Final Fantasy stands as one of gaming’s oldest and most cherished epics, a long-running JRPG collection that has won the hearts of millions over thirty years. Each new Square Enix release feels like a landmark moment, and the anticipation around a fresh entry—especially one as ambitious as Final Fantasy XVI for PS5—has fans counting the days until its release on June 22. This isn’t hyperbole; the game has already sparked considerable buzz and speculation among players and critics alike.
Early impressions come from hands-on time with the title, providing a glimpse of what could become a standout candidate for Game of the Year. The excitement surrounding Final Fantasy XVI is palpable, and the early previews hint at a major shift in the series’ trajectory.
One stop for epic
During a hands-on session led by Naoki Yoshida, the producer of Final Fantasy XVI, alongside art director Hiroshi Minagawa and location director Michael-Christopher Koji Fox, attendees experienced two distinct pre-release demos. The first is a larger playground designed for exploration, while the second focuses on combat mechanics and battlefield action. Both demos will be available on the PS5 Store as separate trial experiences, with the event serving as a showcase of what players can expect in the final game.
The session left a powerful impression. Yoshida explained that Final Fantasy XVI represents a turning point for the series, with the most noticeable change being the real-time combat system. It’s intuitive enough to learn quickly, yet deep enough to reward mastery and experimentation. The real-time combat promises a dynamic and visceral feel that could redefine how battles unfold in the franchise.
The best battles in the series
fans may welcome the move to real-time combat, anticipating an experience that is more fluid, spectacular, and ambitious than any previous chapter. The previews showcased battles that highlight an expansive toolkit of actions, combos, evasion maneuvers, and a diverse magic system. The encounters included varied boss fights that left a memorable impression without revealing key spoilers, providing a sense of the scale and drama players can expect from large-scale engagements.
These previews also hinted at a broad variety of class-based magic, summons, and special moves that deepen strategic options during combat. The battles appear to balance spectacle with depth, offering moments of intense action while inviting careful planning and timing. The demonstrations emphasized the visual flair and the precision of execution expected from a modern Final Fantasy encounter.
Very careful plot and graphics
Regarding the game system, Yoshida outlined that Final Fantasy XVI will not be an open-world title in the traditional sense. Instead, it will be a richly crafted action RPG with a playable scope comparable to acclaimed adventures that balance scale with focused storytelling. The narrative centers on Clive, a compelling new protagonist whose journey unfolds through various stages of life, relationships, and personal growth. The storytelling is designed to weave intimate character moments with sweeping epic arcs, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience.
On the visuals, the development team is proud of the presentation. The environments showcase remarkable detail, with character expressions, lighting, and effects crafted to a high standard. The boss encounters are depicted with impressive precision, contributing to the game’s overall dramatic impact. The accompanying soundtrack is described as a defining feature, set to elevate key moments and heighten the sense of immersion.
A new masterpiece from Square Enix
Even with only a few hours of play, it’s clear that Final Fantasy XVI aims to stand among the best recent Square Enix releases. The studio has a track record of memorable titles, from Final Fantasy VII Remake to Octopath Traveler II and Live A Live, and the early impressions suggest XVI could join that esteemed lineup. The game appears poised to deliver a level of quality that fans have come to expect from the company.
The anticipation surrounding the June 22 release is immense, with many predicting that Final Fantasy XVI will mark a pivotal moment for the series. The combination of a compelling story, refined visuals, and a freshly energized combat system positions the title as a potential before-and-after moment for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Players in North America and beyond are hopeful for an experience that lives up to the legendary heritage of Final Fantasy while pushing the series into new creative territory.