Why Final Fantasy 16 Is GENIUS || Hidden Meaning Explained

*Full spoilers* Let's break this down.
Subscribe to the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts!!
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/75Wj1jp...
- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
- Podbay: podbay.fm/p/whatculture-gaming
----------
For more awesome content, check out whatculture.com/gaming
Find us on Twitter: / wculturegaming
Catch us on Facebook: / whatcultureg. .

[@beansandpollo6286]

The side quests in ff16 are simple in the gameplay department. But the story and dialog that almost every quest giver offers are so heartfelt, funny, and interesting. Especially the ones that come from the hideaway and the leaders of each village you visit. By the end of the game, I felt like the hideaway people were a family and that Clive would do anything for his new family so that they would live free and without worry.

[@SuperTrailerz]

much agreed! looved exploring them all

[@eliminoh_p7877]

I kind of hated the side quests the first half of the game. But they all built on top of each other to where by near the end of the game I was fully invested in all of them because of the stories that had been built around all of the characters. The one where *spoiler* Theodore dies really took me off guard. I didn’t expect that kind of emotion at all from a side quest. This whole game totally blew me away.

[@BrowSing-lp1xx]

So we’ll said

[@Swordmaster7th]

The side quests imo aren't side quests, they all have full dialog and actually are imo optional skippable parts in the main story for people who dont have time for the full fleashed out experience. You don't need to do them, but even they had lots of love put into them, about a third of them with unique animations.

[@zeekfarrongaming5302]

It’s been so long since I’ve played a new release that you can legitimately feel the love, passion, and care that went into a game. Yoshi P and his team poured their heart and soul into 16 and it shows. It’s sad that a lovingly handcrafted game is a rarity in todays world.

[@gamingbytetv665]

Poured their heart and soul into something nobody wanted. The gameplay loop is boring and frankly, tiring. Piss about for an hour performing some menial task for someone just to get to go through a gate, go to boss lair, defeat boss, rinse and repeat until the end.

[@Tarmax94]

Agreed, loved this game from start to finish, I'm currently on NG+ at level 60, loving the new challenge, sometimes dying in 1 hit at full hp lol specially from bosses, what really gets tiresome is nothing about the game, but some people (not you, obviously) still complaining 🤦🏻‍♂ they really need to get over it. Yeah yeah, we see you, you didn't like it, move on.

[@arkeshn729]

I can appreciate the vision but the lack of party makes Bravely Default more of a FF game than 16 for me.

[@holy9781]

​@@gamingbytetv665i do agree,I would get bored after a hour,but I loved it.the more I did the lame sidequest,the more I loved the world.they seem crazy but u learn stuff.i was surprised Joshua was in the game as much as well as jill.u always have a party member usually.not perfect but amazing

[@BrowSing-lp1xx]

I know right i felt so one w this game that i felt like i was apart of it with them that i was actually in tears at the end bc of torgal and Jill crying i don’t think I’ll ever get over that 😢

[@lopirobinson1991]

If you do all the side quests that scene where Dion, Clive and Josh are shown off by the whole hideaway, with side quest characters present, as they leave for Origin hits hard. You feel the journey.

[@avinashsummun673]

This was the best review I've seen for this phenomenal game. Perfectly encapsulating and understanding the story the devs were going for and how they were trying to tell it. The lengthy cutscenes and sidequests serve to deepen the bond between player and world and if not open to it, the player loses out on the key points of the experience.

[@MetalHead13Gaming]

Just finished it what a ride 😊

[@VLarraechea]

Thoughts on the ending?

[@MetalHead13Gaming]

Felt like it wasn't the end, seen it to many times and know it's not as it seems 😊

[@traceyrinaldi4759]

Do you think it was one or both that made it out in the end?

[@alexnota8]

that’s what she said

[@MetalHead13Gaming]

@@traceyrinaldi4759 one

[@iamskyfall]

I finished the game last and week and haven't stopped thinking about it. The writing is really well done and the side quests, while kind of MMO-y, do improve as the game goes on and adds so much to the lore. Gonna do a Final Fantasy mode playthrough and platinum it soon.

[@oukeith]

Glad to hear a fellow FF 16 lover! I loved every 78 hours of my play thru!

[@BReWeDKnOwLeDGe]

1st play through or NG+?

[@Varizen87]

I respect that Scott really grasped all the same ideas I saw when I played. The side stories are so integral to the experience, and really need to be done as soon as they pop up. There's a lot of philosophy and commentary you really have to take in and stop and think about as you go.

[@makasete30]

The early ones are just so boring though. There’s been lots of complaints and they only get good towards the end.

