One of the greatest things about the Final Fantasy series is its ability to constantly reinvent and innovate itself. Fans and newcomers know that the numbered entries of the series have no real connection in terms of story, but many do not know just how different each game is from the previous one. Each game takes big leaps to separate itself from the previous entries, but some leaps are bigger than others. Final Fantasy XVI is the latest game in the series to make big changes to the Final Fantasy formula, but it is certainly not the first.
Final Fantasy XII was another game in the series that made some radical changes to its formula. It had the burden of following the series' first MMO Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy X, which is a fan-favorite. Instead of returning to form, Final Fantasy XII took major departures from the series. While the changes were initially divisive among fans, XII has since become a fan-favorite game in the series. The complaints that fans levied against XII are similar complaints to the complaints currently facing XVI. However, Final Fantasy XVI makes changes similar to Final Fantasy XII, and that actually makes XII the best game to play after players finish XVI.
Final Fantasy XII Had an Interesting and Unique Take on Combat
Combat in Final Fantasy has traditionally been turn-based. The series helped pioneer it for RPGs, and there are countless RPGs that followed in Final Fantasy's footsteps. XII decided to do away with the typical turn-based combat of the series' past, which had become played out and overused at the time. Instead, Final Fantasy XII opted for a battle system closer in relation to the battle systems used in MMOs. This battle system, called ADB (Active Dimension Battle), initially got a lot of negative feedback from fans. However, it actually allowed for an updated and innovative take on combat that retained all the strategy from previous games.
Similar complaints have been made about the action-focused combat of Final Fantasy XVI. It seems safe to say that, while the combat may be different, XVI's combat will likely be just as fun and innovative as XII's. These are two games with some of the most unique styles of combat in the series, although they are quite different. However, fans who appreciate the change in combat XVI made will also appreciate the intuitive and deep combat changes of Final Fantasy XII. It is not a one-to-one translation, of course, but both combat systems stand out in each game. This is far from the only place the games share similarities in innovation.
Final Fantasy XII's Story Abandoned Fantasy Tropes
Both games' stories stand out among other Final Fantasy games due to their mature narrative. While Final Fantasy games have always had interesting and complex stories, the series rarely touched on mature themes with nuance. Fortunately, Final Fantasy XII and XVI give players a more mature story to experience. To be fair, XVI's story does feature more blood, violence, and harsh language than XII, which earned it an M rating, but they both touch on mature themes. Final Fantasy XII did away with many of the fantasy tropes that plagued the Final Fantasy series. It opted, instead, for a story about warring nations, the casualties of war, geopolitical conflicts, and espionage. There was no odd love story or divine champion storyline which was a refreshing change of pace for the series.
Final Fantasy XVI is similarly telling a story that revolves around political intrigue and what nations will do with people in possessions of incredible power. While it is unclear if there will be an actual love story or "chosen one" plot line, the mature and believable storytelling shown thus far is incredibly promising. However, the astounding acting automatically enhances the story, and Clive and his brother's relationship will likely be gripping and emotional. Fans who appreciate XVI's story of warring nations and political turmoil will be right at home in XII's world of Ivalice.
There is a Final Fantasy game for almost any kind of player. Each one brings its own unique story, style, and gameplay. Final Fantasy XII and XVI are not exactly the same. There are two full console generations and three full games between them after all. Their similarities lie in each game's desire to create something new and interesting for the series. Both games certainly succeed at doing something new, and fans who appreciate the changes to gameplay or their stories of political intrigue in one game will find something to love in the other.