Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshidaannounced that the game’s main theme, “Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing,” was written and performed by recording artist Kenshi Yonezu.
“Words cannot express the impact Final Fantasy has had on my life,” Yonezu said in a message. “I never thought or imagined that I would ever receive an opportunity like this. I wrote this song especially for this game. Thank you.”
Yoshida added, “When I found out that we’d be able to work with Yonezu-san, 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 Final Fantasy fan, so please look forward to hearing his theme song!”
Clive’s Hideout, which serves as his base camp throughout the game, was revealed at State of Play. The footage showcased Clive preparing for upcoming battles by crafting items with gathered materials or tackling training modes.
Players can also complete a variety of side quests as well as Mob Hunts, that allows you to take on stronger enemies. Mob Hunts can be accepted from the Hunt Board where you’ll spot a familiar face from the series—Moogle!
Loresman Harpocrates and Vivian Ninetales
Loresman Harpocrates appears in Clive’s Hideout. He studies the history and customs of Valisthea, researching the local climate, folklore, religion, and traditions.
Harpocrates is very curious about Clive’s stories he takes home from his adventures. As Clive shares his past experiences, Harpocrates gains new knowledge as a researcher. And the Thousand Tomes in which he keeps records of his knowledge, will become more and more complete.
You can read up on everything about Valisthea if you visit Harpocrates and unravel the Thousand Tomes for yourself. Don’t forget to talk to Harpocrates when you stop by the Hideout during your travels.
Vivian the Military Scholar is well versed in the affairs of the countries of Valisthea and gives Clive lectures at various points in the story. You can talk to her in the Hideout as well.
Vivian is very knowledgeable about present day Valisthea, as well as its history. She will be happy to bestow you with knowledge of the past. With her help, you can explore the details of ever-changing character relationships and world affairs during specific time periods. Whenever you want to review the story so far or determine where Clive should go next, her knowledge will surely be of great help.
We hope you take advantage of their extensive knowledge to further immerse yourself in the story of Final Fantasy XVI!
New Combat Showcase
The latter half of the show was focused on combat. The show revealed new footage of Clive’s action gameplay, titanic clashes between the Eikons themselves, and epic Eikonic abilities.
—Clive strikes against multiple enemies during a gameplay action sequence.
—This time, Clive battles against numerous foes in a castle courtyard.
—A close up of the Eikon Ifrit’s face. A red glow pulses through his teeth, contrasting with the pale blue in his eyes.
—A figure floats in the skies above.
The show also unveiled many other details and characters for the very first time, so keep your eyes peeled!
Final Fantasy XVI is due out for PlayStation 5 on June 22.
Watch the footage below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.
State of Play
English
Japanese
Transcript
Hello, everyone!
This is Naoki Yoshida, Producer of Final Fantasy XVI. And welcome to the State of Play!
Today, I’m here to talk a little about the story, world, and combat system of Final Fantasy XVI, as well as reveal all-new information regarding the game’s wide variety of RPG elements and support systems.
We’ll be talking you through everything while using never-before-seen gameplay footage running on the PlayStation 5. I hope you’ll stay with us until the end of the show and enjoy everything we have in store for you.
With that, let’s get started!
“You all know the target, Shiva’s Dominant.”
“And only the Dominant.”
“Focus, Wyvern.”
“You are key to this mission’s success.”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
“I said focus, Wyvern.”
“Home, sweet home.”
Allow me to welcome you to the world of Final Fantasy XVI.
Final Fantasy XVI is the latest installment in the Final Fantasy series, a storied franchise with 35 years of history. Yet while this is the 16th mainline title in the series, there’s absolutely no need to have played any of the previous games before jumping in.
With a fusion of real-time action and RPG features, Final Fantasy XVI has been developed as the first true action-RPG in the series. Using the power of the PlayStation 5 to its fullest, the game delivers an expansive, thrilling gameplay experience which we liken to a high-speed rollercoaster ride.
“Come to me, Ifrit!”
The protagonist of our story is Clive Rosfield, and his journey takes place in the realm of Valisthea. We follow the epic tale of Clive, Shield of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, as it unfolds across three distinct periods in our hero’s life: His teens, twenties, and thirties.
“Biast!”
*groan*
While the story begins with Clive in his twenties, a fully playable flashback will allow you to experience the pivotal events that shaped his past and present. thus does the curtain open on this newest Final Fantasy adventure.
“Clive…I…”
(loud scream)
“Kill him, now.”
(screaming)
“The Phoenix.”
“Joshua!”
(roaring)
Navigation in Final Fantasy XVI is driven via a World Map, with locations being added and updated as players progress through the main narrative. The World Map can be opened at any time, allowing players access to all manner of locations across Valisthea. Here, players will meet new friends, encounter formidable foes, and uncover great and wondrous mysteries.
Next, I’d like to talk about the combat of Final Fantasy XVI. All the battles in the game take place in real-time, and are not turn-based. As Clive progresses through the story, he will learn a wide array of exciting abilities from the Eikons that he encounters. Now, let’s take a moment to admire Clive in action.
The abilities that Clive wields have unique characteristics depending on the Eikon they are derived from. Players can use ability points, collected by defeating enemies, to unlock more abilities or upgrade existing ones. Can’t decide which Eikonic ability to unlock or upgrade? No problem! You can let the game choose for you.
