The Red Wedding of Final Fantasy 16's Twinside Rebellion: A Game-Changing Spectacle

Final Fantasy 16 showcases a dark and mature storyline, drawing inspiration from Game of Thrones. The game takes place in a land torn apart by international conflict, with nations vying for control over Valisthea's mothercrystals and deploying their powerful Eikons in epic battles. However, the true sinister aspects of the war unfold in the shadows, with villains employing cunning deceptions to gain the upper hand. Similar to Game of Thrones, these deceptions lead to shocking plot twists, with Final Fantasy 16's Twinside Rebellion acting as its own version of the infamous Red Wedding.

At the heart of Final Fantasy 16's conflict are the Dominants, individuals who possess incredible strength. These Dominants often become leaders of their respective nations, with the firstborn heir inheriting the role. The Holy Empire of Sanbreque is home to Bahamut, the Eikon of Light, and its Dominant is Prince Dion Lesage, the heir-apparent. Dion is a formidable leader on the battlefield, commanding the Empire's elite dragoons and fighting at the frontlines for his country. However, his position is thrown into uncertainty when his father, Emperor Sylvestre Lesage, marries Anabella Rosfield. This development raises questions about Dion's status both on and off the battlefield.

Sanbreque is Under Threat of Attack

The capital city of Twinside is where the royal family of The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, namely Sylvestre and Anabella, resides. They actively involve their young son, Olivier, in the affairs of the court. However, while Dion serves on the frontline, rumors of an internal rebellion begin to emerge. Soon after, Dion receives word that Emperor Sylvestre has unexpectedly abdicated his throne in favor of Olivier, whose every move is dictated by Anabella. Disturbed by this news, Dion hastily returns to Twinside, only to discover the shocking reason behind his father's decision.

In the world of Final Fantasy 16, it is revealed that Anabella, the mother, had bribed the astrologers of Twinside to spread false rumors about Dion and his Dragoons leading a rebellion. As a result, Emperor Sylvestre declares Olivier as his heir. However, Dion senses that something much more sinister is at play. His suspicions are confirmed as his father's grip on reality deteriorates. Despite pleading with Sylvestre, Dion is met with refusal, prompting him to declare an open rebellion with the sole aim of dethroning Olivier.

The Twinside Rebellion is Final Fantasy 16's Red Wedding Moment

In the journey to destroy the Drake's Head mothercrystal in Twinside, Protagonist Clive and his party find themselves caught in Dion's rebellion. Dion, now their ally, begins to devastate the outer city and its people using Bahamut's power. Witnessing the escalating violence of Bahamut, Clive and Joshua are compelled to confront the Eikon high above Twinside.

As the battle unfolds, Dion's strength continues to grow, leading Bahamut to unleash Zettaflare, a devastating attack that could obliterate Valisthea. Against all odds, Clive and Joshua emerge victorious, putting an end to Bahamut's onslaught and tending to a wounded Dion. It is during this moment that fans discover the true motive behind Dion's actions. Flashing back to just before Bahamut's rampage, Final Fantasy 16 unveils its most shocking chain of events.

As his dragoons battle the Empire's forces, Dion navigates his way towards the throne room, pledging to the Emperor that he will ensure the safety of Twinside's people. However, Dion's true mission is to rescue his father from the clutches of Anabella, who has transformed Sylvestre into a merciless tyrant consumed by a malevolent darkness. Recognizing Olivier as Anabella's puppet, Dion hurls his lance towards the young Emperor. Tragically, Sylvestre intervenes and suffers a fatal impalement through the chest. In his attempt to liberate his father, Dion unwittingly meets his own demise, although there are far more sinister forces at play.

To Dion's astonishment, Olivier confesses to orchestrating these events, deliberately provoking Dion's attack and foreseeing Sylvestre's self-sacrifice. Olivier then discloses his true identity as Ultima, a deity-like character who serves as the hidden antagonist of Final Fantasy 16. He cruelly labels Dion a "kinslayer," exploiting his broken state. Consumed by grief and rage at this ultimate betrayal, Dion succumbs to an uncontrollable fury and launches an assault on Twinside, disregarding his own survival.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.