Final Fantasy 16 release date, trailers and latest news
Here’s everything you need to know about Final Fantasy 16
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The release ofFinal Fantasy16 is rapidly approaching, and there’s so much to look forward to within the newest installment. Developed by RPG veterans Square Enix,Final Fantasy 16is an action RPG with a focus on cinematic storytelling, expansive worldbuilding, and breathtaking spectacle.
The latest in the long-running series of narrative-driven games,Final Fantasy 16adds welcome modernizations to the Final Fantasy formula, whilst preserving the characterful storytelling that made its predecessors so iconic.
Taking a leaf out ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remake’s book,Final Fantasy 16is an immersive, accessible experience; bent on telling a story that’ll stick with you. You can read ourFinal Fantasy 16reviewto see how the game landed.
Final Fantasy 16 : cut to the chase
Final Fantasy 16 release date and platforms
Final Fantasy 16launched June 22, 2023 on PS5.
Sonyhas now confirmed that whileFinal Fantasy 16is indeed a PS5 exclusive, it’s only as such for 6 months. It will likely be announced for PC platforms shortly afterward. This information was included in arecent trailer.
Final Fantasy 16 trailers
The latest trailer forFinal Fantasy 16dropped at theMay PlayStation Showcase. The “Salvation” Launch Trailer features almost three minutes of footage from the game. Though it didn’t’t go into many specifics, the trailer did a great job of showing off the scale and spectacle at the heart ofFinal Fantasy 16. One theme is constant, however: protagonist Clive Rosfield will have his work cut out for him.
We’ve included some keyFinal Fantasy 16trailers throughout this article you can find all theFF16trailers that have been released to date onSquare Enix’s official YouTube channel.
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Final Fantasy 16 story and setting
We now know thatFinal Fantasy 16’s story and adventure takes place in a land called Valisthea.
The world is tied to six different Mothercrystals, which have been around for generations. During this time, six powerful nations have risen up around the Mothercrystals and each place now lives in relative peace. As is always the case with Final Fantasy, the blessings bestowed by the Mothercrystals has allowed these powers to thrive, and their people to live in comfort.
Of course, we also learn that the crystals have been the cause of “countless wars”, which eventually formed the six nations now in the game: the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, the Iron Kingdom, and the Crystalline Dominion.
Each place views the world differently and, obviously, this leads to some political disagreements between the nations. However, we know that the emergence of something called a “Blight”, which is spreading across the land, is making these different powers desperate. This is probably where we will begin the game; in the midst of this turbulent time.
In a radio interview (viaKotaku) producer Naoki Yoshida said that whileFinal Fantasy 16is to be “action-oriented” it’s “turning into a Final Fantasy that features both story and action.” According to Yoshida, steps are being taken to accommodate players who prefer story to action, saying, “We strongly want people to enjoy the story, so we’re preparing a mode for those who want to focus on the story”.
Final Fantasy 16 gameplay
Final Fantasy 16is an action RPG, meaning you shouldn’t expect the turn-based combat of older entries, it’s more akin toFinal Fantasy 15orFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. In my hands-on with the game, I was impressed by the fast-paced, frenetic combat which, preserved the empowering spectacle of Final Fantasies past while deftly channeling the cinematic feel of modern real-time spectacle fighters likeDevil May Cry 5.
InFinal Fantasy 16, you control Cilve Rosfield. Unlike in previous games, other members of the party are AI-controlled, however, Clive has enough tricks up his sleeve to keep players on their toes. Throughout battle, Clive cycles between different Eikons, channeling different sets of supernatural powers to produce varied effects.
His default Eikon, Phoenix, is great at dealing damage, but also offers some self-healing and area-of-effect attack options if you’re so inclined. However, once you switch to Garuda, you’ll suddenly find your move set radically different. Even Clive’s basic dash shifts to reflect the agility of the Eikon of wind. In Garuda mode, Clive can dish out rapid combos and mid-air attacks.
Each Eikon you unlock boasts different sets of moves and can be customized accordingly. However, you’ll need to master several of these different modes if you want to navigate throughFinal Fantasy 16’s satisfying, action-oriented combat.
Final Fantasy 16 news
Final Fantasy 16’s endgame is more than your average new game plusFinal Fantasy 16’sdevelopers recently outlined theirplans for the title’s endgame content. These include special trials as well as an entirely new game mode.
Final Fantasy 16 dev promises a deep story full of “bad puns”Final Fantasy 16writer and senior translator Michael-Christopher Koji Fox outlined hisvision for the game’s lore and storytellingin a recent interview, promising a “fantastical and philosophical” tale.
Final Fantasy 16blazes its own trailWe recently had the chance to go hands-on with Final Fantasy 16.You can read ourFinal Fantasy 16preview here, ranging from impressions of the story being told, and the action being baked into the combat.
Now thatFinal Fantasy 16is out, we look to early next year for the release of the next game in the franchise.Here’s everything we know aboutFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthso far.
An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.
A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.
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