Summon Eikons in this Final Fantasy game
Final Fantasy XVI is a roleplaying game developed by Square Enix. The latest addition to the Final Fantasy franchise, this game is the first wholly new mainline FF game since Final Fantasy XV. As it is a mainline title, it features a whole new story set in a new world alongside a new set of characters.
Unlike other FF games, FF 16 has an M rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board. With this, expect to see some mature scenes woven into the story. Additionally, this new iteration is more action-oriented than turn-based.
What is FF 16 about?
Final Fantasy 16 is the 16th game in the mainline Final Fantasy series. As mentioned, it features a whole new story with a new set of characters. The game is set in the fantasy world of Valisthea. This world lived in prosperity thanks to the mountains of crystals named Mothercrystal. However, the peaceful life in Valisthea falters as the spread of Blight threatens to destroy their dominions.
A central plot element of the game is the Eikons, deadly summoned creatures controlled by or manifesting through humans called Dominants. Players take on the role of Dominants. Combining melee-based sword attacks with magical abilities, you must fight hordes of enemies. Unlike other FF titles, the combat is more action-oriented rather than turn-based. It even shares similarities to the combat styles of Devil May Cry 5.
FF 16 boasts a party system like its predecessor. However, they are mostly AI-controlled. Players also need to know that the game is not an open world. Instead, it includes independent playable areas with a variety of environments that are distant and distinct from each other. Also, as noted, the game has an M rating. With this, expect mature themes to pop out as you play.
The Rising Tide DLC and a new update
The final stretch of Final Fantasy XVI begins with the arrival of The Rising Tide DLC. This expansion picks up before the main game's finale and sends Clive and his companions on a quest to rescue the long-lost Leviathan, the Eikon of Water. Their journey leads them to Mysidia, a hidden land shrouded in mystery. With a wealth of fresh content, FF16 wraps up on an unforgettable underworld adventure.
In this final DLC chapter, you can wield the power of the Dominant of Leviathan with an increased level cap and an all-new Eikonic ability set that lets you tame the tides. Plus, you can explore Mysidia's captivating backstory through additional side quests and face off against new adversaries, including tonberries in the Aire of Hours. The saga ends with an epic showdown between Clive and the legendary Eikon himself.
Beyond the narrative, the last chapter of Final Fantasy 16 unlocks the Kairos Gate, a challenging new endgame mode, featuring 20 stages of escalating difficulty for the battle-tested players. In this virtual gauntlet, you can collect rare materials and powerful weapons for Clive. Alongside the latest addition, the main game gets an upgrade, as well. FFXVI version 1.30 focuses on quality-of-life improvements, including a quick complete function and customizable button layouts.
A new dawn in Echoes of the Fallen DLC
In the latest expansion of FINAL FANTASY XVI, Echoes of the Fallen, players are immersed in a darker narrative that breathes new life into the enchanting world of Valisthea. Strange, dark crystals discovered circulating in the black market stir unease, suggesting the emergence of an ancient, slumbering Mothercrystal. Clive and his trusted allies set forth on a daring quest, unraveling the mysteries hidden within the elusive Sagespire tower.
Transitioning seamlessly, the DLC challenges players with a new quest unlocked only after meeting specific conditions: recognizing Origin on the world map and completing the pivotal quests "Where There's a Will" and "Priceless." These prerequisites ensure that players are fully prepared for the layered storytelling and intricate gameplay mechanics awaiting them. Furthermore, this expansion brings enticing rewards such as the iconic Buster Sword from FINAL FANTASY VII and a nostalgic "Away (1987)" Orchestrion Roll.
Should you play it?
Fans of the Final Fantasy series are in for a treat with Final Fantasy XVI. With this new iteration, you have a whole new world to explore. Of course, you have new characters to play as and new enemies to defeat. The game is more action-oriented than its predecessor. However, it still has the same gameplay experience that fans know and love.
