The Eikon of Fire - Final Fantasy XVI (Part 1)

[@jessecox]

I don't know where this game is going to take us, but I'm happy you're joining me for the ride.

[@marycooley8189]

Dude I am so excited for this ride.

[@feoleb]

A jesse cox let's play? I'm super down

[@Ntwinzz]

So Jesse will you be streaming this on twitch or just posting playthrough?

[@Makkle4000]

Keep em coming Cox we're all here for it 😊

[@IrideaeSnowbloom]

Me and the fiancée were looking super forward to you playing this. We binged Dead Space recently (both the remake as well as 2 and 3) and she likes the funny bearded man. Me too :>

[@kideo_h]

Hey, Jesse, a long time fan here. Before I watch the video I want to show how much I appreciate you and how long you’ve been doing this. I still remember your FFXIII lightning returns rant on TB’s podcast and seeing you posting FF16 video makes me feel nostalgic a bit. Hope you’re doing great and having fun!

[@jessecox]

I really am having so much fun. This game is amazing.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Me too!

[@true_astukari]

I was literally thinking while watching him play the demo "Man I remember when Lightning Returns was so bad Jesse refused to play it, how things have changed". I'm glad the franchise is back to its proper form!

[@StarkKarstVT]

Im so glad to see that the other soldiers of Clive's kingdom were so much kinder to him than his own mother. True he had to prove his skill and merit with a sword. But once he did they saw him as more than just a prince. I really wish i could play this game. But will happily settle for watching Jesse play it and gush over it.

[@KikoKay-Kay]

Same. And same on both counts. The characterization is just so nice. Shows why Clive is kind of a blunt instrument socially. The people he looked up to and showed affection to him were always soldier types. While his mom was the only "politican" type who he interacted regularly with. Well we can always hope for a PC or might widespread release in a few years :D

[@JustinBania]

Started to watch this on my phone. 15 seconds in to that impossible awesome intro I stopped and walked into my living room. This needs the 60 inch 4k treatment... *Chef's kiss*

[@TheRainstormer]

KZbin brought me here today for the first time in my search of FF16 content and i must say i am VERY GLAD it did! I absolutely love your character, i love your energy and also like your love for the Lore as much as the bling bling that happens on the screen as you play. Glad i discovered your channel today and i will certainly return for the duration of the FF16 serie you do! You got my sub mah boi

[@FarewellApollo]

welcome to the community!

[@TheRainstormer]

@@FarewellApollo thanks!

[@corpsefoot758]

Jesse is really sharp in general, but is also a huuuge Final Fantasy fan/nerd in particular (not the least after his time steamrolling through their new MMO), so you definitely lucked out on finding this particular channel lol

[@heeeyyy2947]

Jesse I've been watching your videos for years and- as somebody that can't afford a PS5- it's legitimately made my day being able to journey through this game with you!

[@clearlyrebecca]

As a fellow lore-geek (not of FF, but just in general), you stopping every 10 minutes to use the ATL or talk about the lore is PRECISELY what I'm looking for in a playthrough.

[@rjsmind]

Thank you jesse for doing a playthrough so we, your forever fans can, experience this story together with you, the biggest Final Fantasy buff on youtube. I am PUMPED

[@DarkSymphony19]

Been watching you since the OMFGcata days. After the FF13 incident, its been amazing seeing you re-fall in love with FF through 14 and now 16

[@RothAnim]

I do like that The Bastards are all named after dragonkin: Biast, Aevis, Wyvern and Tiamat. Although depending on pronunciation, the one crushed by the boulder probably is now Peiste.

[@micheljavert5923]

Right, I damn near died laughing when Jesse says "it's not slavery" when literally the next sentence is that Bearers are enslaved, the one after that calls them tools, and the one after that calls it a system of slavery that has persisted for years🤣

[@KH1Sora]

As I don't own a PS5 I was PRAYING you were going to play through this so I could watch and experience it with you. Watching you play the demo really got me invested in this game much more compared to my own time spent in FF15 and I've been looking forward to seeing where this story goes.

[@Sith9890]

the best part of the ATL tutorial message: All ATL entries can be accessed later in the game gimme a giant codex to read I live for that kind of thing

[@Sjendertje]

Only 55k views.. wth! Jesse you honor us with the silence when a cutscene is playing. You love the lore and respect it without spoilers. In a toxic youtube world where kids have to shout to make their point. You remain still and let us enjoy the story. Thank you so much!

[@tinybee7780]

Bless you again Jesse for showing us part one. Like so many others I hope you have fun with this wonderful game. I have no doubt this game will receive the recognition it deserves with so many good people both from the devs and the fans of the franchise wishing for its sucess. I myself won't be able to watch this playthrough until I've played and dissected everything this game has to offer, and that of course incudes new game+ and beyond. Still, I'll be sure to go back and watch your playthrough once I'm done with mine so for now, here's a comment to satisfy the algorithm gods.

[@leomar8577]

I thought we weren't gonna have playthroughs on this channel anymore but the love for Final Fantasy (and this game in particular) is too strong. Thank you Jesse. I know in Cox n Crendor podcast what playthroughs does to you and your channel but you're still doing this. Now time to enjoy another chapter of Final Fantasy, have at thee!

