Title: Final Fantasy XVI: A Tale of Two Souls, Archetypes, and the Potential of AI
A commentary in the gameplay of FFXVI
VIDEOGAMESPSICOLOGY
@macister83
7/22/20233 min read


Final Fantasy XVI, developed by Square Enix Creative Business Unit III, is a game that has managed to capture the attention of players across generations. It's a game that, much like the narratives of Naruto or Game of Thrones, weaves a complex tale of clashing values, power struggles, and the human nature.
The game's narrative is reminiscent of the early seasons of Game of Thrones, with its mature dark fantasy narrative tackling difficult politics themes. This aspect might appeal to the Game of Thrones lovers. However, the game also attempts to reach "players of all generations", creating a narrative that has two souls: one for kids and another for adults. This attempt, while ambitious, doesn't fully accomplish its goal for either segment. While the deep history and action parts of the game are enjoyable, some of the darker themes might be too intense for younger players.
The protagonist, Clive Rosfield, is a character that embodies the archetype of the reborn hero described by Carl Jung and further explored by Jordan Peterson in his work, Maps of Meaning. Clive, the firstborn son of Rosaria's ruling family, is passed over as successor when his younger brother Joshua becomes the Dominant of Phoenix, the future king. This complex character arc, along with the relationships he forms with different people through the warring nations, adds depth to his character and the overall narrative.
The game engine shines in the action part, featuring an action-based combat system involving melee and magic-based attacks. However, there's room for improvement in the walking areas could be improve; other engines, such as Kojima's, have greater mobility through the landscape with better physics.
Despite its current shortcomings, Final Fantasy XVI has great potential. The game has received criticism for its lack of deeper role-playing elements and side quest design, but the praise for its story, characters, music, and combat system shows that it has a solid foundation. The developers could take the criticism into account and improve these aspects in a future version of the game. Also, as a customer, we should note that creating a movie-like video game, as the Japanese industry has evolved to do, is an incredibly large enterprise. It can only be achieved through the synchronicity of several companies working together, which is nothing short of a miracle.
Looking forward, the next version of the game could potentially feature AI actors and an AI director for critical images. This could be an interesting development to look forward to, as it could enhance the emotional depth of the game and provide a more immersive experience for players.
In the vein of Jocko Willink's teachings on leadership, the game's narrative also explores the concept of leadership and the sacrifices it entails. Clive's journey from a naive character to a hardened warrior mirrors the journey many leaders take, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience.
In conclusion, Final Fantasy XVI is a game that, despite its flaws, offers a rich narrative and engaging gameplay. It's a game that, like the best stories from Naruto to Game of Thrones, uses archetypes to create compelling characters and narratives. With potential improvements and the incorporation of AI in future versions, it's a game that promises to continue evolving and captivating players for years to come.
References
IGN's review provides a comprehensive look at the game, discussing its story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
The official trailer offers a glimpse into the game's world and narrative, showcasing its stunning visuals and action-packed combat.
For those interested in similar games, IGN's list of the 10 best open-world games includes titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Red Dead Redemption 2, which also offer rich narratives and expansive worlds to explore.
Remember, each game offers a unique experience, so while they may share certain elements with Final Fantasy XVI, they also have their own unique features and strengths.