Square Enix revealed captivating new gameplay and RPG elements for the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XVI through a dedicated PlayStation State of Play broadcast. The latest standalone title in the esteemed franchise is set to release exclusively for PlayStation 5 on June 22, 2023. The new footage offered fans a closer look at the groundbreaking Eikon battles and the game’s role-playing aspects.
The full Final Fantasy XVI State of Play video can be viewed here.
The broadcast unveiled various aspects of the upcoming game, such as new Hideaway advisors, a training function, and additional hunts. The Hideaway serves as protagonist Clive’s base and allows players to delve deeper into the world of Valisthea by interacting with historian Harpocrates and military scholar Vivian.
The ‘Arete Stone’ in the Hideaway offers access to a training mode, enabling players to practice their skills and combinations. Furthermore, players can embark on more adventures by checking Wanted Posters and tracking down powerful monsters in the game world for valuable rewards.
Additionally, Square Enix announced that celebrated singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, known for his record-setting single ‘Lemon,’ will perform the game’s theme song, titled ‘Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing.’ A teaser video for the theme song is available here.
Yonezu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Words cannot express the impact Final Fantasy has had on my life. I never thought or imagined that I would ever receive an opportunity like this. I wrote this song especially for this game. Thank you.”
Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida shared his excitement, saying, “When I found out that we’d be able to work with Mr. Yonezu, I was not only surprised but overjoyed. I’m a big fan of Yonezu’s work, and I know that he has a passion for creating music that resonates across the generations, so I was sure that he’d be able to capture the world, the story, and the themes of Final Fantasy XVI. He’s not only an amazing artist but also an avid gamer and a Final Fantasy fan, so please look forward to hearing his theme song!”
