Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises of all time. With over 30 years of history and 16 main entries, each game offers a unique experience that appeals to different types of players. The latest installment, Final Fantasy 16, is set to release on June 22, 2023 for the PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive. But how does it compare to its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15, which was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One? In this blog post, we will explore some of the similarities and differences between these two games and help you decide which one you should play.
Story
Both games feature a young prince who embarks on an epic journey with his loyal companions to reclaim his homeland from a hostile empire. However, the tone and setting of each game are very different. Final Fantasy 15 is set in a modern world with fantasy and sci-fi elements, where cars, smartphones and guns coexist with magic, monsters and gods. The story focuses on Noctis Lucis Caelum, the heir of Lucis, a kingdom that possesses a powerful crystal that protects it from the invading Niflheim empire. Along with his friends Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto, Noctis travels across the land to meet his fiancée Lunafreya and fulfill his destiny as the True King who can restore light to the world.
Final Fantasy 16 is set in a high fantasy world called Valisthea, where six nations control powerful beings called Eikons (also known as Summons or Espers) that can cause massive destruction. The story follows Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of Rosaria’s Archduke, who inherits the power of Phoenix after his younger brother Joshua is killed by Ifrit during an attack by their rival nation Sanbreque. Clive vows revenge against Ifrit’s Dominant (a person who can control an Eikon) and joins forces with Jill Warrick, a childhood friend who was adopted by Rosaria from another nation as a symbol of peace.
Gameplay
Both games are action RPGs that allow players to control one character at a time while issuing commands to their allies. However, Final Fantasy 15 has more open-world elements than Final Fantasy 16. In Final Fantasy 15, players can explore various regions by driving their car (the Regalia), riding chocobos (giant birds), or using fast travel points. They can also interact with NPCs (non-player characters), take on side quests, hunt monsters for rewards, camp at rest areas to level up and cook meals for buffs (bonuses), fish at various spots for fun or ingredients, customize their car’s appearance and performance etc.
Final Fantasy 16 has more linear environments than Final Fantasy 15. The game is divided into chapters that progress the main story. Players can still explore some areas on foot or on horseback but they are more restricted than in Final Fantasy 15. There are no side quests or optional activities in Final Fantasy
16 except for some hidden items and secrets. The game focuses more on combat than exploration.
Combat
The combat system of both games is based on real-time action rather than turn-based strategy. Players can perform various attacks using melee weapons or magic spells depending on their character’s abilities. They can also dodge enemy attacks by moving around or using special moves like parrying or warping (teleporting). However,
there are some key differences between how combat works in each game.
Final Fantasy 15 has four main characters that players can switch between during combat: Noctis (the main protagonist), Gladiolus (the tank), Ignis (the strategist) and Prompto (the shooter). Each character has their own weapon types and skills that suit different situations. For example, Noctis can use any weapon type but he excels at warping around enemies and striking them from behind; Gladiolus uses heavy weapons like greatswords and shields that deal high damage but are slow; Ignis uses daggers and polearms that allow him to inflict status effects like poison or blind; and Prompto uses firearms like pistols
and rifles that deal ranged damage but are weak against armored foes. Players can also use items like potions or elixirs to heal themselves or their allies,
or summon powerful gods like Titan or Leviathan.
God of War Comparisons
Final Fantasy 16 and God of War are two of the most anticipated action-adventure games of 2023. Both games feature stunning graphics, epic stories, and thrilling combat. But how do they compare and contrast in terms of gameplay features? Let’s find out!
Final Fantasy 16 is a reinvention of the classic JRPG series, made in recognition of Final Fantasy 14’s enduring success. It features a real-time action combat system with no tactical pauses, no spell menus, and almost no chances to catch your breath. The game follows Clive Rosfield, a young knight who can wield the power of Phoenix, one of the Eikons (summons) that inhabit the world of Valisthea. Clive can switch between three weapon modes: sword, axe, and lance. Each mode has its own set of skills and combos that can be customized by equipping different crystals. Clive can also use Phoenix’s fire magic to unleash devastating attacks or heal himself and his allies.
God of War is a continuation of the acclaimed reboot of the Norse mythology-inspired franchise. It features an over-the-shoulder free camera, a departure from the previous installments that featured a fixed cinematic camera. The game follows Kratos, a former Greek god who now lives in Midgard with his son Atreus. Kratos can use his Leviathan Axe to slash, throw, and recall it at will. He can also use his fists and shield for close-range combat or switch to his Blades of Chaos for more range and fire damage. Atreus can assist Kratos with his bow and arrow, stunning enemies or creating openings for combos.
Both games have some similarities in their gameplay features. For example:
- Both games have dynamic weather systems that affect the environment and gameplay .
- Both games have skill trees that allow players to upgrade their abilities and unlock new moves .
- Both games have exploration elements that reward players with collectibles, secrets, and side quests .
- Both games have cinematic storytelling that blends seamlessly with gameplay .
However, there are also some differences that make each game unique. For example:
- Final Fantasy 16 has more emphasis on elemental magic than God of War. Clive can use different types of magic depending on his weapon mode or Eikon affinity. God of War has more emphasis on physical combat than Final Fantasy 16. Kratos can use different types of weapons depending on his preference or enemy type.
- Final Fantasy 16 has more variety in its enemies than God of War. Clive will face different factions of humans as well as monstrous creatures called Malice Beasts. God of War has more consistency in its enemies than Final Fantasy 16. Kratos will face mostly Norse creatures such as draugr, trolls, ogres, etc.
- Final Fantasy 16 has more customization options than God of War. Clive can equip different crystals to change his skills and stats. He can also change his appearance by wearing different outfits. God of War has less customization options than Final Fantasy 16. Kratos can equip different armor sets to change his stats. He cannot change his appearance except for minor cosmetic changes such as beard length or tattoos.
In conclusion,
Final Fantasy 16 and God of War are both amazing games that offer immersive gameplay experiences for fans of action-adventure genre. They share some common features such as graphics quality, weather effects, skill trees, exploration aspects, and cinematic storytelling. They also differ in some aspects such as magic vs physical combat, enemy variety vs consistency, and customization options vs simplicity.
Ultimately, the choice between them depends on your personal preference and what kind of adventure you want to embark on.