Square Enix is the developer and publisher of the 2023 action role-playing game Final Fantasy 16. The sixteenth main Final Fantasy game was released in June 2023 for the PlayStation 5, and in September 2024 it will be available for Windows. Segmented open environments and an action-based combat system with melee and magic-based attacks are features of the game. Recurring series features include the ability to move around with Chocobos and the summoning of monsters known as Eikons, which are used in battle and battle bosses.
The setting of Final Fantasy 16 is the twin continent of Valisthea, which is currently split into six powerful nations due to their possession of magical Crystals and Dominants, human beings who serve as hosts for the Eikon of each nation. As the land is consumed by a magical drought known as the Blight, tensions between the nations grow. Clive Rosfield, the younger brother Joshua’s guardian, witnesses his kingdom’s destruction and becomes entangled in the escalating battle between the nations of Valisthea and a hidden force fueling the conflict.
Final Fantasy 16 Overview
| Name | Final Fantasy 16 Xbox |
| Game Type: | Campaign |
| Genre: | Action / Adventure / Role Playing |
| Approx Gameplay Hours: | Main Story – 35 hours, Main + Extra – 57.5 hours |
| Internet Requirement: | No |
| PS Plus Requirement: | No |
| Developer: | Square-Enix |
| Publisher: | Square-Enix |
| Playable On: | PS5 |
About the Game
The 16th stand-alone game in the venerable Final Fantasy series takes the RPG series in a more sinister direction with its intricate story of retribution, power struggles, and inevitable tragedy. In Final Fantasy XVI, the well-known summons from the series are recast as Eikons. These deadly creatures live among the Dominants, men and women who are born with great power, whether they like it or not.
In Valisthea, where the power of the Mothercrystals has given rise to six strong realms, eikons are the most formidable creatures. These tall mountains of crystal supply the aether needed for the magicks that have sustained these nations’ prosperity for many years; however, an enigmatic Blight now poses a threat to their shaky alliance. In this epic action RPG from a team of Final Fantasy veterans, take on the role of Clive Rosfield, First Shield of Rosaria, and protector of his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Eikon Phoenix.
Gameplay
In the action role-playing game Final Fantasy 16, players assume control of the main character Clive Rosfield, and a rotating group of AI-controlled companions as they navigate divided open areas throughout Valisthea’s continents. The game features recurring Final Fantasy elements like monster types and the bird-like Chocobo. After an engaging prologue, Clive gets to see various locations throughout Valisthea. The map is accessed through a fast travel menu, and the world is divided into three sections: enclosed dungeon environments, town environments, and wider open fields.
Within open zones, one can go by Chocobo or on foot. Clive’s home base serves as a hideout and a central location from which to interact with various shops, such as blacksmiths and potion sellers to upgrade and make equipment, track Clive’s relationships with various characters, and accept side missions like monster hunts and character requests. Players can access Active Time Lore, a database that contains information on characters, locations, and terminology, at any time.
Players navigate the same area during combat, which starts as soon as the enemy spots the party. The other characters are AI-controlled, except Clive, who is the only one with controllable attributes like magic and attack. Another frequent companion is the dog Torgal, who can heal or launch special attacks in response to Clive’s commands. When fighting, Clive can use elemental abilities from Eikons, the game’s version of the recurring Final Fantasy summoned monsters, as well as normal attacks and dodges.
Throughout a fight, Clive can switch between different Eikon abilities and combine them to create unique combos. Combat’s central device is the “Stagger” system, in which the group deals specific types of damage to an opponent to temporarily stun them and expose them to additional attacks. In specific narrative segments, Clive engages in combat with Eikons who possess unique abilities. Clive acquires abilities and fighting styles based on them after vanquishing them.
Characters
The main character of the game is Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of the ruling family of Rosaria, who is denied the position of successor when his younger brother Joshua ascends to the position of Dominant of Phoenix. Clive is capable of obtaining and utilizing the power of multiple Eikons. Clive’s childhood friend Jill Warrick, who becomes Shiva’s Dominant and lives most of her life as a political hostage, will eventually become a companion.
Cidolfus Telamon, the Dominant of Ramuh who offers refuge to Bearers and Dominants and is an incarnation of a recurrent Final Fantasy character, travels with Clive along with his hound Torgal. Hugo Kupka, a significant figure in the Dhalmekian Republic and Dominant of Titan, Benedikta Harman, a Waloed spy and Dominant of Garuda, Dion Lesage, the crown prince of Sanbreque and Dominant of Bahamut, and Barnabas Tharmr, the king of Waloed and Dominant of Odin, are among the other notable figures.
Conclusion
Intricate storytelling and dynamic gameplay are expertly combined in Final Fantasy 16, transporting players to the divided world of Valisthea. It offers an amazing role-playing game experience with its captivating battle system, deep character development, and the redesigned Eikons. A memorable journey is promised by the game’s unique blend of magic, conflict, and drama as Clive Rosfield fights through an aesthetically spectacular world.
