Over the course of its 30-year tenure, the Final Fantasy franchise has crafted numerous expansive worlds across its many games. The series' ever-changing worlds are a big reason the Final Fantasy franchise keeps its relevance. These different worlds have experimented with different kinds of settings from classic medieval fantasy, steampunk, cyberpunk, sci-fi, and sometimes a mix of all of those together. The latest installment of the franchise, Final Fantasy 16, aims to bring back a Final Fantasy setting that is reminiscent of medieval fantasy while keeping aspects that are recognizable to the series.
Final Fantasy 16 is taking a bold direction for the series, both in gameplay and in the setting. For many of the entries in the series for the last several years, the series has some sort of up-front science fiction aspect to their settings. Seeing a return to form is refreshing after the previous entries in the series, although the setting bears some similarities to other titles in the franchise. In particular, the setting bears some similarity to Final Fantasy games that take place in Ivalice like Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy 12. A recent story trailer for Final Fantasy 16 showcased the many nations in its world of Valisthea. These countries bear some striking similarities to the ones present in Final Fantasy 12 and could tell players more about their role in the story.
Rosaria and Dalmasca
Both the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and the Kingdom of Dalmasca are the focal points of their respective games. Final Fantasy 12's protagonist, Vaan, grows up in the nation's capital of Rabanastre. Rabanastre is also where the game starts after the introduction sequence in Nalbina Fortress. Dalmasca is a small and relatively peaceful kingdom in the world of Ivalice. However, the nation stands between two larger powers and is often fought over for its cultural richness and strategic importance. In more recent years leading up to the story, it was placed under the protection of Rozarria. Dalmasca was brought into war with the Archadian Empire after the invasion of Nabradia, eventually annexing the nation into Archadia.
Rosaria's history does not face as much war-torn turmoil as Dalmasca, though it does have its own share of problems. Final Fantasy 16's protagonist, Clive Rosfield, comes from Rosaria and is the firstborn son of the archduke. The nation does have a Dominant like most of the others, this one being a Phoenix that will eventually become the archduke when they become of age. The duchy is currently threatened by the spread of the Blight, a horrible disease that will destroy the nation if left unchecked. The story trailer also shows some sort of assassination plot and the presence of Ifrit, undoubtedly changing the course of the nation. Both Rosaria and Dalmasca being the focal points of their games lead to both of them facing much turmoil, whether it's from man or nature.
Sanbreque And The Archadian Empire
In Final Fantasy 12 and seemingly also in Final Fantasy 16, a massive empire stands as the major antagonistic force of the game. Both territories share some similarities and some differences. The Archadian Empire from Final Fantasy 12 is led by Vayne Carudas Solidor, the charismatic emperor who came into power during the empire's invasion of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. The Archadian empire is largely militaristic and uses its might to take over many territories, making it the largest nation on Ivalice aside from Rozarria. They relies on the scientific power of Dr. Cid as well as their naval fleet of airships, named after the different summons from the series.
The Holy Empire of Sanbreque occupies the same role in Final Fantasy 16 as the Archadian Empire does. The characters in the story trailer for the game refer to the empire as an overwhelming force seeking to take control of other nations, much like Archadia. One major difference between the two is that while Arcadia relies on scientific power, Sanbreque is a theocratic power. Sanbreque's holy capital is built around a Mothercrystal that blesses the surrounding provinces with abundant aether. The people of the Empire also worship the emperor of Sanbreque as the living incarnation of the one true deity.
Both the Emperor of Sanbreque and Vayne Solidor show some similarities by both of them aiming to be saint-like leaders. Vayne Solidor wants to be the Dynast-King, the saint chosen by the Occuria to set the course of history straight. On the other hand, the Emperor of Sanbreque is the Warden of Light and serves as the empire's holy champion. Both Empires also use Bahamut as an important motif.
The Emperor of Sanbreque is the Dominant of Bahamut, meaning they can turn into the eikon at will. Archadia's Bahamut is different, represented as the lead airship of the Archadian Navy. During the final boss of Final Fantasy 12, the sky fortress Bahamut is partially absorbed into Vayne The Undying and takes somewhat of a draconic appearance.
The Crystalline Dominion
There is nothing quite like the Crystalline Dominion present in Final Fantasy 12. That is because the current state of Ivalice in Final Fantasy 12 would not allow for an autonomous nation led by representatives from other countries. The two major powers of Ivalice, Archadia and Rozarria are at odds with each other and the only other nation not being controlled is Dalmasca. In Final Fantasy 16, the Crystalline Dominion is the only nation out of the six featured that does not have a dominant. A representative from every nation, except for the Iron Kingdom, governs the territory. The realm stands as a neutral territory and allows each participating nation to enjoy equal claim of its Mothercrystal's blessing.
The world of Valisthea in Final Fantasy 16 is shaping up to be a return to the intriguing political fantasy that players have seen from the Final Fantasy games in Ivalice. Many of the countries bear some similarities to the ones in Final Fantasy 12, though it will be interesting to see how Final Fantasy 16 sets itself apart from players' expectations.
Final Fantasy 16 releases Summer 2023 for PS5.
