Best Games of 2016: #1 – Final Fantasy XV

Our 50 best games of the year countdown isn’t in any order, we’re just going through fifty of the finest the year has given us. Find out more here.

Final Fantasy is maybe one of the best known franchises to date, giving us heroes we can truly get behind and villains we love to hate. Where Final Fantasy VII arguably set the benchmark for every game that came afterwards, the newest instalment really does set itself apart from the others.

Although it struggled initially to get going and was hit with development problems early on, what Square Enix have produced with Final Fantasy XV is a fantastic new entry to the franchise which will appeal to both newcomers to the series and the hardcore fans alike.

What Final Fantasy XV gives you is what could potentially happen if you decide to go on a road trip in the Final Fantasy world. It offers amazing scenery and truly jaw-dropping surroundings, which I struggled to take in at first, but then just sat back and allowed the AI to take me to my next destination so I could really appreciate the game world that has been put together for us.

The signature turn-based combat system has been changed dramatically and instead you have free-flowing real-time combat. I was a little concerned about how this may turn out, but after playing the game, I found it changed the style of game for the better, making the battles deeper and more tactical.

Okay, so Final Fantasy XV doesn’t have the storytelling ability that the others had, with a sometimes confusing storyline and weak plot. Nor does it have the memorable characters such as Cloud or Vivi, but this game really does have character – there is something about it that will make people keep going back to it.

Final Fantasy XV has been one of the most beautiful and surprising games of this year, it must be said.

Available on: PS4 | Xbox One

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