Here’s hoping ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ marks the beginning of the end for toxic elitism in gaming

The next numbered entry in Square Enix’s flagship franchise has arrived – Final Fantasy XVI. It comes from the very same minds that saved the now-wildly popular MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV from the brink of doom, led by Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida.

Following that monumental success, Yoshi-P and his team over at Creative Business Unit III turned to the task of breathing some new and much-needed life into the franchise as a whole, and they’ve pulled it off once again. Its rave reviews say as much, but their success may well extend beyond the brand – it could be great for gaming in general.

While Final Fantasy XVI has been well-received overall, there has been some social media chatter and complaints about the game being “too easy,” no thanks to the inclusion of accessories available to players right out of the gate that have been dubbed “cheat rings.” Said rings can simplify – and even automate – some of the more challenging parts of the game, like managing companions and perhaps most importantly, dodging mechanics. For the sake of delivering a narrative as exceptional as this to as wide an audience as possible, this is a good thing.

Now – I’m no stranger, nor am I averse to challenging video games. The original Dark Souls is one of my all-time favorites – and I spent eight straight hours in a tattoo parlor having Artorias the Abysswalker and Sif the Great Grey Wolf etched into my arm to show my passion for it off to the world. I’m all for the “sweaty” side of the gaming industry. There’s a time and a place for FromSoftware titles and their ilk, MOBAs, tactical/extraction shooters, and so on. I wouldn’t dare say they don’t have a place in gaming, because they do. But, if the industry wants to continue broadening its audience – more AAA and story-driven titles should consider taking the Final Fantasy XVI approach.

The “get good” mentality shouldn’t encompass the entirety of gaming. I have a friend who had barely ever dabbled with video games, but Final Fantasy XVI’s ‘Game of Thrones-y’ vibe appealed to her in a big way. However, she was intimidated by the prospect of needing to navigate tight dodging windows in order to avoid certain death. Needless to say, she was elated to discover that she can automate this aspect of the game, a feeling that I would wager many non-gamers can relate to.

Sure – there’s an argument to be made that easy-through-hard modes exist in video games for a reason. However, difficulty options don’t often “solve” more intricate mechanics for non-gamers whose interest is piqued by a world or a story, and not necessarily by gameplay. Final Fantasy XVI’s inclusion of the so-called cheat rings means that Square Enix can tap into an audience that would not have touched the game with a 10-foot pole otherwise.

Gaming is a pastime that many around the world have come to enjoy – for those lucky enough to have discovered it. Being one of the biggest growth industries in entertainment already, Final Fantasy XVI has worked out the perfect way to keep it growing for years to come. And I’ll say it yet again – this is a GREAT thing.

Gatekeepers be damned – I for one welcome any new prospective gamer along to my favorite hobby with open arms, just as Cid welcomes the Branded to his hideaway and treats them as equals. Because I know what a profound impact the medium can have, and because it helps the world at large come closer to an understanding that games can be, and in many cases are, an artform.

The turn-based battle versus real-time action delivery of the game, is another debate entirely. My first experience with the franchise was with Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation. What has kept me coming back again and again over the years hasn’t been the gameplay; it’s been the stories being told.

In any case, it’s not like turn-based combat is dead – Square Enix still pumps out excellent turn-based games like Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler, for those that love that loop of gameplay. I certainly still do, but Final Fantasy has always been a franchise that strives to innovate – and innovate, it has.

When Final Fantasy XV released back in 2016, it prided itself on being “a Final Fantasy for fans and first-timers.” As much as I try to love that game and agree with that sentiment, that badge of honor belongs to Final Fantasy XVI without a shadow of a doubt.