Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)

Final Fantasy XVI bietet Epik in seiner Geschichte, massiv spaßige Action in seinen Kämpfen und eine großartig ausgearbeitete Welt mit enorm viel Vielfalt und Ernsthaftigkeit. Wer nach einem düsteren Rollenspiel der Extraklasse sucht und eine PS5 besitzt, muss hier zugreifen.

Japanische Kombo-Schwert-Action trifft auf westlich angehauchte Fantasy mit Godzilla-Kämpfen drin. Funktioniert erstaunlich gut.

It's heartening to see that this bold approach to both story and gameplay is now part of that legacy, expanding the definition of what a mainline entry could be. It may fall short in some respects, but it should be celebrated for its most stunning moments and the characters who embody them. FFXVI succeeds and earns its place within the Final Fantasy pantheon as one of the great entries, and does so on its own terms.

Final Fantasy XVI wants to engross you in its world and lore, and takes liberal steps to that, even with the smallest of side characters. You can dive as deep into the game’s lore as you want, but crucially you don’t have to, it never forces you to. The combat system grows by leaps and bounds, resulting in one of the most exhilarating action experiences out there, especially in the jaw-dropping boss and Eikon battles.

If you’re a fan of strong narrative experiences, Final Fantasy lore, breath-taking graphics and a particularly sassy Moogle, and you don’t mind a sprinkling of The Witcher, The Handmaids Tale and the many accents of Old Blighty, then Final Fantasy XVI is the game for you. Heck, it might just be the best Final Fantasy yet!

I wish FFXVI’s various elements were intertwined more seamlessly. Still, when I look back at my time with Clive, his friends, his enemies, and Valisthea, it’s those highs that I vividly remember. FFXVI is very different from its predecessors, but in many ways, very familiar; And it’s still a Final Fantasy, through and through, reminding me why I love this series so much.