[Final Fantasy XVI] is a standout among a franchise that takes a new turn with each new release, and this new installment in the long-lived Japanese role-playing game franchise, which drew clear inspiration from HBO's "Game of Thrones," is a heavy-handed dark fantasy genre, which it fully embraces. Of course, the chocobos, giant gods, and over-the-top magic spells are still present, but this is the darkest Final Fantasy ever, and the first in the series to receive the M designation for maturity.

I have played through the early stages of Final Fantasy XVI and have been completely impressed so far. This edition goes back to the medieval roots of the series while injecting a modern, adult tone. It also delivers stunning graphics and action-focused, engaging gameplay. As a longtime fan of the series, I think these changes make for an engaging experience.

Our review of Final Fantasy XVI will be forthcoming. For now, please see what we have played so far and why we think Final Fantasy XVI has the makings of being one of the best games of 2023. Final Fantasy XVI is perfect for beginners and longtime fans alike. Read on to find out why.

In Final Fantasy XVI, you play as Clive Rothfield, shield of the Grand Duchy of Rosalia, one of the Varistian kingdoms where the game is set. Things start off well, but a plot against Clive's family causes Clive's world to collapse. Years later, Clive seeks retribution, but learns more about himself and the world than he expected.

From what I have played, the story of Final Fantasy XVI is similar to what one would expect from a fantasy epic. What sets the game apart is the brutally dark tone. Just when you thought the game couldn't get any darker, we are pushed further into the abyss, making Clive's circumstances all the more tragic and heartbreaking. The influence of "Game of Thrones" is palpable, and it would not surprise me if the screenwriter was a fan of the "Berserk" manga.

And since this is Final Fantasy, magic plays a strong role in the story. There are giant skyscraper-sized magic crystals, an equally giant god-like being called Eikon, and colorful spells used in battles. Speaking of battles, seeing a kaiju-sized Odin charging on horseback through a sea of relatively ant-sized human armies makes you realize that this is still a Final Fantasy game. Again, the story is here to stay.

While more recent titles like "Final Fantasy XV" and "Final Fantasy VII Remake" have dabbled in real-time battle mechanics, this 16th installment goes all out with real-time battles. This will undoubtedly upset those who yearn for a return to turn-based battles. I sympathize with that sentiment, but the tight and precise battle mechanics convinced me.

Those who worried that "Final Fantasy XVI" would make you learn a million different combos are not so sure. Unlike "Devil May Cry" and "Ninja Gaiden," the mechanics of "FFXVI" remain relatively simple.

There are dedicated buttons for attacks, magic, jumping, and dodging. There are also buttons for closing the gap with distant enemies. Holding down one of the buttons on the right shoulder allows you to use more powerful magic. Any of the actions can be performed at any time at will. Except for magic, there is almost no cooldown, so you can keep pressing the attack.

If you are not good at action games or want an easier combat experience, you can equip yourself with an item called a time accessory. Equipped with this, you can unleash complex combos with a single button, or slow down time to dodge avoidable attacks. These two accessories have made my play the best so far, but I also appreciate the ability to unequip them and manually control combos and dodges.

Final Fantasy XVI has no shortage of epic boss battles, even early on. He is a tough enemy, but can be stunned by reducing his Will gauge below his strength bar. This would create a temporary opening to attack without fear of retaliation. Breaking the boss's will is very satisfying, and it is fun to figure out which attack will drain the will gauge the fastest.

Clive is the only one who can operate, but that doesn't mean he is always alone. Throughout the story, various allies join you, but one of the most reliable is a hound named Torgal. It would have been fun to be able to control your partner directly in battle, but he seems to help out, especially when there are many enemies on the battlefield.

Experience is gained by defeating enemies and completing quests, which can be used to unlock and enhance skills and abilities from the skill tree. Upgrading abilities and using new abilities will give you an advantage in battle and ultimately make battles more fun. This is especially true as you unlock more Akon (magic) abilities throughout the game.

Final Fantasy is synonymous with gorgeous graphics, and the sixteenth installment is no exception. Final Fantasy XVI is a feast for the eyes. Everything looks phenomenal, from the dark claustrophobic dungeons to the vast grass-covered plains. The same attention to detail is evident in the exquisitely detailed cast of main characters.

Like the sound, the game's audio is a delight. While the soundtrack is not as rich or resonant as the one created by legendary series composer Nobuo Uematsu, the mixture of melancholy and bombast does a wonderful job of drawing you into each scene.

I've only played a little bit of Final Fantasy XVI, but I have no doubt it will become one of my favorites.

After nearly two decades of semi-futuristic adventures, returning to a medieval setting was a wise choice. Not only was it a nice change of pace, but the low-tech world fits the gritty tone of the game. The real-time combat mechanics are also a highlight, as are the great graphics.

Please check back soon for the full Final Fantasy XVI, which should be up soon.

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