Final Fantasy 16's Rising Tide DLC brings fresh challenges and visual enhancements, enriching the gameplay experience. Join Clive, Jill, and Joshua on their journey to Mysidia, encountering the awe-inspiring Leviathan and a gripping narrative. Alongside the new storyline, players can delve into a variety of side quests and experiment with additional abilities not found in the base game. Despite these additions, some of the base game's issues persist in the Rising Tide DLC.
Final Fantasy 16 stands out in the franchise with its revamped combat and unique tone, although it has divided opinions. While the Rising Tide DLC could have addressed some flaws, the game continues to shine, flaws and all.
Base Game Flaws Persist in The Rising Tide DLC
Side Quests Fail to Evolve
Final Fantasy 16's side quests have been a point of contention. While some fans appreciate the added depth they bring, many find them tedious, often involving mundane tasks. The Rising Tide DLC falls short in revamping these quests, sticking to simplistic objectives like NPC interactions or defeating enemies in Mysidia.
Combat System Stagnation
The game's combat system, a departure from traditional turn-based mechanics, remains a divisive issue. The limited control over party members and lack of elemental strategy persist in the Rising Tide DLC. Clive's new abilities fail to address these shortcomings.
Highlighting Final Fantasy 16's Strengths
Boss Fights Raise the Bar
Final Fantasy 16 excels in delivering epic boss battles, a trend continued in the Rising Tide DLC. Confront formidable foes like the Timekeeper and Leviathan in intense encounters that demand skill and strategy. Leviathan, especially on Final Fantasy Mode, poses a significant challenge, requiring precision and quick thinking.
Clive's Dominance Shines Through
Protagonist Clive Rosfield remains a standout character, enhanced by unique Leviathan abilities that add depth to combat. The focus on ranged attacks in these abilities offers a fresh dynamic compared to his existing arsenal. Despite its flaws, the Rising Tide DLC showcases the best of what Final Fantasy 16 has to offer.
