The Final Fantasy XVI State Of Play Gave Us The Most In-Depth Look At The Game Yet

The most recent PlayStation State of Play broadcast dropped this morning, giving us 25 minutes of gameplay from Final Fantasy XVI.

Introduced and narrated by Producer Naoki Yoshida, the showcase opens with an explanation that this is the first true action RPG in the long-running Final Fantasy series, likened to a rollercoaster ride. This statement is immediately validated as we get an extended look at the Eikon fights that pop up throughout the campaign, in which our protagonist, Clive Rosfield, transforms into huge summons to battle it out with other colossal beasties.

Focusing on three key periods in Clive’s life (his teens, 20s and 30s), the story of FFXVI will feature flashbacks to Clive’s past as he adventures through Valisthea. Players will be able to access a world map at any time, allowing them to fast travel to previously visited locations as the story progresses. From riding Chocobos across lush fields to sneaking through crystal-covered caves, we then see many of the game’s beautiful, explorable locations.

The majority of the showcase is dedicated to highlighting the real-time, fast-paced combat and the RPG systems that FFXVI will feature, including the insane Eikon battles that take the form of moments resembling a traditional fighting game and even an on-rails shooter.

You can watch the Final Fantasy XVI State of Play here:

We recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with Final Fantasy XVI during a trip to Japan, where Nathan got to play through roughly 45 minutes of the upcoming RPG while also chatting with the game’s producer Naoki Yoshida, director Hiroshi Takai, combat director Ryota Suzuki and Michael-Christopher Koji Fox.

Final Fantasy XVI release on PS5 on June 22.

Are you excited for FFXVI? What was your biggest takeaway from this State of Play? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.