[@Varizen87]

@@makasete30 but isn’t that the point that Scott is making? You have to invest in the people. Besides… most early side quests in most games are boring. Not everything can be or should be epic. Sometimes a side quest is a slow paced break from high drama and action. Which is what makes them work.

[@makasete30]

⁠@@Varizen87. Not everything has to be epic but some of the early side quests are simple fetch quests that it would have been nice if they had a lot more thought in making them actually fun to carry out, or at least be more rewarding. I enjoyed most of Elden Ring’s side quests because they were mostly rewarding. I have enjoyed TOTKs because there is simply a great variety and there are so many that even a poor one might have a good reward to make up for it. Even if the reward is poor there is usually a cool new way to interact with the world through the side quests. FF16 are simply mostly poor most of the game. It seems like Scott is placing the onus and even blame on the player not the developer and that is simply wrong. A side quest can be interesting, increase the lore and doesn’t have to be epic. I disagree that most side quests in most games in the beginning are boring. There are usually a lot of side quests and so the difficulty is making sure that the majority of them are compelling in some way. FF16 gets that balance woefully wrong. We all know a good side quest when it happens: small, medium or big ones. Even if that was the case, it’s then very important to give feedback to developers to let them know that they should try to make them rewarding and interesting rather let them be lazy because fans will defend the faults in a game. Making excuses and blaming the player as Scott is doing sets us back and doesn’t let us progress to better games.

[@fredy2041]

@@makasete30 Your a complete liar

[@anonymousinfinido2540]

​@@makasete30but isn't that the point, side quests are not always rewarding kinda like in real life, elden ring and ToTK are made in different philosophy, they don't have Marxist class consciousness, they are just run on the mill variety quests. That being said, yes, FF16 could have done a better job to convey the message properly like witcher 3 does.

[@kevint3613]

Thank you!! Finally a review that focuses on the positives! I’ve grown so tired of hearing people hate on the game for the littlest thing and saying it’s not “Final Fantasy.”

[@antney7745]

You say that like every fanboy from here to Japan doesn't "focus on the positives".

[@pogoacct8611]

Most reviews for the game have been positive though...

[@anonymousinfinido2540]

​@@pogoacct8611true, but the toxic haters are very loud like obnoxiously loud, like actual criticism gets overshadowed by these toxic haters.

[@pogoacct8611]

@@anonymousinfinido2540 ooooh ok

[@anonymousinfinido2540]

@@pogoacct8611 also a lot of them are... you know.... legend of Zelda fans, sooo....😅

[@TheOmegaDragon]

I played this game everyday until I beaten it. The story made it easy to be invested in it emotionally and the gameplay had a ton of mix ups with the eikons. The villains played their roles well that it got me looking forward to defeating them. Torgal and Jill are my favorite companions and the npc like Gav, Cid, and pretty much everybody in the hideaway had such impact during their side quests and main quests that I ended up caring about them. The fact that Gav behaved like the newborn baby was his was wholesome and that he made a silver chocobo charm to welcome the newborn into the world was very sweet of him.

[@baakameechy763]

I just platinumed 16 this morning and I absolutely love it🙌🏾! I love the world/character design, the combat, the story, and "My Star" making me cry so unbelievably hard in that ending😅😭😭😭. It was an amazing ff(this is only my 3rd after 7 remake and 9) that has me so ready to see what else the series has to offer

[@kamii_999]

Nice I'm hoping to platinum FF16 today after work. I already got Ultima blade and I'm lvl 95 so I shld be good to go.

[@garrettpaul4680]

that ending got me surprisingly emotional as well. I was really bummed that Jill and Clive couldn't be together in the end.

[@chazclark86]

The side quests get absolutely brilliant as well, some brilliant side quests. And NG+ is 👌🏻 My GOTY too Scott.

[@gamingbytetv665]

You're smoking crack if you think the side quests are anything but your typical MMO fare from beginning to end.

[@chazclark86]

@@gamingbytetv665 you joking? There’s some brilliant side quest with lore and the like. Hate all you want 🤣

[@gamingbytetv665]

@@chazclark86 Yeah, I totally loved getting 3 bowls of soup. Or getting 3 apples from a dead bitches apple tree, so riveting and thought engaging. You've clearly either never played an RPG(Which this barely qualifies as) or you're easily pleased. This should have had witcher 3 calibre of side quests, not fetch quest MMO bullshit.

[@chazclark86]

@@gamingbytetv665 you actual joking? That’s early game side quests, come back when you’ve finished the game and actually paid attention the the deep ones. Jesus. Go outside man 😂

[@inzone88]

My nitpick isnt with the side quests in the story telling side, its the execution. They are all, diologue/fetch/kill quests that could have delivered the same story bits but gave more variety in how they were done.

