Square Enix unveiled more than 20 minutes of unseen gameplay during a PlayStation State of Play broadcast, adding new details about the world and core mechanics for the next Final Fantasy game. Final Fantasy XVI will release for PlayStation 5 on June 22, 2023, and the showcase highlighted its RPG elements and Eikon battles, setting the stage for an ambitious new chapter in the series.
Clive Rosfield’s Journey
Final Fantasy XVI marks the franchise’s first action role-playing game in a dark fantasy setting. The world of Valisthea is defined by towering Eikons and the Dominants who command them, shaping the destiny of nations. The narrative follows Clive Rosfield, who has sworn to protect his younger brother while navigating heavy moral choices and shifting loyalties. The latest material reveals new characters who influence Clive’s path, including Hideout advisors who guide him, and the relationships that define his actions. Viewers glimpse the intricate network of allies and rivals, from military scholars to learned historians, offering a window into how the world has evolved from past to present tensions in Valisthea.
Final Fantasy XVI invites players to explore the land, witness evolving political dynamics, and encounter a cast whose fates are intertwined with the history of the realm. The trailer and accompanying materials emphasize the personal burden carried by Clive as he confronts choices that affect not only his family but the future of the entire kingdom.
New Functions
Players can expect practical additions to gameplay, including a training mode accessed through the Stone Earring within the Sanctuary. This feature provides a space to practice combos and sharpen timing after learning new abilities. Additional adventures unfold from Hideouts, where players can consult Wanted posters to locate powerful monsters roaming Valisthea. Defeating these formidable foes rewards players with valuable loot and resources that empower later encounters and progression.
Kenshi Yonezu’s Theme Song
In a collaboration described as deeply meaningful, Kenshi Yonezu, a celebrated singer-songwriter known for groundbreaking works, performs the theme song Tsuki Wo Miteita Moongazing. Yonezu shared that his involvement stems from a profound connection to Final Fantasy and the opportunity to contribute a piece crafted specifically for the game. The track will be released as an exclusive PlayStation 5 feature on the launch date, June 22, 2023, tying the emotional resonance of the music to the epic scale of Valisthea.