Final Fantasy XVI Review (PS5) | Push Square
Final Fantasy 16 is the furthest the mainline series has ever strayed from its traditional RPG roots. It's more of an action game with RPG elements bolted on than it is an RPG with action combat, but at the same time, it boasts all of the ingredients that we associate with the greatest Final Fantasy titles. Its character-driven story is grand and intoxicating, its fantastical world building is brilliant, and it's fit to burst with glorious battles. Again, it's a bold new direction for the beloved franchise, but it's also the best mainline, single-player Final Fantasy game since 12 — and it's not even close.
Granted, the incredibly divisive 13 and 15 didn't exactly set a high bar, but with 16, it feels like Final Fantasy is focused again. This was a project with a clear vision, and that shines through in the impressive cinematic quality of the storytelling, and the largely excellent combat system. When the credits rolled, we felt like we'd been on a memorable, emotional journey and we were sad to see it end. That's what finishing a Final Fantasy game should feel like.
For this particular journey, you're plopped in the consistently tragic shoes of Clive Rosfield — a noble-born swordsman charged with the protection of his throne-bound younger brother. In this world, a select few — including Clive's little bro Joshua — are essentially born with the power of demigods inside of them. Some nations use these 'Eikons' to wage war, while others worship them. These all-powerful entities are at the heart of the game's story, and every time an Eikon takes to the stage — whether it's during an eye-popping cutscene or a mind-melting boss fight — it's hard not to be blown away.
Final Fantasy 16's narrative is a fairly intricate mix of
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