Unleash Power: Final Fantasy 16's Simple Ability, The Ultimate Game-Changer

With the release of Final Fantasy 16 just around the corner, gamers have been captivated by the demo, praising Square Enix's latest installment in the beloved series. Within the short time that the Final Fantasy 16 demo has been available, players have had the opportunity to experience the game's action combat mechanics. However, amidst the impressive Eikonic abilities at Clive's disposal, it is often the underestimated abilities that prove to be the most formidable in the heat of battle.

Under the guidance of former Capcom developer Hiroshi Takai, Final Fantasy 16's action combat draws inspiration from titles like Devil May Cry 5, resulting in a fast-paced and exhilarating gameplay experience. In a surprising twist, Square Enix revealed during the game's launch event on June 11 that developers who worked on NieR: Automata and the Kingdom Hearts series were brought in to contribute to Final Fantasy 16's combat systems. As a result, the flow of battle has become a standout feature, and one particular ability stands out as a game-changer.

Despite wielding the power of legendary beings such as Garuda, Titan, and Ifrit, Clive's true strength lies in the mastery of swordsmanship. One of his most effective maneuvers can be executed with a simple button press, but the art of dodging in Final Fantasy 16 goes beyond mere button inputs. By utilizing one of the game's Timely Accessories, the Ring of Timely Focus, players can slow down time and gracefully evade incoming attacks. While some players may choose not to rely on these accessories, with practice and patience, those who prioritize evasion and skillfully combine it with powerful Eikonic abilities will emerge victorious in combat.

While the Eikons take center stage in Final Fantasy 16, Clive's employment of Cinematic Evasions adds a stylish flair to his defensive maneuvers. In the demo, Clive faces off against a Dragoon capable of high jumps and wide spear swings. Right from the start, Clive must utilize Cinematic Evasion to avoid falling victim to the Knight of the Blinding Dawn's ambush. While the Dragoon's spear strikes can be parried with well-timed weapon swings, evading his jumps is crucial for success. As the battle intensifies, the Dragoon resorts to double jumps, pushing the young but agile Shield of Rosaria to the limits.

In the Eikonic Challenge section of the demo, Clive confronts Chirada and Suparna, the formidable lackeys of Benedikta Harmon, the Dominant of Garuda. With their swift aerial assaults and wind-based attacks, this encounter serves as an advanced tutorial, rewarding players for recognizing attack patterns in the midst of combat. While Creative Business Unit 3 has employed similar tactics in Final Fantasy 14 across various combat scenarios, Final Fantasy 16's action-focused gameplay takes this concept to new heights. Although the styles and genres of FF14 and FF16 differ significantly, the fundamental principle of evading attacks remains constant.

While games like the Dark Souls trilogy and Hades often demand precise dodging for success, Final Fantasy 16 embraces a more adaptable approach, allowing players to find their own unique combat style. However, those who master the art of dodging will find themselves enduring minimal damage even in the most challenging battles. While we cannot evade the wait for the game's full release, only time will reveal the tactics players adopt once it finally launches.