Square Enix recaptures the magic with Final Fantasy 16, a title delivering epic battles, spectacle, and a deep emotional journey, making it one of the standout games of 2023.


Final Fantasy 16 Revives the Beloved Franchise

Final Fantasy 16 has emerged as a shining beacon of success in the world of video games, particularly for a franchise that had been struggling to meet expectations with its recent mainline entries. With Square Enix at the helm, the development team responsible for the revered Final Fantasy 14 applied their expertise to produce a title that not only captured attention but sustained it with a craftsmanship that signifies a return to form for the storied series.

Right off the bat, Final Fantasy 16 established itself as a more polished and determined effort, promising a gaming experience steeped in high-energy action and a focus that had perhaps been missing from its predecessors. The game plunges players into an action role-playing adventure that deviates from traditional turn-based combat, leaning heavily into a hack-and-slash approach that may not align with all tastes, yet carves out a distinctive identity within the franchise.

The essence of Final Fantasy 16 lies in its boundless ambition to deliver spectacle. This game is constructed from moments crafted to leave players in awe, with boss encounters that are not merely battles but grandiose events that will inevitably etch themselves into the memory of gaming history. At its peak, Final Fantasy 16 delivers gameplay that is incredibly compelling, captivating players with its vibrantly executed encounters.

An auditory feast accompanies the game's visual prowess, with a musical score so stunning that it propels the game's narrative into an emotionally charged odyssey. Accompanied by voice actors who have mastered their roles to perfection, the game presents a protagonist, Clive, imbued with a depth and charisma that arguably sets a new standard for the series. The voice talents give life to a character narrative that may well stand as one of the franchise's most memorable.

Despite its divergence from some of the Final Fantasy signature elements, the sixteenth instalment maintains the essence of an outstanding action RPG. Its departure from the series' traditional mechanics has been met with a mix of reception, yet it does nothing to diminish the title's quality. It simply marches to the beat of its own drum, setting itself apart and showcasing that innovation within a series can lead to revitalized interest and acclaim.

Within a calendar year packed to the brim with remarkable gaming releases, Final Fantasy 16 managed to carve out a place of honor for itself. The game's high points, particularly its boss battles, are not just highlights for the game itself but stand tall as defining experiences among the pantheon of interactive entertainment. They resonate as moments that will linger in the collective consciousness of gamers and industry folk alike.

Push Square, in crafting their Game of the Year list, has taken into account both internal staff votes and community feedback through a Game of the Year poll. The placement of Final Fantasy 16 as the fifth Game of the Year comes from a weighted consideration of these perspectives. While opinions may differ on the exact ranking, the accolade is a testament to the game's impact and quality.

Ultimately, whether players and critics believe Final Fantasy 16 deserves to stand higher or lower on the Game of the Year list, what is indisputable is the legacy it has created. It's a title that has reenergized a beloved franchise, setting a new bar for future entries and leaving a lasting impression on anyone who ventures through its expansive and action-packed experience. Final Fantasy 16 is not just a game reflective of the year 2023 but a bold statement on the enduring allure of the Final Fantasy saga, and how with the right focus and drive, even the most longstanding series can surprise and enthral both old fans and new.

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John Hope

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