[@frozenninja4030]

Finally finished the game yesterday and it was phenomenal. Game of the Year for me so far as well. True, some of the side quests can seem a little basic, especially early game, but I totally agree that that's kinda the point and I don't feel like that detracted from the game in any way. Many of the later side quests are really interesting and do a lot of the heavy lifting for fleshing the world out and cementing Clive as a force for good. And the emotional impact of some of the later scenes, like when Clive and Co leave the hideaway to head to Origin and the ending movie section with everyone's mixed emotions, being happy it's all over and yet devastated over the loss of Clive and Joshua. And Torgal's howls goodbye, getting me all teary eyed again just thinking about it. What. A. Game.

[@PetarBladeStrok]

You really should play FF14. It's made by the same team that did 16. Base game ARR is really, really slow, but first expansion Heavensward is amazing. Once you get to Shadowbringers and Endwalker though, you experience best story in all of gaming. And that's not an unpopular opinion. It's that good! And it does the same thing with side characters and tiny plot points. Nothing gets forgotten.

[@byksEBM]

FF14 is Game as a service. I feel everyone should know that before playing. Some may like that, but I don't personally support this game model

[@kamii_999]

Yeah no thanks I'm not a fan of FF14, FF16 is where it's at. Here is hoping doesn't a sequel or some DLC

[@Vaquix000]

The boss battles always look so awkward in those games to me, like at least 10 people on one boss. I wouldn't even get any satisfaction out of being a boss with a bunch of people. Can you even solo bosses in these games? Anyway, definitely doesn't look as fun as FF16's fights.

[@Bloodhurl67]

​@Vaquix000 It's an MMO my guy, that is a big no aside from a small amount.

[@Dirty_Nero_Main]

As a Dirty Nero-Main, I wanted DMC6. I was not disappointed.

[@inspectahwoke5746]

The game is fantastic, but with side quests, I get the idea of them being a way to fully immerse yourself into the world, its politics and the main themes it’s trying to portray, but ultimately the game’s quest design severely suffers in delivering those messages because of A) the structure of the quests themselves and B) the environment and to some degree its combat design lacks opportunity to create compelling quests

[@jamonpeters4077]

YES! I’ve been thinking about this for dayssss since finishing it and I’m so happy it’s all been laid out into one video

[@HN-fb6md]

This game has a special place in my heart, since FFX.

[@BrowSing-lp1xx]

Omg i said the same thing ! 10 was my favorite before this! I feel like 10 and now 16 i fully immersed myself in the world so an amazing ride it was

[@Riz2336]

It's funny you mention how big the side quests are in the game I think I ended up doing 3 or 5 throughout my whole playthrough and the one I did for sure wasn't going to miss was getting ambrosia

[@LS1056]

I love these kind of videos. These analysis videos where he describe themes and ideas.

[@DeathblowMateria]

I'm really glad people love the game. My main problem with it is that it I all too often felt like I was getting sick of cutscenes and wasnt actually PLAYING the game enough. The story was great though.

[@OversoulGaming]

Cutscenes are a huge part of jrpgs. If you consider all of the text box dialog in the older games if those were actual cutscenes it would be just like this game. I didn't think the cut scenes were any longer or shorter or any more or less frequent than they were in 10, 12, 13 and 15 or the remake of 7. Pretty much par for the course for jrpgs honestly

[@jaydeebow6431]

@@OversoulGaming only thing wrong with what you're saying is this game has no rpg element's and as Yoshi-p hates the term jrpg i won't use it, but dude they are bare to none on rpg element's in ff16,and no 18 hour's of cgi isn't like other rpg's. Did you play Elden Ring? sold under the same action/rpg tag ff16 was,only difference is we got rpg element's in Elden Ring,idc about the game being zones,i love ff10 but 16 to me isn't a rpg at all.

[@OversoulGaming]

@@jaydeebow6431 jrpgs and Western rpgs are way different. This game has a mixture of elements from both. Jrpg story elements but Western RPG gameplay. By your logic, Dragon Age Inquisition is also not an RPG

[@jaydeebow6431]

@@OversoulGaming dragon age has rpg elements...ff16 is bare bones and it is a fact ff16 isn't a rpg ..we don't use the term jrpg as yoshi-p takes offence to the term..and ff16 is sold as a action/rpg...not jrpg so do your homework before looking ignorant.

[@Vaquix000]

@@jaydeebow6431 "so do your homework before looking ignorant" your messages would come off as better if you left out the needless hostility.

[@stevenrogers5912]

I absolutely loved the game and am glad it seemed like plenty other people did as well. Looking forward to your "spoilercast" with Josh at a later date.

