FinalFantasy 16 director has revealed in an interview that the upcoming RPG, due out on June 22, 2023 for PS5, will be “like God of War”.
In an interview with two of FinalFantasy 16‘s directors and its producer, Naoki Yoshida, op WellPlayed.com (opens in new tab), it was revealed that the game team drew numerous inspirations ranging from expected to left of the field. When asked what media sources inspired the game, Yoshida replied, “For me, it has to be the book series.” A song of ice and fire as well as the TV program Game of Thrones.”
This is evident from even the most cursory glance at any of the FinalFantasy 16‘s trailers. What’s not clear, however, is how game director Hiroshi Takai added that he also “liked God of war really inspiring” in making the game. Fight director Ryota Suzuki also mentioned some of his own inspirations: “that would be the John Wick moves too Sheet. You can probably feel these in what I’ve made.
Yoshida circled back to God of war later in the interview, saying “you could compare FinalFantasy 16 closest to something like God of war. As a depiction of how the game cycle works, you have a main world map just like here God of war… At this hub you can choose to continue the main scenario and unlock new areas. Or you have options for side quests where you go back to areas you’ve already visited and have that side content there.
Sweet Sixteen
Although it certainly surprised me to see God of wara real-time third-person action series, which has so far topped the list of cinematic inspirations, it certainly didn’t surprise me to see FinalFantasy 16The developers of ‘s speak of their attempts to capture a particular movie je ne sais quoi in their game.
It’s hardly new for a Final Fantasy title to take inspiration from cinematic touchstones. Final Fantasy 7‘s aspirations are perhaps most borne out by the existence of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which uses artistic real-time combat and beautiful cutscenes to live up to the ambition of its original namesake. For example: the selfish villain Sephiroth was famously inspired by JawsStephen Spielberg’s classic thriller (via The Gamer).
Datum War god Ragnarok‘s own emphasis on graphical fidelity and cinematic quality, goes without saying FinalFantasy 16‘s top buyer would see in it something worth emulating, especially when it comes to fighting.
Turn it up
Some are disappointed to see FinalFantasy 16 keep moving away from traditional turn-based combat in favor of real-time action. However, it’s important to keep in mind that turn-based combat only ever existed as a proxy for cinematic combat, which the game consoles of the time simply couldn’t realize due to technological limitations. In 2023, we will no longer have those restrictions.
I love turn based combat. The will of Octopath Traveler 2, Brave standard 2, And Traces of cold steel its very much my happy place. However, I see Square Enix’s willingness to embrace modern inspirations as a good thing. It speaks of a willingness to bring the series forward – a goal I very much welcome.
Final Fantasy games have always been at their best when they allowed for organic evolution. This is part of why FinalFantasy 14 is so successful. By reflecting the very latest cinematic and narrative sensibilities, FinalFantasy 16 will only get stronger. Can’t wait to get my hands on the title.