It is no secret that Final Fantasy XVI took the series in a new direction. Every entry in the Final Fantasy series attempts to add something new and interesting. This often leads to new stories, mechanics, and design ideas that are beloved and help reinvent the series. Sometimes, those mechanics and ideas don't work as well in the game, but it is that constant innovation that keeps the series fresh and enjoyable. Final Fantasy XVI demonstrates this perfectly since it introduced several new things to the series and changed some of the staple mechanics of the series. Needless to say, this wasn't loved by all the fans.
There are many elements of Final Fantasy XVI that are divisive. It forgoes the turn-based gameplay of previous entries for a greater focus on action. The RPG elements have been stripped down to their most basic form. FFXVI's story is much more grounded than previous entries and clearly takes inspiration from shows like Game of Thrones. This has led many fans to feel that FFXVI is not a "real" Final Fantasy game. However, this could not be further from the truth. Especially in the last half of the game, Final Fantasy XVI takes a turn in both story and theme that feels closer to a game like Kingdom Hearts rather than Game of Thrones.
Final Fantasy XVI Is Brimming with Love for the Series
Final Fantasy XVI's story takes a more grounded and mature approach. As stated, the developers took a lot of inspiration from mature fantasy stories like the Game of Thrones series. The early sections of the game wear those inspirations on their sleeves. It tosses players in the middle of a conflict between warring nations and introduces players to its rich cast of interesting and morally ambiguous characters. It is also strictly a high-fantasy story. Whereas the most recent Final Fantasy games in the series blended fantasy and sci-fi, FFXVI forgoes almost all futuristic elements. With its mature approach to story and its shift to action-focused gameplay, it is easy to see why fans were hit with whiplash by this entry's new direction. However, FFXVI carries the legacy of Final Fantasy within it in many other ways.
Of course, FFXVI features many summonses from previous Final Fantasy games, and naturally, Cid returns in this game. The references and homages run much deeper than that. There is a dragoon that strikes Kain's iconic pose from Final Fantasy IV. The classic Black Mage design (or Vivi's design) makes an appearance as a scarecrow in the game. The Enterprise is an iconic ship from the series, and it appears here as well. Plus, the entire score to FFXVI is a melody of tunes that pay homage to Final Fantasy's history, and it incorporates iconic pieces in new ways. Beyond all of that, the themes of FFXVI fit in line with not only the Final Fantasy series but also several other iconic RPGs from Square-Enix.
Final Fantasy XVI Shows Its Kingdom Hearts
Most of the grounded aspects of FFXVI occur during the first half of the game. It is focused on world-building, showing character relationships, and teaching players about the different nations. In the latter half, the grander scale of the story is revealed. Players are truly introduced to the main villain, and the story shifts to be about characters defying destiny. They look inward to find strength in each other to tackle this otherworldly threat, and that is something that would fit into any other Final Fantasy game or a game like Kingdom Hearts.
One could make comparisons to Kingdom Hearts based on Final Fantasy XVI's combat since both lean toward action. That comparison would not do either game justice. FFXVI emphasizes character action, and it falls closer to a game like Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. Conversely, Kingdom Hearts' combat is meant to give the player freedom of movement and combine it with RPG strategy. However, they both keep the heart and soul of RPGs (specifically ones from Square-Enix) alive. Both games provide fans with interesting and rich characters who must discover who they truly are. This also leads to those characters traveling together, meeting new allies, and facing off against evil threats that are practically deities. At their core, they are stories about underdogs and people rebelling against destiny and their fate. Beyond the Game of Thrones references, Final Fantasy XVI is a game about people fighting destiny, and that is evident in the latter half of the game. The characters, and by extension, the players, fight destiny throughout the game, literally in some cases.
Final Fantasy XVI Is Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy XVI is not perfect; it has its fair share of shortcomings. The RPG elements feel negligible at best, and the side quests can often be dull. There are also legitimate arguments from fans who don't like the changes made to the gameplay. There are several faults with FFXVI. However, there are faults with every Final Fantasy game. Is Final Fantasy XVI the best Final Fantasy game? That comes down to personal preference, but Final Fantasy XVI is, without a doubt, a true Final Fantasy game. Its connection to other games like Kingdom Hearts proves this.
FFXVI features the core themes and elements that make a Final Fantasy game. The characters are wonderful, the gameplay is fantastic, and the themes stay true to the series. Plus, the game is packed full of wonderful references to earlier entries in the series. Like the game's producer, Naoki Yoshida, said in regards to what makes a Final Fantasy game, "You need to have the best story, you need to have the best graphics, you need to a lot of content, you need to have the Chocobos, you need to have Moogles, you need to have a great sound." While everyone may not be a fan of the direction the game goes in, many fans will fall in love with the series because of it. Every game is someone's favorite game, and every Final Fantasy is someone's favorite Final Fantasy.