The Game-Changing Solution: How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Revolutionizes FF16's Combat

Highlights

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16 introduce contrasting combat systems. In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the traditional ATB gauge and materia system are retained, providing a strategic element to battles. On the other hand, Final Fantasy 16 takes a different approach by embracing a more dynamic and intense combat style centered around Eikons, resulting in a visceral and fluid gameplay experience.

In FF7 Remake, there were some incredible battles that players might not have experienced due to locked content or difficulty levels. Conversely, FF16 is specifically designed to be one of the more accessible games in the series, catering to newcomers.

With the potential introduction of challenging optional bosses from the original game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth could offer exciting and difficult challenges for players. It remains to be seen what alterations Square Enix will make to keep the combat engaging and demanding in Rebirth.

Although Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is still some time away from its release, comparisons between it and Final Fantasy 16 are inevitable. Both games have their fans, but their combat systems differ beyond surface level. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will retain the ATB gauge and materia system from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, whereas the latest entry in the Final Fantasy series has opted for a more fluid and visceral combat style, incorporating abilities tied to the Eikons that wield them.

Despite both FF16 and FF7 Remake having commendable combat systems, they are not without criticism. Both games feature cinematic battles that take advantage of their respective graphics engines, yet the best battles in FF7 Remake felt slightly cumbersome. Some battles were only accessible through a simulation, allowing players to fight Summons like Shiva and Leviathan, while others were locked behind a paywall in the Intermission DLC, such as the battle against Weiss the Immaculate. These fantastic encounters in FF7 Remake may have been missed by some players. Conversely, the difficulty levels of battles in FF16 did not vary as much as in FF7 Remake.

Final Fantasy 16 Was a Combat Cakewalk

Final Fantasy 16 is widely known to be one of the easiest games in the entire series. The main character, Clive Rosfield, is supported by his growing Eikonic powers throughout the game, allowing him to singlehandedly defeat formidable enemies like Titan and Odin. Furthermore, the use of special accessories such as the Ring of Timely Strikes provides players with more time to react to avoid attacks, effectively reducing the difficulty of certain encounters. This design approach makes Final Fantasy 16 an excellent choice for newcomers to the series. However, some players may find Clive's overpowering abilities, aided by the accessories and Eikonic Feats, to be too dominating in certain battles.

The difficulty level is notably increased in New Game Plus and Final Fantasy Mode, but players are able to carry over their equipment and Eikonic combinations from a completed FF16 save file. Although this may initially seem contradictory, players who choose to forgo certain pieces of equipment or focus on specific Eikons may have a distinct gameplay experience compared to those who thoroughly explore all options. While it remains uncertain whether Final Fantasy 16 will receive any DLC or additional challenges, there is potential for Square Enix to consider such additions in the future.

Ramping Up the Difficulty in FF7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will retain the combat systems from FF7 Remake while also incorporating possible challenging optional bosses that appeared in the original Final Fantasy 7. Bosses like Lost Number and the Midgar Zolom could provide formidable challenges for Cloud and his crew. Whether players have never encountered them before or are long-time fans of the series eager to see them in modern graphics, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will offer an abundance of potential boss battles. The fate of the game's ending and the extent of changes from the original remain uncertain, and only time will reveal how Square Enix will maintain a challenging and thrilling combat experience as the story unfolds.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches in early 2024 for PS5.