Unveiling the Majestic Realms: Exploring the Enchanting Worlds of Final Fantasy 16's Valisthea and FF15's Eos

The history of the proceeding series can be found throughout Final Fantasy 16, where the world of Valisthea is reminiscent of the design in Eos, the previous game. Final Fantasy 15 has played a significant role in shaping this latest title, as it explores a more open world concept and incorporates a sense of mysterious darkness. Square Enix consistently delves into themes of humanity and the influence of higher powers throughout the Final Fantasy series, and this is evident in the depiction of Valisthea in Final Fantasy 16. The political intrigue and continental warfare in the game are heavily influenced by the hidden secrets introduced in Final Fantasy 15.

Re-imagining the Starscourge in Separate Steps

In Final Fantasy 15 and 16, a notable comparison lies in the gradual engulfment of the world by an ominous darkness, rendering certain areas uninhabitable. In Final Fantasy 15, this darkness, known as the Starscourge, obscured the sun and extended the duration of nightfall. Additionally, it brought forth a detrimental ailment that transformed individuals into daemons, some of which were engineered into mechanical soldiers.

Similarly, in Final Fantasy 16, a comparable darkness looms over Valisthea. However, it manifests in two distinct plagues that sweep across the world. Firstly, there is the Blight, which swiftly depletes the land's aether, rendering it incapable of sustaining life. The second affliction is the aether floods, initially introduced in the mission titled "The Crystal's Curse." This natural phenomenon possesses the ability to infect humans and other creatures, transforming them into mindless beasts known as Akashic.

The source of these curses, which have spread throughout both Valisthea and Eos, are also similar. In both Final Fantasy 16 and its predecessor, the darkness that troubles humanity originates from the sky. However, what sets the two games apart is the motivation of the entities responsible for causing this damage. These plagues have varying effects on the main characters, Clive and Noctis, due to the differing plans of the lead villains regarding how to utilize them and their impact on the world.

Different Wars, the Same Old Story

In addition to the troubles afflicting Valisthea and Eos, both realms are also embroiled in brutal and destructive wars. However, while Final Fantasy 15 thrusts players into a chaotic conclusion to the conflict, with Noctis navigating his homeland amidst an invading enemy force, Final Fantasy 16 delves deeper into the internal strife within each nation. Within Final Fantasy 16, the most captivating antagonists are warmongers vying for control of the diminishing living space that remains on the dying world.

The perspectives on the devastating impact of war differ greatly between the two, despite both having a grounded understanding of its consequences. The distinguishing factor lies in Clive Rosfield's battle to protect the world from a hidden force, as opposed to resisting a power-hungry empire seeking global dominance. This thorough examination of the ongoing war has sparked numerous comparisons between Final Fantasy 16 and Game of Thrones, while Final Fantasy 15 delves into the fantastical struggle against malevolent deities at an earlier stage. PS5 users can currently access Final Fantasy 16.