'Final Fantasy XVI' official website teases new artwork, characters
Square Enix recently released stunning new artwork for Final Fantasy XVI and launched an official website that offers an introduction on the game's world and characters.
The 16th stand-alone title in the storied Final Fantasy franchise is set in Valisthea, a land blessed with Mothercrystals, glittering mountains of crystal that produce magic-giving aether.
Countless wars have been fought over the Mothercrystals all around the land, leading to the rise of nations (reminiscent of the Great Houses in Game of Thrones) such as the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, and the Iron Kingdom, each with their own culture and ideology.
The main image for the upcoming Final Fantasy title features the protagonist Clive Rosefield, a swordsman dubbed the "First Shield of Rosaria" who is tasked to guard the Phoenix who has blessed him with the ability to wield a part of his fire.
Previously seen in the Final Fantasy XVI Awakening trailer revealed during Sony's Playstation 5 showcase in September, we learn that the young knight is the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria who becomes the protector of his frail and bookish younger brother, Joshua Rosefield, which destiny chose to be the “Dominant of the Phoenix” or Eikon of Fire, instead of Clive.
Those familiar with the previous games in the Final Fantasy series, may know Eikons as “Summons” or Guardian Forces that can be junctioned to characters and called upon during battles. In this latest FF game, Eikons are considered the most lethal creatures in Valisthea.
As a Dominant, Joshua has the power of an Eikon residing within him and can transform into the Phoenix to fight and protect his nation. The “Awakening” trailer featured a few of the destructive Eikons in action such as the Phoenix, Titan, Shiva, and Ifrit.
The two brothers find a trusted confidant in Jill Warrick, a young girl taken from her homeland in the Northern Territories and raised as a ward of Rosaria, securing peace between the two warring realms.
The development team behind the upcoming game announced that they are currently working together on a massive scale to bring an all-new game worthy of the Final Fantasy name.
In a statement, Director HIroshi Takai said: “Though we're pouring our hearts and souls into this project each and every day, it may still be some time before we can get it into your hands. However I promise, the wait will be worth it!”
While their next big announcement is expected to drop in 2021, at least fans have the newly launched Final Fantasy XVI teaser website, to check out to get more artwork and details on the game’s world.
No announcement has been made yet regarding Final Fantasy XVI’s release date, but it’s expected to be released for PlayStation 5 and PC.
(Images via Square Enix Co.)