Square Enix has officially launched Final Fantasy XVI, the sixteenth flagship chapter in the long-running Final Fantasy franchise, exclusively on the PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive. This instalment, spearheaded by Naoki “YoshiP” Yoshida who has gained a reputation over the past decade as the producer who saved Final Fantasy XIV, is pitched as the first “true action roleplaying game” in the series. The development team has aimed to craft a game that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise alike, and for those who may be entering the RPG genre for the first time, has been made more accessible than ever before.
Final Fantasy XVI introduces players to an original dark fantasy story set in Valisthea, a land illuminated by the light of the Mothercrystals. However, the realm’s tranquility is imperiled by the encroachment of the Blight. The story revolves around the Eikons, formidable summoned creatures, and their Dominants – individuals bestowed with the power to summon and control them. The protagonist, Clive Rosfield, is a warrior who earns the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and is duty-bound to safeguard his younger brother Joshua, who is the Dominant of the Phoenix, the Eikon of Fire. The plot takes a dramatic turn as Clive becomes entangled in a catastrophic event and vows revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit.
One clever inclusion in Final Fantasy XVI is the Active Time Lore (ATL) system. This feature grants players the ability to access information about the game’s world and characters at any point, even during cutscenes. The ATL system includes more than 2,800 entries, offering in-depth insight into the lore of the game’s world, Valisthea, and its inhabitants.
For those not sure about their first steps into Valisthea, a playable demo encompassing the game’s opening prologue is accessible. Over approximately two hours of gameplay, with no feature restrictions, you will be able to take on the role of protagonist, Clive Rosfield, and be exposed to his backstory that ultimately leads to the tragic circumstances that launch him on a perilous path of vengeance. Moreover, finishing the prologue unlocks a special battle demo with a variety of abilities, allowing players to engage in action-packed combat and experiment with an assortment of powerful attacks and combinations.
