During the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 16 demo, fans encountered a particular adversary that revealed nods to past Final Fantasy games, including Final Fantasy 14. These references were further explored on social media where enthusiasts highlighted the homage paid to the series by Final Fantasy 16 through just one enemy. The demo's release on the PlayStation Store has only increased the excitement surrounding the game, showcasing its darkened tone and fast-paced combat from the outset, despite it being only the first two hours of gameplay. Although Final Fantasy 16 deviates from established series conventions, fans and new players alike have been able to enjoy the demo and appreciate any subtle nods to the franchise's rich history.
The Knight of the Blinding Dawn boss in the Final Fantasy 16 demo has caught the attention of Twitter user aitaikimochi, who noted various nods to the Final Fantasy franchise. One of the most prominent references is the leg-raised pose of the Dragoon, which is a nod to the logo from Final Fantasy 4 featuring Kain Highwind. Additionally, the Knight's title is similar to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, a secret society in Final Fantasy 14. Aitaikimochi also pointed out that the Knight's voice sounds similar to Estinien Wyrmblood, the Azure Dragoon from FF14, in both Japanese and English. As both projects are developed by Creative Business Unit 3, it's likely that some overlap was intended in the recording of dialogue. However, it remains to be seen who will receive credit for the role in Final Fantasy 16's credits.
The upcoming release of Final Fantasy 16 promises an array of fresh features and nods to the beloved franchise's past, all while charting a new course for the series. The ultimate verdict on the success of this ambitious undertaking remains uncertain, but fans eagerly anticipate its launch on June 22 exclusively for the PS5 platform.