Final Fantasyhas remained relevant in the gaming industry for almost 30 years through its releases. The franchise has grown so popular that it has begun to expand outside the regular gaming world into things like blockchain and books. Even with this sustained period of relevance, the franchise has recently lagged behind other role-playing games likePersona. With the latest installment of the seriesFinal Fantasy 16on its way, the franchise hopes to turn around its recent struggles in the gaming industry. In doing this, it is critical thatFinal Fantasy 16finds a balance and does not abandon its roots while presenting players with interesting new features. The last release,Final Fantasy 15, presented a change in the right direction for the franchise.
Players loved so many elements introduced by the game to draw in younger generations of gamers, earning it very decent ratings across critiquing platforms.Final Fantasy 16only needs to build on the foundation left by its predecessor to complete the turnaround from the dog days of the mid-2000s for the franchise. The world-building inFinal Fantasy 16earned applause from gamers, who enjoyed the unique nations introduced to the franchise. Although the world-building still endured some criticism for not being a fully open-world experience, fans are gearing up to see whatFinal Fantasy 16has in store for them. WhereFinal Fantasy 15only had four nations- Lucis, Tenebrae, Niflheim, and Accordo -Final Fantasy 16will contain six realms in the world of Valisthea, according to publisher Square Enix.
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Tenebrae and The Crystalline Dominion
InFinal Fantasy 15, Tenebrae was a province under the control of the Empire of Niflheim. Tenebrae maintained some autonomy due toLunafreya’s status as the Oracle.Final Fantasy 16borrows the idea of autonomy in the nation of The Crystal Dominion. This country is located at the heart of Valisthea, and used to be a common cause of conflict among the other five nations of the realm due to its tall Mothercrystal, called Drake’s Tail. The Crystal Dominion is run similarly to Tenebrae, as it was left autonomous after an armistice between the five warring nations.
The Crystal Dominion is the onlycountry out of the six featured inFinal Fantasy 16not to have a Dominant. This is because it is governed by a council of representatives from every state except The Iron Kingdom. The ruling dynamics of these two countries are similar, with differing degrees of autonomy. The parliamentary system seen in The Crystalline Dominion is also used in The Dhalmekian Republic inFinal Fantasy 16. The republic is ruled by a council of representatives from five states in Southern Valisthea.
The Holy Empire of Sanbreque and The Empire of Niflheim
ForFinal Fantasy 16, the core idea behind The Empire of Niflheim is retained through The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, with a few modifications. The Empire of Niflheim is themost technologically advanced nation inFinal Fantasy 15, achieving near-total world domination with its magitek infantry. The only country not under some form of Niflheim’s reign is Lucis. Sanbreque operates as a theocracy, as their ruler is worshipped as a living manifestation of God. Sanbreque bears similarities to Niflheim through its importance to the whole realm of Valisthea. Oriflamme, the capital city of the Holy Empire, is built on Drake’s Head Mothercrystal. This crystal supplies Valisthea with its aether.
Their contribution to the realm seals Sanbreque’s place as the most powerful nation in Valisthea. Also, their Dominant is known to be a force on the battlefield, resembling the ruthless army of Niflheim. Theocracy is explored in a different light inFinal Fantasy 16. The Iron Kingdom in Western Valisthea is under the rule of a group of extremists who worship the Mothercrystals called the Crystalline Orthodox. The country’s inhabitants - the Ironblood - are isolated from the mainland, similar to theKingdom of Lucis in Final Fantasy 15, although not to the same degree. In direct opposite to The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, The Iron Kingdom executes Dominants upon birth, as they are seen as unholy abominations.
The Kingdom of Lucis shares the same magical importance as The Holy Empire of Sanbreque. While Sanbreque shares its aether supply from the Drake’s Head Mothercrystal with other countries of the realm, the Kingdom of Lucis uses it to isolate itself from other nations of Eos. Lucis uses a Wall around its capital to keep out the rest of the world. Their decision to isolate themselves is born out of fear ofinvasion from The Empire of Niflheim. Lucis is highly prosperous due to the crystal and remains culturally intact. Not all countries inFinal Fantasy 16are similar to the ones seen in the previous edition of the franchise though. Some are new ideas coming to the series for the first time.
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The Grand Duchy of Rosaria
Final Fantasy 16’s protagonist, Clive Rosfield, comes from this nation. The country located in Western Valisthea consists of small independent provinces. The Dominant of the realm is Clive’s brother, Joshua, who is powered by a great Phoenix called the Eikon of Fire. Rosaria is a country in turmoil in Final Fantasy 16, having been plagued by “the Blight” which threatens to overwhelm the nation.
The Kingdom of Waloed
Based in Eastern Valisthea, Waloed has come under threat of invasion from orcs and beastmen. The Dominant has used thepower of Drake’s Spine Mothercrystalto stop these invaders by creating a mighty army. Now, the Kingdom is seeking expansion beyond its current borders in Ash.
It is very common for features across a franchise’s installments to be similar, butFinal Fantasy 16seems willing to changethe dynamics of countries players have come to love. It might be a risky gamble, but it could be a rewarding one.
Final Fantasy 16releases summer 2023 for PS5.
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