Square Enix is taking a lot of risks with Final Fantasy XVI. The new offshoot of the time-honored JRPG series does a lot of things differently and that wants to be conveyed to the players. Therefore, the developers released a whopping 25 minutes of gameplay that explores heaps of elements of the game.
Butter by the fish, with Final Fantasy XVI Square Enix could alienate some long-established fans. Finally, the new part of the series breaks with some traditions, starting with the combat system. For the first time in its 35-year history, this is a genuine action role-playing game without any turn-based elements. Our first impressions are that Fantasy Fantasy XVI is going to be a fantastic game.
Yesterday, Square Enix held a State of Play presentation showcasing a whopping 25 minutes of gameplay. The developers present the combat system, the opponents, Clive’s skills, the hub area, the world map and much more. The presentation was directed by Naoki Yoshida, the title’s producer.
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The combat system is heavily based on character action titles like Devil May Cry, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Ryota Suzuki was poached by Capcom and hired as fighting director. In the past he was responsible for, for example, Devil May Cry 5, Dragon’s Dogma and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. By defeating opponents, you earn experience points, which are typical for role-playing games, which you invest in skills. As the story progresses, you’ll earn more and more skill sets, bestowed upon you by defeating Espers. You close in on enemies with fire, lightning, water and more.
If the new combat system is too fast for you, Square Enix has thought of you. Special pieces of equipment make it easier for you to dodge or you can pull off fat combos with a single keystroke. Your dog Torgal is also the only companion you can give orders to. All other party members act completely independently.
As the story of Final Fantasy XVI progresses, you will experience three stages in the life of the hero Clive Rosfield: his teens, his 20s, and his 30s. You can easily travel to visited areas again via the world map. The game also features a hub area with Cid’s Shelter. Here you can acquire new weapons, armor and potions or have your equipment improved by the blacksmith. You will also receive side missions and hunting orders here and sharpen your skills in your training area.
Final Fantasy XVI will be released on June 22, 2023, initially exclusively for the PlayStation 5. A PC version will follow at a later date.
Last night, Final Fantasy XVI was featured in detail for 25 minutes in a special edition of PlayStation State of Play.
