se sienta muchísimo más familiar a parte de ser un homenaje para los fans cómo últimamente quieren mostrar las entregas de esta saga.
Es imposible no mencionar la influencia de Ivalice, algo que personalmente me ha gustado mucho ya que recientemente he jugado a Tactics Ogre y Vagrant Story y me gustan mucho las entregas de Matsuno. El juego adopta diseños y ambientaciones inspirados en Ivalice, y la manera en la que se enfoca la histori en la primera parte de la trama, donde se presentan intrigas políticas y conflictos internos que recuerdan a los juegos de Ivalice.
A pesar de los impresionantes gráficos del juego, es importante destacar que la calidad de los gráficos no es lo que más me impacta pero si su belleza visual, y este juego, es una obra de arte tanto en su diseño de entornos cómo en los planos de sus cinemáticas.
El gameplay, a pesar de no ser un experto en este tipo de gameplay y no saber exprimirlo al máximo, me ha gustado mucho la libertad que permite mezclar los poderes de los EIkons y las animaciones de los ataques.
Me atrevería a decir que es el juego con mejores cinemáticas de pelea que he visto, por la coreografía, por el entorno y por la sensación que te da le formar parte de esas cinemáticas con QTE.
Volviendo a lo de los gráficos, jugando, recordé aquellos momentos en mi infancia cuando observaba a mi hermano jugando, y flipaba impresionantes escenas CGI en los videojuegos y decía "Ojalá jugara con estos gráficos". Finalmente estamos en ese punto. No es nada importante pero me vino a la cabeza mientras jugaba y quería comentarlo.
Quería dedicarle un detallito a Clive, que sin duda se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos de los videojuegos, por su historia, sus momentos badass, los momentos en los que no tiene miedo de mostrar sus sentimientos, todo en general de este personaje me ha fascinado.
En resumen, Final Fantasy XVI me ha encantado. Su estética medieval oscura, la revolución de añadir contenido explícito, las referencias a la saga, la influencia de Ivalice, los impresionantes gráficos y los personajes memorables se combinan para crear una experiencia inolvidable.
Los fans de la serie se sentirán gratamente sorprendidos y los nuevos jugadores podrán de disfrutar de un juego increíble. Espero que Final Fantasy XVI se convierta tarde o temprano en un hito de la saga y reciba las críticas que realmente se merece.
(10/10)
Muchas gracias al equipo de FFXVI por haber hecho un juego tan afín a mis gustos y tan precioso.
This had some bits I wasn't all too into, including some parts of the story and a somewhat repetitive midgame, but MAN. for me, THIS is just Final Fantasy at its purest.
Combat was fun, Characters were all great, and it started AND ended FANTASTIC.
Combat was fun, Characters were all great, and it started AND ended FANTASTIC.
I cannot put into words how much I fucking adore the mature and gritty tone permeating the entire game being paired with such incredibly earnest youthful optimism. People are undoubtedly gonna call it "kingdom hearts" or "too anime" with smug grins (tl note: "too japanese") but it genuinely moves me to tears seeing how much hope and soul and overwhelming love they stuffed into this grimdark mega-budget blockbuster.
Main downside to the game, which is reaaaaallly glaring, is how horribly handled Jill is. She's the main heroine but stands around saying and doing nothing for most of the game, like she has no agency whatsoever. I'm not usually one to harp on stuff like this but her writing is just blatantly misogynistic which is really weird coming from the team that gave us characters like Ysayle and Alisaie.
Main downside to the game, which is reaaaaallly glaring, is how horribly handled Jill is. She's the main heroine but stands around saying and doing nothing for most of the game, like she has no agency whatsoever. I'm not usually one to harp on stuff like this but her writing is just blatantly misogynistic which is really weird coming from the team that gave us characters like Ysayle and Alisaie.
KAZUTOYO MAEHIRO WROTE A YAOI EXTRAVAGANZA . DUDES FUCKING ROCK !!!!!!!!!!
The developers often remarked this game was like a roller-coaster, and they weren't wrong. The game feels like riding the best roller-coaster you have ever been on, having the highest highs of any video game. The ride is so great you jump straight back in line for more. Here you wait for 2 hours chatting to your friends, and while sharing stories is interesting enough; all you want is to get back on the ride.
