Elson

I agree that Final Fantasies could be a little darker. But I disagree using FFXVI as an example. Joshua died at the beginning of the game. Players don't have time to get attached to him. His "ressurection" plays into the bigger message of goal/purpose. Clive spends the first part of the game finding his brother's killer. When he discovers Joshua is alive, Clive's purpose/goal is completed. This was minutes after Cid dies. Clive then took on Cid's name to work toward Cid's purpose/goal. At the end, Joshua dies for real just before Clive fulfills Cid's purpose/goal. Then Clive took on Joshua's name to fulfill Joshua's goal to write [the book in the epilogue].

If anything, I would argue Dion's death and Joshua's real death (and Cid's death) would count against your argument.

Personally, i think the main problem in both Final Fantasy and other JRPG games is that they give the players too many breathers. There are too many side quests and distractions that let thebplayer stray away from the emotional impact of the main story. E33 doesnt do that. The game doesnt give you an opportunity to walk away from its tone. Side quests can be finished in the same dungeon. Many world map locations are just 1 scene with an item. The journals serve as world builders as well as reminders of the sense of hopelessness. The game grabs onto you and don't offer distractions.