Today marks the launch of Final Fantasy XVI, the newest title in the globally-acclaimed Final Fantasy franchise. Fans of the long-running Japanese series have enthusiastically greeted the game, praising its high-spec action graphics and mature storyline.
Final Fantasy XVI made its debut exclusively on the PlayStation 5 console, and experts predict a substantial boost in sales for the Sony platform following this release. Naoki Yoshida, the game’s producer, has attributed the inspiration for the game to the massive US television hit, Game of Thrones. The game unfolds an extensive tale of magical creatures commanded by battling factions, mimicking the drama and intrigue of the renowned series.
While preserving the classic franchise features such as quests to find crystals and endearing avian creatures ridden by characters, the game introduces violent combats and intimate scenes, providing a unique blend of traditional and fresh elements. Naoto Nishimori, a 37-year-old fan who has followed the franchise through its evolution, eagerly awaited the new release and is particularly delighted with the choice of Yoshida, known for revitalizing the popular online title Final Fantasy XIV, as the producer.
Final Fantasy is one of the world’s top-selling game franchises, boasting over 173 million copies sold globally, according to publisher Square Enix. The series made its first appearance on the original Nintendo console in 1987, but shifted to the rival PlayStation a decade later, gaining an enormous new following.
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One of the unique selling points of the Final Fantasy series is its capacity for reinvention with each independent game. In this latest iteration, the 2D monster battles have evolved over decades into real-time combat gameplay. This evolution was appreciated by a 36-year-old civil servant, who took the day off to play the game, praising its beautiful graphics and moving storyline.
Unlike previous titles, which typically feature a lineup of characters who progressively acquire power and skills, Final Fantasy XVI centers on one protagonist named Clive. British actor Ben Starr, the voice behind the character, expressed his enjoyment of the fans’ reaction to the character’s name.
Daniel Ahmad, director of research at gaming industry analysis firm Niko Partners, highlighted the positive implications of this release for Sony. He believes that the combined effect of an increased supply for the PS5, positive feedback for the Final Fantasy XVI demo, and the launch of the first major third-party exclusive title for the console will drive PS5 sales growth in the coming month.
This news is based on the Malaymail website.
