2023 is slowly shaping up to be a great year for the video game industry and next June, we get one of the most anticipated of the year: Final Fantasy XVI. This is the latest installment in Square Enix’s iconic RPG saga, which constantly changes its plot, gameplay, and scenario. With each trailer, FFXVI was attracting more attention from the public, but the fans were being cautious, as they needed a real confirmation of its quality. Now, Square Enix allowed some members of the press to try the first hours of Final Fantasy XVI, and the reception is being more than positive.
Will Final Fantasy XVI really live up to its expectations?
IGN was one of the lucky sites that got to experience the first hours of Final Fantasy XVI and had a lot of praise for the game. First, they talked about the story and the characters: FFXVI takes its time to introduce us to the world of “Valesthia”, which has a more medieval and fantastical theme (Compared to other recent titles in the saga) that returns to the original roots of the saga.
Although the media preferred not to spoil anything, they assure that the plot is complex and well told. They also revealed that this game is not afraid to throw you a lot of spectacular scenes, with giant titans fighting each other in these impressive battles that take advantage of the power of the PS5.
But what got the most praise is Final Fantasy XVI’s combat system. All kinds of battles, even those against the most insignificant enemies, feel great. It’s fun, dynamic, and full of different options. It reminds you of classics of the hack & slash genre, such as Devil May Cry, Kingdom Hearts or Nier Automata. According to IGN, this is a very cinematic game and every confrontation feels real. They highlighted that the boss fights (8 in total in the whole demo) were massive and entertaining.
Another interesting preview from the press that we want to highlight is from Polygon , which says that “Final Fantasy XVI is a modern, epic and fast-paced game, with the soul of a PS2 game” And yes, this statement is 100% positive. Later in their article, they clarify that “It also shares DNA with a entire generation of Japanese action role-playing games from the 2000s, during PlayStation 2’s heyday. It has the striking drama, cool and moody attitude, and playful self-mockery that characterized that era. As well as a focused and rushed approach to both narrative and gameplay”
Considering that PS2 gave us some of the best action RPGs in history, this comparison made us even more eager to try Final Fantasy XVI. Other sites were equally positive, such as VGC that said “FFXVI has the potential to claim a role as a definitive RPG of this generation” comparing it with the acclaimed Final Fantasy VII. The bar is very high, but for now it seems that this anticipated title will not disappoint us. The developers confirmed that they listened to the criticisms that Final Fantasy XV had, and applied that in this new installment to make it even better.
Square Enix confirmed that this demo was “A special version made for the media, and the content may differ from the final version” but that’s not very relevant, since it’s evident that Final Fantasy XVI will be an experience as magical, spectacular and entertaining as all these first impressions are saying. Luckily for regular audiences, they confirmed that they will release a Demo before the game’s release, so we can try it ourselves.
Between Resident Evil 4 Remake, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the spot for “Best Game of The Year” (GOTY) for 2023 is very contested. And, from what these previews are saying, it seems that Final Fantasy XVI will join this group to fight for that spot. It will be released on June 22nd for PlayStation 5 (Platform on which it will have a temporary exclusivity, then it will come out for PC) And we can’t wait any longer! It seems that all the waiting and anticipation for Final Fantasy XVI will have been worth it, and we are getting closer and closer to proving it.
About Final Fantasy XVI:
Final Fantasy XVI is an action role-playing video game set in the fantasy world; Valisthea, where people live comfortably thanks to crystal mountains called “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, monsters summoned, controlled or manifested through humans called Dominants.