Anticipation for Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) is at an all-time high following the Sony PlayStation State Of Play presentation showcasing many things about the game. Producer Naoki Yoshida, more commonly known as Yoshi-P, shared details on combat, exploration, and more.
Here, we’ll touch on some of the things that were revealed along with pre-order and pricing details across Asia.
Devil May Cry-like Combat
Final Fantasy XVI is the franchise’s first mainline game that features a fully Action-RPG combat. An early hands-on with select media revealed that FF16’s combat director, Ryota Suzuki, worked on Devil May Cry 5. So, it comes as no surprise that the game’s flashy combat seems reminiscent of DMC.
The showcase featured FF16 protagonist Clive darting around and performing melee attacks as well as casting spells. All Final Fantasy staples, but now in full Action-RPG style. They also have an interesting approach to combat style and difficulty. There’s Story Focused that automatically equips Clive with items that automate certain things in combat. Then, for more experienced gamers, there’s Action Focused which lets you experience the new style in full.
Unlike previous Final Fantasy games, you won’t be controlling a party. You’re stuck with Clive the whole way through, but the skill tree offers many customization options to fit your play style.
Eikon Battles
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing detail are the Eikon battles. Eikons are what the summons are called in FF16. Yoshi-P said these titanic clashes offer a different gameplay each time. True enough, we’ve seen one that looks like a straight-up 1v1 versus fighting clash and another that looks like a shoot’em up.
Throughout the game, Clive will gain access to multiple Eikons. We’re excited to see and experience all these Kaiju-like battles.
Exploration and side quests
While not an open world game, FF16 will offer vast areas that are ripe for exploration. After progressing a few hours into the game, Clive will have access to a hideout. Here, he’ll have plenty of NPC encounters and RPG staples like item shops and side quests called Mob Hunts. Mob Hunts are on a billboard with a Moogle stationed nearby.
If you want to learn more about Valisthea (the game’s setting), there’s also a couple of key characters in the hideout who can tell you more about the place. Lorseman Harpocrates and Vivian Ninetales will fill you in on stories, tales, and lores about Valisthea. Make sure you speak to them each time you visit the hideout.
Flashback storytelling
Gamers will experience the story of FF16 through the eyes of Clive. The game starts with him in his 30s — a first for a mainline Final Fantasy title. But the story will feature playable flashbacks to Clive’s teens and 20s, showcasing what made him what he is in the present time.
FF16 is set in Valisthea — a land blessed with an abundance of Mothercrystals. These are glittering mountains of crystal that tower over the realms around them, blessing them with aether.
Aether lets people conjure magic that let them live lives of comfort and plenty. They’re a sought-after resource. The world is generally at peace. However, the spread of the Blight threatens that very peace.
Valisthea is composed of six realms. They are: The Grand Duchy of Rosaria, The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, The Kingdom of Waloed, The Dhalmekian Republic, The Iron Kingdom, and The Crystalline Dominion.
Watch the entire FF16 State of Play Showcase
Price, availability, pre-order details
US pre-order details were already revealed previously. In Southeast Asia, pre-order officially begins on April 20, 2023. All Asia physical edition pre-orders (Standard, Deluxe and Collector’s Edition) will receive a B5 Notebook.
For specific details on physical pre-order mechanics, users can check with local retailers.
Digital Pre-Order is available on the PlayStation Store. PS Store pre-orders will receive the Scholar‘s Spectacles (EXP up Accessory) DLC.
Additionally, physical and digital will receive the following pre-order bonuses:
- Braveheart (Weapon) DLC
- Cait Sith Charm (Gil Boost Accessory) DLC
Collector’s Edition (SGD 489 / RM 1,599 / Rp. 5,299,000 / THB 12,990 / PHP 19,990 / VND 8,899,000)
- Box — A beautiful metallic-sheen box featuring impressive artwork by legendary FINAL FANTASY series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano
- “FINAL FANTASY XVI” Game — Base game package, including reversible cover art
- Premium Statue – Phoenix vs Ifrit — A premium statue depicting a battle between two eikons – Phoenix and Ifrit
- Metal Eikon Pin Collection — A premium metal pin collection featuring eight eikons
- Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case — A SteelBook case featuring artwork of Clive Rosfield, the protagonist
- Cloth World Map of Valisthea — A cloth map of Valisthea where the story unfolds • Blood Sword (Weapon) DLC — The fabled scarlet steel of Firion, hero of Final Fantasy II.
