Square Enix has released big-budget RPG Final Fantasy 16, exclusively on PlayStation 5 ($69.99).
Billed as the first action-RPG of the mainline series, FF16 features a more dynamic, combo-driven combat system, as swordsman Clive unleashes the power of Eikons, hugely powerful summonable creatures that exist in the medieval fantasy world of Valisthea.
Eikons are also powerful enemies in their own right. It’s one such Eikon, Ifrit, that brings down Clive’s world early on, putting him on a quest for vengeance.
Clive will travel the world, meeting other Dominants, men and women capable of wielding Eikons, making new friends and enemies.
The development team, headed by Naoki Yoshida (Final Fantasy XIV), focused on accessibility. Players can customize their difficulty and playstyle with the use of Timely Accessories. And the Active Time Lore system is a helpful display of lore and information about whatever’s on screen or recently encountered.
For those of us who take months to play through a single JRPG, that’s a welcome addition!
A free demo for FF 16 is available on the PlayStation store. The demo features the full opening prologue (which carries over to the full game), as well as a special battle demo that unlocks after completing the prologue. The battle demo shows off later-game skills and abilities.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PS5 as a timed exclusive for at least six months. It’s rated M for Mature.
