Summary
- Final Fantasy 16's shift to fast-paced action and single-character combat divided fans, with some embracing the change and others missing the traditional turn-based combat.
- Allowing players to control multiple characters in combat adds strategic depth to Final Fantasy, allowing for varied approaches and unique skill combinations.
- Having multiple playable characters in Final Fantasy games also enriches the story by unraveling each character's individual narrative and interactions with the protagonist.
Final Fantasy 16 brought 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 change Final Fantasy 16 made to the formula, as it also made its protagonist, Clive Rosfield, the only character players could control in combat.
The Final Fantasy series 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 in Final Fantasy 16 but 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 16 players 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.
Final Fantasy 7 (1997): The Fates Of Every Playable Character
Being such a hit, Final Fantasy 7 spawned many spin-offs and follow-ups that expanded the stories of each party member that fans might not know about.
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 allowing Final Fantasy players to control more than one character is in the strategic layers it adds to combat. For example, in Final 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, in past Final Fantasy games, players would need to make certain their party formation complemented the fight at hand, as different battles would often require different approaches.
When Final Fantasy games 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 where Final Fantasy 16's combat became too easy because 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 to Final Fantasy's combat, the feature can also contribute to each game's narrative. While there are many compelling characters in Final 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 16 may 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 like Final Fantasy's turn-based combat and 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 mainline Final Fantasy installment to bring back multiple playable characters, much like the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and its predecessor.
Final Fantasy 16
- Released
- June 22, 2023
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.
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 36 Hours
- Metascore
- 88
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
