Unleashing Chaos: Discover FF16's Thrilling and Dynamic Combat in the Epic Morbol Boss Battle

Final Fantasy 16's release is quickly approaching, allowing fans to get a glimpse of what the game has in store through its demo. The demo focuses on the game's introductory section, where players are introduced to the main character Clive Rosfield. As the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, Clive is tasked with protecting his younger brother, Joshua. This chapter provides insight into Clive's motivations and offers a taste of the game's combat, which diverges from the series' traditional turn-based mechanics by embracing a fast-paced real-time action style. Although it may initially catch players off guard with its speed, the first true boss encounter with a Morbol (known as Malboro to series veterans) serves as an ideal opportunity for gamers to quickly adapt to and familiarize themselves with the new combat system.

The Final Fantasy franchise has long been celebrated for its popularity and is closely associated with RPG mechanics and turn-based combat. However, the landscape of modern gaming has evolved, with many players now favoring the real-time action found in games like Devil May Cry over the more strategic turn-based RPGs of the past. Square Enix, the developer behind the series, has made efforts to steer the Final Fantasy franchise away from its traditional roots in recent installments such as Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake, both of which incorporate real-time action-RPG elements while still retaining some aspects of turn-based mechanics. Final Fantasy 16 takes this departure even further by completely abandoning any remnants of turn-based combat, and the initial battles in the game serve as compelling evidence that this decision has paid off.

Final Fantasy 16's Morbol is a Great First Boss

In Final Fantasy, the Malboro has always been a troublesome enemy known for its infamous 'bad breath' attack. This attack unleashes a potent mix of negative status effects that can greatly harm the player's party. Without careful planning, gamers can quickly become overwhelmed and fall victim to the Malboro. It is crucial for players to meticulously manage their party members' armor choices and utilize specific items to counteract these debilitating effects.

However, Final Fantasy 16 takes a unique approach to the battle with the Morbol. Unlike previous games, this encounter becomes a lightning-fast test of reflexes for players. Clive, the protagonist, showcases his agility by dodging, parrying, and launching powerful strikes against the slimy creature. At this early stage in the game, Clive's arsenal is somewhat limited, but the combat still flows smoothly. Unlike many action games, there is no stamina meter restricting Clive's actions, allowing players to unleash their attacks without worrying about exhaustion. While some abilities have cooldowns, basic attacks, dodging, and magic can be used freely without any limitations.

In Final Fantasy, players have typically had to choose between using magic or melee weapons, often at the cost of MP. However, the sixteenth mainline entry breaks this tradition by allowing players to freely use magic without any penalties. This intensifies the already fast-paced battles and grants players the option to attack the Morbol from a distance if they prefer.

The Morbol's attacks are just as swift, but players can easily avoid its bad breath by quickly moving to the side. Additionally, with sharp reflexes, players can dodge or parry the Morbol's other attacks. While not an overly challenging boss, it effectively sets the tone for the game's action-packed combat. It remains to be seen how these mechanics will impact the game's overall difficulty in the long run. Considering Final Fantasy bosses are infamous for their difficulty, it will be intriguing to see how FF16 strives to balance the scales in this aspect.

Final Fantasy 16 is set to release on 22 June for PS5.