An epic dark fantasy where fates are decided by mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a tragic warrior who swears revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that leaves naught but calamity in its wake.
RPG Gamers summaryFINAL FANTASY XVI is the first mainline, fully-fledged Action RPG in the iconic Final Fantasy series. The game is set in an epic dark fantasy world where the land’s fate is shaped by mighty creatures called Eikons, and the Dominants who control them. The story revolves around the saga of Clive Rosfield, a warrior tasked with protecting his younger brother, Joshua, who is a Dominant of the Phoenix Eikon. As tragedy strikes, Clive swears retribution against the Dark Eikon, Ifrit, a shadowy entity breeding havoc.
In terms of gameplay, rival Dominants instigate gargantuan battles, putting their Eikons to the test. The protagonist, Clive, employs several Eikons’ powers throughout the game in fast-paced encounters. This dynamic highlights the game’s ‘Eikonic Action’ system, where Clive’s fighting style is determined by the player’s choices and upgrades that can either be manually selected or set for automatic unlock.
The game offers different modes catering to the gamers’ preferences. For a more story-centric experience, the game provides a ‘Story-focused mode’ making combat easier with automatic evasions and simplified special moves. Conversely, for players eager to take full control of their actions, the ‘Action-focused mode’ facilitates a more challenging and immersive journey.
The game also offers a bunch of bonuses for early purchases and special editions. Pre-orders come with unique items such as the ‘Cait Sith’s Charm’, the ‘Sixteen Bells Orchestrion Roll’, and the weapon ‘Brave Blade’. Additionally, FINAL FANTASY XVI COMPLETE EDITION, a bundle, includes the base game and the DLCs - “Echoes of the Fallen” and “The Rising Tide”. The bundle also contains specially redeemable weapons and items that bring a nostalgic feel to the long-time fans of the franchise.
The DLCs, “Echoes of the Fallen” and “The Rising Tide”, introduce new story elements, unlocking after specific points in the game. They add intrigue with new mysteries, quests, and add-ons, such as weapons and music rolls. They can be acquired individually or in the Expansion Pass at a discounted price.
Last but not least, Square Enix provides a demo version allowing players to experience the game’s opening section. The data can also be transferred to the game’s full version. The demo includes ‘Eikonic Challenge’ mode, especially for trying out FINAL FANTASY XVI’s intense combat system.
In all, FINAL FANTASY XVI appears to present a dark and daunting world filled with spectacular battles, equipped with nostalgic elements treating the long-time fans, while also introducing features that make it inviting for new players to the series.