[@lopirobinson1991]

I'm on my third playthrough now, 2nd FF mode. I love it. I love the medieval tone with shadowing of a technological past that was punished. The later side quests are way more involved and story driven. I love playing an outlaw, dominant! I do wish there was a constant party in battle but I can overlook it since the story does well explaining the comings and goings of party members. Imagine having a party made up of those who helped you destroy that last mothercrystal...Dion, Joshua, Jill and Togal.

[@TheMrGiannisgr]

Divisive? The game is a masterpiece.

[@palazzo1113]

This pretty much sums up my take on the game. Damn. Very well said.

[@Josmic_1]

You said it perfectly. It is easily one of the best games, I'd say ever? The combat loop, quests, characters, and boss fights were all executed insanely well. This is a Final Fantasy I will replay in the future for sure.

[@Vaquix000]

Despite what some people have said, this feels like a true final fantasy to me. Just wish it had some more insane parts like in FF6 with Sabin supplexing a train or a talking octopus ruining an opera. While I understand they wanted a serious tone - honestly that wouldn't make me take it less seriously. Some craziness gets me MORE invested. If they had this level of gameplay (but less spongy enemies) with the same likable characters and well done story with some crazy goofy moments but also set in a modern setting like FF7, with all the many different environments - that sounds like my IDEAL FF. I do miss fixed camera angles though, maybe there should be some parts where that's a thing because they added some atmosphere.

[@stephaneboudreault8944]

It really my game of the year also for sure! Best story ever side quest that give story a big plus! Combat really good! I finish it and now running in the Final Fantasy new game plus run and still enjoy every bit off it!

[@gamingbytetv665]

Yeah, running to get three bowls of soup, or an apple is like, so immersive. They totally put a lot of thought into it.

[@allent.1119]

I love this game so much. Everything about it. That song at the end breaks ny heart every time.

[@johnyoung5413]

Finished it last week and got the plat. Put 105 hours in. Game of the year so far

[@VLarraechea]

Finally an outlet that realizes that, in this case, beauty is seriously in the eye of the beholder. You need to take a good, deep look at the game’s stories. The side quests all improve the worldbuilding, the characters’ arcs. And eventually, through it all, you’ll see every point the game manages to prop up and arise. The beauty in this story isn’t easily noticeable by those who don’t pay proper attention to the game’s different layers. Platinum it, the game is worth every second, every moment you dedicate to it. The philosophy and different viewpoints explored are wonderful, and as much as I hate the open-ended ending… Well, you know the truth of it once you explore all that the game has to offer.

[@michaelmoore782]

Beautiful game , no glitches run perfect for me .

[@Pastyovercoat]

I was so impressed with this game. Best FF since 12

[@PetarBladeStrok]

Play 14. I promise you, you will be mindblown. The base game is really slow but trust me, first expansion Heavensward gets great and Shadowbringers and Endwalker offer the best story in gaming in my opinion.

[@TheMrGiannisgr]

Easy GOTY 2023. I thought Zelda had it in the bag but this game is next level.

[@makasete30]

I still think Zelda has it in the bag. It’s just had more of an impact with universally higher scores from reviewers, players and other developers. I also enjoyed it a lot more than FF16, I have to say. I really don’t think FF16 will win as it’s not been universally loved. The real question is if Starfield can match its promise. If it does than it will win.

[@airem5861]

The last FF I was interested in and finished was X but this one made care for the series again. I liked the side quest for the same reason you mentioned it really feels like you are doing the stuff of a CID. I finished it last night with 70 hours and I really love it from start to finish.

[@slugshotgun]

It's interesting how so many people are complaining about the quality of the sidequests in this game but they never really bothered me that much as they're exactly what I've come to expect when it comes to generic rpg sidequests. Maybe people have come to the idea that all sidequests in every video game should be or have always been as good as the ones we get to experience in TW3, or maybe I've played enough MMOs and spent hundreds of hours in other single player RPGs that I don't really mind doing these pointless sidequests. Either way, I just hope they make a story expansion that'll give us more context on the aftermath of the final boss fight. For having so much build up prior to it, I thought the ending sequence was too short and ended abruptly.

[@drgonzo123]

I’ve watched this and read all the comments, and I still don’t get it. I didn’t want to be a troll just shitting on everyone’s good time, but I beat the game, gave it a few days to marinate and still don’t quite see what all of you do. I’m not a contrarian but my journey was one of extreme highs and lows and frustration with how poorly paced it is. I have other thoughts but I’m not here to rain on your parade, just express how I generally feel about it and wonder why I can’t see what you all do.

[@rredix]

It's not just you. Fan boys gonna fan boy. It's impossible to criticize anything without catching some hate.

[@drgonzo123]

@@rredix nuance is dead. Something is either amazing or trash and there is no in between. It’s just weird with this game in particular because it really does have some glaring issues that no one could really ignore, so where do all these GOTY and it’s the best FF ever statements come from? I know I just said why, but it really dumbfounds me. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!

