After Echoes of the Fallen, players in Final Fantasy 16 head into a new area with The Rising Tide. The design of the region impressed MeinMMO author Jasmin Beverungen so much that she wishes for a similar landscape in Final Fantasy 14.
What is special about the DLC? The Rise of the Tide takes you back to a corner of Valisthea that was not included in the main game. This time, we visit the hidden realm of Mysidia, which needs our help with the troubled Dominus of Leviathan.
When the veil around Mysidia lifted and I was allowed to enter the new realm, I was thrilled by the dreamlike scenery. While the landscapes in the main game are mostly barren and desolate, I was welcomed here by a true paradise.
Mysidia is a densely forested area with some mountains. The green nature shines in bright colors and attracts with waterfalls in the distance. Behind the forests lies a landscape of ruins, where there is even a very special temple that I liked the most due to its design.
Over time, it became increasingly clear to me that this landscape reminded me of something. The ruins, forests, and waterfalls directly transported me back to the past where I, as a younger Jasmin, first watched the trailers for Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail.
If you want to know which trailer I’m talking about, check it out here:
Especially the sequence at the beginning, where you sail towards a new island, is similar in both games. Afterwards, the trailer for Dawntrail showcases tropical forests, impressive waterfalls, and ancient temples. Exactly what defines the landscape in the second DLC of Final Fantasy 16.
I liked the environment in the expansion so much that I would have loved to see more of it. After just four hours of gameplay, I had already finished the DLC. I hope that FF16 producer Naoki Yoshida, who is also the producer of Final Fantasy 14, can transport this feeling that the landscape has evoked in me into the MMORPG.
What does the DLC offer? The Rising Tide features the following:
- A main story that ends after about 4 hours
- New abilities related to Leviathan and another being
- Kairos Gate with extra challenges for Final Fantasy veterans
- Increase of the level cap by 10 levels
- New skins for the sword and sheet music for the orchestrion
The abilities related to Leviathan are fun. Especially one skill transforms Clive’s arm into a submachine gun that can shoot quickly. I had the most fun with this skill.
Unfortunately, the skills of the other being only become available after finishing the story of the DLC. Consequently, I was unable to test the skills, as I had no incentive to continue playing after completing the story. Since I already had trouble with the boss, I didn’t want to venture into the challenges of the Kairos Gate.
Who is the expansion worth it for? The expansion comes at a price of 19.90 euros. In a bundle with the first DLC, it even costs 24.99 euros. If you, like me, are only interested in the main story, I would recommend spending your money elsewhere. However, if you want to face the challenges in the Kairos Gate after the story, it might be well worth the money.
The main story is simply too short. While the new characters from the DLC are interesting, they do not get the stage they deserve. In the end, I wished that the DLC had been part of the main game. Then the story would have had the space it needed to fully unfold.
Another DLC for a Final Fantasy game is coming this year with Dawntrail. MeinMMO introduces the three classes that will join the MMORPG: Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail: An overview of the 3 new classes
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