Final Fantasy 16: Everything We Know
Final Fantasy XVI was one of the key announcements made at the PlayStation 5 reveal event earlier in 2020. There was a lot to digest for the next mainstream entry in the legendary genre, with a long teaser that created the tone and featured a little of gameplay. Many staples of Final Fantasy legend have been placed front and centre, and you can see hints of how this new game is building on the series' larger history as well as its recent past.
In addition to the reasonably comprehensive announcement video, Square Enix has established an official website with in-depth looks into FFXVI's new setting and characters to help you get a head start on learning the background. What's remarkable about this entry is that it's being created by Creative Business Unit III, which is the not-so-flashy moniker for the division responsible for the great MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV. It's hopeful because Naoki Yoshida is directing production on FFXVI—he headed the team behind FFXIV's rebirth and continues to direct the MMO, which keeps growing better and is considered as top-tier in terms of storyline. Hiroshi Takai, who has a long experience with Final Fantasy and Square Enix, is directing FFXVI. He was also involved in the development of FFXIV's remake.
We're still a long way from the release of Final Fantasy XVI, but Yoshida has said that a big announcement of fresh information about the game will take place later in 2021. The rest of this post will fill you in on what we've learned thus far. You may also read about how there has never been a better time to start playing Final Fantasy XIV!
Date of Publication
There hasn't been any announcement about a release date or timetable. In a joint statement with Yoshida immediately after the game's announcement, director Hiroshi Takai remarked, "It might take some time before we can get it into your hands. However, I assure you that the wait will be worthwhile." This may lead you to assume that a 2021 release is out of the question, despite the fact that the game has been in production for several years.
Platforms
FFXVI is currently classed as a PS5 platform exclusive. On the official website, it is the sole platform mentioned. It won't be a cross-generation title, though, meaning PS4 users will have to upgrade to a newer system to enjoy it.
Is Final Fantasy XVI Going To Be Released On PC Or Xbox?
Final Fantasy XVI will be a PS5 platform exclusive for a limited period. "The next content is captured on PC mimicking the PS5 experience," the announcement trailer claimed upfront. The game will also be "not accessible on other platforms for a brief period after release on PS5" according to the trailer's finale, with a footnote indicating that it will be available on PC. There's no indication yet on how long the exclusivity will remain.
Although the most recent game in the series, Final Fantasy VII Remake, is still a PlayStation exclusive, it wouldn't be surprising if FFXVI came to Xbox at some point, considering that the rest of the series is available on Xbox.
Trailers
The "Awakening" reveal trailer contains four minutes of plot, cutscenes, and gameplay. It's jam-packed with information that paints a clear picture of what FFXVI involves. It also has a highly orchestrated tune with certain Final Fantasy touches, such as the renowned Crystal Prelude. If we had to guess, it sounds similar to composer Masayoshi Soken's work on Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward.
So Far, the Story
There is disagreement among realms (basically nations) in the world of Valisthea, as well as a bunch of political controversy, according to the preview and official website, however there is a focus on Dominants—these are some special people who can wield power of Eikons, which are what summons are called in the Final Fantasy XVI world (and in FFXIV).
The progression of main character Clive Rosfield from a dapper young guy with a stylish haircut to a grizzled veteran with a scruffy beard and a mark tattooed on his face later in life suggests that you'll journey through two distinct time frames in FFXVI's plot.He is the son of the archduke of his country, and he appears to be capable of using Eikon-related powers in combat, while not being a Dominant himself.. He's vowed to protect his younger brother Joshua, the small child in the trailer who was destined to become a Dominant instead. However, as shown in the teaser, Joshua is unable to control his Eikon, summoning Phoenix after witnessing someone apparently significant being slain directly in front of his eyes.These events culminate in a confrontation between Phoenix and Ifrit, which may be the tragedy (as mentioned in the official character biographies) that motivates Clive in Final Fantasy XVI.
Jill Warrick is another character shown in the trailer. She's the young lady with grey hair who follows Joshua. She is claimed to have had a complex existence, having arrived from another dimension, being adopted by the Rosfields, and serving as a peacemaker between warring countries. She is reported to be Clive and Joshua's valued confidante.
Throughout the teaser, you can see other individuals fighting and talking about the political instability that appears to be fuelling the conflict in Valisthea. Other renowned Eikons, such as Shiva and Titan, are seen on the battlefield. Eikons, and by extension Dominants, appear to be formidable weapons of war that change the balance of power between worlds in Valisthea. Another series classic is a confrontation against an armoured lance-wielding Dragoon, rumoured to be an Imperial Viper, which has the protagonists terrified
Another thing to consider is that the universe of Final Fantasy XVI centres on what are known as the Mothercrystals, which are supposed to bless the earth with aether (basically magic). However, a terrible entity known as The Blight is also sweeping the globe. It's worth remembering that the slogan for Final Fantasy XVI is "The legacy of the crystals has moulded our history for long enough." We're not sure what that signifies, but it's intriguing and might be related to what's been happening to Valisthea.
What We Can Learn From The Logo
Yoshitaka Amano, the artist, can always be counted on to design a new logo for each Final Fantasy that tells us something about the game's plot. In the case of FFXVI's logo, it depicts Ifrit and Phoenix fighting, which is the conflict that closes the video. With Ifrit as a significant opposing power and Phoenix as the Eikon wielded by the Rosfields, this appears to be the game's core battle. It also looks that Eikons are more important in FFXVI's universe than in prior Final Fantasy games.
Gameplay
According to the gameplay excerpts in the video, FFXVI has an action-RPG combat system and appears to be comparable to FFXV and FFVII Remake. Clive has the ability to hurl fireballs, engage in physical combat with his sword and warp-like skills, and employ a few capabilities that appear to be connected to Eikons (indicated by the stone fist summoned in the fight against a Dragoon).
Because no UI or HUD features were revealed, it's unclear whether or whether it will integrate aspects of the series' distinctive ATB (active time battle) system, how spellcasting may function, or even how combat encounters will flow. We've also just seen Clive in action, so we don't know if there is a party system or how it works.
It's worth noting that Ryota Suzuki, who worked on Devil May Cry 5 and Dragon's Dogma's fighting, is the battle director for FFXVI, which may lead to something very interesting. Despite the increasing emphasis on action, producer Naoki Yoshida stated that the game's plot will not suffer as a result of this new approach.