Final Fantasy XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida and Directors Hiroshi Takai and Kazutoyo Maehiro talked with Japanese outlet Dengeki Online and, during the interview, the developers revealed more information about its gameplay. Specifically, how the combat and ability systems of FFXVI were inspired, in part, by the job system of Final Fantasy V. They also talked about the influence livestreaming had in the creation of these systems. [Thanks, Dengeki!]
The developers said that they didn’t want to create a simple action-RPG, but one that would feel fun to play. Director Maehiro said that the ability progression system of Final Fantasy V inspired part of the development of FFXVI, with Takai comparing the Eikons of FFXVI to the job system of FFV. When people think of FFV, they may of the job system, and the “Spellblade-Dualwield-Rapidfire” combination of powerful endgame abilities. The team wanted to create a combat system that would allow players to create similarly unique combinations.
In a direct quote from director Maehiro, he said:
“It would be easier to understand if I say that (combat) will feel like controlling Bartz, the main character from FFV, in real-time action.”
Takai pointed to livestreaming being popular nowadays as another reason to create such a system. By watching other players approach combat in different ways, viewers might want to try new combinations of abilities. Yoshida commented that this system would truly shine in a second run while playing with a higher difficulty, and he teased the inclusion of an ultimate boss fight as side content.
Additionally, Takai said that the development team didn’t want FFXVI to be an open world game, with the main story being responsible for guiding the pacing of the game.
Final Fantasy XVI is currently in development, and it will launch first for the PlayStation 5 on June 22, 2023. After an exclusivity period expires, people could see it on other platforms.
