Final Fantasy 16 takes a little away from the RPG elements and tips the scale in a more action-oriented game. That's not to say that it is a straight up action game, because it is not. You still have your RPG elements, leveling up and skills. The gear is limited to 3 slots of bonus attributes and 1 weapon slot and 3 skill slots. Just like another reviewer pointed out, in previous Final Fantasy games, you had different elemental attacks that enemies were weak too, you could exploit them using fire, lightning, ect. This is non-existent in FF-16. You just straight up unleash on enemies. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. Combat is fast paced, heavily action oriented in which you can string together tons of combos and skill-based attacks so easily. It's fun to destroy enemies in this regard. Those comparing Devil May Cry with FF-16 are close, but I would say this is a way easier version of the DMC series. The fights are often for fun and not for a challenge. Or maybe it's because I've been spoiled with so many Souls-like games recently my taste has shifted to more of a skill-based challenge type of game.
My major problem with FF-16 is the cutscenes. Way too many and way too long!! I like to begin off my last saved games and just play. If I'm forced to watch cutscenes for 20 minutes about things that don't really interest me in the first place, I start to lose interest and my rating for the game gets lower. I love games with deep story, but this one never really captivated me. I hate skipping scenes because I feel like by doing that, I may miss plot points. Unfortunately, I did skip quiet a few cutscenes just because I simply wanted to PLAY the game, not watch.
I love the Metal Gear Solid series for their cutscenes and crazy engaging storyline, I would never ever skip one of Hideo Kojimas cutscenes, but in FF-16 I just thought like eh whatever, skip.
FF-16 is a well-rounded action game with RPG elements and there is plenty of fun to have with this game, it just wasn't really what I expected. Still a solid entry.