[@rredix]

@@drgonzo123 haha. I have been catching a lot of hate for saying how badly the game played, how you shouldn't have to put the controller down and watch the game for 30 minutes at a time or pick up the controller to walk for 15 seconds and then put it down for another 20 minute cutscenes, how much the story and "world building" don't really make a lot sense, and how the characters feel flat. I am supposed to say "YAYAHHH BOIIII! Flashy cutscenes. Woohoo shallow action combat. 11000/10 best game ever."

[@drgonzo123]

@@rredix I knew I was in trouble when the tutorial was a training session where you have to do everything 3 times! A lot of the games design and systems are straight up from 2001. And there are a lot of story plot points that either mean nothing in the end, or make no sense at all. The combat is shallow, just waiting for all your commands to cool down so you can stagger the enemy and unload them all at once. I can go on but I’m preaching to the choir here. Lol at least you made me feel like I wasn’t crazy.

[@rredix]

@@drgonzo123 I couldn't even buy the game based on the demo. Watched some streams for the first half of the game and just saw that it doesn't really improve from there. I especially don't like all the "oh you're finally awake, here's what happened in the last 5, 10, or 20 years." Seriously, not one singular person is pissed off at King Clive the god slayer for disappearing for a decade and leaving the kingdom for the fields to raped and the women to be pillaged? Then he falls asleep for another half decade and no one is miffed? It's infuriating how nice everyone is about it.

[@honeybadgeralliance8957]

They got the heartbeat of humanities' most important journey nailed down well in this one.

[@reesemarsalis4921]

THANK YOU!

[@user-bw4lb3py4t]

Trying to Platinum it. I enjoyed this one.

[@sbjr903]

I’m on my 3rd play through 😩😊😊

[@justifiedfun9811]

Give a like if you think Torgul is a good dog 🐕. 😅

[@seen.3]

Just finished the game and cried 😔😔

[@patd9850]

I just wish it was more open world, and the use of elements had tactical factors in it. Also wish magic could be used like protect and reflect. Added players with being able to choose their party. Lastly wish they let players have access to all the ikons. Once they had gotten all of them.

[@dyer_wav]

Not sure why this video is getting dislikes! It really does feel like people want this game to fail it's so weird. Amazing video though I completely agree with you!

[@animegamergeek1427]

Good video & analysis about the side quests. Most give u a good idea about the world & its treatment of people. I had to stop watching about halfway thru the video, cuz it seems it was headed into spoiler territory, especially when I saw Clive lying on the sand near the water. I've yet to beat it, but will soon

[@masterthief27]

This game was awesome to play and the hardest bosses to fight was bahaumat, barnabus, and lavaithon but lavaithon the most

[@dannyb9209]

It was a great game...think it's made it into my top 3 ffs behind 7 and tactics.... And this is easily the best cast since 7

[@Vaquix000]

It's 3rd to me too. The great characters, storyline, gameplay (though the enemies could be less spongy) enemy variety and great boss battles make it third to me. FF6 and FF8 are tied as number two for me while I agree FF7 is first. FF6 because of all the memorable characters and funny memorable scenes that happen, if FF16 had some crazy ridiculous goofy stuff in it like this one FF16 would easily be as good to me as FF6, but I get what they were doing for, they wanted a serious tone. But to be honest I wouldn't have taken it any less serious if there wasn't some crazy stuff like FF6's suplexing a train or a talking octopus ruining an opera. Hell I would have taken more serious, give me some crazy and I'm invested. FF8 had a significantly worse story and characters than 6, but - the music and atmosphere was So good they made me ignore it and it genuinely made me forget how crappy the characters and story were, to the point the experience was as good as FF6 to me. Goes to show how important Art direction is. FF7, and now this is not because of nostalgia - It has everything I want in an FF. Weird memorable characters, good story (for the most part), great atmosphere and music, memorable scenes, goofy scenes, almost every location having a different vibe making you really feel like you're on an adventure - pretty much the opposite of FF7 remake which is just the midgar section... If FF16 had all of what made it good along with wacky scenes like FF6, and the modern setting and memorable area design of FF7 and FF8 (fixed camera angles can help the feeling too, wish they had that sometimes), with every location feeling totally different, along with some interesting secret side areas/towns/dungeons - A game like that would be my Ideal FF.

[@zedbech9064]

Finally a well done review

[@Ethantaytay]

I have many feelings on this game. so many ways it could’ve been even better, but so many ways it accomplishes what it set out to do. i’m a bit critical of the finale as I hate the kill your darlings trope. (also not including Dion in the final shoutouts in the final boss made me sad lol)

[@TayTownRahRah]

I was hoping to see Simon Slapping his head up lol

[@Cman04092]

Id agree, i thought the sidequests were great, and really fleshed out the world. They were simple, I'll give critics that point, but the game would have felt hollow without them.

