Final Fantasy XVI: Exploring Leviathan and the Second DLC
Prepare to embark on a comprehensive journey through the second DLC of Final Fantasy XVI: Leviathan. This expansion delves deeper into the game’s lore, introducing new characters, locations, and epic battles. While it retains the captivating storytelling and stunning visuals of the base game, Leviathan faces challenges in integrating seamlessly with the main narrative.
A Standalone Adventure with Loose Connections
Leviathan tells a compelling tale that stands on its own, but its connection to the main storyline feels somewhat disjointed. The DLC takes place before the climactic confrontation, but its conclusion and epilogue create a sense of isolation from the overarching plot. This makes Leviathan feel like a separate chapter rather than an integral part of the story.
Mysidia and Jill’s Untapped Potential
The journey unfolds in the enigmatic village of Mysidia, where secrets and mysteries abound. While the narratives surrounding the village’s inhabitants and their connection to aether are intriguing, the potential for deeper exploration involving Jill, a character with Northern Territories origins, remains unrealized. This missed opportunity detracts from the emotional impact and leaves a lingering sense of disconnect.
Unbalanced Combat and Abrupt Difficulty Spikes
Combat in Leviathan presents both challenges and inconsistencies. While random encounters can be easily dispatched with overpowered Eikon attacks, boss fights pose a stark contrast. The first boss, Timekeeper, inflicts a sudden and jarring difficulty spike, requiring quick reflexes and perfect execution. This extreme shift in difficulty can break the flow of the gameplay and create frustration.
Excessive Power-Ups and a Disconnected Ending
As the story progresses, Clive gains access to the Leviathan Eikon and a secret additional Eikon. While these power-ups enhance his abilities, their late introduction diminishes their impact. They feel like afterthoughts rather than meaningful additions to the gameplay. Moreover, the abrupt ending leaves players with a sense of unfinished business, as the story abruptly concludes without a satisfying resolution.
Kairos Gate: A Welcome Addition
Despite its shortcomings, Leviathan introduces the Kairos Gate, a roguelite mode that provides a challenging test of skill. This mode pits players against 20 increasingly difficult levels, offering rewards for strategic gameplay and variety. The Kairos Gate serves as a rewarding endgame activity for players seeking an additional challenge.
In Conclusion
Final Fantasy XVI: Leviathan is an enjoyable expansion that provides additional content and expands on the game’s lore. However, its isolated narrative, pacing issues, and unbalanced combat hold it back from reaching the heights of the base game. Despite these flaws, Leviathan offers a worthwhile return to Valisthea for fans of the series and those seeking a new adventure.
