Why do they call it "FINAL Fantasy" when there are sixteen--oh God please put the serrated knives away, I'm just joking. This week, we invited Verge's Ash Parrish and freelance writer/regular guest Michael Higham to talk about their hands-on impressions of Final Fantasy XVI alongside our own Eric. How does it look? How does it play? How does it sound? And what about Producer Naoki Yoshida's controversial remarks about the term "JRPG?" We waddle right into it all, like a herd of Chocobos into a mud pit.

Also in this episode:

• Octopath Traveler 2 rules
• As does Fire Emblem Engage
• Elden Ring DLC will get here when it gets here
• Re-examining Chrono Cross in the context of the Pantheon
• Bar Mitzvahs are crunk

Music used in this episode:

• Do Your Best! [Breath of Fire III]
• Heavensward title screen [Final Fantasy XIV]
• Awakening trailer music [Final Fantasy XVI]
• Torn from the Heavens [Final Fantasy XIV]
• A Curious Tale [Secret of Mana]
• Hopes and Dreams [Undertale]

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