The Rising Tide works great as one last hurrah with new Eikons and a short but worthwhile adventure that shows a different side of FFXVI.
By Michael HighamTwitter: @michaelphigham on April 26, 2024 at 4:44PM PDT
It’s always a bit weird to go back to a game you finished for story-centric DLC, especially when the base game had a pretty definitive ending. However, those that have just a little bit more left in the tank can take the opportunity to give a game you really loved one more high note to end on. I often think of the Mass Effect 3 Citadel DLC as the best example–an oddly placed, yet near-perfect send-off. Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide evokes similar feelings in that I was just happy to have an excuse to revisit that world and spend a bit more time with characters I cherished. While it does largely play out like more Final Fantasy XVI content, The Rising Tide fills in a few blanks left behind and lets you wield two new Eikons in a questline that reaches similar heights of the original game.
The Rising Tide questline is slotted into FFXVI right before the main game’s point of no return, making it feel like an impromptu diversion at a critical point in the story. That said, it is necessary, as many of the events leading up to the DLC provide the context around its story. As Clive, you and the crew are invited to visit a region called Mysidia–a quiet area tucked away in the north and cloaked under the veil of powerful magic to both conceal itself from the rest of the world and maintain a facade of bright blue skies. It’s a new area for the game that has its own interesting, isolated society and lets you explore a relatively small but vibrant region, and its stunning views remind you of how FFXVI uses its technical strengths to paint a vibrant and enticing world.
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Now Playing: FINAL FANTASY XVI – The Rising Tide DLC Release Date Trailer
Much of FFXVI was visually dark due to its grim nature, making Mysidia’s tropical contrast a breather. However, this is no vacation for Clive–The Rising Tide DLC centralizes around the history of Leviathan used in bad faith, like all other Eikons. The main quests and side quests reveal the way of life, customs and unique relationship with Leviathan of Mysidia’s inhabitants. As a self-sustaining community, they have a distinct approach to using magic in comparison to the rest of Valisthea. Their leader, Shula, represents their ethos accompanying you throughout the DLC. Although she might not be a standout character, she is a strong anchor for The Rising Tide and justifies taking Clive off the usual path. It adds a refreshing twist to the typical FFXVI plot and narrates a heartwarming tale of breaking the vicious cycle of generational curses highlighting FFXVI’s gentler side.
The Rising Tide DLC isn’t lenient, as like the base game, it retains the essence of intricate boss fights and impressive cinematic cuts. The new region comes with an extra dungeon and further larger-than-life Eikon fights. Although the dungeon is short-lived, the boss fight at the conclusion features innovative mechanics that impressed even a Final Fantasy XIV Savage raider like me. FFXVI’s base game shares numerous battle mechanics with the MMORPG which is true for the DLC as well, but with a few surprising elements. Even if these twists were foreseeable, the anticipation leading to another climactic Eikon fight and enduring the tough battle delivered that specific thrill that FFXVI excels at arousing. Deciphering the Eikon fight mechanics takes some attempts, there’s triumph in finally overcoming these challenges. The satisfaction of resolving the mechanics and delivering powerful attacks as Ifrit parallels the original game’s top experiences.
The chapter featuring Leviathan, an emblematic serpent, and the associated power that can be harnessed is arguably one of the highlights. The concept stems from Creative Business Unit III thinking aloud, “What if we provided Clive with a weapon?” and that’s exactly what transpired. Leviathan’s projectile-centric capabilities transform Clive’s arm into a water-spewing firearm. The Eikon also allows for rapid-fire bubble blasts and a wave ability, which are key elements making enemies vulnerable. The tactical interweaving of Leviathan’s personnel and the visceral feedback from successful blasts are indeed heartening.
Besides Leviathan, the option to manipulate Ultima, another Eikon, is provided. Clive is thus empowered to fend off adversaries by hovering and swiping. However, since Ultima’s abilities entail a radical show of force, constant interplay in an attack sequence is impractical. The process to unlock Ultima involves engaging in new content termed Kairos Gates, where a gradual bundling of benefits for Clive is possible. Although they are incorporated into an old-school Final Fantasy package for a nostalgic feel, these matches are nowhere close to being endearing. FFXVI’s raised difficulty bar is potentially a remedy for fans clamoring for more combat-intensive gameplay.
Accompanying the Rising Tide are a variety of side quests which flesh out Mysidia and add features in the area. Typical task design of FFXVI, despite its occasional predictability, is noticeable in these missions. However, a determinant factor is the peculiar, stiff dialogue structure, reminiscent of the original game.
Nevertheless, the utilization of sidequests in the DLC is commendable for certain reasons. Firstly, the focus on combat offers ample opportunity for honing new Eikon skills. Secondly, a fresh set of sidequests disclosed after the DLC’s main plot provides a breather, and crucially, lends perspective to characters like Shula and the Mysidia residents. While it’s strange that these crucial narrative arcs are labeled as side quests, they do succeed in shedding light on an otherwise bleak world of FFXVI, effectuating a warming conclusion.
The exotic beauty of Mysidia is also showcased in the fresh music introduced in The Rising Tide. With no surprise to anyone, composer Masayoshi Soken and his team once again created magic with their compositions. The main village of Haven has a poignant acoustic tune that perfectly reflects the ambience of the place and the lovely theme of the outside world seemed to me as an extension of the poignant emotions I experienced while playing parts of FFXIV: Endwalker. The dungeon theme has light electronic elements to evoke an almost magical feeling about the place while also referring to the main recurring theme used throughout FFXVI, seemingly binding the collective journey through the power of melody. While the Eikon boss battle theme is one of the explosive and captivating tracks meant to tune up your spirits in the moment, it’s the more soothing musical pieces which deliver the emotional undertones of the adventure through the notes that compose the songs.
My journey through The Rising Tide was an emotionally charged one. Despite its imperfections, I hold a deep affection for Final Fantasy XVI. I was delighted to once again visit Valisthea, even though the journey was fairly short and it ended just when I was beginning to feel in sync with the new backdrop, abilities, and characters. In many ways, The Rising Tide provides something I felt the original game should have included more of in its storyline: vitality and warmth. FFXVI was predominantly gloomy and severe in fitting with its theme. However, seeing this contrasting aspect that beautifully coexists with the core themes of the original game was an absolute delight, especially with several outstanding gameplay twists along the way. The Rising Tide is a top-notch recommendation for those who enjoyed the basic game, and a commendable finale for FFXVI.
