The Final Fantasy series has been one of the most influential game series's in my life. Final Fantasy VII Remake was one of my first RPGs and Final Fantasy X is my favourite game ever made. The only Final Fantasy post X I had played leading up to this point was XV which left me very disappointed in many ways but I am very happy to say this one didn't. Final Fantasy XVI is without a doubt one of the best RPGs made this year and in fact, one of the best games made this year.
The gameplay in the game can be very easy but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. The argument of "watered down DMC" is a bit valid though but I feel it's still great at it's own thing. The basic combat system is fairly fun mechanically, to me what makes it really fun is its customization. Unlocking Eikon skills was always very fun to me and I had a great time mixing up my skills to see which combo flowed best.
The story in XVI while definitely not the best is still good. There are valid criticisms to it and I do have some of my own too but I can easily look past them if most of the story is very good still. The ending portion is definitely a bit fast although I feel there is no other place for that entire section of the game could fit into.
The cast here isn't the best in Final Fantasy but it's gotta be up there. I get its on the smaller size cast wise but it helps that all main characters are very impactful and memorable. This interpretation of Cid is definitely my favourite in the series and the most interested. This is the most in-depth he's been since XII and VII which is something I felt was needed.
Overall, XVI isn't a perfect game. There are pacing issues, loads of filler, easy combat, and a small cast. These issues to me though are minuscule in the grand scheme of things when the rest of the game does so much right.
The gameplay in the game can be very easy but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. The argument of "watered down DMC" is a bit valid though but I feel it's still great at it's own thing. The basic combat system is fairly fun mechanically, to me what makes it really fun is its customization. Unlocking Eikon skills was always very fun to me and I had a great time mixing up my skills to see which combo flowed best.
The story in XVI while definitely not the best is still good. There are valid criticisms to it and I do have some of my own too but I can easily look past them if most of the story is very good still. The ending portion is definitely a bit fast although I feel there is no other place for that entire section of the game could fit into.
The cast here isn't the best in Final Fantasy but it's gotta be up there. I get its on the smaller size cast wise but it helps that all main characters are very impactful and memorable. This interpretation of Cid is definitely my favourite in the series and the most interested. This is the most in-depth he's been since XII and VII which is something I felt was needed.
Overall, XVI isn't a perfect game. There are pacing issues, loads of filler, easy combat, and a small cast. These issues to me though are minuscule in the grand scheme of things when the rest of the game does so much right.