Final Fantasy XVI I just received an expanded gameplay reveal at PlayStation’s State of Play event early Friday. The 25-minute footage touched on the game’s summonable eikons and combat, as producer Naoki Yoshida emphasized that having played the previous games isn’t required. In fact, Final Fantasy 16 functions as an entirely separate entry – even in terms of mechanics, which includes real-time action and similar RPG features Devil May Cry. It’s the first in the long-running franchise to ditch its turn-based combat system and will feature a hideout for main character Clive Rosfield, First Shield of Rosaria. FFXVI will be dropped June 22exclusively on the PS5.
in the presentation, Yoshida compared Final Fantasy XVI Gameplay experience like a high speed roller coaster ride. You’ll only ever play as Clive in the fantastical realm of Valisthea as his story unfolds through three crucial and distinct periods of his life – his teenage years, his twenties and his thirties. In addition, the game includes flashback events that will take you back even further to better understand his plight and his journey to becoming a sworn warrior. Navigation is primarily based on a world map, which will be updated with new locations and objective markers as players advance in the narrative. For the record, the main narrative will likely take 35 hours to clear and may stretch to 70-80 hours to fully complete the game.
Fast travel mechanics were also shown during the presentation, followed by a montage of prominent locations ranging from dungeons, lake shores, sprawling bazaars, war zones, and more, while Torgal, our trusty wolf companion, remains by our side. (You can also give him orders.) Combat is flashy and takes place in real-time, with Clive mixing and matching skills he’s learned from defeating Eikons (magical beasts). Elemental attacks like creating a path of piercing icicles, imbuing weapons with fire, and exhaling blue flames with the power of a dragon Eikon – similar to Elden Rings Grafted Dragon – can be seen in Final Fantasy XVI gameplay footage. Ability points gained from defeating enemies can be used to unlock all equipped Eikon abilities or upgrade the existing ones – fairly easily.
To make the experience easier for players unfamiliar with action games, Final Fantasy 16 includes contemporary accessories. The demo featured a combination of the Ring of Timely Focus and the Ring of Timely Strikes, which slows down time allowing you to unleash a heavy combo attack with just the press of a button. There’s also an item that fully automates dodging. Yoshida also mentioned that all party members accompanying Clive on his journey will be fully AI controlled and will provide support during the fight.
All roads lead back to a hideout populated with shops to buy weapons and consumables and a blacksmith to help upgrade weapons. You can then access the Arete Stone to open another realm – a virtual training area to hone attacks and other skill moves. An arcade mode is also included so you can compete with others online for points.
Expect clashes with tons of dominants in the overworld wielding the powers of the Eikons, colossal beasts and mechanized monsters of an ancient civilization. But developers Square Enix claims that the highlight is the fights between Eikon and Eikon, which due to their cinematic size could occasionally involve QTE (quick time events). “These battles differ based on the Eikon encountered, and each showdown is unique, right down to the gameplay,” said Yoshida. “Players will experience everything from a 3D scrolling shooter to a heavyweight wrestling match with devastating attacks that span the entire battlefield.”
Final Fantasy XVI launches June 22nd exclusively at the PS5. A personal computer version was originally slated for release six months later, but Yoshida claims that it might take longer to fully optimize the port.
