Summary
Final Fantasy 16brought a host of changes to the franchise’s traditional formula — namely, it abandoned entirely the turn-based combat the series was known for in exchange for full, fast-paced action. Of course, this divided longtime fans of the franchise, with some believing the series was due for a makeover and others feeling that it lost one of its most defining features. Unfortunately, turn-based combat wasn’t the only changeFinal Fantasy 16made to the formula, as it also madeits protagonist, Clive Rosfield, the only character players could control in combat.
TheFinal Fantasyseries isn’t known for letting players control multiple characters throughout an installment’s story, but it has regularly allowed the control of multiple characters during combat. This ultimately lends itself to a degree of strategy that wasn’t necessarily lost inFinal Fantasy 16but was nevertheless exchanged for a different type of strategy altogether. Rather than adjusting their approach by ensuring the entire party was ready for battle,Final Fantasy 16players only had to worry about one character. Despite the success of the series' latest entry, however, it may be time for the series to revert to its traditional ways and once again let players control multiple characters during combat.
Why the Next Final Fantasy Should Let Players Control Multiple Characters Again
Controlling Multiple Characters Allows for a More Strategic Approach to Combat
The most obvious benefit of allowingFinal Fantasyplayers to control more than one character is in the strategic layers it adds to combat. For example, inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake’s upcoming sequel,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, players can utilize and even combine the skills of each party member for unique and devastating attacks called Synergy Attacks. Additionally, inpastFinal Fantasygames, players would need to make certain their party formation complemented the fight at hand, as different battles would often require different approaches.
WhenFinal Fantasygames allow the use of multiple characters during combat, it also simultaneously results in more varied enemy groups. Although Clive essentially acted as a jack of all trades, his skills could have been more varied still, as players reported reaching a point whereFinal Fantasy 16’s combat became too easybecause they were simply using the same skill rotation in every battle. With more characters to control, the player’s selection of skills increases in diversity, so the enemies have to follow suit to ensure combat is properly balanced.
Letting Players Control Multiple Characters Implies Their Larger Roles in the Story
Apart from the strategic elements that controlling multiple characters can add toFinal Fantasy’s combat, the feature can also contribute to each game’s narrative. While there are many compelling characters inFinal Fantasy 16, the story largely revolves around Clive, as his pursuit of revenge turns to heroism and his initial personal endeavors lead to something much greater than himself. The fact that players can only control Clive throughout the game’s entirety automatically makes him the character that matters most. A party of multiple characters would allow each one’s individual story to unravel throughout the overarching narrative by way of character development and their interactions with the game’s primary protagonist.
Final Fantasy 16may have been a successful installment for the franchise as a whole, but it didn’t come out on the other side unscathed. As many fans grieved the loss of traditional features likeFinal Fantasy’s turn-based combatand parties consisting of more than one character, it quickly became apparent what the series does right. In light of this, it would do well for the next mainlineFinal Fantasyinstallment to bring back multiple playable characters, much like the upcomingFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthand its predecessor.
Final Fantasy 16
WHERE TO PLAY
An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