[@makasete30]

Or, they could have improved them and made them more rewarding.

[@xeonaught6942]

I have done 2 playthroughs 1 with sidequests 1 without and the difference is Glaring best sidequest design I have ever seen in a game

[@Cman04092]

@@xeonaught6942 i dunno if I'd say best ever, but i agree they make a difference. I think ER had better side quests for example, because there are no markers, so everything really stood out, and some spanned the length of the entire game. The FF16 ones are very well acted though, and they really do flesh out the world, and the people in it. Not my favorite game ever to be sure, but definitely a very solid game that I'd recommend playing. I'm planning to platinum it after i finish Trails into Reverie, which is probably my new favorite game ever, but I'm a huge trails fan, so there is that.

[@xeonaught6942]

@@Cman04092 you know what I forgot about Elden Rings wild goose chase but yeah I was mainly talking about the impact on the world and story wise not objective wise because they are mostly MMO quests

[@MrRedskin0007]

This game is for the empathetic, casting massive simulations of kindheartedness throughout trials and tribulations the protagonist faces, whether personally or selflessly. It was written to invoke compassion, giving the gamer perspective of true heroism: how to help others in this dying world.

[@Chronix-]

I like the idea that "getting off" of the mother crystals is portrayed as harmful in the short term as desperation and strife ensue over the sudden loss of what seems to most people as an essential resource but it is made obvious that for the long term it absolutely MUST be done if humanity is to survive and thrive. It is such a perfect parallel to our own addiction to fossil fuels as getting off of them seems impossible, yet it is necessary nonetheless.

[@rredix]

What if the developers intent is opposite? Destroying crystals or banning oil and coal will kill millions/billions, so is it a goal worth pursuing? Life before the industrial revolution was miserable without mechanized farming or refrigeration; more infant/child death, adult death from infection and starvation, etc.. Should we strive to return to that world where peasants broke their bodies to move rocks or dig ditches?

[@robertbuttlar8008]

My man Goetz did not get the shine he deserved.

[@rifway22]

My GOTY

[@lopirobinson1991]

One of my favorite, if not the favorite, Cid.

[@SET24K]

MASTERPIECE MY GOTY❤🔥

[@GaryCurnowII]

I don’t care what anyone else says, in my opinion, if you make a game, either in part or on the whole, boring or tedious; then I just won’t play it. I want my games to be FUN. Not a massive, vast, depressing slog. It may not be the case completely here, but quite a bit of it sounds better as a novel.

[@DisplayNameOptional]

I’m just mad that there’s no trophy for completing all sidequests

[@cmadeam]

Loved this game so much

[@rogelionavarro188]

Finally! someone who gets it! nice video

[@chirobiii]

Couldn't agree more! It's my GOTY as well!

[@hip2besquare1972]

I haven't played this game myself yet, but just watching the gameplay from another's perspective, I truly enjoyed the characters, the plot, the story, and how the ending seemed to be set up for either a sequel or a future DLC.

[@santiagovilla6219]

There has been quite some time since a final fanstasy has been made without a hell of a production

[@AC-ur3vm]

considering buying this while i patiently wait for elden ring dlc

[@julileben]

Good morning, personally I think that the game exceeds in dialogues that do not contribute to the plot and in secondary ones that are very filling and go to one side a to transport you to one side b, be careful that I play other final fantasy but this one the secondary ones are they made me very heavy. The story, although I liked it, at the end I'm tired of so much dialogue for no reason just to fill in. Even that character that I liked at first also seemed heavy to me, I think that sometimes less is more. The game in the gameplay is fun but for me personally it was extremely heavy in the dialogues and secondary to the last. Greetings

[@mrcarpio9430]

Child me playing FFVIII & FFIX for the very first times 🤯 Adult me playing my first new FF since those games 🤯 🤯 🤯

[@Duskets]

Having them begin the Adult Clive story arc as a Branded is such a simple yet genius design choice. You can empathize with Clive and Cid’s plight because you get to experience firsthand the disgust and mistreatment levied against these people for being born with a characteristic beyond their control. It’s infuriating and uncomfortable and spurs you to action far more effectively than any lore exposition alone would be.

[@Doug-mu2ev]

I cannot watch this because of spoilers but wanted to give a shout out to other FF fans :-)

[@MrGoatFish10]

Damn this story is so Beautiful.

[@MoreLimitless_]

I love this game to death, yes its a divisive game and its not for everyone but what FINAL FANTASY isn't. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this game and I hope DLC is being considered because the world they've created is so rich and well told it would be a shame to move on so quick.

