In the lead-up to the release of Final Fantasy 16, much of the conversation surrounding the title has been dominated by the ways in which it's seeking to differentiate itself from previous Final Fantasy games. The team behind the game at Square Enix's Creative Business Unit 3 has been candid regarding a desire to move the series forward while also returning it to its roots, part of which will be accomplished through a story that is darker and more mature than many fans would have come to expect. In particular, producer Naoki Yoshida's appreciation for HBO's Game of Thrones seems to have shined through prominently in Final Fantasy 16's narrative and tone.
The recently released demo for Final Fantasy 16 makes good on that inspiration within just the first few minutes of its opening, with the grim realities of war front and center in a setting that mixes magic and monsters with grounded political intrigue. In an interview with Eurogamer, Yoshida revealed that his love of Game of Thrones, and appreciation of how its approach to fantasy resonated with millions of people, led to the core team at Creative Business Unit 3 being tasked with watching the entire series to nail the "feel" of the show in Final Fantasy 16's story. If the demo is any indication, this move may have given the Final Fantasy series its best story yet.
The Darker Tone Helps Final Fantasy 16 Stand With the Series' Highlights
Making clever use of 'in media res', the opening of Final Fantasy 16 introduces players to Clive in his late twenties or early thirties as he accompanies what appears to be a special unit of soldiers tasked with eliminating the Shiva Dominant acting on the side of an opposing rebel force. As the rebel army clashes against the empire's forces, players are given first glimpses at the Game of Thrones influence through the startlingly violent depictions of conflict.
The Game of Thrones comparisons only become more apparent after the opening through the use of compelling dialogue and the establishment of relationships and conflicts among Final Fantasy 16's 'dramatis personae'. Whereas many other games in the Final Fantasy series tell their stories in broad strokes, the three-dimensional characterization of Final Fantasy 16's cast elevates it to the narrative heights of the series previously occupied by Final Fantasy 6. The use of Game of Thrones as an influence makes this a much different and darker tale than what many might expect from Final Fantasy given the series' recent history, and it's all the better for it.
Just Like in Game of Thrones, No Character in Final Fantasy 16 is Safe
Since the earliest titles in the Final Fantasy series, the death of beloved characters has been a common trope used in the narrative of each game. Whether it's the constant rotation of party members due to their deaths at the hands of the Empire in Final Fantasy 2 or the series-defining loss of Aerith in Final Fantasy 7, the death of fan-favorite characters is an effective plot device that has been used to great effect in the stories of Final Fantasy games.
Similarly, anyone who has watched Game of Thrones can relate to the warning of not getting too attached to characters, as death is usually not far away in the world of Westeros. Final Fantasy 16's demo introduces players to several endearing and well-written characters, only to have them suffer a terrible fate moments later.
It's a testament to the caliber of writing on display that even minor ancillary characters are given the depth and breadth to be likable, round characterizations. And just like in Game of Thrones, these likable characters are just as susceptible to a blade as anyone. Ultimately, the Game of Thrones influence helps to make Final Fantasy 16's story one that begs to be experienced, and the demo promises a series-best narrative.
Final Fantasy 16 will launch on June 22, exclusively for PS5.
