Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide Review (PS5) | Push Square
The Rising Tide is the second and final expansion for Final Fantasy 16, adding another worthwhile chapter to the tale of Clive Rosfield. Only accessible near the very end of the base game, this DLC is designed to be something of a sendoff for the action RPG, providing a new storyline that brings additional weight to the title's world building, while also giving players an opportunity to dive yet deeper into 16's slick combat system.
Clive and his cohorts find themselves travelling to a northern region known as Mysidia, where the mysterious Leviathan — the final, previously unseen Eikon — is said to slumber. While there, the gang encounter a marginalised people known as the Water Motes, and in typically heroic fashion, Clive chooses to aid them in their quest to right the wrongs of their ancestors.
It's a well-told chapter in Final Fantasy 16's canon, as the Water Motes and their traditions shed welcome light on the game's wider lore. Fresh party member Shula is also one of the title's better characters, and, like the rest of her people, she comes equipped with with a thick Geordie (North East England) accent. Gav would feel right at home.
The Rising Tide's central questline takes roughly five hours to complete, but there are a bunch of side quests to tackle, and the region that surrounds the Water Motes' settlement offers a decent degree of exploration. Speaking of which, the environmental design in this DLC is stunning; these are some of the prettiest locations you'll find on PS5.
But as was the case with previous expansion Echoes of the Fallen — and the base game itself — it's the boss battles that are the true highlights of this adventure. The DLC certainly doesn't skimp on spectacle, serving up several brilliant, surprisingly tricky encounters across its runtime. One fight in particular is a genuine thrill, arguably pushing the combat system to another level.
What's more, The Rising Tide hands Clive a number of new Eikonic abilities, many of which feel nice and
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