FFIX will be my main comparison point for FFXVI for a while. they're pretty similar in goals: wind back the sci-fi/modernity of the last two entries (7, 8; 13, 15) to refocus on european fantasy, include all of the recognizable series iconography, present a more operatic story, and polish the experimental gameplay ideas of the preceding game
I imagine FFXII would have been very close to this if that project didn't have so many cooks in the kitchen. trying to reel the series back from its worst impulses has been a constant battle, I'm curious if these games can keep being as cohesive as FFXVI has been