the franchise is reborn like a phoenix

Here comes one of the biggest video game releases of the year. Square Enix’s JRPG that needs no introduction is finally back in an exclusive episode. In 2016, the franchise set off in search of a revival with Final Fantasy XV. What we then knew as a turn-based game was slowly transitioning to more modern action gameplay. Without meeting the expected success following a chaotic development, this chapter however established the bases which govern the license today.

The excellent remake of Final Fantasy VII published in 2020 perfected the recipe that we discovered four years earlier. Faced with the evolution of video games, reinventing Final Fantasy was no longer just obvious but a necessity. However, a successful evolution cannot be confined to a combat system alone, especially in the case of Japanese role-playing games. Almost all formed from the same mould, these titles respond to stereotypes and clichés that have changed little over the years.

To no longer blend into the mass of an almost uniform genre, Square Enix finally decides to break the codes with a Final Fantasy bold. Under the tutelage of Naoki Yoshida, the man who has already known how to save the irretrievable Final Fantasy XIV, the studio finally finds the perfect balance between modernity and identity. This sixteenth chapter invites us to live an emotional, powerful and captivating journey. Final Fantasy finally enters a new era, at the height of the wonder of yesteryear.

Game of Thrones but not too much

For the first time in its history, the franchise enters the PEGI 18 classification, and this is not trivial. Even if Final Fantasy has already set the tone in medieval worlds, this is the first time that he has taken them so seriously. Drawing inspiration from European history and fantastical blockbusters like Game Of Thronesthe developers have revised the approach to their own universe. What if the magic, crystals and creatures we know so well ruled a violent and merciless world?

Previous adventures already tackle more or less severe political and environmental themes, but the writers of this new chapter have taken it to the next level. From its introduction (which fans have already discovered in a demo version), players are confronted with the harsh reality of the world of Valisthea. Great houses fight for control of the mother crystals, the only sources of ether making possible the use of magic. Armies then fight relentlessly, which will go so far as to overturn the daily life of our protagonist.

Blood, sex and epic battles punctuate the first hours of games that seem almost like a carbon copy of the famous HBO series. Clive seems to be a clone of Jon Snow accompanied by his wolf, while his father is reminiscent of a certain Ned Stark. Following the introduction, players will even encounter a character who presumably borrows his traits from Hodor. The similarities are almost disturbing at first glance, especially when the developers themselves claimed to have watched Gsoul of thrones to get in the bath. In these first moments, we come to wonder if the teams have not simply plagiarized their inspiration, a shame for a studio with such original universes. Fortunately, this funny impression evaporates just as quickly as it came to us, and gives way to a unique world and story.

The characters are extremely endearing and could well rise to the rank of legends, such as the merry band of FFVII. The violence and darkness of the story offer a new look at the recurring elements of the franchise. Magic is a rare commodity that can be monetized, mages find themselves enslaved and chocobos are no longer simple mounts, but steeds that are sent to the pipe breaker. This is all reinforced by a stunning visual quality of realism: the PS5 is pushed to its limits. By overturning a hitherto immaculate balance, the excellent mythology of Final Fantasy takes on a new grandiose dimension, carried by an equally effective revisited gameplay.

Final Fantasy XIV DNA

While players are pleasantly carried away by the tragic story of Clive, the cutscenes and other dialogues are obviously punctuated with exploration and confrontations. After the disappointing open world of Final Fantasy XV and the almost forced (but rather effective) linearity of Final Fantasy VII Remake, this new component finally finds the happy medium for a balanced experience. For that, Naoki Yoshida went to draw on what he was able to do best: Final Fantasy XIV.

Final Fantasy XVI is inspired by the cult MMO, an undeniably risky bet for a single-player experience. Franchise aficionados can already be reassured: no forced multiplayer element has been incorporated into this adventure. This is actually inspired by the bloody effective progression of online gaming. The quests of the game then take place in two distinct frames. Far from hiding his inspiration for the model already applied to FFXIV, the main story here is also called Epic. The player can advance the narrative through these quests, while side missions are also available to deepen the lore of Valisthea while earning some resources and experience points.

But the inspiration doesn’t stop there. As surprising as it may seem, the structure of the world and the unfolding of the quests are also taken from the formula FFXIV. Some missions take place in a closed and linear area, like dungeons and other MMORPG instances. This allows the game to infuse a stronger narrative dimension by guiding the player through combat and breathtaking landscapes. The rest of the world revolves around open areas, exactly like the maps of the online game. The world is not accessible from one end to the other, each region is delimited and involves leaving one to join another.

Everything, from the design of the map, the joins between zones and the interface are reminiscent Final Fantasy XIV. This model, which has already proven itself, will delight MMO players, while others will finally be able to discover the effectiveness of this structure. The rhythm is sustained, we don’t get bored, and the scenario goes on without a hitch. Unlike some past episodes, this little one never loses us in pointless exploration or redundant confrontations. Like what, linearity and freedom are the best allies.

Primal Battles

The structure of the game is not its only strong point: it is also necessary to congratulate the excellence of its combats. Square Enix achieves a real tour de force by perfecting a style already very popular with gamers today. To achieve such a result, the studio did not go out of its way. This one was responsible for bringing together all of its best elements in the field, such as the Avengers of action RPG. So we find Ryota Suzuki as the combat director, known for his work on Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma And Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. At his side, some of the teams behind Kingdom Hearts also contributed their expertise.

This dream team of developers has put all the chances on its side to succeed and wins the bet hands down. Never has a combat system felt so smooth and satisfying, while being as inclusive as possible. Players looking for a challenge will be able to take advantage of the many subtleties of the clashes (skillful dodging, skills and other mobile combos), while beginners can modify the experience as they wish depending on their shortcomings. Optional accessories provided at the start of the game offer the possibility of simplifying certain mechanics to allow everyone to enjoy impressive sensations in combat.

Even the simplest monsters benefit from a wide variety of movements for a good dose of adrenaline with each fight. The mini-bosses are just as daunting and feel like real challenges in their own right. Nevertheless, it is in his narrative battles that Final Fantasy XVI surprises the most. The linear sequences are usually punctuated by several of these fights, which manage to do the impossible: make the QTEs truly impactful. This boring and long-dated element of gameplay is making a comeback to support the cinematic aspect of these battles.

In the middle of an active confrontation, the action can suddenly switch to cinematic mode where the player will have to react to massive attacks. Without being complex, these Quick Time Events manage to reinforce the epic impact of the most important confrontations for the scenario. Finally, the duels between Primordials seem like an almost inconceivable technical feat. Even when playing as one of these giants, the gameplay maintains its nervousness while perfectly simulating the weight of devastating attacks. The visual effects seem to be taken from the most extravagant anime for an explosive result coupled with a spectacle for our amazed eyes.

The title seems to be in symbiosis with the power of the PS5 and the functionality of its controller to offer an experience of unparalleled satisfaction and immersion. Unfortunately, we regret that this permanent one-upmanship drastically reduces the magical atmosphere characteristic of JRPGs. Regulars of the franchise may well be confused. The appeal of this revival will therefore be up to everyone, but Square Enix finally dares and that feels good.