With the reveal of Final Fantasy 16, seasoned JRPG fans and newcomers alike were introduced to a title with a lofty legacy to live up to. Even so, the self-contained nature of each story in Final Fantasy games mean new fans can be forged with every release. After the series explored a few avenues that fused different styles, Final Fantasy 16 looks to replicate the success of years past by hearkening back to a more medieval sensibility. It's too early to say if this is a good decision, but its promotional material is enough to garner anticipation from many.
Final Fantasy 15 released in 2016 to mixed reviews, but an expansion for the MMO Final Fantasy 14 released just one year before to almost universal acclaim. Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward is still considered one of the better self-contained stories in the series. Like Final Fantasy 16, it did away with futuristic weaponry in favor of something more inspired by history. As such, Heavensward is a bright spot in the wider tale of the MMO presents, and its accessibility means it could be the perfect preparation for what's to come with Final Fantasy 16.
Final Fantasy 14 Brought High Fantasy Back
In many previous Final Fantasy games, players would shepherd a party of characters through the likes of perilous snow caves and over towering mountains. Super Nintendo classic Final Fantasy 6 was the first to deviate from the formula in 1994, being influenced by a steampunk aesthetic that Final Fantasy 7 would go on to fully embrace. Since then, mainline games have only returned to high fantasy once with Final Fantasy 9. Though A Realm Reborn features a hybrid of different styles, Final Fantasy 14's first expansion Heavensward takes clear inspiration from decades past, ditching modern influences entirely.
Centered around the Dragonsong War in the isolated nation of Ishgard, Heavensward sees the Scions of the Seventh Dawn traveling in search of asylum. This is where they encounter characters like Aymeric, Lord Commander of the Temple Knights, and Archbishop Thordan 7th in a gorgeous, European-inspired city. The narrative that unfolds in Heavensward is packed with rich lore, unexpected twists, and strong character interactions. It's a memorable experience that's self-contained enough to entice new fans, which is important in the lead up to Final Fantasy 16.
From Ishgard to Valisthea
Final Fantasy's willingness to adopt new presentation styles, settings, and themes since 1987 has brought about great games, as was the case with Final Fantasy 7; but on other instances it hasn't, like with the often-criticized Final Fantasy 8. With its upcoming title, Square Enix has clearly drawn inspiration from a number of sources with its architecture and war-torn setting. Medieval fantasy is the flavor of Final Fantasy 16, and Valisthea already looks to be a more intriguing setting than Eos in 15 or Gran Pulse in 13.
Eorzea boasts a number of artistic styles and settings that make each expansion feel fresh. Ala Mhigo's Middle-East aesthetics in Stormblood are radically different from what is presented in Heavensward, as gothic spires and snow-dusted streets make up most of its visual charm. It's clear to see that Valisthea has more in common with the latter. Clive's journey in Final Fantasy 16 promises to take him across a land of political turmoil, through many differing nations. Both components are essential pillars of Heavensward.
Because it is an expansion to a wider game, Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward often goes overlooked by fans. For many, the game fans want FF16 to be like is Final Fantasy 9, despite a remake seeming more likely than ever. Being placed behind 60 levels of progression and the whole A Realm Reborn storyline, getting to Heavensward is a daunting task for many who were never invested in the MMO to begin with. Yet with the expansion being included in FF14's free trial, the perfect preparation for Final Fantasy 16 can be found in the walls of Ishgard.
Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PlayStation 5.