Pros:
- Graphics, Environments, Music, Quality are all exceptional and set the bar for AAA-titles
- Gameplay is fun, satisfying, and responsive; if at times a bit easy
- Voice Acting is the best ever seen in a videogame during the main story
- Spectacle is in a league of its own
Cons:
- Pacing. Some side quests, sections of the main quest, and dialogue feels like padding for no reason
- Not enough enemy variety, no ultimate endgame monsters, collectables, weapons, reasons to keep playing etc.
Conclusion:
An impressive game on all fronts, at times let down by some small issues. It's high points are unrivalled, and it tells a complex story and world within reasonable time. Personally, not having the full FF endgame with ultimate bosses, minigames and other fun activities is a shame.
Pros:
- Graphics, Environments, Music, Quality are all exceptional and set the bar for AAA-titles
- Gameplay is fun, satisfying, and responsive; if at times a bit easy
- Voice Acting is the best ever seen in a videogame during the main story
- Spectacle is in a league of its own
Cons:
- Pacing. Some side quests, sections of the main quest, and dialogue feels like padding for no reason
- Not enough enemy variety, no ultimate endgame monsters, collectables, weapons, reasons to keep playing etc.
Conclusion:
An impressive game on all fronts, at times let down by some small issues. It's high points are unrivalled, and it tells a complex story and world within reasonable time. Personally, not having the full FF endgame with ultimate bosses, minigames and other fun activities is a shame.
Final Fantasy XVI is the pinnacle of the action RPG and everything that came before this was building up to it. From the early 2000's the signs of change were apparent in the DNA of Final Fantasy X, XI and XII and when XIII perhaps deviated from the soul of the series too much, fans were eary of Square Enix's next attemps. While initially a failure, Final Fantasy XIV grew into an internationally reknowned and beloved game, one of the most profitable Japanese published ever in fact and while it certainly wasn't perfect, Final Fantasy XV brought back the soul and iconography of the series to leave us wanting more and more.
Final Fantasy XVI brought more, and then some.
The dark and gritty story inspired by Game of Thrones introduces us to some of the most grounded and realistic characters in Final Fantasy history with dramatic turns and themeing that absolutely left me floored. The combat and boss fights literally brought me to my knees at points with enough depth and spectacle to keep you coming back for more long after you've finished the main story.
This is one of the best games of the generation and perhaps even of all time.
Final Fantasy XVI brought more, and then some.
The dark and gritty story inspired by Game of Thrones introduces us to some of the most grounded and realistic characters in Final Fantasy history with dramatic turns and themeing that absolutely left me floored. The combat and boss fights literally brought me to my knees at points with enough depth and spectacle to keep you coming back for more long after you've finished the main story.
This is one of the best games of the generation and perhaps even of all time.
A great combat system, a handful of unforgettable sequences, strong character performances, and a stellar soundtrack hold up the rest of the game, which ranges from "fine" to "actively annoying". The story isn't anything new, there's a lot of busy work, the RPG elements are thin to the point of almost being nonexistent, the quests all feel like chores, the plot pacing is atrocious, and a ton of side characters are completely wasted.
Despite my gripes however, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a ton of fun playing it. It's because a lot of the stuff here is so good that the stuff that isn't feels so bad - this game is so close to being a masterpiece but falls short in a myriad of frustrating ways. FFXVI is a tale of extremely high highs surrounded by fairly low lows.
Despite my gripes however, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a ton of fun playing it. It's because a lot of the stuff here is so good that the stuff that isn't feels so bad - this game is so close to being a masterpiece but falls short in a myriad of frustrating ways. FFXVI is a tale of extremely high highs surrounded by fairly low lows.
The bonds of brothers are inseparable
You cock.
Edit: Hey this game is too fucking long. I get that EVERYTHING sucks and things get only worse and like that's like a metaphor for life and climate change and war mongers that control our lives but like I want to ride a chocobo.
Also why are items that make the game fun withheld from you? For a game this long, you get items you equip that change the mechanics to be more robust and fun. You get these items AFTER 60 hours of pressing three buttons in player controlled combat.
That Titan fight is the most expensive thing I have ever seen in a video game. That's where all the FF14 money went. Into some Metal Gear Rising Dragonball Z shit. Amazing.
