The feature of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s latest State of Play livestream event, Square Enix has shared 25 minutes of new gameplay of Final Fantasy XVI for the PlayStation 5 – highlighting many aspects from the storyline and the game’s characters, to the RPG battle system. Set to release exclusively for PlayStation 5 on June 22, 2023, the game is the first full action RPG in the series, set in a dark fantasy world where Eikons and their Dominants determine the fate of the land.
Players will follow the story of warrior Clive Rosfield, sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Phoenix’s Dominant. The broadcast revealed several new features, including:
- Hideaway advisors: The Hideaway, which serves as protagonist Clive’s base, will give players the opportunity to discover more about the world of Valisthea, from past to present, by speaking to historian Harpocrates, as well as view the relationship chart of the characters by speaking to military scholar Vivian.
- Training function: Players can practice abilities and skills through the ‘Arete Stone’ in the Hideaway.
- New hunts: Wanted Posters in the Hideaway will lead players to powerful monsters, with valuable rewards for defeating them.
- New battle footage: A variety of Clive’s combat actions and Eikon battles were showcased.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, known for his record-setting single ‘Lemon,’ will perform the theme song ‘Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing.’ Both Yonezu and FINAL FANTASY XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida expressed excitement for the collaboration, with Yoshida praising Yonezu’s ability to create music that resonates across generations and his passion for the FINAL FANTASY series.
Words cannot express the impact FINAL FANTASY has had on my life. I never thought or imagined that I would ever receive an opportunity like this. I wrote this song especially for this game. Thank you.
Kenshi Yonezu – Singer Songwriter
When I found out that we’d be able to work with Mr. Yonezu, I was not only surprised, but overjoyed. I’m a big fan of Yonezu’s work, and I know that he has a passion for creating music that resonates across the generations, so I was sure that he’d be able to capture the world, the story, and the themes of FINAL FANTASY XVI. He’s not only an amazing artist, but also an avid gamer and a FINAL FANTASY fan, so please look forward to hearing his theme song!
Naoki “YoshiP” Yoshida – Producer of Final Fantasy XVI
