A song of Ice and Fire!

PS: My thoughts may be all over the place, so please bear with me! LOL.

When I first heard about FFXVI in 2020 and watched its trailer, my initial reaction was pure excitement. Final Fantasy never disappoints when it comes to its soundtracks, and this time they took a more mature and bloody approach that really caught my attention. It was the perfect timing, as I was in a gaming spree and deeply immersed in Game of Thrones. From that moment, FFXVI became a game I eagerly followed, constantly searching for the latest news and updates. The introduction of "Eikons" and the presence of iconic Final Fantasy creatures like Ifrit and Shiva further fueled my excitement.

Let me start by saying that Final Fantasy XVI is not only one of the best games released this year, but it's also an all-time masterpiece. As a proud owner of a PS5, I can confidently say that this game is a must-play for anyone with the console. From the moment I started playing the demo to the final hours of the game, I couldn't tear myself away from it. I've already invested 60 hours on my first playthrough, and I'm still completely captivated.

Now, let's delve into the review itself.

Like any game, Final Fantasy XVI has its strengths and weaknesses, but the beauty is that it offers a complete experience without the need for additional purchases to enhance your progress. The graphics are simply breathtaking, thanks to the processing and graphical power of the PS5. I personally chose to play the game in Graphic Mode, as it provided a more stable experience for me, even if it meant sacrificing a bit of performance. The implementation of ray tracing and other graphical features truly shines, although it may not reach the same level as games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Horizon Forbidden West.

If I were to mention my biggest complaint about the game, it would be the excessive motion blur. It can be so extreme that it may cause discomfort for some players. Fortunately, I managed to find solutions to overcome this issue, perhaps because I'm accustomed to playing games in VR as well. By watching gameplay samples on YouTube, one can easily see that the motion blur is not an ideal aspect of the game. I truly hope that the developers address this in future patches.

Moving on to the story itself, I couldn't help but notice some similarities to Game of Thrones. While some may see this as a negative, I appreciate the direction the developers took in making fans draw connections between FFXVI and the beloved TV series. Even if you're not a Game of Thrones fan or haven't watched it, you can still enjoy the overall story of FFXVI. It has crafted a rich lore that will undoubtedly captivate players (I won't spoil any major plot points here).

One of the standout features in FFXVI's storytelling is the Active Time Lore system. It's the first time I've seen a game constantly update its lore even during cutscenes, eliminating the need to read through lengthy texts. This mechanic was further expanded through the characters Vivian and Harpocrates, enhancing the immersion and depth of the game world.

While the story is compelling, I must admit that it does have its fair share of confusing plot holes. I would be happy to discuss these in the comments section below. However, I can confidently say that Square Enix has redeemed themselves from the storytelling shortcomings of FFXV. They have put immense effort into crafting a narrative that keeps players engaged and invested.

Now, let's talk about the characters. The emphasis on Eikons and Dominants in the game truly elevates the entire journey. Clive, the main protagonist, along with Jill and Joshua, are a joy to watch as they progress through the story. It's been a while since a game has evoked such strong emotions from me. The sibling relationship between Joshua and Clive is a masterpiece in itself. I haven't felt this level of emotional connection between characters since Rinoa and Squall in FFVII. Jill, in particular, is a wonderful companion, offering unwavering support to Clive and profoundly impacting his journey. Their love story is beautifully written, devoid of cringe or cheesy dialogues, and instead filled with genuine moments of "I am always there for you."

I must admit, I am utterly captivated by Jill's beauty! I find myself constantly taking snapshots whenever she appears on screen. Hahaha!

I would love to delve further into each character's development in future discussions. For now, let's briefly mention Torgal, a sweet and reliable Hound whose character progression shines, especially during his final quest with Clive. And then there's Cid, a Dominant and a leader who deserves a separate DLC dedicated to his story. He is a remarkable character, and I can confidently say he's my favorite in the entire game. Experience the game to truly appreciate his depth.

When it comes to the side quests in FFXVI, I have mixed feelings. While some are enjoyable, others fall short of my expectations. There are moments where I find myself skipping dialogues, as they don't always live up to the standards set by games like The Witcher 3. However, the hunt board provides a great experience for Final Fantasy fans, allowing us to hunt down monsters for extra AP and experience points.

Now, let's discuss the combat mechanics. While it may initially resemble Devil May Cry, upon playing the entire game, you'll discover its unique identity. The combat mechanics are simple and intuitive, and executing Eikon skills is a great and enjoyable experience. However, I do have one minor gripe. I feel that having three Eikons equipped simultaneously somewhat diminishes the sense of progression throughout the story. It begs the question of why we should invest in all the Eikons if we can't fully utilize them. Furthermore, leveling them up can be quite grindy. In comparison to Square Enix's Forspoken, FFXVI lacks a bit in terms of skills and overall magical abilities. However, it's worth noting that Forspoken allows full control over all of Tanta's powers, as mentioned in my review of that game.

It's important to note that FFXVI is a linear action RPG and not an open-world game. While there is a degree of freedom in exploring certain areas, it's not as vast as other titles. However, what sets this game apart is its RPG essence, reminiscent of classic titles like God of War or Devil May Cry. Major RPG elements, such as clothing customization and the ability to switch between characters, are missing, which may disappoint some players. Personally, I hope that Square Enix considers adding these features as DLC in the future, following the examples set by FFVII Remake, FFX, FFXII, and FFXV.

Lastly, I can't stress enough how much the music in FFXVI has left me in awe. It evokes intense emotions and is truly a standout soundtrack. This is what we've come to expect from Square Enix, and I can already envision it being recognized at the Game of the Year awards this year. The inspiration it provides is simply extraordinary!

In conclusion, Final Fantasy XVI is an exceptional game that has truly raised the bar for the current generation of gaming. Despite any flaws, issues, or criticisms you may come across in reviews, you cannot deny the fact that this game is a masterpiece in all its glory. The amount of love and dedication poured into it is evident. 2023 is truly a remarkable year for gaming, and as of now, FFXVI has secured the top spot on my radar.

Thank you Square Enix!