I want to like this game more, but it couldn't feel like a game 5 different game studios super-glued together to make a unique product which I appreciate and in some ways love.
The rough edges are felt and cannot be ignored because this game is too goddamn long and dumbass casuals are not going to figure out there are items in their inventory that make the game fun. I get why they are separated so as to curate the game experience but like literacy rates are plummeting and motherfuckers are scrolling r/bigwhiteasses in between gameplay segments. This game would have been received better if the default player combat experience was more fun from the start.
The world's most expensive and exhilarating cutscenes are not going to prevent people being bored long-term if their participation is not up to par. You got the DMC5 combat designer in this bitch and his work is essentially hidden from plain view. Come on, now.
Between Tears of the Kingdom, Hi-Fi Rush and this game. 2023 was a juggernaut of soundtracks. I think FF16 had the best overall soundtrack of the game's I played. The dude who wrote most of the music had like stage 2 cancer while writing it, so the themes of death go hard as FUCK in a very emotional way. Goddamn this game will make you sad and terrified. It's good stuff.
I'm not going to dismiss this game as torture porn. But I think it's small glimmers of hope and joy that you do see in this game that are insanely powerful. Like the game puts you in a state of acceptance of slavery, poverty, plague and needless warmongering only to pull your head out of the water to make you look at the rare Moogle or Jill's boobs.
The ultimate villain is dumb and kind of ruins some themes the game was running with, but not since like Final Fantasy 6 do you feel somewhat hopeless at winning against them. It's awesome.
FF16 plays around in a miasma of human misery to highlight what's truly precious in life to those who want to know peace. Is it particularly niche and inaccessible? It is to mainstream audiences for now. I think appreciation for what's here will only grow in time.
They should releases this with a re-wired combat system so I don't fall asleep 40 hours in but like you know Square doesn't do anything 100% right. I'm cool with the final product, but not as much as I had hoped.
I can't wait for this to come out on PC and melt everyone's GPU.
Edit: Hey this game is too fucking long. I get that EVERYTHING sucks and things get only worse and like that's like a metaphor for life and climate change and war mongers that control our lives but like I want to ride a chocobo.
Also why are items that make the game fun withheld from you? For a game this long, you get items you equip that change the mechanics to be more robust and fun. You get these items AFTER 60 hours of pressing three buttons in player controlled combat.
That Titan fight is the most expensive thing I have ever seen in a video game. That's where all the FF14 money went. Into some Metal Gear Rising Dragonball Z shit. Amazing.
I want to like this game more, but it couldn't feel like a game 5 different game studios super-glued together to make a unique product which I appreciate and in some ways love.
The rough edges are felt and cannot be ignored because this game is too goddamn long and dumbass casuals are not going to figure out there are items in their inventory that make the game fun. I get why they are separated so as to curate the game experience but like literacy rates are plummeting and motherfuckers are scrolling r/bigwhiteasses in between gameplay segments. This game would have been received better if the default player combat experience was more fun from the start.
The world's most expensive and exhilarating cutscenes are not going to prevent people being bored long-term if their participation is not up to par. You got the DMC5 combat designer in this bitch and his work is essentially hidden from plain view. Come on, now.
Between Tears of the Kingdom, Hi-Fi Rush and this game. 2023 was a juggernaut of soundtracks. I think FF16 had the best overall soundtrack of the game's I played. The dude who wrote most of the music had like stage 2 cancer while writing it, so the themes of death go hard as FUCK in a very emotional way. Goddamn this game will make you sad and terrified. It's good stuff.
I'm not going to dismiss this game as torture porn. But I think it's small glimmers of hope and joy that you do see in this game that are insanely powerful. Like the game puts you in a state of acceptance of slavery, poverty, plague and needless warmongering only to pull your head out of the water to make you look at the rare Moogle or Jill's boobs.
The ultimate villain is dumb and kind of ruins some themes the game was running with, but not since like Final Fantasy 6 do you feel somewhat hopeless at winning against them. It's awesome.
FF16 plays around in a miasma of human misery to highlight what's truly precious in life to those who want to know peace. Is it particularly niche and inaccessible? It is to mainstream audiences for now. I think appreciation for what's here will only grow in time.
They should releases this with a re-wired combat system so I don't fall asleep 40 hours in but like you know Square doesn't do anything 100% right. I'm cool with the final product, but not as much as I had hoped.
