Watch A Super Sized Final Fantasy 16 Preview Video

Zelda wasn’t the only fantasy-based game to get a special preview today. A 20-minute Sony State of Play was beamed out this afternoon that focused entirely on Square Enix‘s Final Fantasy 16.

After multiple technology-themed, pseudo-futuristic settings, Final Fantasy is returning to its medieval roots of kings, knights and dragons. The entire game’s story is seem through the eyes of Clive, prince of the kingdom of Rosaria, and follows his life from his teens to his thirties, as he navigates a bloody war between his country and his two neighbors. When certain people become of age in Rosaria, they become “Dominants,” meaning they get the power to call on a godlike monster called an Eikon (these are the summon creatures that are an FF staple). Clive appeared to be the Dominant type, but he was passed over for his younger brother Joshua. There’s no bad blood between them, though, unless they fight in scenes the footage never showed.

One letdown is that this is NOT one of those Final Fantasies where you get to control an entire party; you can only control Clive and watch your party members move via AI. You can adjust their behavior but that’s the extent of it. However Clive is fully customizable as an FF protagonist should be; he can learn skills, level up, use magic attacks, and eventually, summon Eikon himself.

Speaking of which, the selling point of Final Fantasy 16 since it was first revealed has been the Eikon fights. You don’t control Clive during these moments; you control the Eikon and have an all-out, epic, titanic fight between one giant monster and another, while operatic music booms and crashes. The State of Play devoted plenty of time to showing off these fights.

Also, for the first time since Final Fantasy 8, you get to use a dog in battle.

Final Fantasy 16 will launch exclusively for Playstation 5 on June 22 (miraculously, no delays!) Other platforms will have to wait at least a year for the game.

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Avatar of LennonWarrens
LennonWarrens

Echoes of the Crystals

39 messages 11 likes

Those battles with the Eikon are really like an amazing insanity !There is just so much depth to this game, and the State of Play is just the cherry on top for me. It resembles a hybrid of The Witcher 3 and The Elder Ring. Everything looks fantastic, however I'm disappointed that we can't choose a character to play during the combat. I usually think of Final Fantasy with a selectable, upgradeable crew.

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Avatar of The Zyborg
The Zyborg

Well-Known Member

5,779 messages 789 likes

Unfortunately, they sacrifice enjoyable, unique gameplay for flashiness. There are almost a thousand single-character ARPGs accessible right now. Party management has always been the best aspect of Final Fantasy. Why can't they strive to find a fun party management system in an action game? It does not have to be a turn-based game. I feel like I've played this game a thousand times. This does not look like a Final Fantasy Game.

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Avatar of DapperVibes
DapperVibes

Refined Rebel

394 messages 22 likes

Definitely placing a preorder for this. I appreciate Square Enix's efforts and those of it's staff. The game shows how much pride was put into it.

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Avatar of Jayce
Jayce

Oh the Misery

46 messages 1 like

This game is enjoyable to see, listen to, and even play! I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on this one! In every regard, this is an outstanding presentation!What strikes me is how assured this game is. They will also provide a demo prior to launch, as well as many trailers, showcases, and a specific release date. This will hopefully be the best FF yet. Character design is wonderful; both men and women have that fanciful, otherworldly look that is so expertly represented.

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Avatar of GlacierStorm
GlacierStorm

The Arctic Blaze

343 messages 24 likes

It looks extremely flashy and superficial. Why didn't they employ the party system from the FF7 remake? My excitement decreases as I see each new trailer. Simply put, it doesn't feel like Final Fantasy; rather, it feels more like a basic, spartan action game. This should be a spin-off rather than the main title entry. This has nothing to do with Final Fantasy other than the summoning system and art style.

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Avatar of RacoonCityHero
RacoonCityHero

The Last Survivor of Raccoon City

107 messages 11 likes

FFXVI has the feel of a Game of the Year moment. The ability to take the wheel of an Eikon, Summon, or Esper is groundbreaking for these games, and it's kind of like a Final Fantasy version of Kingdom Hearts with some of the strangest skill variability. I remember how incredible it felt to fight alongside other players in Final Fantasy 12, but this is next-level fantastic lunacy.

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Avatar of WildHearted17
WildHearted17

Rebel Rouser

8 messages 0 likes

The sheer length of the 20-minute preview video that focused entirely on Final Fantasy 16 means they really believe in this game.It's interesting to see how Square Enix is taking Final Fantasy back to its medieval roots and emphasizing elements like kings, knights, and dragons. it is like a rebirth for the series. After years of having futuristic settings.

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Avatar of Nadeshiko
Nadeshiko

New Member

20 messages 0 likes

The game's exclusivity on the Playstation 5 for the first year will suck for a Steam player like me.

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Avatar of Shayla_15200
Shayla_15200

I am Alive!

135 messages 1 like

Clive's ability to summon Eikon himself adds a unique aspect to the gameplay, making the confrontations much more epic and fun.It will be nice to see whether there are any allusions or cameos to past Final Fantasy games in Final Fantasy 16.
Overall, I am really anxious to immerse myself in the universe of Final Fantasy 16 and experience everything game has to offer, from its captivating plot to its epic battles and everything in between.

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