Final Fantasy 16 the director revealed in an interview that the upcoming RPG, scheduled for release on June 22, 2023 on PS5, will be “like God of War.”
In an interview with two of Final Fantasy 16directors and his producer, Naoki Yoshida WellPlayed.com (opens in a new tab), it turned out that the team of the game drew on many inspirations, from the expected to the left side of the field. When asked what media sources inspired the game, Yoshida replied, “For me, it has to be a series of books The Song of Ice and Fire as well as a TV show Game of Thrones“.
This is obvious even with the most cursory glance at any of them Final Fantasy 16trailers. However, it’s not obvious how game director Hiroshi Takai added that he also “found God of War really inspiring” during the development of the game. Combat Director Ryota Suzuki also mentioned some of his inspirations: “that would be John Wick moves just as well Edge. You can probably feel it in what I’ve created.”
Yoshida turned back to God of War later in an interview, saying “you can compare Final Fantasy 16 closest to something like that God of War. As a picture of how the game cycle works, you will have the main world map just like God of War… In this hub you can continue the main scenario and unlock new areas. Or you have opportunities 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 God of Warthird-person real-time action series that has so far topped the list of cinematic inspirations, certainly did not surprise me when I saw Final Fantasy 16the developers talk about their attempts to capture a certain cutscene it’s not sais quoi in their game.
It’s nothing new that a Final Fantasy title draws inspiration from cinematic touchstones. Final Fantasy 7aspirations are perhaps most confirmed by existence Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which uses artistic real-time combat and stunning cutscenes to live up to its original namesake’s ambitions. For example: the egomaniacal villain Sephiroth was famously inspired JawsStephen Spielberg’s classic thriller (via TheGamer).
Given God of War Ragnarokhas its own emphasis on graphical fidelity and cinematic quality, and it makes sense Final Fantasy 16The highest commanders would see something worth emulating in this, especially when it comes to combat.
Turn it up
Some people are disappointed with this view Final Fantasy 16 continue to move away from traditional turn-based battles in favor of real-time action. However, it should be remembered that turn-based combat existed only as a replacement for cinematic combat, which, due to technological limitations, the game consoles of the time simply could not realize. In 2023, we no longer have these restrictions.
I love turn-based combat. I like Octopath Traveler 2, Boldly default 2, AND Traces of cold steel they are my very happy place. However, I think Square Enix’s willingness to tap into modern sources of inspiration is a good thing. It shows a desire to move the series forward – a goal that I am very happy about.
Final Fantasy games have always been at their best when they allowed for organic evolution. That’s partly why Final Fantasy 14 is so successful. Reflecting cutting-edge cinematic and narrative sensibilities, Final Fantasy 16 it will only get stronger. I can’t wait to get the title in my hands.