I can't wait for this to come out on PC and melt everyone's GPU.
First 2/3 of the story was perfect for a Tactics and Ogre fan, but after that, it goes downhill, and I hated it a lot. Even if i miss party members, action gameplay is very good. OST and cinematics are masterpieces, I loved watching them.
Game is very linear and there is almost no reward for exploring. I personally don't mind linearity but some secret bosses or unique loot could be good. Lack of elemental weapons made me sad, new weapons only have bigger numbers without offering unique properties. Moreover, the side quests are just MMO fetch quests and too boring.
In the end, despite these criticisms, game is very solid and must play. It was a great experience, but now I want a new FF in the style of FF5-6 more than ever.
Game is very linear and there is almost no reward for exploring. I personally don't mind linearity but some secret bosses or unique loot could be good. Lack of elemental weapons made me sad, new weapons only have bigger numbers without offering unique properties. Moreover, the side quests are just MMO fetch quests and too boring.
In the end, despite these criticisms, game is very solid and must play. It was a great experience, but now I want a new FF in the style of FF5-6 more than ever.
(No spoilers)
I went into this game with fairly high expectations in certain aspects. Those being story, characters, gameplay, and spectacle. And while those are some of the most important parts of a good video game, it does fall short in things that I consider minor but others may not. This review focuses on a lot of the negatives, but I want to make it clear that they do not outweigh the positives and I now consider this one of my favorite games of all time.
My biggest problem is the pacing of the main story quests. This game reaches some of the highest highs I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing in a video game, but in the second half it frequently it pulls you back down with menial fetch quests that do nothing but keep you busy while the next spectacle is prepared. There is a precedent to this style of storytelling, giving you time to breathe before going all in on the next major event (for an example of expert story pacing, see the Resident Evil 4 remake), but it happens far too often and does nothing to properly engage the player. While they are relevant to the plot, they also lack any urgency or importance. These kinds of things should be relegated to side quests, not the main story.
Regarding side quests, they are by and large not very good. They do an okay job of building on the world around you, but there is just nothing particularly fun about going to a location and holding X to gather materials (especially egregious that some of these instances happen during the MAIN quest). I shouldn't be surprised since this is a developer known for their MMO work (a genre where side quests are mainly a means to get XP) but I can't help being a little disappointed.
As far as other side content goes, the developers explained there are no minigames or life skills like previous entries in the series as Clive's story is not a happy one and it wouldn't have made sense. I just don't agree, and it sucks that they aren't here. Outside of that, the bulk of side content lies in the hunts, arcade mode, and Chronolith trials. If you're fiending for combat, these are here for you. These are extremely good, and go along with my other biggest praise of the game.
The general combat and individual encounter design is some of the best I have ever played. There were many, many boss fights and hunts that I did in my 30+ hours (so far) and not once did I feel like an attack was poorly designed. It is absurdly fun weaving through telegraphs and interacting with so many cool Eikon abilities.
I have so much more experimenting I need to do, but it's clear from what I've used that every ability is strong in one aspect or another. The mastery system lets you mix things up pretty significantly and there is a lot more player choice here than I had initially thought. The combat itself also has a lot of hidden depth. My one tiny little complaint is toppling enemies with Garuda is so damn good I feel like I'm leaving damage on the table if I'm not using it, which brings me down to only two Eikon slots. Regardless, there are a staggering number of ways to initiate and hold a combo, whether using Eikonic feats or even commanding Torgal. Sure, you CAN beat the game by button mashing--which keeps the barrier to entry low--but there's no way I'm going to do that.
As a side note the itemization in this game is weak, and the crafting system is basic. But this has never been a strength of the series, so I'm okay with a couple stat sticks and damage/cooldown passives.
Rounding off this review with a final look at the positives, I found the story incredible when things were actually happening. It hit every emotional beat and by the end of it I was fully invested and felt the full force of its impact. The sentiment from other reviews is that it goes fairly off the rails in the final act, but personally I feel like it does so in a way that isn't alien to the JRPG genre. Not to dismiss any flaws, but there wasn't anything I was blindsided by and it never really breaks the mold on this type of story. It does fail to address a few things by the end, but not in a way that hindered my experience. The main villain is good but doesn't reach the same heights the best in the franchise do.
