Base Game Review:

As far as a final fantasy entry, 16 perfectly fits in. It changes the formula and deals with classic FF tropes such as disparaging empires and otherworldly powers. In terms of post squaresoft final fantasy, it marks a good trend going forward.

Story: The story is honestly enjoyable. It follows a split of the politics surrounding each nation at the same time that it deals with the Eikons and how they both intermingle. There's a lot of background lore for anyone looking to read and the game bends over to give you as much information as you want if you need a refresher.

Gameplay: The gameplay won't be for everyone, but it's one of my favorite aspects. It feels buttery responsive and really lets you play around. There's no this one tool is suddenly just useless for bosses, everything works with every enemy pretty much the same. You're directly encouraged to use your toolkit fully for every situation.

Music: The music is fantastic. It may take some time to warm up and settle in, but once it does, it sticks. No complaints at all in this department.

Sidequests: The sidequests are actually enjoyable. At first they may seem like just random tasks, but the game builds on its sidequests and fleshes out side characters and the story more. I usually start a game with the mentality to do everything available, and this was one of the few cases where I didn't decide otherwise at some point due to tedium.

I've noticed some people say they feel leveling is pointless, but for what the game is, the stats from leveling and gear feel fine. In previous less turn based FF's (the ATB entries), leveling was also more in the backseat, with either abilities or gear taking the mantle of truly being the source of power, so I didn't find it off putting here.

All in all, 16 feels like a fine modern entry into FF with a nice blend of new and old design.

Base Game Review: As far as a final fantasy entry, 16 perfectly fits in. It changes the formula and deals with classic FF tropes such as disparaging empires and otherworldly powers. In terms of post squaresoft final fantasy, it marks a good trend going forward. Story: The story is honestly enjoyable. It follows a split of the politics surrounding each nation at the same time that it deals with the Eikons and how they both intermingle. There's a lot of background lore for anyone looking to read and the game bends over to give you as much information as you want if you need a refresher. Gameplay: The gameplay won't be for everyone, but it's one of my favorite aspects. It feels buttery responsive and really lets you play around. There's no this one tool is suddenly just useless for bosses, everything works with every enemy pretty much the same. You're directly encouraged to use your toolkit fully for every situation. Music: The music is fantastic. It may take some time to warm up and settle in, but once it does, it sticks. No complaints at all in this department. Sidequests: The sidequests are actually enjoyable. At first they may seem like just random tasks, but the game builds on its sidequests and fleshes out side characters and the story more. I usually start a game with the mentality to do everything available, and this was one of the few cases where I didn't decide otherwise at some point due to tedium. I've noticed some people say they feel leveling is pointless, but for what the game is, the stats from leveling and gear feel fine. In previous less turn based FF's (the ATB entries), leveling was also more in the backseat, with either abilities or gear taking the mantle of truly being the source of power, so I didn't find it off putting here. All in all, 16 feels like a fine modern entry into FF with a nice blend of new and old design.