It has been a long, slow process forFinal Fantasyto change anything about its core gameplay. There was the move from 2D to 3D environments, the move from turn-based combat to “active turn-based combat,” to now fully 3rd-person action combat. The move from CG to in-engine cutscenes. Every step has been drawn out, but now, withFinal Fantasy 16,it feels likethat transition has finally been completed.
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The beauty ofFinal Fantasy 16is that it doesn’t do away entirely with everything that makes the series unique. Plenty of elements that have been riding with the franchise for decadesremain in its newest mainline entry.The things that developer Square Enix did change don’t feel out of place either. Despite seemingly upending the franchise formula, the new gameplay mechanics introduced in its latest iteration feel right at home in the overarching universe, to the point that they make us wonder why they haven’t been there all along.
10Difficulty-Altering Accessories
Instead of traditional difficulty levels,Final Fantasy 16provides players with two options when they start the campaign: action-focused and story-focused. The only difference between the two options is that story-focused mode will have players start the game with a host of difficulty-easing accessories equipped to Clive, such as an item that uses health potions automatically or one that dodges enemy attacks.
The nice thing about these accessories is that, while they’re equipped automatically in story-focused mode, players who choose action-focused mode will still have them in their inventory. If they find one aspect of the game too difficult, or they simply don’t want to have to constantly keep an eye on something like their health bar, they can freely equip an accessory that takes that gameplay aspect off their plate.
9Active Time Lore
This mechanic doesn’t just change things in theFinal Fantasyfranchise, it changes the gaming industry as a whole. At any point during a cutscene, players can hold down the DualSense touchpad and bring up a menu that lists all the characters, settings, and world events relevant to the scene in question.
From there, players can navigate to any of the items listed and receive a brief but detailed description of how that item plays into the game’s story, such as who a particular character is or what their motivations are, which kingdom rules over a particular area of the world, or how a historical battle plays into the game’s lore. This feature is a game-changer for keeping track of sprawling RPG narratives and should become a mainstay in the genre going forward.
8A Solo Adventure
Typically, aFinal Fantasygame comes loaded with a wide array of party members that accompany the main character on their journey. The player is usually tasked with swapping out these characters to create the most effective party for whatever situation they’re up against.
Clive’s story is a different matter. Althoughhis loyal hound Torgalwill accompany him throughout the game, there are no other permanent party members that travel with Clive. Occasionally, he will be joined by one or two side characters for a mission, but the player will not be able to control or issue orders to them. Other than that, they’re on their own.
7Active Combat
The series has experimented with this concept before - both inFinal Fantasy 15and inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake- but the combat system in its newest iteration is a departure from anything else the series has seen before.
Clive’s strikes are 1-to-1 actions dictated by the player’s button presses. Similarly, spells like Fira no longer need to be selected from a menu for the player to cast them. Instead, they are bound to their own button and can be used as frequently as necessary, making theman integral part of combatas Clive weaves them into his many varied attack combos.
6Parrying
Another newly-introduced aspect ofFinal Fantasy 16’s combat is a parry system. Now, the parryabilitydates all the way back toFinal Fantasy 12,where it was a support skill attached to the Jade Collar accessory. However, the modern take on the ability puts far more control in the player’s hands.
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The new version ties parrying to the player’s ability to time their attack at the exact moment when the enemy’s attack is about to connect. Successfully doing so will slow down time, granting an opening to deal out some hefty damage. The parry window is razor-thin, so it will take practice to get it nailed down consistently, but pulling it off is extremely satisfying.
5Eikon Abilities
Eikons areFinal Fantasy 16’s name for summons. While they may bear a different title, many of the series' classic summons return in the latest entry, including Ifrit, Shiva, and more. The major difference lies not inwhichsummons are available to the player but in how they are employed.
Instead of summoning Eikons from a menu, players can equip up to three of them at once to Clive. Then, from each of those equipped Eikons, playerscan utilize special Eikon abilitiesthat draw from those Eikons' power. These abilities are usually more powerful than Clive’s standard attacks and are excellent for turning the tide of a battle in his favor.
4Titanic Clashes
Unfortunately, because of the nature of the game’s Eikons,players can not summon theminto battle at will. The Eikon abilities are nice, but they aren’t a full-on substitute for calling the massive creatures into battle and watching them wreak havoc. Thankfully, there are Titanic Clashes.
These epic battles take place at set moments during the game’s campaign and feature a pair of Eikons facing off in jaw-dropping battles on a massive scale. Some feature hand-to-hand combat, others are aerial duels. Each Titanic Clash is different and employs different mechanics, but every single one is a feast for the eyes (and for the ears as well when the soundtrack kicks in).
Much like with spells and summons, items are no longer trapped within a menu duringFinal Fantasy 16’scombat. Instead, a selection of three items is bound to Up, Right, and Down on the D-Pad. These bindings can be customized by the player as needed.
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Players will start out with Potions and High Potions bound to two of the three slots, but a quick trip to their inventory will allow them to swap those out for any other items they’re carrying. Then, with a quick press of the assigned direction, Clive will immediately use that item. It’s a fine upgrade that fits just right with the game’s more fast-paced combat system.
2Limit Break
Much like parrying, Clive’s Limit Break is not a completely new concept to the world ofFinal Fantasy.However, the way it is implemented is new. Instead of basing its activation on how much damage the player has taken, the new Limit Break is instead akin to an ultimate ability. Think Kratos' Spartan Rage or Jin Sakai’s Ghost Stance.
Limit Breaks are based on a gauge in the HUD. When the gauge is full, players press L3 + R3 to activate it. The ability makes Clive extra effective in combat, moving more quickly and dishing out more damage. The Limit Break lasts until the gauge is emptied. It’s not a guaranteed victory, but it certainly helps.
1Final Fantasy Mode
Earlier in this list, it was stated thatFinal Fantasy 16only comes with two difficulty settings; that isn’t entirely true. While players will only have a choice between the two aforementioned options when they first begin the game, once they’ve completed the campaign, a third difficulty option willunlock: Final FantasyMode.
Final FantasyMode is essentially the game’s take on a New Game+. Enemies hit harder, have more health, and pose a greater threat than they will have previously. There are also some areas where different, more difficult enemies will spawn earlier in the campaign than before. It presents a challenge for only the most hardened of completionists out there, but make no mistake, it’s a worthy one.
Final Fantasy 16was released on June 22nd, 2023, and is currently a timed exclusive on PS5, with releases on other consoles and PC due in the near future.