The Eikon battles are the peak of the game. When I mentioned highest highs, this is what I was referring to. I went in hoping they weren't just button mashing and QTEs, and it blew my expectations away. These are incredible, immersive battles between titans where scale and spectacle just kept getting bigger. I found myself finishing these and wondering how the next one could possibly be better--but it was every time. These encounters always happened at major story points, and the accompanying cutscenes never disappointed, with smooth transitions between cinematics and gameplay paired with, overall, some of the best English voice acting in video games. I never felt like the line delivery was flat or out of place.
The characters are amazing. There are some real gems in this cast, Clive, Dion, Cid, Byron, and one unnamed character in particular shone the brightest for me. Barnabas is propped up as one of the most powerful characters in the game, and he delivers on that with every moment he takes the screen. Jill unfortunately does not reach the heights that other major female characters in the series do, but I loved her relationship with Clive and she does have her moments. The side characters found in your main hub also fell short for me. They just weren't very interesting.
Creative Business Unit III, known best for their work on Final Fantasy XIV for the last decade, transfers a lot of their storytelling and game design experience to XVI, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but still holds a high score for me.
Thanks for reading if you did.
I went into this game with fairly high expectations in certain aspects. Those being story, characters, gameplay, and spectacle. And while those are some of the most important parts of a good video game, it does fall short in things that I consider minor but others may not. This review focuses on a lot of the negatives, but I want to make it clear that they do not outweigh the positives and I now consider this one of my favorite games of all time.
My biggest problem is the pacing of the main story quests. This game reaches some of the highest highs I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing in a video game, but in the second half it frequently it pulls you back down with menial fetch quests that do nothing but keep you busy while the next spectacle is prepared. There is a precedent to this style of storytelling, giving you time to breathe before going all in on the next major event (for an example of expert story pacing, see the Resident Evil 4 remake), but it happens far too often and does nothing to properly engage the player. While they are relevant to the plot, they also lack any urgency or importance. These kinds of things should be relegated to side quests, not the main story.
Regarding side quests, they are by and large not very good. They do an okay job of building on the world around you, but there is just nothing particularly fun about going to a location and holding X to gather materials (especially egregious that some of these instances happen during the MAIN quest). I shouldn't be surprised since this is a developer known for their MMO work (a genre where side quests are mainly a means to get XP) but I can't help being a little disappointed.
As far as other side content goes, the developers explained there are no minigames or life skills like previous entries in the series as Clive's story is not a happy one and it wouldn't have made sense. I just don't agree, and it sucks that they aren't here. Outside of that, the bulk of side content lies in the hunts, arcade mode, and Chronolith trials. If you're fiending for combat, these are here for you. These are extremely good, and go along with my other biggest praise of the game.
The general combat and individual encounter design is some of the best I have ever played. There were many, many boss fights and hunts that I did in my 30+ hours (so far) and not once did I feel like an attack was poorly designed. It is absurdly fun weaving through telegraphs and interacting with so many cool Eikon abilities.
I have so much more experimenting I need to do, but it's clear from what I've used that every ability is strong in one aspect or another. The mastery system lets you mix things up pretty significantly and there is a lot more player choice here than I had initially thought. The combat itself also has a lot of hidden depth. My one tiny little complaint is toppling enemies with Garuda is so damn good I feel like I'm leaving damage on the table if I'm not using it, which brings me down to only two Eikon slots. Regardless, there are a staggering number of ways to initiate and hold a combo, whether using Eikonic feats or even commanding Torgal. Sure, you CAN beat the game by button mashing--which keeps the barrier to entry low--but there's no way I'm going to do that.
As a side note the itemization in this game is weak, and the crafting system is basic. But this has never been a strength of the series, so I'm okay with a couple stat sticks and damage/cooldown passives.
Rounding off this review with a final look at the positives, I found the story incredible when things were actually happening. It hit every emotional beat and by the end of it I was fully invested and felt the full force of its impact. The sentiment from other reviews is that it goes fairly off the rails in the final act, but personally I feel like it does so in a way that isn't alien to the JRPG genre. Not to dismiss any flaws, but there wasn't anything I was blindsided by and it never really breaks the mold on this type of story. It does fail to address a few things by the end, but not in a way that hindered my experience. The main villain is good but doesn't reach the same heights the best in the franchise do.
