Final Fantasy 15 Seamlessly Ignites the Path for FF16

Final Fantasy 16, which is scheduled for release later this month, has provided players with a substantial demo that offers several hours of gameplay. The demo effectively showcases the intricacy of the game's world, while also incorporating nods to previous installments in the series.

SPOILER ALERT: The demo for FF16 potentially includes a reference to the divisive Final Fantasy 15, the previous mainline game in the franchise. Despite the noticeable departure in style between the two games, the opening moments of Final Fantasy 16 may be intentionally connected to the conclusion of Final Fantasy 15, symbolizing a seamless transition between the two titles.

Keeping Final Fantasy 16's Scope Condensed

Final Fantasy 15 sparked mixed reactions upon its debut and continues to do so among both supporters and critics. It was generally regarded as underwhelming due to its simplistic combat mechanics and an incomplete storyline that left numerous unresolved plot points, some of which were hastily discarded or clarified through external sources. While certain inquiries were addressed through downloadable content and additional materials, the suspension of further story development after Episode Ardyn has left a lingering sense of incompleteness surrounding the game.

The decision to not include any DLC in Final Fantasy 16 is likely due to a shift in narrative and structural philosophy from the previous title. By condensing these elements, the focus can be placed more on the story and gameplay, eliminating the need for players to rely on spin-off material or paid story content to fill in gaps in the main game's story.

While some may miss the cross-media content that accompanied the launch of Final Fantasy 15, it is arguably beneficial for the latest mainline FF title to keep all of its story beats and content contained within a single game. With Final Fantasy 16 following protagonist Clive Rosfield for a span of 30 years, there is ample opportunity to explore and develop its characters and world.

Minimizing any additional content outside the game would also be beneficial, considering that the developers of Final Fantasy 16 acknowledge that the game's narrative is already confusing. This is why features like Active Time Lore have been included in the game, as they offer a convenient way for players to catch up on any missed details. Moreover, it provides a streamlined approach to prevent players from getting confused by the casual dropping of names and terms without adequate explanation.

Final Fantasy 16 Leaves Almost Everything Behind

Ending one game over a campfire and starting the next one with an extinguished fire can symbolize the passing of the torch to the next installment, allowing the new game to embark on its own unique journey. However, this doesn't mean that Final Fantasy 16 isn't influenced by how its predecessor presented its story. In fact, both games delve into the protagonist's life, spanning from their childhood to their 30s, showcasing their growth and evolution over the years.

The influences on Final Fantasy 16 may be more subtle, as they were shaped by criticisms of its predecessor's open world. While each Mainline Final Fantasy game is different, producer Naoki Yoshida openly acknowledges how the failures of the previous game have influenced the newest installment.

The influences on Final Fantasy 16 are evident through interviews with the developers. They express admiration for properties that have clearly had a tonal impact on the game, and suggest that other Final Fantasy games have also been influential. Several members of the development team have stated that Final Fantasy 5, in particular, has been among their top 3 favorite games in the series, making it a potentially significant influence.

Yoshida's affinity for HBO's Game of Thrones is well-known, and its impact on Final Fantasy 16 has been evident since its unveiling. The favorable comparisons have only grown stronger since the release of the game's demo. These interviews highlight the stark contrast between Final Fantasy 16 and its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15, which centered around a road trip among friends in a technologically advanced world.

Considering the influences at play, the presence of a campfire as one of the few similarities between the two games can be seen as either a mere coincidence or a deliberate indication of the series' progression. It signifies not only a shift in tone but also a departure from the technologically advanced settings seen in most mainline Final Fantasy games after Final Fantasy 7, which melded fantasy and sci-fi elements to create its distinctive world.

The darker tone adopted in Final Fantasy 16 takes a bold direction, delving into political intrigue and ensuring the safety of no character, thereby maintaining a consistently high level of tension throughout. The positive reception of the game's demo suggests that this approach is proving successful thus far, but only time will tell if the full game can sustain the same level of effectiveness. Final Fantasy 16 is scheduled for release on June 22 for PS5.