Summary
Square Enix boasts a wide game discography, and it can be a challenge to churn out brand-new ideas for every installment of its most successful franchises, so it comes as no surprise when an update to the catalog relies heavily on its predecessors' mechanics.Final Fantasy 16has roots in thebestFinal Fantasygames, but the mainline series' most recent edition is more likeFinal Fantasy 13than any other.Final Fantasy 13is one of the most influential iterations of any series, significantly impacting the details of later editions of the franchise in several ways.
Final Fantasy 13marked a shift to making theFinal Fantasygames less turn-based, and this was evident in the real-time gameplay of the MMORPG-themedFinal Fantasy 14and the combat-basedFinal Fantasy 15, a welcome deviation from the Active Time Battle style of its prequel. Also, the 13th installment had its imprint on the stagger system, which has become a defining dynamic in newergames likeFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeandFinal Fantasy 16. At first glance,Final Fantasy 16andFinal Fantasy 13might appear worlds apart in terms of setting, characters, and attack mechanics, but a deeper look at their core aspects reveals similarities in themes and narratives.
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Final Fantasy 16’s Linear-Focused Gameplay is Reminiscent of FF13
Ambition is a common theme in theFinal Fantasyseries, and the story ofFinal Fantasy 13gives players a view of the technologically advanced world of Cocoon, under governance by the fal’Cie. Following the main characters – Lightning, Snow, Hope, and a few others – gamers take on the role of l’Cie and embark on a mission to save the world while under pursuit by Cocoon’s government. Likewise,Final Fantasy 16’s Valistheathreatens to be torn apart by a power struggle for control of Mothercrystals and Eikons. In a story spanning decades, Clive Rosfield goes from protecting his younger brother Joshua in his youth to a revenge-fueled journey later in life, and the protagonist must navigate Valisthea’s intricate web of politics and power just as the l’Cie confronted their destines inFinal Fantasy 13.
The latest edition’s modern-day RPG approach to its playthroughs heralded the franchise’s departure from the classic open-world system, andFinal Fantasy 16’s sales numbersare a testament to how far ahead of its timeFinal Fantasy 13was. Featuring a mixture of linear progression and open-world gameplay,Final Fantasy 16differs in design from the open-world dominated games likeElden Ring, and its success shows Square Enix was capable of trying something different and yet familiar.
Exploration-based RPGswere gaining prominence at the time ofFinal Fantasy 13’s release, and Square Enix appeared to be hanging on to an aging dynamic in rapidly changing times. However, similarly toFinal Fantasy 16,Final Fantasy 13granted an open-world experience in Pulse, allowing gamers to ride Chocobos at will through the planet and complete quests in any palatable order. As fatigue with the open-world genre spreads in the gaming community, the fad for linear-based gameplay seems to be regaining its footing, andFinal Fantasy 16’s mixed composition was a driving factor behind its success.
With the evolution of the RPG scene, the future of theFinal Fantasyfranchise lies in the formula Square Enix deployed forFinal Fantasy 16, using both techniques to bring a quality gaming experience to fans. The developer’s flexibility reflects a willingness to experiment with narrative systems while maintaining core storytelling elements, and the franchise will likely continue exploring new ways to combine tradition with modern fan expectations.
Final Fantasy 16is available now for PS5.
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