Hi, Ssheildcass.
As an active iPhone user, I understand your need to use the exiting new features of iOS 10. I would be happy to help you solve this problem. As per my understanding, you are not able to get any of the iMessage effects to work.
Have you tried force touching. To do this, press hard on the display. Don't worry- it won't break. You can also adjust the amount of pressure you need to apply to activate force touch by going into the Settings application. Once your in the Setting application, then scroll down to general and click on it. Then go down again to accessibility, and then once again down to 3D touch. Click on that and from there you can adjust the amount of pressure you need to apply to activate 3D touch.
Hope this helped!