A lighthearted and comical advertisement for Final Fantasy 16 has taken a unique approach by replacing the formidable Eikons with adorable and fluffy cats. The Eikons hold significant importance in the lore of Final Fantasy 16, serving as traditional summons within the series. Each of the warring kingdoms in Valisthea possesses its own Eikon avatar, which is channeled by a chosen individual known as a Dominant. These Dominants have the ability to harness the powers of the Eikons in battle, and in dire circumstances, can even transform into these mighty creatures to conquer their adversaries.
This aspect of the game plays a crucial role in Final Fantasy 16's gameplay, as the protagonist Clive Rosfield can utilize the abilities of each Eikon on his quest to avenge his kingdom and family. The cinematic Eikon battles have been a prominent selling point leading up to the game's release, showcasing epic clashes between these godlike beings in various gameplay styles. The recently unveiled gameplay demo of Final Fantasy 16 further highlights the destructive force of the Eikons. However, Square Enix is now presenting a lighter and more endearing side to these powerful elemental beings that the people of Valisthea both revere and fear.
The Japanese PlayStation Twitter account recently shared a humorous advertisement for Final Fantasy 16, coinciding with the game's official launch. In this ad, Valisthea is depicted as a cardboard mock-up, and the powerful Eikons are replaced by cats. The video showcases brief clips from the emotional battle between Ifrit and Phoenix at the beginning of the game, interspersed with shots of adorable feline versions of these creatures engaging in a playful session with fluffy cat toys.
This charming and endearing advertisement presents a striking contrast to the noticeably dark tone of Final Fantasy 16. The game's demo alone showcases the grim and vengeful protagonist, Clive, who embarks on a quest for revenge. The brutal clash between Ifrit and Phoenix serves as the catalyst for Clive's vendetta against the forces responsible for attacking his home and murdering his loved ones. Additionally, battles in Final Fantasy 16 are depicted with greater intensity and bloodshed, leading to the game receiving an M rating, making it the first mainline entry in the series to have such a classification, owing to its grittier world and storyline.
Final Fantasy 16, set in a world of war and vengeance, showcases monstrous Eikons in its virtual backdrop. However, the irony of replacing these fierce creatures with adorable cuddly cats in an advertisement adds a touch of humor. One can only hope that the battle between the feline versions of Ifrit and Phoenix is far less gruesome and traumatic than their digital counterparts. This highly anticipated game is now accessible on the PlayStation 5 platform.