Square Enix’s official site recently shared an article suggesting Final Fantasy XVI is the perfect “first” Final Fantasy game for someone. Well, as somebody who’s played every mainline entry, not to mention spin-offs like Final Fantasy Type-0 and Agito, I would like to refute that. As I pointed out in my review, Final Fantasy XVI is a more-than-fine game. However, it’s not a great example of a Final Fantasy game, and there are better places to start.
Screenshot by Siliconera
Why isn’t Final Fantasy XVI the best first Final Fantasy game for newcomers to start their journeys?
I mean, since part of this is a rebuttal to what Square Enix directly said, it’s best I match it point for point. The first argument is that Final Fantasy XVI is a standalone adventure. However, that holds true for every mainline entry. (As long as you don’t pick up something like Final Fantasy IV: The After Years or Final Fantasy X-2.) Each one is an entirely new story, so there’s no sense of going with that, and they’re all designed to be approachable with many tutorials and introductions to all entries’ worlds.
The other argument noting that it is a mature story is a bit flawed, as the only real “mature” parts are that it throws around the word “fuck” a lot and is incredibly gory compared to other installments. Given the depth of some other entries’ statements, I’d say their storylines could be considered more mature, if that’s what you’re looking for.
There’s also the battle system. While Final Fantasy XVI is a fine action game, that isn’t what the series as a whole is known for. It’s a line of RPGs, and this is the only installment that shoves that element basically into the gutter on the side of the road. You can still see some of it! Clive levels up and occasionally gets some rare new equipment! There are side quests, but they’re all fetch quests! It’s completely different than other entries in the series. As such, that makes it a poor place to start, because none of the other mainline games are anything like it.
The only point where the assertion makes a good argument is that there’s a free trial. However, you can also take part in a free trial for Final Fantasy XIV, and the MMORPG is probably just as good as an example as Final Fantasy XVI.
So what should be your first Final Fantasy game to start diving into the series?
This is a complicated answer, because the ideal first Final Fantasy game to start someone off varies based on what you might want most from the experience. I’d say there are four pretty good possible responses.
Image via Square Enix
Final Fantasy IX
This is the all-purpose one! Final Fantasy XI perfectly captures that “magical” feeling about the series. The crystals are there. We have characters representing traditional classes present throughout most installments. The story is fantastic. The battle system follows the traditional ATB format, but is just handled very well. It’s just a great entry.
Image via Square Enix
Final Fantasy VI
I’d say start with Final Fantasy VI if you want one of the most ambitious and surprising installments in the series and care about seeing a large cast of characters. While Final Fantasy XVI touts a “mature” storyline, I’d say this is better act actually telling a deep and dark tale. Many characters feature incredibly detailed and in some cases horrifying backstories, and Square Enix perfectly showed growth for all of them throughout the course of this incredibly serious adventure about a group of rebels facing off against a corrupt empire and the madman it fostered. Considering there are 14 of them, that’s a pretty big deal!
Image via Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII
I mean, I have to say Final Fantasy VII is one of the best entries to start with as your first foray, because it’s the “big” one. It’s arguably the most famous in general and is the one best known to mainstream players. It also takes place in a more modern setting, which some might favor compared to the more fantasy-world ones. (It and Final Fantasy VIII are the main two that offer that. Also, while Cloud is the “star,” the game doesn’t solely focus on him the way Final Fantasy XVI does and allows all of its characters to have their moments.
Also, you could stick Final Fantasy VII Remake under this umbrella, as it fits as a good introduction to what “modern” entries in the series are like. This is due to it abandoning turn-based combat for action and being more streamlined.
Image via Square Enix
Final Fantasy XII
Speaking of “modern” entries, most of them abandon turn-based battles and controlling party members while focusing on political storylines with all sorts of intrigue. Final Fantasy XII is the entry in which Square Enix first started to do that! And it did it really well. The character building elements are great. The story is solid. Also, out of all the modern battle systems for Final Fantasy games, I like this one the best as it still offers control over allies.
Final Fantasy XVI is available for the PlayStation 5 alongside a free demo. There is a six-month exclusivity period.
