Highlights
Final Fantasy 16's strong sales and high ratings prove that the franchise has rebounded from previous challenges.
The significance of Titan's lore in the storyline of Final Fantasy 16 makes delving into his backstory a worthwhile endeavor. As Clive harnesses Titan's powers, it sets the stage for a grand confrontation with the Ultima collective, ultimately leading to the eradication of Dominants and Eikons.
The Final Fantasy franchise has built its success on the intricate and interconnected stories of its characters, ranging from the iconic heroes to seemingly insignificant non-playable characters (NPCs). After a series of disappointing releases, it is safe to say that Square Enix has made a strong comeback with Final Fantasy 16. The latest installment of the franchise has achieved record-breaking sales in its first week and received praise from critics and players alike. One of the standout elements of the game is Clive Rosfield's noble quest to acquire the powers of every Dominant, leading to a thrilling confrontation with the Ultima collective. Additionally, the lore surrounding the Titan Eikon has significantly contributed to the overall success of the game's storyline.
Throughout the long history of Final Fantasy, certain characters have become synonymous with the franchise. Titan is one such character who has experienced both the highs and lows of the series. Since his introduction in Final Fantasy 3, Titan has captivated players as a powerful summon, and his significance continues to grow with each new addition to Square Enix's catalog. In Final Fantasy 16, Titan plays a crucial role, and there has been speculation about which previous installment best represents his qualities. However, it is in the latest game where his lore truly takes center stage. Making appearances at pivotal moments in the narrative, it is essential to familiarize oneself with Titan's backstory.
Titan's Tale in Final Fantasy 16 is Filled With Destruction
Titan, also known as the Warden of the Earth, is an imposing force and a masterful piece of graphical design. Controlled by Hugo Kupka, his current Dominant, this Eikon has a commanding presence. With his fearsome appearance as a towering giant, constructed from flesh and stone, the mere threat of his wrath is enough to keep nations in line. Serving the Dhalmekian Republic through the bloodlines of the Motes of Earth tribe on Valisthea, Hugo wields the immense power of Titan, which has catapulted him to the position of an economic advisor in the Dhalmekian Parliament.
Driven by his belief that controlling Titan elevates him to the rank of a god, Hugo constructs a symbol of his honor within the Drake's Fang Mothercrystal. The events of the Battle of Nysa solidify Titan's might, as he single-handedly defends the Republic, annihilating the invading Iron Kingdom's Shiva Eikon in combat. With the merging of their personalities, Titan inherits Hugo's intense desire for revenge over the death of Benedicta Harman. This obsession leads to a chilling act of mass murder at Cid's hideaway, as Hugo taps into Titan's power to unleash his uncontrollable rage.
Upon discovering that Clive Rosfield, also known as Cid the Outlaw, was a student of the late Cid, Hugo devises a plan to lure the Dominant of Ifrit to Rosalith Castle and provoke a battle with the semi-primed Titan. However, Hugo's efforts result in defeat. As Clive, the designated Mythos of the Ultima collective, assumes his destined role, he absorbs Titan's powers, rendering Hugo unable to use magic. The search for the Drake's Fang Mothercrystal brings Clive and Hugo into another confrontation, with Hugo using aether directly from the Mothercrystal to prime Titan for one final battle.
In this encounter, Titan grows to immense proportions, surpassing Ifrit in height. However, Hugo's height advantage does not prove advantageous as he falls to Clive's Eikon, succumbing to the curse of the crystal. Clive emerges victorious and absorbs Titan, although he can only semi-prime the Eikon unlike Hugo. In the final clash between Clive Rosfield, also known as Logos, and Ultima in the endgame of Final Fantasy 16, the Ultima collective harnesses some of Titan's abilities. Clive's triumph, however, leads to the destruction of the realm's magical source, resulting in the eradication of Dominants and Eikons, thus concluding Titan's legendary tale.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PS5.