We played 90 minutes of FinalFantasyXVI and walked away craving more of its high-octane, real-time combat.
Disclaimer per Square Enix regarding the demo build previewed below: “This is a special version made for media to experience, and contents may differ from the final version … FINAL FANTASY XVI © 2023 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.”
Back to high fantasy What’s particularly funny about Final Fantasy XVI is that it’s both a total departure and a return to form. In a presentation before my hands-on session, I’m given a grand overview of the standalone game’s high fantasy setting. It’s about everything I’d expect from a classic entry in the series, with a multi-empire conflict set in the world of Valisthea that revolves around giant blue crystals and the people who seek to wield them.
“For me, a Final Fantasy has to have that deep story,” producer Naoki Yoshida tells Digital Trends. “It has to have that complex game experience. It has to have a unique battle system, great graphics, great sound … and then chocobos and moogles! Final Fantasy XVI has all of those, so I think we’ve made something that feels like Final Fantasy.”
The big twist, though, is tied to Eikons. As Clive acquires the essence of different elemental creatures, he gains access to a host of abilities for each that operate on a cooldown. When his fire ability is equipped, you can press the circle button to warp toward an enemy. Holding down R2 and pressing the attack buttons fires off different skills , like a fiery uppercut. In my demo, I’m able to hold three of those powers at once and cycle between them on the fly with L2.
Though that might not be the most creatively satisfying answer, the team hasn’t entirely thrown history out with its new combat. In fact, Takai notes that the system has a surprising link to a classic entry in the series.
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