[@xeonaught6942]

wow just wow someone else saw what i saw

[@tgilbo2431]

This is my game of the year, was so sure resident evil 4 remake was going to be but this was the best experience I've had gaming in 2023 so far. Great video mate 👍

[@Chronix-]

It's funny. It's like some of these idiot reviewers played the game for 20 minutes, did 1 side quest, and decided that ALL side quests were just silly chores. In actuality, most side quests are quite complex and add essential parts to the main story.

[@frostbitepup87]

AH YES, SOMEONE ON THIS GETS IT! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 so glad i clicked on this 😁

[@jalai_]

Amazing game !

[@janocordero3]

The main missions and the story are amazing (10/10), but the side quests are awfully boring (0/10), I think FF16 is a masterpiece and a bad game at the same time... I also 100% it, and I loved it at times and hated it at others, that's why is so divisive, a bi-polar game.

[@anonymousinfinido2540]

True 😂

[@PeachM0de]

Easily in my top three of the year so far.

[@justdaffy]

I think when you step back and tell a summary of the story like you've done in this video it sounds a lot more compelling and exciting than it really is. None of the themes and story-beats are delivered in an interesting manner: just exposition dumps indoors. And everyone whose played the game knows the real story is just destroy all the crystals and defeat all the bosses to save the world, all the slavery and politics is just fluff and distraction to make it all seem complex. I also think it's hypocritical to say FF16's "underlying metatextual meaning" at 0:10 (which is English major bullshit for saying thematic subtext) is unique and genius before 2 minutes later discussing how it's themes are identical to FF6 and FF7 with environmentalism and humanitarianism and laid out the same way with side-quests and NPCS. Both FF6 and FF7 have NPCs and optional side quests which contribute to the game's overall themes and saying at 9:00 that it's never been done with "so much passion" is the vaguest argument I've ever heard. What's passionate about the NPCs and side-quests in this game? The fact that Jimbo the apple salesman and Tina the waitress have character arcs after you bring them the mail or save their cat from a tree? The fact that every side-quest is a fetch-quest or a kill-quest? The fact that 5% of them contribute to the game's themes and world? None of this is genius or original to me I'm sorry. If you want good side-quests/NPCs that contribute to the game's themes, world-building, and narrative for the love of god play the Witcher 3 and come back to me. it came out almost ten years ago. In fact just watch a single KZbin video of ANY side quest from that game and compare it to this game. Or play any Bethesda open-world game, Skyrim and New Vegas have hundreds of side-quests laid out for you, all of which expand upon the lore and themes. I enjoyed FF16 but "putting side quests front and center" (said at 3:04) is not a genius movie when the side-quests are objectively boring. Just the existence of side-quests doesn't mean they were front and center or the focus of development. If one person can remember a single NPC's name or reference a single side-quest that was noticeably good please let me know. If not please go watch the Bloody Baron sidequest on KZbin and tell me if any optional NPC in FF16 was given that much passion. (He's just a random NPC with a single side-quest but has dozens of KZbin videos analyzing his character)

[@personamegami7776]

The game is great. I did all the SQ's filled the wall of memories, built the ouroboros gear and the gotterdamerung...but I am in no rush to go back to play it. It is absolutely miserable. The talking is slow...and draining to listen to. I was so frustrated at some points just waiting for the person I was talking to to speed up a bit and not take 100 deep breathes between each sentence, or word sometimes. The misery far outways the joy. It is an absolutely dour game. When something is this depressing what it needs is a happy ending...but no. This would be like rewatching Logan, except Laura lives in that. Also, Clive just blatantly ignoring bearers being abused right in front of him was so so infuriating. Maybe thats my fault for standing and listening to every single npc conversation...but come on. It's so annoying when the MC acts seperate from his objectives unless the story dictates. I would give the game an 8/10 just because I think it is worth playing. It is certainly spectacular, but it is so morbid and miserable with no happy reward to top it off.

[@VinnieBartilucci]

FF16 is staggeringly good from a story point of view - it's the first FF game I've gotten this far into, and expect to finish, since X and X-2. It's wildly "Not Final Fantasy" from a combat point of view, but I don't play FF for the combat.

[@Lamasis2]

The sidequest are more interesting than half of the mainquest, which feel like badley done sidequest in an MMO.

[@VLarraechea]

I mean, have to remember Creative Business Unit III ARE the developers behind Final Fantasy XIV Online. That’s why they feel the way they do, especially the “dungeons”.

[@Lamasis2]

@@VLarraechea I play XIV, I love it, but XIV is an MMORPG, 16 not. And the sidequest in newer expansions are better than half the mainquests in 16.

