Final Fantasy XVI: what happens before the end of the game shows that sidequests could have been handled better

In the fantastic universe of Final Fantasy XVI, the world depends on Crystals to fuel magic. A small group of chosen individuals are able to invoke the power of the Eikons, so nations have ended up forging a relationship of dependence with these crystalline hulks. They allow them to maintain their own power and hegemony, the balance between the different regions of Valisthea. Clive Rosfield, heir to the House of Rosaria, lives with betrayal in his gut after the murder of his family in the merciless game of thrones. In this context, the Deadlands advance and life progressively deteriorates. Both the main and secondary missions color the context of the characters and the world, but the studio led by producer Naoki Yoshida fails when it comes to distributing the tasks.

Full screen

It’s not the design of the missions themselves, it’s how they are unlocked at the end

The concept of ludonarrative dissonance has been the object of ridicule, more for the pomposity of the words than for their meaning. At a critical plot moment, it is difficult to justify diverting the story towards secondary objectives, which sometimes contribute little to the background. However, this is not the biggest problem with Final Fantasy XVI. In the case of the Square Enix game, the studio has made some questionable decisions when it comes to quests, although the complaint has more to do with the moment chosen to unlock the last batch of errands.

The sixteenth installment is full of sidequests, which are unlocked as the main plot progresses. Clive, Joshua, Jill, Torgal, and company prepare for the final battle, but just before, the developers activate not one, not two, but over a dozen additional quests at the same time. It is true that each person can decide whether to do them or not, of course they can. And yet, the decision to enable so many missions simultaneously seems somewhat clumsy, since they could have been distributed more regularly. Perhaps, the effect would have been different if the amount had been reduced by at least half. At the same time, the playable development wears out over the hours and contributes to deteriorating the experience.

Final Fantasy XVI (MeriStation review) was released for PS5, but it is also confirmed for PC. On April 18, the second and last additional content, “The Rising Tide”, will be released. Like the final side quest binge, these new story arcs take place before the climax of the game.