Skip to Content

Final Fantasy XVI Review – A Journey into the World of Valisthea

Final Fantasy XVI Review – A Journey into the World of Valisthea

Final Fantasy XVI

7.5

Score

7.5/10

Pros

  • Engrossing narrative set in a beautifully designed world.
  • Dynamic, action-oriented combat that tests player reflexes.
  • Breathtaking graphics showcasing the PS5 capabilities.
  • Deep world-building with the Active Time Lore mechanic.
  • Memorable characters with unique motivations.

Cons

  • Combat lacks some depth, reducing strategic possibilities.
  • The game's linear design restricts exploration.
  • Exclusive to PlayStation 5, limiting the player base.

“Final Fantasy XVI” is the newest title in the legendary series from Square Enix, a masterpiece that plunges us into a beautifully designed world of Valisthea, a land filled with magical crystals, unique kingdoms, and powerful beings known as Eikons. The game blends an engaging story, dynamic combat, and breathtaking environments in a way that brings new life to this iconic franchise. Here is a detailed review of this highly anticipated title.

  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Release Date: June 22, 2023
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5
  • Official Website: Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI Gameplay

The story of “Final Fantasy XVI” is set in the world of Valisthea, a land resplendent with sparkling, mountainous crystals, known as “Mothercrystals”. These Mothercrystals have blessed the kingdoms of Valisthea with ether, leading to their prosperity. However, the peace between these five states: Grand Duchy of Rosaria, Holy Empire of Sanbreque, Kingdom of Waloed, Dhalmekian Republic, and the Iron Kingdom, is constantly threatened by the animosity between them and now, by the more sinister threat of the Blight.

Our main characters, Clive Rosfield, Joshua Rosfield, and Jill Warrick, each have their unique backstories and motivations that drive the narrative forward. Clive, the protagonist, serves as the shield of his younger brother Joshua, who possesses the ability to transform into the Phoenix, an Eikon of Fire. Together, along with their close friend Jill, they face a world increasingly consumed by conflict and destruction. Clive’s journey to destroy Mothercrystals and save his world from the Blight forms the crux of this engrossing tale.

“Final Fantasy XVI” reimagines the RPG roots of the series by introducing real-time, action-oriented combat that relies heavily on player reflexes and strategy. Clive, as the sole playable character, harnesses different Eikon powers to execute various abilities, adding an element of complexity and depth to the combat. The introduction of the “Active Time Lore” mechanic provides a rich understanding of the game’s world, making the game cater perfectly to high fantasy enthusiasts.

The game also boasts breathtaking environments that showcase the beauty of Valisthea in all its glory. The stunning visuals are a testament to the capabilities of the PlayStation 5, bringing to life the diverse kingdoms, dynamic battles, and magical crystals with an incredible level of detail.

Despite the praise, it’s worth mentioning that some elements, such as combat depth and quest design, could have been better. A few players might find the quests a bit mundane and the game’s linear design somewhat restricting, reducing the scope for exploration.

Conclusion

Despite some criticisms, “Final Fantasy XVI” proves to be a worthy entry in the long-standing franchise. The rich lore, complex characters, and vibrant world design, coupled with the revamped combat system, make it an engaging experience for both veterans and newcomers to the series. However, it’s clear that Square Enix took some risks with this installment, leading to a title that may polarize fans due to its darker tone and linear design. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate a deeply woven narrative and intricate world-building, “Final Fantasy XVI” is certainly a journey worth embarking on.