Truly Eikonic

Final Fantasy XVI shows why the series is the reigning RPG champion

FORMAT PS5 / ETA 22 JUN / PUB SQUARE ENIX DEV SQUARE ENIX / PLAYERS 1

Seven years on from the last mainline Final Fantasy, expectations for the next couldn’t be higher. In celebration of 35 years of history, XVI hews close to series traditions in some regards while making big swings elsewhere – and we’ve played it.

New setting Valisthea is described as ‘a realm in its twilight,’ incorporating familiar series touchstones such as crystals alongside a recognisable roster of summonable beasties, though both enjoy a fresh spin here. Valisthea is not, strictly speaking, an open world, instead composed of large, detailed areas with many paths to explore, through the volcanic outcrops of the Iron Kingdom to the shifting sands of the Dhalmekian Republic.

Glimmering obelisks called Mothercrystals punctuate the land and power its magic, presenting a finite resource for its nations to go to war over. And when it comes to hostilities, no-one does it by half measures thanks to the blessing – and curse – of the Eikons.

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Here, familiar faces such as Shiva and Ifrit won’t answer to just anyone. Each Eikon is tied to a single human who can call upon an aspect of their power or even transform into them. These humans are called Dominants, and when one dies, another unfortunate soul awakens to the power of the otherwise-unrepresented Eikon. Wars are fought and won with their power – and entire territories levelled just as easily.