Ever since being revealed a few months ago, Final Fantasy XVI has been a mystery to fans of the franchise. Sure, the trailer had some clues for eagle-eyed fans but the names, places, and the world left much to the discussion.
Today, a new post on the PlayStation Blog from Square Enix Producer Naoki Yoshida comes with many details. First, the setting of Final Fantasy XVI is set within the land of Valisthea, “studded with colossal mountains of glittering crystal called Mothercrystals.” Mothercrystals bless the realms with aether and have towered the realms for generations, and the blessings of the Mothercrystals allow the realms to thrive.
The Mothercrystals are part of many conflicts across the land, which has led to the rise of nations such as the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, and the Iron Kingdom, with their own culture and ideology. This has led to various skirmishes often leading to uneasy peace but now, with the emergence of Blight, things are not going well.
In Final Fantasy XVI, players will assume the role of Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of Archduke of Rosaria. Clive is the Shield, a protector to his younger brother Joshua, who is the Dominant of the Phoenix. As seen in the Awakening trailer, Joshua has given his brother the Blessing of the Phoenix, which allows Clive the ability to wield part of the Eikon’s flames.
Joshua Rosfield is a Dominant, a special being who has the power of an Eikon within themselves and also has the ability to transform into the Phoenix. Joshua is a kind soul who wants to protect his people.
The third character is Jill Warrick, a childhood friend to the Rosfield brothers. Jill relocated from the Northern Territories, an ally of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, and has served as a ward.
Eikons are summons to those familiar with Final Fantasy. In the game, they are described as “the most destructive and lethal creatures in Valisthea.”