[@TheJbrown60]

are you on meth

[@Lamasis2]

@@amiralijx5327 Stardust, they didn't even place the piles at the same time.

[@fishpop]

7:03 So like The Imperium from 40k? No care for the individual and just throw endless bodies at the enemy.

[@hillandfox3215]

Ps: big fan of ff. I think this is all good what ur saying... But the sidequest felt like filler... Just reuse enviorment monsters.. I know ff do this. But this felt very poorly, I wish i dident play all sidequests

[@kevingame3198]

Man, the game was awesome start to finish in the best interest since the OG Final, Fantasy 7

[@verde629]

Very interesting how bearers are pretty much treated like bastards in medieval times and GoT

[@rredix]

Very interesting how people that can make water or fire appear from nothing can be enslaved in the first place. If I could make water appear from thin air, you better believe that I'm activating the power directly into your lungs if you try to make me a slave.

[@Vortexnicholas]

I personally had a resentment towards playing more of the game past the first 8 hours . I just wasn’t into it.

[@VLarraechea]

Not your kind of game then, it seems.

[@makasete30]

@@VLarraecheayes, that’s why he commented. Just like it must have been their kind of game for those who commented they liked it .

[@animaleye7716]

a beautiful game

[@theonedraven8007]

My biggest issue was the ambiguous ending, im sorry but if i spend 50 hours in a campaign, Id like a solid ending, or if i go for all the content, i get the true ending.

[@TeHNyboR]

Agreed. I hate making it intentionally ambiguous, even though the hints are there about how it actually ended. Just speak plain and show it to us!

[@sephiroth21347]

I adored it

[@thezevi7632]

Combat is dull and repetitive. No control of party members in combat. No open world and the level designs basically are on railroad tracks. I don't see any incentive to make a second playthrough. I'm glad that so many people love it, but sad to say as someone who grew up playing every Final Fantasy, I am done. It's just another Devil May Cry series now, I'm afraid.

[@darkhelmet6274]

I am a long time FF fan, but I disagree with this justification. The side quests were mundane… because they lacked creativity. You can accomplish the said goals by also being creative on how the player accomplishes it and the impact it has on the story (nothing). I loved the story, graphics, combat and music but everything else was walking a hallway to repeat the same process and listen to NPCs talk with no ability to impact any of it.

[@lambo2655]

I adored the game and just got the platinum but the weakest part was the ending. It's another ambiguous end to a story in a game that constantly had my attention. FF16 isn't the only game, nor will it be the last one guilty of not sticking the landing. So what happened as the credits rolled, did both brothers die or just Clive or Joshua? Also the answer to this question probably explains who wrote the book in the post credits scene.

[@tiamod]

Ultima makes no sense if you consider the new DLC Canon. He’s a discount Jenova/Bhunivelze hybrid. Honestly, SO much of FF16 takes a lot of elements from the XIII series, especially Lightning Retuns. As well as FF7 and FF6… with a lot of Allusions to FF1 that don’t seem to go anywhere. Still love the game, but it’s hard to not see Clive/Josh as a gender swapped Lightning and Serah. And Dion/Fang when you consider gay dragoon bahamuts.

[@charlesgray7072]

70% of active PSplus users are still happily playing their PS4s. Most of the people I know with PS5s only use them for COD and fortnite. The illusion of success is shallow at best. If anything Square has lowered their expectations, if you assume they're telling the truth. The only reason they're entertaining the idea of DLC is because they desperately need everyone who bought it to spend more money.

[@thegawdvegito4260]

The side quest are pointless the rewards are almost unless for the most part

[@Courtney-Jai]

Kinda sounds like black clover

[@tomphillips1179]

It’s a great game but I really don’t think the side quests are that deep….. yes they lead to some great narrative through lines but at the same time, some of them are really horrifically boring and don’t add to the game at all! I’d argue that God of War Ragnarok’s side quests are a far better display of “side content” as they all contribute to the main story (for the most part). The snooze fest side quests in FF16 just feel like typical game design. The FF7 remake also had these sorts of pointless side quests and like for this game, I don’t think they stop the full product from being great but like I said, I don’t think it’s all that deep. They are just side quests like any rpg sometimes has

[@gib84gaming4]

GOTY 👊

[@VLarraechea]

It’ll be a VERY tough fight between Tears of the Kingdom and FFXVI this year.

[@talentroller4413]

​@VLarraechea ffxvi isn't winning. Has quite a big difference in scores compared to totk. Only starfield and spider-man 2 could compete if they get really good reviews

[@whatsitmatter9541]

@@talentroller4413 It's gonna be down to TotK and Starfield. I don't see how Spider-man 2 would win. It looks good, but it doesn't seem to really shake things up enough to win imo.