Unveiling the Ultimate Fix to Final Fantasy 16's Party Complaints - Torgal Holds the Key

Highlights

Final Fantasy 16 has received critical acclaim, but some fans are disappointed with the lack of traditional franchise staples, such as the party system.

Although the party is incomplete, players have the ability to control their dog, Torgal, using a few D-pad inputs.

The game's absence of a party system facilitates fast-paced gameplay and a more concentrated narrative. However, granting players the ability to control other characters in the same manner as Torgal could further strengthen the players' connection to the expanded ensemble. These concerns may be addressed in future DLC and updates.

Final Fantasy 16 received critical acclaim from both reviewers and fans, although it deviated from the traditional JRPG genre and lacked some of the familiar elements found in previous installments of the franchise. While it is not surprising for Final Fantasy to explore different genres, many fans expressed disappointment due to the absence of long-standing series features. One major criticism of FF16 is its exclusion of the party system. Although incorporating a traditional party would have clashed with the game's action-oriented combat, there was a potential to expand on an existing aspect to compensate for this.

Final Fantasy 16 is a character action role-playing game, a decision that aligns with its premise. The game is set in the conflict-ridden world of Valisthea, where the various kingdoms strive to control the Mothercrystals and the dwindling magical resources they offer. These kingdoms have an individual serving their cause, an immensely powerful magic user capable of summoning and transforming into colossal magical creatures called Eikons. The story follows Clive, the dominant of Ifrit, as he seeks to seize control of other dominants' Eikons and destroy the crystals. These confrontations take the form of grand battles that rely on swift, unrestricted action to deliver an intense and immersive experience.

Torgal's Controls Could Work For Other Companions

The absence of a party system in Final Fantasy 16 enhances the pace of the action, allowing the focus to remain solely on Clive during the monumental Eikon battles. However, Clive is not alone in his journey as he is accompanied by his loyal canine companion, Torgal. Unlike the temporary allies that come and go, Torgal remains by Clive's side for the majority of the game and provides a unique gameplay experience as the player can control him. While Torgal's commands are limited, they enhance the combo system and introduce versatility and freedom in gameplay.

Controlling Torgal involves using the D-pad to choose from three commands for Clive's furry companion. These commands include light and heavy attacks, as well as the ability to provide limited healing to Clive. Although Torgal's actions have limitations, he proves invaluable for crowd control and for engaging opponents safely when Clive's health is low. While other companions such as Jill and others also join Clive throughout his adventure, it is disappointing to see Jill Warrick sidelined in the narrative and the lack of a party system resulting in underdeveloped characters other than Clive.

FF16 Would Benefit From Being Able To Control More Characters

The system used to control Torgal is both simple and effective, with the added benefit of being unobtrusive. However, it would enhance players' connection to other characters if they could also control NPCs in a similar manner. For instance, Jill and FF16's Cid, who accompany players for significant portions of the game, possess useful abilities that could be employed in combination with Clive's moves, offering players greater flexibility. Rather than requiring players to choose which character to control, this feature could be tied to the specific chapter being played, ensuring that it does not interfere with the progression of the story. Alternatively, this ability could be reserved for New Game Plus, allowing players to initially develop a bond with Torgal.

Expanding the command system to include other characters may be the ideal solution for fostering a stronger connection between players and the extended cast during the main game. However, the upcoming Final Fantasy 16 DLC could also provide an opportunity to explore the stories and abilities of other characters. Additionally, it should be noted that the next game in the series, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is expected to reintroduce the party system, suggesting that the lack of a party in FF16 may be unique to that installment. With future updates and DLC being planned, there remains hope that players will eventually be able to control the entire extended cast in Final Fantasy 16.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PS5.