Final Fantasy XVI took centerstage during a recent Sony State of Play, highlighting the title’s gameplay in detail.
Sony hosted a State of Play for the 16th mainline installment in the long-running role-playing game series, featuring looks at the gameplay, world, and story with developers likening the game to “a high-speed roller coaster ride.” Final Fantasy XVI is slated to release on June 22 on PlayStation 5.
The stream, which producer Naoki Yoshida hosted, expounded on how players will interact with protagonist Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, as players will control him at various points in his life. Yoshida confirmed players will control Clive during his teens, 20s, and 30s.
Yoshida also showed off the various graphics and world, which he said will utilize all the power the PlayStation 5 has to offer.
There was an extensive look at the combat, which featured a mixture of elemental, magic, and physical attacks. The combat appeared stylized and fast-paced.
Final Fantasy XVI looks to utilize a skill tree to help Clive progresses. There will also be accessories that can help those who are not as familiar with action-based combat. The game will also feature a story mode to allow players a chance to just enjoy the narrative.
The stream also revealed more information about each character and how Clive will interact with them. Yoshida confirmed the game will focus on Clive rather than a party as other characters will be AI-controlled. That said, players can grow their relationships with other characters, which will impact how they help them in battle.
A new feature Yoshida revealed included Cid’s Hideaway. This appears to be a hub/home base for Clive on his adventures where players can begin side quests, do training, utilize an arcade mode, and interact with other characters.
There was also a heavy look at the various enemies and creatures. The broadcast featured the Eikons, which were summons from past Final Fantasy games, heavily and how they will combat with other Eikons. These creatures serve as boss battles between Clive and the massive creatures.
Yoshida ended the broadcast by saying there was still a lot to see from the game and he is excited for fans to experience it.
Final Fantasy XVI is set in the land of Valisthea, which has long relied on the power of Mothercrystals in the everyday lives of the citizens. The crystals provide aether that fuels the various magicks throughout the land.
The aether begins to fade, bringing lifeless deadlands to the area. While this is occurring, many begin to doubt their reliance on the crystals.
Square Enix first announced the game in 2020. The developer has released trailers over the past few years slowly before establishing a release date at The Game Awards in 2022.
The game marks the first Mature rating from the ESRB and an 18 rating from PEGI for a mainline game. There has been debate surrounding the combat system as it lends itself to more action-oriented games such as God of War or Devil May Cry.
There is also a lot of anticipation for the game after Final Fantasy XV received mixed reviews.
What are your thoughts on the game after the State of Play? Did the showcase do anything to sway you one way or the other on the game? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
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Source: Square Enix (via Sony)
Featured Image: Square Enix (via Sony)
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