ffxvi is a very perspective game
for example a lot of the rpg-only type people dislike xvi by default, as it is an action game with very very light rpg window dressing
it is a hack and slash action game in which you engage in melee combat with opponents, having an additional, weaker ranged option. you can combo enemies and kill bosses to get new boss weapons. those boss weapons you can freely switch to and from to keep combos going for longer periods of time. you kill enemies who drop red orbs you use to upgrade your weapons and learn new skills. if final fantasy xvi sounds like a devil may cry game, that's because it basically is a wonky square style devil may cry type action game. since the combat is executed rather well (exclusively on final fantasy mode), and since i like action games, i think xvi is pretty swag.
xvi's weakest aspect is that it still has rpg game conventions, like side quests and cities to walk around and do boring stuff in. rpgs are my favourite genre - but square should have gone full action game in regard to game design since they designed the combat and mechanics as an action game
the game also needed final fantasy mode playable from the start. it is far too easy on normal