FORMAT PS5 / ETA 22 JUN / PUB SQUARE ENIX DEV SQUARE ENIX / PLAYERS 1
Seven years on from the last mainline Final Fantasy, expectations for the next couldn’t be higher. In celebration of 35 years of history, XVI hews close to series traditions in some regards while making big swings elsewhere – and we’ve played it.
“WARS ARE FOUGHT AND WON WITH THE EIKONS’ POWER – AND ENTIRE TERRITORIES LEVELLED JUST AS EASILY.”
New setting Valisthea is described as ‘a realm in its twilight,’ incorporating familiar series touchstones such as crystals alongside a recognisable roster of summonable beasties, though both enjoy a fresh spin here. Valisthea is not, strictly speaking, an open world, instead composed of large, detailed areas with many paths to explore, through the volcanic outcrops of the Iron Kingdom to the shifting sands of the Dhalmekian Republic.
Glimmering obelisks called Mothercrystals punctuate the land
