Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI is an action role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Valisthea, where the people live comfortably thanks to mountains of crystal called the Mothercrystals. The world is controlled by six factions: the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, the Iron Kingdom, and the Crystalline Dominion. A central part of the plot are the Eikons, summoned monsters controlled by or manifesting through humans called Dominants.[1]

The main cast includes Clive Rosfield, Joshua Rosfield, and Jill Warrick. Clive is the firstborn child of the Archduke of Rosaria who embarks on a quest for revenge after tragic events involving the dark Eikon Ifrit. Joshua Rosfield, Clive's younger brother, is the Dominant of the Eikon Phoenix and heir apparent to Rosaria. Jill Warrick, a girl from the fallen Northern Territories is Clive and Joshua's foster sister and confidant.[2] Gameplay has Clive fighting using a combination of melee-based sword attacks and magical abilities.[3][4]

The game is planned to feature various gameplay modes, including one that focuses on the story of the game and provides hints as to what to do next.[5]

Final Fantasy XVI is developed by Square Enix's Creative Business Unit III, the same division behind the development and maintenance of the online game Final Fantasy XIV.[6] It is produced by Naoki Yoshida, who has the dual role of producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV; and directed by Hiroshi Takai, known for his work on the SaGa series and The Last Remnant.[3][7]

During the original announcement the game was also said to be developed for Microsoft Windows;[8][9] this was later retracted, with Square Enix announcing it as a timed console exclusive for the PlayStation 5.[10][11] The game's release date has yet to be announced.[12] The release of information was intended to prevent rampant speculation around small details, with the reveals instead being created around clearly showing what kind of game Final Fantasy XVI is.[13] In-game footage was presented instead of cut scenes to showcase that the game was well into development, and would not be released far into the future.[14] The graphics were still being optimized at the time of the trailer's release.[14]

As of Fall 2020, basic work on development and game scenarios was complete and work was continuing on "large scale" resources like boss battles and development tools.[15] By July 2021, Yoshida reported that the storyline was almost completed, and voice recording for English and Japanese was in its final stages.[16] He also stated that it might skip the 2021 Tokyo Game Show, wishing to only reveal the game when it was further polished.[17] At the end of December 2021, Yoshida announced that issues related to COVID-19 had delayed the game's development by half a year and that more details would be announced in spring 2022.[18] By April 2022, Yoshida stated that the game was in the final stages of development. [19]

• Official website