Newcomers to the Final Fantasy series might be intimidated by where to jump in, but the upcoming Final Fantasy 16 should be the perfect place to start. Releasing for the PlayStation 5 on June 22, Final Fantasy 16 is the first new mainline release in Square Enix's acclaimed JRPG since 2017. Various spinoffs and mobile games filled that gap, as well as major expansions for the MMO Final Fantasy 14 and the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. If Final Fantasy 16 is piquing the interest of any potential new fans, its potential as an entry point for the series should make embarking on its adventure an ideal choice.
Although the wealth of games preceding Final Fantasy 16 might make the franchise intimidating, newcomers won't have to worry about brushing up on intricate lore and backstory. Final Fantasy visits different worlds and stories for each of its mainline titles, with direct sequels coming only in the form of games like Final Fantasy 4: The After Years or Final Fantasy 10-2. Certain creatures and concepts like the accidental Final Fantasy mascot Moogles reappear, but each narrative starts anew, and Final Fantasy 16 shouldn't run into any points of confusion or risk spoiling any past games. Beyond that, however, Final Fantasy 16 looks to have unique advantages as a starting point.
Final Fantasy 16 Combat Is Easy To Embrace
Final Fantasy has employed a wide variety of battle systems over the years, but Final Fantasy 16's real-time combat looks like a particularly good one to start with. Gamers who haven't taken a deep dive into JRPGs before might not immediately click with the turn-based combat of many prior games, which offers a more methodical approach to taking down enemies. The franchise has more recently turned towards action combat, with several games using MMO-style systems and Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake using a real-time system similar to Kingdom Hearts. Final Fantasy 16 may have the most inviting action yet, leaning into stylized Devil May Cry combat that could hook newcomers.
Final Fantasy 16 Is A Grounded Take On The Series
Final Fantasy 16's combat may be over-the-top and embracing it, but the rest of the game looks to be fairly grounded. For newcomers to the series, this realistic take on a fantasy world, steeped in darker themes that earn Final Fantasy 16 an M rating, may be an easier point of entry than more heightened games. Although some players immediately fall in love with the boisterous voice acting of Final Fantasy 10 or the anime boy band vibes of Final Fantasy 15, Final Fantasy 16's approach is less likely to be a potential turn-off for those who prefer a tone that guns for realism over melodrama.
Of course, there are no hard rules about where to start Final Fantasy, and gamers who find themselves more drawn to another title in the series would do well to jump in with the game that attracts them most. For those on the fence, however, Final Fantasy 16 could be the best way to ease into the franchise. Expectations for the title are high, with impressive combat footage and intriguing story hooks whetting the appetite of fans who have been waiting for years. When Final Fantasy 16 launches this summer, newcomers and long-time fans alike can finally see if the game delivers.
Source: IGN/YouTube