TEST Final Fantasy XVI: Echoes of the Fallen, a first DLC as exciting as it is disappointing

In June, Square Enix finally launched Final Fantasy XVI on PS5, a new numbered episode of its legendary saga that we loved. As a conclusion to our test, we hoped to revisit the world of Valisthea and its characters, while being aware that the epilogue and the post-credit scene clearly put an end to this story which was perfectly sufficient in itself. We were therefore delighted to learn in September that the CBU3 intended to offer two expansions in addition to an obvious PC version. It is on the occasion of Game Awards 2023 that they were revealed and, better yet, that the first was immediately launched. We therefore did not fail to restart the game to discover what the team has concocted for us with Echoes of the Fallenalso called The afterglow of the sky in French, thanks to a code provided by the publisher. This additional paid content is inserted chronologically just before going to face the final boss, you can expect to read the rest of this rare test spoilers on the entire base game for comparison or contextualization purposes, you have been warned. As for the content of DLCwe consider that everything shown in the trailer is known and can be commented on, in which case there would not be much to say…

CBU3 once again proves its mastery of boss fight choreography.

Indeed, and we might as well address this point from the start, Echoes of the Fallen is particularly short. By taking our time, it barely took us 2h50 to see the end of it with our backup at the time being level 49-50 (we did not play in mode Final Fantasy). This is not much, unfortunately far too much, especially for a simple quest leading to a dungeon, however successful it may be. This extension is sold “only” €9.99 and we will let you judge this point, but this may actually seem expensive in comparison with the playing time and the initial content of FFXVI. However, in an age where simple cosmetic items can cost much more, should we complain?

In terms of plot, it all starts with talking to Kharonne to the lair, which informs us of the appearance on the market of mysterious veiled crystals. Clive will therefore leave to investigate in the field, accompanied by Jill, Joshua And Talgorwho will quickly come across three rather shady individuals. The few adventures that follow are not very interesting even for a secondary quest and ultimately only serve to lead the group to the Tower of the Sagesthe entrance to which was obviously the door hitherto blocked in the morion forest. Yes, this already gave the impression of content being cut when the game was released and that doesn’t help matters, even if there is reason to be delighted to finally be able to explore the ruins of the Celestials which are behind.

It is therefore in this dungeon that most of the action takes place and it does not disappoint! Even if the architectural style is taken from Ruins of Fort Phoenix and some Dream Towerthe artists of the CBU3 added to the decorations an abundance of these famous veiled crystals as well as some other visual joys throughout the ascentlinked to what is unusual happening in these places, bringing it to life through an environmental narrative. An “organic” aesthetic that contrasts completely with the futuristic mineral aspect of celestial technology and what this episode has been able to offer so far. The view from the upper floors is also worth a look, giving a much better idea of ​​the size of the scenery crossed to the west of the Vert-Ponant.

The enemies are generally taken from the bestiary already fought in FFXVI, with a few variants whose existence is justified by the very nature of the places, as well as a handful of new bosses with fairly well-balanced difficulty. References to Final Fantasy XIV are obviously present, which will not surprise many people, with mechanics playing on placement or requiring dodging with the right timing. And the icing on the cake, the star attraction of this DLCit is of course the emblematic Omegathe recurring super-boss of the saga who here sports a design quite close to his counterpart in the MMORPG. Without saying too much, the version seen during the trailer called Omega aionios is just crazy. There CBU3 once again proves his mastery of boss fight choreography, with from the first movements of the creature pure madness unleashed on the screen. The pace is frenetic and the different phases of the confrontation were able to put us to the test as the beast is unleashed. It was even quite difficult at times to dodge certain area projectiles while managing the movements of our enemy. And although the nature ofOmega could have given rise to a clash of Primordials by making us embody Ifritthis is not the case, which contributes to the challenge. Knowing that there will be such a type of fight against Leviathan, this choice seems wise. And if this large quarter of an hour entirely dedicated to the climax necessarily impresses us, our ears also delight throughout what they hear.

Indeed, in terms of the soundtrack, Masayoshi Soken delights us again and especially pleases fans of Final Fantasy XIV and “chicken tender” ! If you like eScapethen you will love it Eikonaklasm. The other predominant theme named and can be listened to again from theOrchestration is called The Worm Mountsplayed in the lower part of the Tower of the Sages and which perfectly captures that feeling of an ethereal final dungeon where a threat grows as we move forward. It then gives way to another chant in the upper floors where motifs of Order Yet Undeciphered are taken up, among other things, much more nervous, which perfectly accentuates the danger with tougher enemies standing in our way.

Soken pleases FFXIV fans.

Unfortunately, THE lore which accompanies this short adventure leaves us hungry again for the Celestialsgiving us just a little bone to gnaw on and drawing some parallels with the vision ofUltima without really going into detail. And with The Rising Tide announced for this spring, we expected that Fahmil finally makes the link at the very end as a teasing, in relation to its origins, but this was not the case. The side too stand alone without any repercussions on Valisthea while the threat was ultimately not negligible makes the whole thing quite disconnected.

Finally, know that additional equipment can be obtained through the dungeon. We find a handful of accessories, of the Spheres with rather interesting effects, a belt and a bracelet which are simply the best in the game once improved, and the possibility of crafter L’Omega Arma, which in a normal game is also at the top of its category. On the other hand, it is a shame that its maximum statistics are identical toUltima Arma in NG+leaving only its superb skin as a reward. The level has also been raised to 55 and 105 respectively, giving a reason to try these new features to achieve this once the content of the DLC completed. And as a purchase bonus, the appearance of the sword Cloud (FFVII) is offered as well as a version of Away in the manner of Final Fantasy first of the name in 8 bits, which is always a good idea.

In conclusion, we had an excellent time watching Final Fantasy XVI: Echoes of the Fallen, although the frustration was present at having so little in the end and not having many more narrative elements to put into our mouths. Fingers crossed that The Rising Tide or a flood of content rather than another appetizer.

Final Fantasy XVI is sold for €41.99 on Amazon and €39.99 at Fnac.

Read also: TEST Final Fantasy XVI: Square Enix’s ultimate fantasy is written in a blazing inferno!

Alexandre SAMSON (Omega Law) Responsible Proofreader – Editor
Addicted to Assassin’s Creed and Destiny, big fan of RPGs and passionate about video game experiences in general. Reader of comics (DC) and various mangas (One Piece!). Chemist by training and Whovian at heart.
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