The Eikon battles are the peak of the game. When I mentioned highest highs, this is what I was referring to. I went in hoping they weren't just button mashing and QTEs, and it blew my expectations away. These are incredible, immersive battles between titans where scale and spectacle just kept getting bigger. I found myself finishing these and wondering how the next one could possibly be better--but it was every time. These encounters always happened at major story points, and the accompanying cutscenes never disappointed, with smooth transitions between cinematics and gameplay paired with, overall, some of the best English voice acting in video games. I never felt like the line delivery was flat or out of place.
The characters are amazing. There are some real gems in this cast, Clive, Dion, Cid, Byron, and one unnamed character in particular shone the brightest for me. Barnabas is propped up as one of the most powerful characters in the game, and he delivers on that with every moment he takes the screen. Jill unfortunately does not reach the heights that other major female characters in the series do, but I loved her relationship with Clive and she does have her moments. The side characters found in your main hub also fell short for me. They just weren't very interesting.
Creative Business Unit III, known best for their work on Final Fantasy XIV for the last decade, transfers a lot of their storytelling and game design experience to XVI, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but still holds a high score for me.
Thanks for reading if you did.
The highs of FF16 are extremely high, however the points inbetween are long, monotonous and low. The combat, music and visuals are great but they are held back by a mostly dull story, which led to me feeling like i just wanted it to be the next big battle or simply just over.
FFXVI is a very good game, but certain things hold it back from being a masterpiece. Combat, most of the story, music and visuals are amazing but some parts of the game feel extremely dated like the side quests and exploration in the world reminded me I don't want square to go anywhere near an open world game. A lot of the crafting in the game just kind of felt pointless as well, I found myself with plenty of coin and materials and pretty much nothing to do with any of it, overall 8/10 a return to form for mainline FF's but also a step backwards in a few ways. I wish to revise my review and drop it to a 6/10 didn't even realise this game had no Cactuar's or Tonberry's.
Drakengard if it was bad.
Benedikta, I can fix her, just let me be with her!
Being the first mainline FF game to be rated M, This game waves it’s rating around like a kid who just got unrestricted access to the internet
BEST SINGLE-PLAYER FINAL FANTASY FOR 20 YEARS! THIS is what FF is all about!
This really could have been a bit shorter. Drop the dull parts in between the insane Eikon fights, and it would improve so much.
There are so many Eikon builds to think of and try, but they don't matter too much on your first run. It is a bit unfortunate that the first run had to be easy, but I guess after FF7R, it's just a series staple to make the other difficulties balanced around your full kit.
The side content otherwise is pretty good; arcade mode(also has the hardest difficulty post game) is great for people who are big into scoring; the Eikon trials are a nice change of pace; and most of the hunts are good if you do them right away.
I've finished NG+ now, and it was a decent bump in difficulty. Everything has a lot more health, letting you do some combos rather than just one ignition to clear them all. Enemies are also way more aggressive and do more damage to you. Lots of them will be much higher level as well. Despite doing all the sidequests, the A/S hunts would be anywhere between 10-20 levels higher than me. Each group of enemies in the stages now has an additional endgame enemy with them, making it just a little bit tougher. The blacksmith will have more recipes for weapons and equipment, while accessories are now able to be upgraded. Once you have two copies of an accessory, you can combine them into one to get double or more of the effect in one slot. There is also an ultimate weapon only obtainable in NG+, but it's a bit disappointing that it's not locked behind a secret boss or area.
The real meat is the arcade mode. If you started NG+ in Final Fantasy mode, you will now have two additional difficulty options: Final Fantasy and Ultimaniac. Both have their own leaderboards, with the latter being very hard. Going for S ranks in Ultimaniac is very tough, let alone just clearing the stages at all. Right now, some of the stages only have a handful of clears, despite having hundreds and hundreds of clears in FF mode. In Ultimaniac, every little enemy can 2 or 3 shot you, and if you do get hit, you have just one potion and one high potion to help. For each Eikon fight, there is no healing, and each one does a decent amount of damage compared to the story variant. You also don't get any continues, and with some stages being ten legs, messing up anywhere could ruin a run for you. Even with all this, I still enjoyed my time there, but I didn't go for S ranks on each stage. There are also final Chronolith Trials, which are harder versions of the base game with new enemies thrown in. It also has a leaderboard and ranking system if you're competitive.
