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Final Fantasy has remained relevant in the gaming industry for almost 30 years through its releases. The franchise became so popular that it began to expand outside of the regular gaming world into things like blockchain and books. Even with this period of continued relevance, the franchise has lately fallen behind other role-playing games like Character. With the last episode of the series Final Fantasy 16 on its way, the franchise hopes to reverse its recent struggles in the gaming industry. In doing so, it is essential that Final Fantasy 16 strikes a balance and doesn’t abandon its roots while introducing players to exciting new features. The last outing Final Fantasy 15presented a change in the right direction for the franchise.
Players loved so many elements introduced by the game to appeal to younger generations of gamers, which earned it very decent ratings on review platforms. Final Fantasy 16 only needs to build on the foundation left by its predecessor to complete the turnaround from the mid-2000s heat wave for the franchise. The construction of the world Final Fantasy 16 was applauded by players, who enjoyed the unique nations introduced to the franchise. Although worldbuilding has still been criticized for not being a fully open world experience, fans are preparing to see what Final Fantasy 16 their reserve. Where Final Fantasy 15 only had four nations – Lucis, Tenebrae, Niflheim and Accordo – Final Fantasy 16 will contain six realms in the world of Valisthea, according to publisher Square Enix.
Tenebrae and the Crystalline Dominion
In Final Fantasy 15, Tenebrae was a province under the control of the Empire of Niflheim. Tenebrae maintained some autonomy due to Lunafreya’s status as an Oracle. Final Fantasy 16 borrows the idea of self-reliance within the nation from The Crystal Dominion. This country is located in the heart of Valisthea and was once a common cause of conflict between the other five nations of the realm due to its great mother crystal, 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 only country of the six featured in Final Fantasy 16 not have a Dominant. This is because it is ruled by a council of representatives from all states except the Iron Kingdom. The leadership dynamics of these two countries are similar, with different degrees of autonomy. The parliamentary system seen in The Crystalline Dominion is also used in The Dhalmekian Republic in Final Fantasy 16. The republic is ruled by a council of representatives from five southern states of Valisthea.
The Holy Empire of Sanbreque and the Empire of Niflheim
For Final Fantasy 16, the central idea behind The Empire of Niflheim is carried over through The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, with some modifications. The Niflheim Empire is the most technologically advanced nation Final Fantasy 15, achieving near-total world domination with his magitek infantry. The only country not in some form of Niflheim rule is Lucis. Sanbreque functions as a theocracy, as their ruler is revered as a living manifestation of God. Sanbreque bears similarities to Niflheim in its importance to the entire kingdom of Valisthea. Oriflamme, the capital of the Holy Empire, is built on Drake’s mother crystal. This crystal provides Valisthea with its ether.
Their contribution to the kingdom seals Sanbreque’s place as the most powerful nation in Valisthea. Additionally, their Dominant is known to be a force on the battlefield, resembling the ruthless army of Niflheim. Theocracy is explored in a different light in Final Fantasy 16. The Iron Kingdom of Western Valisthea is ruled by a group of extremists who worship the Mother Crystals called the Crystal Orthodox. The inhabitants of the land – the Ironblood – are isolated from the continent, like the kingdom of Lucis in Final Fantasy 15, but not to the same degree. In contrast to the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Iron Kingdom executes Dominants at birth, as they are considered unholy abominations.
The Kingdom of Lucis shares the same magical importance as the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. While Sanbreque shares its supply of ether from the Drake’s Head Mothercrystal with other nations of the realm, the realm of Lucis uses it to isolate itself from the other nations of Eos. Lucis uses a wall around his capital to keep the rest of the world out. Their decision to isolate themselves was born out of fear of an invasion by the Niflheim Empire. Lucis is very prosperous thanks to crystal and remains culturally intact. All countries of Final Fantasy 16 are similar to those seen in the previous edition of the franchise. Some are new ideas coming to the series for the first time.
The Grand Duchy of Rosaria
Final Fantasy 16The protagonist of Clive Rosfield comes from this country. 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 large Phoenix called the Eikon of Fire. Rosaria is a country in turmoil in Final Fantasy 16, having been plagued by the “Blight” that threatens to overwhelm the nation.
The Kingdom of Waloed
Based in Eastern Valisthea, Waloed was threatened with invasion by orcs and beastmen. The Dominant used the power of Drake’s Spine Mother Crystal to stop these invaders by creating a mighty army. Now the Kingdom seeks to expand beyond its current borders in Ash.
It is very common for the features of the slices of a franchise to be similar, but Final Fantasy 16 looks set to change the dynamic of the countries players love. It may be a risky bet, but it can be rewarding.
Final Fantasy 16 releases summer 2023 for PS5.
