Final Fantasy 16 (FF16) was announced during the PlayStation 5 showcase in September 2020. However, specific details about the game were limited at that time. It was revealed that Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy XIV, would be the producer of FF16, and Hiroshi Takai, the former director of The Last Remnant, would serve as the game's director.
Final Fantasy 16 is expected to be a single-player action role-playing game set in a fantasy world. The game's trailer showcased a medieval setting with knights, magic, and monsters. The story is said to revolve around the struggle between different nations and features a protagonist named Clive Rosfield.
Since my knowledge is not up to date, I don't have information about any developments or specific release date beyond what was available in September 2021. For the latest updates and details about Final Fantasy 16, I recommend referring to official sources, gaming news outlets, or the official Square Enix website.
However, after a lackluster response to the last game, Thursday's release has its work cut out for it.
Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy 16, explains: "Because the Final Fantasy 15 story wasn't as well received as past titles, we needed to focus on regaining players' trust, and showing them again that this series is all about the story."
The plot, which was clearly influenced by fantasy shows like "Game of Thrones," prompts players to consider how they may better care for the earth. This is a recurring motif in the franchise's canon.
Naoki Yoshida has said, "I look at games as entertainment, I hope that through this entertainment players can take something away," therefore the player is free to draw whatever conclusions they like from the games' content. Though environmental and related discussions are crucial, I believe that Final Fantasy 16's emphasis on the existence of evil, both external and internal, is just as significant. There is a darkness we must face in order to emerge victorious tomorrow. However, I can't suggest that this is how the gamers should feel; their interpretations will vary greatly. But if they do, that's a source of great pride and joy for us.
To avoid turning off potential players who may have different ideas, most games avoid overt messaging on social or political matters.
According to Eurogamer reviewer Aoife Wilson, the series' environmental messages are unmistakable: At its core, I believe that most Final Fantasy games include a message about environmental protection and the dangers of using the planet's resources for one's own gain.
"What I appreciate most about 16 is that, more so than previous titles, it makes an effort to say all that from a very human perspective," the reviewer said.