If you really wanted to, you could probably spend hundreds of hours on both of these challenges.
There are so many Eikon builds to think of and try, but they don't matter too much on your first run. It is a bit unfortunate that the first run had to be easy, but I guess after FF7R, it's just a series staple to make the other difficulties balanced around your full kit.
The side content otherwise is pretty good; arcade mode(also has the hardest difficulty post game) is great for people who are big into scoring; the Eikon trials are a nice change of pace; and most of the hunts are good if you do them right away.
I've finished NG+ now, and it was a decent bump in difficulty. Everything has a lot more health, letting you do some combos rather than just one ignition to clear them all. Enemies are also way more aggressive and do more damage to you. Lots of them will be much higher level as well. Despite doing all the sidequests, the A/S hunts would be anywhere between 10-20 levels higher than me. Each group of enemies in the stages now has an additional endgame enemy with them, making it just a little bit tougher. The blacksmith will have more recipes for weapons and equipment, while accessories are now able to be upgraded. Once you have two copies of an accessory, you can combine them into one to get double or more of the effect in one slot. There is also an ultimate weapon only obtainable in NG+, but it's a bit disappointing that it's not locked behind a secret boss or area.
The real meat is the arcade mode. If you started NG+ in Final Fantasy mode, you will now have two additional difficulty options: Final Fantasy and Ultimaniac. Both have their own leaderboards, with the latter being very hard. Going for S ranks in Ultimaniac is very tough, let alone just clearing the stages at all. Right now, some of the stages only have a handful of clears, despite having hundreds and hundreds of clears in FF mode. In Ultimaniac, every little enemy can 2 or 3 shot you, and if you do get hit, you have just one potion and one high potion to help. For each Eikon fight, there is no healing, and each one does a decent amount of damage compared to the story variant. You also don't get any continues, and with some stages being ten legs, messing up anywhere could ruin a run for you. Even with all this, I still enjoyed my time there, but I didn't go for S ranks on each stage. There are also final Chronolith Trials, which are harder versions of the base game with new enemies thrown in. It also has a leaderboard and ranking system if you're competitive.
If you really wanted to, you could probably spend hundreds of hours on both of these challenges.
2023 continues to be the second coming of 2017, because here comes Square Enix with yet another game released this year that goes extremely hard. While it's currently getting a lot of backlash due to Unique-New-Entry-in-a-Long-Running-Franchise Syndrome, I'm confident that, eventually, this game will go down as an all-time great, like how the Unova Pokémon games did. While I don't think FF16 was close to perfect by any stretch of imagination, or is even Square Enix's best game from this year (I think Octopath 2 still holds that title), it's still a truly incredible and emotionally engaging experience from start to finish.
The narrative and world are very well fleshed-out, and the characters that live in it are doubly so; Valisthea really does the "damn, it would suck ass to live here" thing better than most other video game worlds do. Those small embers of hope with the Hideaway crew and the people you help around the world throughout the story make it not seem completely hopeless and bleak, adding a bit of levity to an otherwise extremely grim and depressing tale. This game's story nails its tone better than most game stories do, led by one of the best protagonists I've ever seen in a game with Clive Rosfield. His journey and development throughout the game is truly master-class character writing, and Ben Starr's performance is perfection.
While I found the main antagonist to be rather boring personality-wise, kind of like this game's version of Z from Xenoblade 3, they served as the perfect final boss for the story this game wanted to tell. What better way is there to send off a game about freedom than defeating a tyrannical god? And, that final boss sequence is quite possibly one of the best boss sequences in any video game ever made, in a game where its boss fights are already a three spectacles and a half to witness.
