Sony’s April 13 State of Play was all about the upcoming Square Enix PS5 exclusive Final Fantasy XVI, Over 20 minutes of new gameplay will be shown ahead of the RPG’s release in June 2023.
Announced September 2020, Final Fantasy XVI is the story of two royal brothers, Clive and Joshua Rosfield, princes of the Kingdom of Rosaria. Joshua, the younger brother, has been blessed with the power of a Dominator, granting him control of the mighty Eikon Phoenix (in the same vein as summoning from many of the previous games). His older brother Clive, passed over for the power of the Dominant, becomes “The First Shield of Rosaria” and his brother’s sworn protector. He is your main playable character. The Rosfield brothers are joined by Jill Warrick, a ward taken from the fallen Northern Territories by the Archduke of Rosaria. Together, the three must navigate a world of war and political intrigue after a bloody tragedy throws their lives into chaos.
Sony shows something new Final Fantasy XVI playing style
Today, during the approximately 25-minute state of playSquare Enix revealed more about the game’s summon, Eikons, and also talked more about how the anticipated RPG will play on PS5.
The State of Play was introduced by Naoki Yoshida, the producer of Final Fantasy XVIand all footage shown during the event was run on a PS5.
This new entry in the long-running franchise was conceived from the ground up as “the first true action-RPG entry in the series,” and Yoshida likened it to a high-speed roller coaster ride.
All fights clean Final Fantasy XVI is in real time. The fluid, flashy and action-packed combat looks not dissimilar from the outset Kingdom Hearts III And Final Fantasy XV. Clive’s dodges and punches feel similar to the fluidity of movements seen in character action games Devil May Cry.
As mentioned, Clive Rosefield is starring and will take place in his teens, 20’s and 30’s. Final Fantasy XVI will use flashbacks to show different and important moments from his life.
The game uses a world map screen that players can access at any time to explore the world, meet new characters, fight monsters, and solve puzzles. Upon visiting Cid’s Hideaway, players can purchase new items and weapons, and also talk to quest givers.
Players can use skill points earned by defeating enemies to unlock or upgrade various skills. You can also have the game chosen for you. FFXVI also includes various “contemporary accessories” that can help less experienced players or people unfamiliar with “action gameplay”. For example, an accessory will fully automate dodging during combat.
Sometimes Clive is accompanied by other characters. But Square Enix promised players wouldn’t have to micromanage these party members. Instead, they will have their own AI and will do their own things during gameplay.
Another cool feature shown during State of Play is Eikon Battles. These will be massive battles between godlike summons and each will play differently. At one point in the video, a battle between flying creatures looked and played very much like something from the Panzer Dragoons Series. Wild!
What the Final Fantasy XVI Logo could mean
The game’s logo could possibly reveal what the main conflict of the game will be. It shows two of the Eikons, Phoenix and Ifrit, engaged in battle. In a previously released trailer, Ifrit can be seen tearing people apart while someone yells for them to stop. So it seems that combat and controlling Eikons will be the focus Final Fantasy XVI‘s action.
Continue reading: How Square Enix handles hype expectations Final Fantasy XVI
Naoki Yoshida, director of the hugely successful MMO Final Fantasy XIVforwards the development Final Fantasy XVI. Final Fantasy XVI marks Square Enix’s return to producing original installments in final fantasy Post-Release Franchise Final Fantasy XV in 2016.
Final Fantasy XVI is scheduled to be released exclusively on PS5 on June 22, 2023. A PC version is expected at some unknown point in the future, although not confirmed.
