Final Fantasy XVI deviates so much from the series’ traditional formula that some fans claim it’s not a Final Fantasy game at all. Despite these claims, the title was well received, garnering consistently positive reviews and earning near-perfect ratings in a variety of publications. That doesn’t mean the real action RPG is perfect, however, as it’s sadly plagued by a flagging gil economy.
Gil is a recurring form of currency in the Final Fantasy series, and now includes Final Fantasy XVI. Unfortunately, the latest installment in the series makes it far too easy for players to amass large amounts of gil, especially considering there is very little in the game that is worth spending it on. This inevitably reduces the value of gil and the economy suffers. However, with more options available and extensive price adjustments for some less desirable items, Final Fantasy XVI’s gil economy might have been more prosperous.
The most expensive items in Final Fantasy XVI are music tracks
In Final Fantasy XVI, Gil is used to purchase a variety of items from Charon at the Hideaway and from other vendors throughout Valisthea. Weapons and armor, healing potions, and support items are regularly available, and as the game progresses, even more powerful gear will be added to the stores. And while the most powerful weapons in the game like the Twilight of the Gods and the Ultima Weapon can only be crafted, the base form of almost every other weapon can be bought for a relatively insignificant amount of gil.
The currently most expensive items in Final Fantasy XVI are Orchestrion Rolls, which act as playable background music for the Hideaway via the Orchestrion. These music tracks are usually associated with the place where they were purchased. While that means they serve as a nostalgic reminder of the people and places Clive encountered on his journey, they should by no means cost more than some of the game’s best weapons, armor, and accessories. Some Orchestrion Rolls cost more than 50,000 gil, while the most expensive weapons cost almost half that amount. Even then, many of these weapons are only available in FFXVI’s New Game + Final Fantasy mode.
By making Orchestrion Rolls the most expensive item in the game, the developers have effectively emphasized a feature that most players would probably give the least value to, even considering the fact that Final Fantasy’s music has always been has played a role in the franchise’s iconic staple. Classics or not, however, Final Fantasy XVI’s music isn’t what a fan or newcomer might think worth spending money on, especially when it’s so overpriced.
Gil in Final Fantasy XVI could have been more useful
Aside from cheaper Orchestrion Rolls, Final Fantasy XVI could have benefited from a more extensive collection of purchasable items. Provider stocks are by no means limited, but the options are fairly basic, and many of them quickly depreciate in value as the game progresses. One thing that could have benefited FFXVI’s gil economy, though, is purchasable character customization options.
Final Fantasy has traditionally lacked character customization options, largely due to its story-driven structure, which often requires a character to stay true to the script in every way. Still, character customization in video games has grown in popularity over the past 15 years, and the Final Fantasy franchise could use a little more of it. That’s not to say that the series has never given players the ability to customize their characters, as parts like Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier allow players to change their characters’ appearances.
While Clive’s wardrobe certainly has a narrative purpose in Final Fantasy XVI, additional purchasable outfits or hairstyles would not only have given players another way to spend their gil, but also the ability to customize Clive’s appearance, personalizing their experience in the process. Weapon cosmetic options would also have been a welcome addition, as the Ultima weapon is currently the only sword with a standout design. A system could have been implemented to pay Gil to upgrade a weapon’s appearance, with the most desirable appearance being the most expensive. The ability to purchase special weapon effects such as flames or lightning may have increased the value of gil as well.
Another customization feature that Gil would have welcomed in Final Fantasy XVI is a fully customizable Hideaway, Clive’s second home in Valisthea. Players could potentially spend their hard-earned Gil on new building materials or decorations for the Hideaway – framed pictures of Clive and his friends on their adventures, or customizable bedrooms for each Hideaway resident. Perhaps at some point the tavern could have been enlarged to accommodate more guests, or Harpocrates’ library could have been expanded to accommodate more books. A customizable hideaway would certainly have been another way for players to spend their gil and personalize their gameplay.
There is no shortage of weapons and armor in Final Fantasy XVI. However, it could use more accessories. There are already dozens of accessories available in the game, but additional accessories with more diverse stat and skill bonuses might have resulted in more complex character builds and gave players another place to spend their gil. Additionally, players could potentially have spent Gil upgrading their accessories or even enchanting them with new effects. The possibilities are truly endless, especially given the plethora of features found in many modern role-playing games.
While there are currently no plans for DLCs, perhaps Final Fantasy XVI’s gil economy will get the attention it deserves in the near future. If not, Square Enix developers will surely want to take that into account when developing future games. Because where there is an abundance of in-game currency, players would not hesitate to spend a little more on something to customize their gaming experience and make it more enjoyable.
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