Possibly my only major complaint with the game was with the combat system and its sheer lack of customizability. I like to describe it with the phrase "deceptively simple." There's a lot going on and a lot of mechanics to learn with the different Eikon attacks and abilities, but unfortunately, actually playing the game reveals that it all boils down to "wail on the enemy and dodge when needed" due to there really being only one, hyper-aggressive playstyle in the end. Magic does too little damage to both enemy health and the break meter, and is too slow to charge for extra damage, so why use it? There's too little reward for not going for a hyper-aggro approach, and it makes every battle turn into a button mash fest (or, in my case, because I suck at action games, "mash ▢ for 10 minutes until you win," thank you auto-combo ring). For 90% of the game, Clive only has weapon to choose from, that being a sword. You're stuck with that until you get the last Eikon, when you finally unlock a different weapon while using said Eikon, and even then, it's just a faster, more aggressive sword; it doesn't feel any different than what you were doing before, it's just even more button mashing. Even FF15, which has one of the messiest and least fun action combat systems I've ever played, had deeper customization with its combat than FF16, as Noctis has several playstyles to go for that all feel separate from one another. Sure, the combat is really fun for the first chunk of the game, but like a box of Chicken in a Biskit that isn't properly sealed after opening, it gets progressively more stale as time goes on.
I've never really been a Final Fantasy fan; I've only played 7R, 15, most of 10, and dabbled a tiny bit into 14, but this game is easily my favorite of the bunch. All in all, FF16 is a true marvel in video games and a landmark achievement for Square Enix, in a year where they already released one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made just four months prior. It's no masterpiece, but it's certainly very close.
The narrative and world are very well fleshed-out, and the characters that live in it are doubly so; Valisthea really does the "damn, it would suck ass to live here" thing better than most other video game worlds do. Those small embers of hope with the Hideaway crew and the people you help around the world throughout the story make it not seem completely hopeless and bleak, adding a bit of levity to an otherwise extremely grim and depressing tale. This game's story nails its tone better than most game stories do, led by one of the best protagonists I've ever seen in a game with Clive Rosfield. His journey and development throughout the game is truly master-class character writing, and Ben Starr's performance is perfection.
While I found the main antagonist to be rather boring personality-wise, kind of like this game's version of Z from Xenoblade 3, they served as the perfect final boss for the story this game wanted to tell. What better way is there to send off a game about freedom than defeating a tyrannical god? And, that final boss sequence is quite possibly one of the best boss sequences in any video game ever made, in a game where its boss fights are already a three spectacles and a half to witness.
Possibly my only major complaint with the game was with the combat system and its sheer lack of customizability. I like to describe it with the phrase "deceptively simple." There's a lot going on and a lot of mechanics to learn with the different Eikon attacks and abilities, but unfortunately, actually playing the game reveals that it all boils down to "wail on the enemy and dodge when needed" due to there really being only one, hyper-aggressive playstyle in the end. Magic does too little damage to both enemy health and the break meter, and is too slow to charge for extra damage, so why use it? There's too little reward for not going for a hyper-aggro approach, and it makes every battle turn into a button mash fest (or, in my case, because I suck at action games, "mash ▢ for 10 minutes until you win," thank you auto-combo ring). For 90% of the game, Clive only has weapon to choose from, that being a sword. You're stuck with that until you get the last Eikon, when you finally unlock a different weapon while using said Eikon, and even then, it's just a faster, more aggressive sword; it doesn't feel any different than what you were doing before, it's just even more button mashing. Even FF15, which has one of the messiest and least fun action combat systems I've ever played, had deeper customization with its combat than FF16, as Noctis has several playstyles to go for that all feel separate from one another. Sure, the combat is really fun for the first chunk of the game, but like a box of Chicken in a Biskit that isn't properly sealed after opening, it gets progressively more stale as time goes on.
I've never really been a Final Fantasy fan; I've only played 7R, 15, most of 10, and dabbled a tiny bit into 14, but this game is easily my favorite of the bunch. All in all, FF16 is a true marvel in video games and a landmark achievement for Square Enix, in a year where they already released one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made just four months prior. It's no masterpiece, but it's certainly very close.
Quien me iba a decir que Assassins Creed 3, Final Fantasy 4 y Asuras Wrath iban a hacer un trio para acabar teniendo un hijo muy bonito
Mesmo com vários problemas, ele acerta em todos os aspectos que importam pra mim. Tem momentos nesse jogo que estão acima de tudo que eu já vi. A história é maravilhosa com personagens memoráveis, fora o excelente sistema de combate e OST.
Os bosses nesse jogo estão entre as coisas mais inacreditáveis que eu já vi em um jogo. Virou meu Final Fantasy favorito.
Os bosses nesse jogo estão entre as coisas mais inacreditáveis que eu já vi em um jogo. Virou meu Final Fantasy favorito.