Final Fantasy XVI includes a range of “timely accessories” to provide support to those players who may not be so skilled at action games, bringing them a truly enjoyable experience. Players are encouraged to equip Clive with different combinations of these accessories until they find the one that perfectly matches their own playstyle. A combination I can particularly recommend to those who may struggle with action gameplay is the Ring of Timely Focus and the Ring of Timely Strikes. This combination allows players to unleash a wide array of different techniques just by pressing a single attack button, as well as shifting into a window of slow-motion whenever Clive is about to be hit by an attack, giving them a little extra time to hit R1 and evade. Alternatively, players could equip an accessory that fully automates evasion. As I said before, I really encourage everyone to discover the combination that works best for them.
And for those who want to concentrate on the story, don’t forget to choose Story Focused mode before starting a new game. In this mode, timely accessories are automatically equipped from the start, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative experience without having to worry too much with the action.
Clive will meet many characters along his journey who will join him as friends and allies.
“This place… These are Fallen ruins.”
“Well, we didn’t think they’d mind.”
“And it keeps the black from our lungs.”
“But how do you survive without magic?”
Cidolfus, who becomes a mentor to Clive. Jill, a friend from Clive’s youth. Such encounters and reunions will set Clive on a path of great personal growth.
“It is.”
“Clive.”
Some of these companions will even accompany Clive on his adventures, fighting alongside him, and finding lots to talk about along the way. That said, players will only need to focus on controlling Clive. Party members are fully AI-driven, providing support for the hero and constantly adapting and responding to his actions.
Oh, and we cannot forget Torgal! (howling) A smart, strong, and fiercely loyal hound, Torgal is always by Clive’s side and willing to stand by him in the face of whatever cruel fate may befall them. Torgal will act of his own accord, but players can also give him direct commands. Just don’t forget to give this good boy some treats every now and then.
“Goetz, get her upstairs.”
“B-but Nan will—”
“Don’t fret about Charon. I’ve taken care of her fee.”
“All of it?”
“She’s the best healer this side of the Belt.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“Go on. Have a look around.
“I’ll be in my solar.”
After progressing somewhat through the game, Clive will gain access to Cid’s Hideaway. Here in the Hideaway, Clive will find a shop where he can purchase new weapons, armor, and consumables such as potions.
“You’ll not find a better price than that.”
Blackthorne, a highly skilled blacksmith, works the Hideaway’s forge. Bring him materials to craft new gear or upgrade existing items.
After upgrading your equipment or unlocking new abilities, try accessing the Arete Stone. Here, players can enter a virtual training area outside the bounds of time and space, where they are free to refine and practice combos of their very own. Once you’re confident in your skills, try your hand at Arcade Mode and see how your scores stack up against players from around the world.
The hideaway is home to a lot of other features, as well. Not only will players discover a variety of sidequests here, but they can also view information on quests offerd all around Valisthea.
“All right, Clive? Still busy saving the world?”
“Mid. When did you get back?”
“Oh, I wasn’t expecting you back so soon.”
Visit the Hunt Board to gain information on elite marks, fearsome foes lurking about the realm in desperate need of slaying. The moogle will be your guide!
There’s also Loresman Harpocrates, who will unlock Valisthea’s secrets as Clive recounts tales of his adventures.
“I have quite the find for you today.”
“You wish to study the Tomes?”
“Here for another of my lectures?”
And Vivian Ninetales, a scholar and strategist who will be more than happy to explain to Clive the current state of the realm and provide information on key players.
There are all kinds of interactions and features in the hideaway to help players get even more enjoyment out of their time with Final Fantasy XVI.
On his travels, Clive will encounter a wide array of fearsome foes. He will, of course, clash with the Dominants who wield the power of the Eikons. Colossal beasts who hold the surrounding lands under their sway. Mysterious constructs of the Fallen, a civilization shrouded in mystery.
And we cannot forget the Eikons themselves. Experience unparalleled real-time action combat, as Clive takes command of the Eikonic might coursing through his veins and shatters his very limits!
The shining point of Final Fantasy XVI, however, has to be the breathtaking Eikon versus Eikon battles. These epic confrontations all play out in real time, allowing players to control their very own Eikon with their own hands. These battles differ depending on the Eikon encountered, and every showdown is unique, right down to gameplay. Players will experience everything from a 3D scrolling shooter to a heavyweight wrestling match with devastating attacks that encompass the entire battlefield. These massive-scale boss battles are entirely seamless, and I can promise you heart-stopping, controller-gripping excitement. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on the game for yourself!
“Nice trick.”
“But if you can do it, then so can I!”
So, everyone, what did you think? Thank you for taking the time to join us today. Final Fantasy XVI will be available worldwide on June 22. And there’s still plenty that we’ve left to reveal, battle content, side content, end-game content, and more. We hope to bring you more on these aspects of the game in the near future.
Also, I’m truly excited to finally be able to reveal that Final Fantasy XVI‘s main theme was written and performed by one of Japan’s greatest recording artists, Kenshi Yonezu.
We’ve still got a lot more in store for you in the coming weeks, and I hope you’ll all pre-order the game and join us in Valisthea on release day.
This has been Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy XVI. See you again soon!
Theme Song “Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing” Teaser Video
GameStop Interview with Naoki Yoshida and Michael-Christopher “Koji” Fox
