Unleashing Unprecedented Spectacle: Final Fantasy 16's Ifrit Shatters Square Enix Records!

Final Fantasy 16 introduces thrilling battles unlike any seen before in the series. One notable feature is the revamped implementation of classic summons, known as Eikons. Instead of simply providing a single powerful attack, these Eikons engage in intense large-scale battles, controlled by their respective Dominants. Clive Rosfield, the protagonist of the game, serves as the Dominant of Ifrit. Throughout the narrative, Clive faces off against various other Eikons, achieving an incredible feat that was previously thought to be impossible.

Warning: The following contains major spoilers for Final Fantasy 16.

The story of Final Fantasy 16 revolves around Clive's quest to liberate humanity from the Mothercrystals' influence. These powerful crystals are believed to be the source of magic in the world of Valisthea, granting unique abilities to select groups of individuals. The Dominants, including Clive, possess the ability to control Eikons and unleash their elemental powers at will. Clive was destined to become the Dominant of the Eikon of Fire, Phoenix, but the power unexpectedly manifested in his brother Joshua instead. Following a devastating event, Clive inherits a mysterious second Eikon of Fire, Ifrit, which he utilizes to fulfill his mission of destroying the Mothercrystals. This mission sets Ifrit on a collision course with every other Eikon and Dominant in the game, even the formidable dragon Bahamut.

Final Fantasy 16's Bahamut Wields The Most Powerful Spell in Final Fantasy's Universe

Clive embarks on a critical mission to annihilate the Crystalline Dominion's Mothercrystal, leading him to the bustling city of Twinside. There, he confronts Prince Dion's fearsome Eikon, Bahamut, known for its immense power and significance within the Final Fantasy series. However, what sets Final Fantasy 16's Bahamut apart is its ability to invoke the most formidable spell in the history of Square Enix: Zettaflare.

In an intense clash with Ifrit and Phoenix, Bahamut unleashes the awe-inspiring Zettaflare spell. This magical incantation, based on the powerful Flare spell from Final Fantasy, regarded as one of the series' most potent spells alongside Holy and Ultima, can be amplified depending on the user's strength. As a result, Zettaflare delivers a mind-boggling assault akin to one billion Gigaflares. It is worth noting that only three individuals have ever wielded Zettaflare in Square Enix's games. Donald Duck cast it to rescue his comrades from the clutches of Terranort in Kingdom Hearts 3, Airy utilized it in Bravely Default (2012) to mercilessly overpower players, and Bahamut employed it in Final Fantasy 14. The sheer magnitude and power of Zettaflare become even more apparent when considering that a lesser spell, Terraflare, was sufficient to "reboot" Final Fantasy 14.

Final Fantasy 16's Ifrit Does the Impossible

During their intense fight against Bahamut in Final Fantasy 16, Ifrit and Phoenix successfully endure powerful attacks like Gigaflare and Terraflare, gaining the upper hand. However, Bahamut resorts to desperate measures by consuming aether from the Mothercrystal, significantly increasing its power, and prepares to unleash Zettaflare. This greatly unnerves both Clive and Joshua, as Zettaflare has the destructive capability to obliterate Valisthea. Fortunately, Joshua and Clive are able to withstand Zettaflare with the combined power of Ifrit Risen, resulting in an epic struggle reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z. Eventually, Ifrit manages to resist and break through Zettaflare.

Displaying incredible strength, Ifrit Risen boldly charges towards the Zettaflare and stops the massive energy blast using his bare hands. After an intense battle where Ifrit Risen taps into the full extent of his Eikonic strength, he pushes his abilities even further and accomplishes something historic. By propelling both himself and the Zettaflare towards Bahamut, Ifrit Risen delivers a devastating blow, ultimately defeating Bahamut and saving Valisthea. The fact that Ifrit Risen withstands and utilizes the Zettaflare showcases several firsts in the series. However, players who reach the endgame of Final Fantasy 16 will discover that Ifrit Risen still has more surprises to unveil and even more formidable adversaries await him in the aftermath of the Crystals' destruction.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.