Deluxe Edition Blu-ray Disc — SGD 139 / RM 429 / Rp 1,499,000 / THB 3,390 / PHP 4,990 / VND 2,499,000
Deluxe Edition Digital — SGD 123 / RM 379 / Rp 1,329,000 / THB 2,890
- Base game package, including reversible cover art
- Cloth World Map of Valisthea
- Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case
- Early purchase bonus: Braveheart (Weapon) DLC and Cait Sith’s Charm (Gil Boost Accessory) DLC
Standard Edition (Blu-ray Disc Version / Digital Version) — SGD 97.9 / RM 299 / Rp 1,029,000 / THB 2,290 / PHP 3,490 / VND 1,799,000
Final Fantasy XVI will release exclusively for the PlayStation 5 on June 22.
Gaming
Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release
Collection [I~III] launches October 8
Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.
Kingdom Hearts IV returns
The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.
According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.
The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.
Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Collection bundles the series’ major releases
Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.
The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.
The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.
Free demo available now
Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.
The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.
Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.
Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
The latest Nintendo Direct delivered a pair of announcements for Final Fantasy fans, with Square Enix confirming the arrival of classic remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 and unveiling an all-new HD-2D adventure.
First, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. Both physical and digital versions will be available.
The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy X launch in Japan. It also gives longtime fans and newcomers another way to experience two of the series’ most beloved RPGs at home or on the go.
Square Enix also released a new trailer alongside the announcement.
Final Fantasy Resonance launches this October
The bigger surprise from the showcase was Final Fantasy Resonance. It is the first HD-2D title in the Final Fantasy series.
The game launches on October 22, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Steam version arrives a day later on October 23.
Square Enix will also offer a Digital Deluxe Edition with the base game and additional in-game items.
A Collector’s Edition is planned as well. It includes the game, an artbook, a soundtrack, and a promotional Final Fantasy Trading Card Game card.
A modern take on a classic Final Fantasy formula
Square Enix describes Final Fantasy Resonance as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy. The game combines retro-inspired HD-2D visuals with a strategic turn-based battle system that adds modern mechanics to the traditional formula.
Players can expect familiar series staples including chocobos, espers, and airships. The game will also feature appearances from iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Tidus, and Warrior of Light.
While Resonance draws from the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Square Enix says it is far more than a direct port. The title has been extensively rebuilt into a full-fledged console RPG experience.
More details about Final Fantasy Resonance will be revealed closer to launch.
Gaming
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen to launch on October 9
A massive expansion and a two-phase roadmap revealed
Capcom has officially announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a massive new expansion slated to launch on October 9.
Arriving as a complete bundle, the title will mark the franchise’s highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, while simultaneously launching as separate expansion DLC for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The Dark Arisen expansion aims to enrich the base game’s dynamic fantasy world with three goals in mind: enhanced gameplay, expanded adventures, and enticing value.
Update roadmap underway
To prepare the realm for the expansion, Capcom has laid out a comprehensive, two-phase update roadmap for the base game:
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Title Update 3.1: Focuses heavily on immediate quality-of-life improvements, most notably more significantly accessible map traversal through highly requested Eternal Ferrystone.
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Title Update 3.2: Shifts focus toward system and engine adjustments; patch will deliver crucial performance and frame rate improvements, introduce additional save slots, implement system-level save adjustments, alter Dragonsplague mechanics, and further refine pawn and enemy actions.
Three major additions coming
When the expansion officially drops in October, players will be able to dive into a wealth of brand-new content built to push the Arisen to their limits:
- Forsaken Dominion: Players will travel to Norgan, a frozen, long-abandoned northern region of Vermund blanketed in heavy snow. Home to savage hordes and creatures of immense power, the Arisen must team up with an enigmatic figure named Eir to uncover the dark secrets of an undying Fallen Dragon.
- The Relic System: Defeating monsters and exploring the icy wastes of Norgan will yield powerful, hidden spoils of war known as relics. Taking these back to the Norgandian Settlement for appraisal unlocks high-tier gear boasting enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Lost Rites Dungeons: For those looking to truly test their mettle, the expansion introduces 12 unique dungeon challenges. Overseen by the Pathfinder, these trials task players with clearing deadly gauntlets to reclaim legendary, dormant treasures once wielded by past Arisens.
The robust character creator is also receiving an update with a fresh wave of hairstyles and tattoos via Meszeteres Cosmetics, giving players even more ways to personalize their Arisen and Main Pawn.
Pre-order bonuses and editions
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen will be available in both digital and physical formats. The standalone Switch 2 release will include both the base game and expansion content right out of the box, while existing owners on PS5, Xbox, and PC can simply purchase the separate expansion DLC.
Players who pre-order the digital version or secure an early physical copy will receive the Explorer’s Camping Kit, the Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sound Collection, and the exclusive Norgan Fashion Set: Northern Attire.
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