Final Fantasy 16 could have learned from Galdin Quay in Final Fantasy 15

Final Fantasy has journeyed through various tones, styles, and philosophies on its path to greatness. From the traditional themes of the early games to the steampunk world of Final Fantasy 6 and the modern feel of FF8, the series' consistency lies in its character development and storytelling, rather than its appearance or feel. In many ways, Final Fantasy 16 seems like a response to some of the criticisms of its 2016 predecessor, as that game was a much lighter affair compared to the one released in June.

Final Fantasy 16 follows Clive, Jill, Joshua, and Cid on their quest to bring peace to Valisthea by taking drastic measures into their own hands. The game establishes a strong core group of likable characters, and the quest they embark on provides a good driving force to engage the player during fast-paced combat and watch the (often lengthy) cutscenes. However, the tone throughout much of this story remains grim, and the characters rarely get a chance to show a smile or relax. Final Fantasy 15 provided players with a location that served as a fitting break from the more intense moments of the story, and the new installment may have missed an opportunity to follow that example.

Final Fantasy 16 Can Feel Hopeless

In returning to an environment inspired by the medieval era, Square Enix has created a landscape infused with suffering, inequality, and blatant abuse of power. Its potential for captivating storytelling is boundless, and the tone of Final Fantasy 16 turns Clive and his followers into a scalpel of light, carving a path through a dark and hopeless world. The massacre in Eastpool at the beginning of the game is a clear indication that the story is mature, and the destruction caused by the Holy Empire of Sanbreque and its neighbors will leave a lasting impression on players.

The mature storyline and the dark color palette are two massive factors contributing to the fame of Final Fantasy 16, as they represent a significant departure from what came before. While serious moments can also occur in Final Fantasy 14 from the same creative team, they are balanced out by lighter side quests and locations to keep it entertaining and varied for players who spend a lot of time in Eorzea. FF15, on the other hand, has a generally lighter atmosphere, as the majority of the game takes place under a blue sky and in beautiful cities like Lestallum and Altissia during the day. Galdin Quay is the jewel in its carefree crown.

Final Fantasy 15's Beach Settlement Offers the Perfect Respite

Galdin Quay in Final Fantasy 15 is one of the first settlements that Noctis and his friends visit to board a ship to Altissia, where the aforementioned protagonist, Lady Lunafreya, is to be married. There, players can gather side quests and interact with NPCs, making the place feel well-populated and giving players a legitimate reason to return multiple times throughout the story.

However, the greatest advantage of Galdin Quay is that, no matter how difficult the situation for the group may be, whether it's in the heart-wrenching scenes when Noctis awakens from his ten-year slumber in the Crystal or during the now-infamous Chapter 13, it always provides a refuge from the darkness. Final Fantasy 16 is dark and relentless; the fact that the group can go to a place to relax or regroup in relative peace could ensure that the story is not overly dominated by darkness.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.