Barbara
# FINAL FANTASY XVI: AN IMPRESSIVE STATE OF PLAY SHOWCASE
As the video game hype generation heats up this summer, Final Fantasy XVI will not be outdone by Tears of the Kingdom. In a State of Play presentation, the game showcased over 20 minutes of impressive gameplay, visually stunning cutscenes, and a satisfying combat system.
# A HIGH-SPEED ROLLERCOASTER
Final Fantasy XVI is a beautiful game with a perfect blend of cutscenes and gameplay. The developers’ goal was to create a “high-speed rollercoaster,” and the presentation showed Clive’s slick, exciting combat, with flips, dips, and satisfying parries. The game offers gamers smaller activities and side quests while saving the world, like completing hunts, among others. The game will begin with small tasks like “head to the village” and progress to more challenging quests like “kill god,” a typical cadence in Final Fantasy stories.
# EIKONS BATTLES
The presentation focused on Eikon battles, where Clive fights various Eikons (summons previously found in other Final Fantasy games) to win their powers. Each battle is unique, with some, like the one against Garuda, being brutal 1v1 beatdowns. Others, like the epic struggle between Phoenix and Bahamut, offer reminiscent aerial combat in Panzer Dragoon.
# BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
Final Fantasy XVI’s gameplay showcase was in line with our hands-on experience earlier this year. It offered gamers an opportunity to see the beautiful landscapes of Valisthea, which was a defining element of Final Fantasy XV. While tonally different, both games share a similarity in exploration and wonder of beautiful landscapes.
# TOGETHER ON THE QUEST
Clive will be joined by other party members as he progresses through the game. The game’s AI will control human companions, but players will command Torgal, the faithful hound, who can heal and fight enemies.
# HOPE FOR IMPROVED DIVERSITY
While the gameplay, chocobos, and even moogles were impressive, we are most excited to hear Masayoshi Soken’s soundtrack. Unfortunately, Game director Naoki Yoshida has disappointed us with his comments on diversity in the game, hinting that players would have to “see for themselves.” Nevertheless, we still hope they address the issues of diversity in the game.
# AN EPIC SOUNDTRACK
We heard a range of music from mellow acoustic guitar tracks to hype-as-hell orchestral themes punctuated by a chorus shouting unintelligible words, reminding us of one of the best pieces of Final Fantasy music in existence, “Liberi Fatali.” Overall, the presentation was fun and exciting, leaving us eagerly awaiting the full game’s release.
# FINAL FANTASY XVI AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION 5
Final Fantasy XVI launches on PlayStation 5 on June 22nd. Judging from the impressive gameplay and features showcased, the game promises to deliver a thrilling and engaging experience. Get ready to embark on Clive’s high-speed rollercoaster and defeat Eikons.
Sources:
– https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/2/23152282/final-fantasy-xvi-trailer-release-date-summer-2023
– https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/23620217/final-fantasy-xvi-diversity-naoki-yoshida-interview
– https://youtu.be/qVI77_XHYXw
