'Final Fantasy 16' Release Date: Story, Gameplay, and More

FF XVI takes place within the fantastical medieval world of Valisthea, which is home to six nations - "The Grand Duchy of Rosaria," "The Crystalline Dominion," "The Irgon Kingdom," "The Holy Empire of Sanbreque," "The Kingdom of Waloed," and The Dhalmekian Republic." Each of those nations wields the power of magic through massive "Crystals" and is inhabited by powerful beings known as "Dominants." Those individuals act as the host bodies for their respective nation's "Eikon," which happens to be the familiar summonable monsters that are synonymous with the world of Final Fantasy. Conflicts between those nations constantly arise as control over the crystals springs up in a bid to obtain even more power. Tensions rise even more as an all-consuming negative force known as the "Blight" begins consuming the land.

FF XVI moves away from the traditional turn-based combat series aficionados have grown up with and embraces a more action-heavy active combat feel that's reminiscent of Devil May Cry. That comes as no surprise since this game's combat director is Ryota Suzuki, who previously worked for Capcom and gained acclaim for his game designer role while working on Devil May Cry 5 and Dragon's Dogma. Players will take control of Clive during battle and utilize his sword melee mastery, the assistance of his trusty dog companion Torgal & other AI-controlled allies, and formidable elemental powers derived from his ability to withhold multiple Eikons within his body. The game's bigger combat scenarios come in the form of Eikon battles that let you take control of one of those massive beasts and clash with an equally towering behemoth. Those boss encounters will be varied as one minute you'll be engaged in a flight combat scenario and the next, you'll get caught up in some hand-to-hand combat that evokes the feel of a kaiju skirmish.

As you explore Valisthea on foot or atop a Chocobo, players will navigate across expansive open fields across its various continents. Players can also look forward to venturing through assorted towns and assorted dungeons - the towns will give you the opportunity to interact with people and take on various side missions, while the dungeons will pit you up against recognizable Final Fantasy beasts and help you sharpen Clive's skills as he grows stronger over time.