Final Fantasy 16: A Thrilling Leap Forward for the Franchise!

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Final Fantasy 13 has had a significant impact on the series, influencing the gameplay of subsequent titles such as the recent Final Fantasy 16. Although Final Fantasy 16 didn't fully adopt the action combat style initially suggested in a 2006 trailer, it marked the start of a shift towards more active and less turn-based gameplay.

The decision to make this transition has been controversial among fans. However, it has resulted in games like the highly praised Final Fantasy 16, which has received acclaim for its combat system. Nevertheless, this change has led to the series losing an important aspect of its party dynamic, as it now focuses primarily on a single protagonist in combat.

The Shadow of Final Fantasy 13's Party Leader

Upon its release, Final Fantasy 13 received both praise and criticism. While it was acknowledged as a fantastic game, some criticized the game's linear world design, likening it to a series of long hallways. Additionally, the combat was sometimes viewed as monotonous. However, for those who enjoyed the combat mechanics, the Paradigm Shift system provided an engaging way to remain active in battles by strategically building stagger meters and capitalizing on damage opportunities.

Despite the vocal critics who resisted the changes introduced in Final Fantasy 13, many fans still consider it one of the best in the series. The unique combat system, coupled with the emphasis on the player's chosen party leader, added an extra layer of significance to the gameplay experience.

Combine the inability to switch characters during combat with the feeling of controlling a protagonist and two AI companions, and it gives the sense of managing a single main character rather than a party. This concept continues in Final Fantasy 16, where Clive is the only playable character with a health bar that greatly affects the game's outcome.

Having a singular protagonist like Clive has its pros and cons. On one hand, the companions feel more like distractions for enemies rather than genuine party members. On the other hand, the combat remains consistent throughout. Although the combat itself is still enjoyable, it restricts the use of the Phoenix in Final Fantasy 16 to its storyline and a few attack commands, without the ability to revive fallen teammates. It is interesting to note that another recent game successfully maintained a party dynamic alongside action-based combat.

Final Fantasy 7 Bucked the Single-Hero Trend

The Final Fantasy series has consistently demonstrated how to maintain a strong party dynamic while incorporating more action-based combat. Final Fantasy 7 Remake exemplifies this concept by heavily relying on players to constantly switch between allies during gameplay. The game's success in blending classic Final Fantasy elements with modern gaming should serve as a model for future installments, ensuring the party dynamic remains a core element.

In contrast, while playing as Clive in Final Fantasy 16 and utilizing his ability to switch between different Eikon stances with unique abilities is an enjoyable aspect of the new action combat, it does lack the aforementioned key feature of the series. There is a possibility that the game could receive updates akin to Final Fantasy 15, which eventually introduced the ability to swap between party members. However, given the constantly changing party setup in Final Fantasy 16, this outcome may be less likely.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.