Free Step Dodge

FF15 had real time combat if I recall
FF 13-2 and 3 had that nino kuni real time turn based hybrid system, the paradigm system I think they called it
and FF7 remake at least gives you the option to real time it up w/o the massive slowdown

So why are we all acting like FF16 is breaking new ground? or am I missing something incredibly obvious here?

In terms of real turn based battles FF hasn't been turn based since FFX/X-2... even if you count ATB the last true ATB game was XIII-2 which was still 12 years ago.
FF is obviously Squares Action RPG series and has been for a at least a decade.

Even the statement of "FF16 isn't real FF" is bogus because if anything this is the most Final Fantasy FF has been in the mainline single player games since literally FFIX.
I feel like it's OK to not like the game but man, to say FFXVI ISN'T FF is just a straight up lie.

This is peak Final Fantasy IMO, and even overtaking FF6 as my personal favorite.

But right now I'm interested in watching the ever-evolving gameplay for Arcade mode on Ultimaniac difficulty, and whatever lewds of Benedikta I can find.

you need to wait in order to use the eikon power , right

so it's still turn based

Because a lot of modern gamers have very convenient peanut memories and selective memories. Like Upsidedowngrunt implied, Final Fantasy hasn't been "turn-based" since FFX. Every FF since FFX-2 has been real time. That's exactly what Square wants because it sells for them to relatively newer fans, and because DQ is their "traditional turn-based RPG" for contrast.

FFX-2 onwards have you select commands, though anyone can attack whomever, whenever their ATB is ready. In FFXIII, an evolution of FFX-2's combat system, you don't even need to fill your ATB to act, just need at least one segment full. This can lead to combination actions up to 6 potential ATB segments. FFXV onwards are basically straight-up action RPG's.