Final Fantasy 16: Unveiling the Breathtaking Parallels Between Greyscale and Game of Thrones
Final Fantasy 16 draws numerous parallels to Game of Thrones, but its unique interpretation of the Crystal's Curse offers a striking resemblance to Greyscale
In Final Fantasy 16, the RPG franchise takes a darker turn by incorporating traditional elements while exploring a world of mature and dark fantasy. The game draws parallels to the Game of Thrones series, particularly in its portrayal of magic, politics, and defying destiny. One notable connection is the similarity between Final Fantasy 16 and Game of Thrones' Greyscale, a deadly disease found in Westeros. Although the methods of contraction differ, the symptoms and prognosis foreshadow a similar outcome.
The protagonist of Final Fantasy 16, Clive Rosfield, embarks on a mission to liberate humanity from the mothercrystals' control. These crystals grant access to magic, with the majority of the population using fragments to manipulate their surroundings. However, some individuals, called Bearers, possess innate magical abilities. These Bearers lead a life of servitude, viewed as tools rather than human beings. Valisthea's Bearers are divided into two categories: the Branded, who are enslaved, and the Dominants, who hold esteemed positions in society. The Dominants harness the power of Eikons, which are the game's summons, and are mainly deployed in acts of war and aggression. Having personally experienced both sides, Clive aims to eradicate the source of magic, thus freeing all Bearers.
The Crystal's Curse is Final Fantasy's Greyscale
Fans of the Game of Thrones series are well-acquainted with Greyscale, a deadly disease that causes the skin to decay and resemble stone. Greyscale is a viral infection and a natural affliction within the world of Game of Thrones. Contracting Greyscale was easily achieved through direct contact with an infected person. Throughout the Game of Thrones series, various characters such as Shireen Baratheon, Jorah Mormont, Archmaester Pylos, and Karl Whitehill all suffer from Greyscale.
In Final Fantasy 16, the Bearers share a similar fate to those afflicted with Greyscale. The term "Bearers" refers to individuals who bear the Curse of the Crystal. By harnessing the aether of Valisthea, these Bearers wield magic, but their bodies gradually petrify as a consequence. Overusing magic can prove fatal for a Bearer, making this exchange a dangerous one. As a result of the Crystal's Curse, Valisthea's Branded, who have no control over their magic usage, often meet their demise and are disposed of. On the contrary, Dominants, crucial to the survival of their Kingdom or Empire, receive proper care and attention.
The Crystal's Curse is More than Meets the Eye
In the early hours of Final Fantasy 16's narrative, the explanation of the Crystal's Curse seems clear. However, Clive remains mysteriously immune to its effects while others suffer from physical deterioration. This immunity persists even when Clive harnesses the powers of all the Dominants simultaneously in the later parts of the game. Although this may appear as a distinctive trait, among the many other traits that Clive exhibits, the true nature of the Crystal's Curse and Clive's immunity is far more intricate.
Throughout the narrative of Final Fantasy 16, Clive is referred to as Mythos by the characters. During the endgame, this designation proves to be the crucial aspect in understanding Valisthea's magic, the mothercrystals, the Bearers, and Clive's extraordinary abilities. It is unveiled that the purpose of the mothercrystals and all of humanity's existence is to provide the energy required to create a vessel known as Mythos. Through Mythos, the true antagonist Ultima in Final Fantasy 16 can enact a spell to both destroy and reconstruct the world.
Bearers, particularly Dominants, were designed to nourish this vessel, distinguishable by their capacity to manipulate an endless supply of aether without experiencing physical deterioration. By displaying immunity to the curse of the Crystal, Clive is recognized as a Mythos. However, Clive's objective to annihilate the mothercrystals and thwart Ultima's scheme demonstrates that the determination of humanity surpasses their predetermined destiny, leading Clive and Ultima into a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of all existence.
Final Fantasy 16 can now be accessed on PS5.
