A new Final Fantasy XVI trailer, called “Ambition,” just released and includes many new details regarding the game’s plot.
This latest entry in the long-running series that helped cement Japanese role-playing games as a staple genre is set in Valisthea, a dying land with numerous territories vying for control of the crystals. These crystals can either restore life to the world or hasten its demise.
The trailer gives viewers a closer look at Clive, the main protagonist, and Joshua, his younger brother. Joshua, as a Dominant, can summon the Phoenix beast to aid Clive in battle.
There was a brief glimpse of some of the Eikon battles that will take place between various Dominants, which Naoki Yoshida, aka Yoshi-P, mentioned in the past will feel unique and have individual systems.
Final Fantasy XVI is graphically comparable to Final Fantasy XIV and made by the same producer who is responsible for keeping the beloved franchise alive and well (Yoshi-P).
Furthermore, it appears as though the series will continue the action-oriented combat systems present in more recent core releases like Final Fantasy XV, Final Fantasy VII: Remake, and Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. This decision is designed to appeal to younger audiences.
Despite focusing on younger players who are likely not as familiar with the series as loyal long-time fans, Final Fantasy XVI plans to deliver a mature storyline with a team composed of the industry’s greatest veterans. Ryota Suzuki, who worked on Dragon’s Dogma and Devil May Cry 5, serves as combat director. Hiroshi Takai, director of the Last Remnant, is leading this project.
In a recent Twitter statement, both Yoshi-P and Takai said that “the team has turned a corner and enter the home stretch…now that things are starting to come together, the game is sizing up to be something truly special.”
Final Fantasy XVI is currently slated for release in the Summer of 2023 on PlayStation 5. Shortly after, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is poised to launch in Winter 2023.