The most recent action-packed PlayStation State of Play livestream unveiled plenty of new details surroundingFinal Fantasy 16, including the game’s hub world, side quests, and even pulse-pounding Eikon battles. The wait for the latest installment of the long-running and incredibly popularFinal Fantasyseries is almost over, asFinal Fantasy 16is set to release on the PlayStation 5 on June 22. This comes after a nearly three-year wait and an increasingly steady drip of new information regardingFinal Fantasy 16’s story and gameplay.
Final Fantasy 16looks to continueFinal Fantasy 15’s shift from the traditional turn-based battle system from past installments to a real-time battle system that draws comparisons to high-octane slashers likeDevil May Cry 5. Its story will also be much darker than past mainlineFinal Fantasyentries, asFinal Fantasy 16will be the first M-rated game in the main seriesand is set in a gritty, war-torn realm named Valisthea. There, a royal son named Clive will embark on a quest for vengeance following an attack on his kingdom.
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During theFinal Fantasy 16PlayStation State of Play livestream, producer Naoki Yoshida went over many aspects of the game, includingClive’s personal quest for revengeand the many skills and allies he will gain along the way. Clive’s story will be told across three time periods, with fully playable flashbacks set during his teens, 20s, and 30s. Battles will be set in real-time, and players will be able to customize Clive’s equipment and Eikon-based powers to suit their personal playstyle using ability points earned in combat.
The Eikons these powers are derived from areFinal Fantasy 16’s version of the franchise’s classic summons, and players will be able to control these great creatures directlyduring special Eikon battles. These high-octane fights feature different gameplay styles, such as high-flying shootouts between winged beasts and brutal wrestling matches pitting monsters like Ifrit and Titan against each other. Outside of battle, Clive will be able to rest and converse with his fellow party members in Cid’s underground hideout, where he can accept side quests and gain new insights into Valisthea from the many NPCs taking refuge alongside him.
This PlayStation State of Play offered up the deepest look into the world, characters, andgameplay ofFinal Fantasy 16, and Naoki Yoshida has promised even more reveals to come asFinal Fantasy 16’s June release date draws ever closer. From a grittier plot to adrenaline-packed Eikon fights,Final Fantasy 16appears to be a different beast from past entries in many ways - and it won’t be too much longer before fans can dive into the brutal realm of Valisthea for themselves.
Final Fantasy 16launches on June 22 for PS5.
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