Final Fantasy 16is one of 2023’s most anticipated RPGs. The title’s party system appears to be unlike any previous entry in theFinal Fantasyfranchise. One way in which this is evident is the addition of a near-constant companion, Torgal, who accompanies the title’s protagonist, Clive, throughout his long journey. A wolf-like creature, Torgal will play a role in the major events ofFinal Fantasy 16’s story and can even participate in combat. Should Torgal be pivotal to the completion of combat or puzzle sequences,Final Fantasy 16can’t repeat the failures of another Playstation-exclusive companion,Trico fromThe Last Guardian.
Final Fantasy 16is set to be a major departure from past entries in the series. Producer Naoki Yoshida has confirmed thatFinal Fantasy 16will do away with the series' traditional party system, combat, and exploration styles, in an effort to move the franchise forward. The title takes place over three different periods in Clive’s life. Therefore, it will feature very few dedicated party members. One of those party members is the wolf Torgal, who will likely be Clive’s closest companion throughoutFinal Fantasy 16. It is rumored that certain choices can remove the character from Clive’s side, though details on how that may impact the overall narrative are yet to be seen.
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Sony’s Last Guardian Failed To Implement its Companion Properly
The Last Guardianmade people care about its dog-like companion. The relationship between the player character and Trico is one of the most emotionally resonant and intimate connections in gaming history and remains the title’s greatest strength. However, Trico’s implementation into gameplay was the title’s biggest weakness. As players progress through the task of escorting Trico throughThe Last Guardian’s various locations, it quickly becomes apparent that the roles are reversed. Trico is essential to progression, puzzle solving, and combat, with the player character largely powerless, aside from removing minor inconveniences from Trico’s way.
The problem is thatTrico is very difficult to control, acting far too similar to a real household pet. Interacting properly with Trico is largely dependent on player intuition, as the game’s early tutorials provide very little insight into understanding the creature’s gestures. Players have to learn to understand Trico’s movements, sounds, and eye color to determine what it wants. Players must bond with Trico by giving it food or petting its neck. Otherwise, it will fix its attention elsewhere, such as on items or moving parts of the environment. This cycle left some players frustrated, feeling a deep connection to Trico but struggling to utilize it in-game.
Final Fantasy 16’s Torgal Must Properly Balance Form and Function
Final Fantasy’s newest entry is set to be quite the experience.Final Fantasy 16’s cutscenes will be longer than the runtime of the entireLord of the Rings Trilogy. As Torgal appears to be the title’s most consistent companion, players will be spending a lot of time with the wolf. Therefore, it is important that it provides more than a deep emotional connection. Torgal’s function in combat and exploration needs to be both balanced and intuitive. Unlike Trico, Torgal should be a supplement to Clive rather than the main tool for progressing the narrative. While the game can utilize items or situations that strengthen the bond between Clive and Torgal, the player should not be required to maintain the wolf’s constant attention in order to complete objectives.
If Torgal is properly implemented,Final Fantasy 16’s party system could be one of the series' best. With so many new features inFinal Fantasy 16, such as no open world, mature themes, a revenge plot, and adult language, lighthearted additions like Torgal have the chance to make or break the game’s pacing and thematic balance. It remains to be seen just how essential the creature will be toFinal Fantasy 16’s plot. Luckily, players hoping to find out themselves don’t have long to wait, as the game will be released in June 2023. Fans are hopeful thatFinal Fantasy 16’s new direction is a step toward a brighter future for the series, and, from what’s been shown so far, that may just be the case.
