Best Games of 2023: 10th Place – Final Fantasy 16 / ITech content

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In game reviews, journalists often use the formulation that the advantages of the game are simultaneously its disadvantages. Final Fantasy 16 is a prime example of this situation. This game had no chance of becoming a megahit. It's too experimental for its series, yet conservative for the modern AAA industry. Many aspects of the game buck current trends and lack proportion, which could lead to its status as a misunderstood masterpiece in the future. Final Fantasy 16 may be controversial, but its unique approach and bold decisions deserve attention.

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Final Fantasy is an experimental game series that has evolved over the course of its history from classic JRPGs to dynamic and spectacular action games. As its popularity and budgets increased, the series actively refined its presentation and experimented with different combat systems. One striking example is the famous ATB system, the best embodiment of which can be seen in the remake of Final Fantasy 7. This evolution not only attracted new fans but also cemented the series' status as one of the leading games in the video game industry.

With the 15th installment of the Final Fantasy series, players were already eager for a full-fledged slasher, but the game failed to live up to expectations. However, Final Fantasy 16 is essentially Devil May Cry, freed from the turn-based elements inherent in previous games. Ryota Suzuki, the game designer responsible for the combat system in Devil May Cry 5, participated in the development of Final Fantasy 16. He considers Final Fantasy 16 his masterpiece, which emphasizes the high quality and dynamic nature of the gameplay.

This is a significant problem. Many players did not appreciate the concept of a slasher "final game" that offers basic leveling and limits control to only one main character.

The game offers a unique combat system that requires a careful approach. On the first playthrough, only the most difficult and often unnecessary bosses force players to actively use strategy. Careful composition of your attack patterns, proper movement across the battlefield, and a thoughtful approach to leveling up are crucial, but this proves challenging. In most battles, simply pressing the attack button and jumping is often sufficient. However, new attacks are unlocked slowly, limiting even the most motivated players' ability to experiment. This creates a unique atmosphere where every decision matters and fosters a deeper understanding of the game's mechanics.

Final Fantasy 16's combat system only truly unfolds during a second playthrough, when all options are unlocked from the start and the difficulty is set to maximum, though it's not possible to set it at the start. However, will most players be able to endure 50 hours of the first playthrough for this experience?

The new project saw a significant shift in setting and story. The developers drew inspiration from Game of Thrones, which allowed them to present Final Fantasy in a dark fantasy format for the first time. At first glance, the game world may seem like a familiar medieval fantasy with dungeons and dragons, but behind this appearance lies dark and frightening events.

Slavery, executions, severed limbs, hopelessness and epidemics, political intrigue with elements of intimate life, magic and crystals that become a curse. Betrayals and other horrors are depicted without embellishment: darkly and brutally. This level of cruelty was not presented even in the famous trailer for Final Fantasy Versus 13, which eventually turned into the 15th part. This dark and tense atmosphere attracts attention and makes you think about real human suffering and moral dilemmas.

Final Fantasy fans expecting vibrant colors and atmospheric adventures with elements of drama were disappointed with the game's new direction. Critics noted that the visual style was "drab" and "off-putting," which is not consistent with the franchise's signature style. However, in fact, the new approach could be described as "grounded," reflecting a more realistic perception of the world and its characters.

Those unfamiliar with the Final Fantasy series, but drawn in by the description of a "dark action RPG with a Game of Thrones atmosphere," encountered a hyper-emotional story about humanity's struggle with the gods, amidst internal conflicts. This plot fits perfectly with the JRPG and anime genres. Only those who delved into its world and appreciated the unique blend of elements truly enjoyed the game. It's also important to note that players willing to take the time to explore the lore and details were able to overcome classic gaming conventions and truly fall in love with Final Fantasy 16.

The central plot of Final Fantasy 16 is impressive, although it has elements of cliché. Political intrigue permeates the story, but over time, it becomes merely a backdrop for deeper themes. The main focus is on the protagonist, Clive Rosfield, the son of a king of one of the kingdoms. He survived terrible trials and was miraculously saved from slavery, which continues to exist in this world. Clive stands against established norms and the system, gathering around him like-minded people who have also suffered from cruel circumstances. Instead of a straightforward approach, he strives to help everyone he meets, which makes his actions especially meaningful given his own tragic experience. This multi-layered story draws you in and immerses you in a world full of contradictions and the struggle for justice.

Despite the massive cataclysms that unfold in the central story—whether titan battles in the sky or the destruction of palaces—the protagonist and player remain focused on the fates of ordinary people. Clive seeks not only destruction but also the foundations of a "new world." This is a key theme of the main plot and is especially evident in the side quests. While many have criticized them for their primitive "go-and-fetch" structure, these very conventions should be taken with understanding. Final Fantasy 16 is valued above all for its narrative. Even seemingly simple quests, such as when the player is sent to fetch turnips, always possess depth and meaning, making the game unique and memorable.

All quests in the game are interconnected, creating a deep storyline and developing the characters around Clive. The world in which the action takes place is constantly changing depending on his decisions. If you delve into the game, by the end you'll know every character in your base by name. Each one, from the blacksmith to the innkeeper, will become a close friend, sometimes even more dear to you than the main characters from other games. It's a unique experience that can easily be missed if you don't pay attention to the details.

Final Fantasy 16 displays a high level of execution, but a number of conditions must be met to fully appreciate the game. In my case, all the elements came together harmoniously, and I was easily immersed in the gameplay without experiencing any difficulties. However, it seems that there are more players who were unable to grasp all the nuances, which may affect their overall experience.

Final Fantasy 16, even without taking into account its narrative value and other features, remains an impressive action game. Its scale surpasses the last two God of War games, offering players stunning battles where heroes transform into titans called Eikons, fighting in the eye of the storm and destroying mountains with their blows. In this context, Final Fantasy 16 can stand alongside games like Asura’s Wrath and Bayonetta 3, demonstrating the developers’ endless imagination and ambitious approach. This makes the game a must-play, and perhaps there are other interesting elements hidden behind this grand spectacle.