[@moonlily3464]

I just finished the game and immediately rushed over here to relive it with you. Thank you for helping to mend a bit of the games-over-depresso. You've been my favorite for years.

[@Isnogood12]

The Archduke has such huge Sean Bean energy that I could tell what his future held from the moment he dismounted his chocobo.

[@oplawlz]

Here's hoping jesse actually makes it all the way through this one, love these playthroughs!

[@Knoxerboy101]

Feels like it's 2015 again and I'm about to cozy up and watch my favorite Cox truly enjoy a game. Super excited for this one, Jesse.

[@nyxhen2583]

Thank you so much for this. I've also been with final fantasy since the 90s. I have two kids now and can't afford a PS5, so this is the only way I will get to experience this. I'm glad it's with you

[@DeathVanguard]

Hey Jesse. Long time fan of you since your Terraria with Totalbiscuit series, and as a longtime fan of FF as well since FF2 I'm super excited to see this. Thank you for continuing to make great videos over all of these years!

[@michaelharrold441]

I dunno what was more heartwrenching, watching the battle between the two boys or watching Jesse's face during it

[@genereaver]

Wait, 'between the two boys'? What do you mean?

[@MidoriTheAwesome]

​@@genereaverClive and Joshua

[@genereaver]

@@MidoriTheAwesome Yeah, I hadn't gotten far enough in the game for that reveal yet (and neither had Jesse at this point in the playthrough) so... hooray spoilers, I guess?

[@MidoriTheAwesome]

@genereaver ???? I haven't even finished this video yet and that happened

[@genereaver]

@@MidoriTheAwesome Assuming you're talking about Ifrit vs Phoenix, I had no idea who Ifrit was, so referring to it as 'the battle between the two boys' is a pretty big, if early-game, spoiler. But then I also went in completely blind, so whatever. Maybe it's a big point in the trailers I've avoided watching.

[@inanimatesum4945]

I’m just obsessed with the first Eikon theme. The choir yelling AMEN as two Gods duke it out will always be peak artistry. Like they’re both cheering and praying they don’t get caught in the crossfire.

[@GrandiaKnight]

I believe the correct term is total banger of a song!

[@k.vn.k]

I love the scene of two gods fighting!!! Flying around in the sky shooting flames and everything crumbles down.

[@TheDaisukeMiyuki]

THE SHIVA THEME BLEW ME AWAY WHEN SHE WAS SUMMONED AHHH

[@NatyaVT]

Imagine if the message the Ironblood are trying to spread is "Stop relying on magic and the Mothercrystals for every little damn thing you fucking nimrods, it's accelerating the Blight!"

[@2013Fangirl]

I know very little about Final Fantasy since I've only ever watched your FF7 remake let's play, but I am hyped for this! Your energy during this playthrough is everything and I can't wait to go on this journey with you!! I love to see you excited about the games you play Jesse!!

[@grass23]

The thing I notice and love is after the mothers betrayal is laid bare. Her entire demeanor changes she's moving her hands, she's being airy and her posture is different. Her stiffness totally came from playing a role as much as she might of actually still cared for Joshua in a twisted way.

[@joshkraus392]

This final fantasy is so dark and different from all the others and I’m so here for it.

[@RAYNE0912]

I really feel like all the final fantasies have been really dark. They almost all show large scale conflict, senseless slaughter and lust for power leading individuals to disregard entire nations or even worlds worth of lives. I think what stands out here is this group of individuals, the aikons who of their own individual volition literally stomp out the lives of enemies and allies alike due to simple disregard. It creates a stronger contrast to the way the common people's lives are thrown away.

[@howell2010]

I don't think that it is. Let's be honest, FF7 was about a mercenary joining an eco-terrorist group for some good ol fashion eco-terrorism. FF8 was about child soldiers being used as expert mercenaries against a country conquering the world. Those are just the ones I am most familiar with. FF content has always been dark, but this one is able to communicate it in a better way.

[@joshkraus392]

@@howell2010 I definitely agree with you, this one is more open about violence and cussing.

[@danielsaxon2206]

I haven’t played a FF game in years, and can’t afford to buy the console for it. Thanks for playing a game you genuinely enjoy and playing it well. Appreciate what you do man, your stuff has helped in hard times.

[@ericbright1742]

21:02 This reminds me of one of my favorite lines from Beast Wars: "Flattery will get you flattened." 2:53:02 I saw that name. It made me smile.

[@zzzMrgamerzzz]

I listened to the Cox 'n Crendor episode where you complained about editing and how much you hated it. I'll be first one to say that this unedited format is perfectly fine and is even a bit more personal. I like it a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@JohnAldenDavis]

Omg, Jesse, it would be awesome to see you play through the entirety of this game like you did FFXV. Your perspective on all things FF is truly a precious commodity.

[@mikeman2862]

Have to say, in this game Cid is really...... electrifying ;)

[@liraelgirl8]

Damn, those first 2 hours are a rollercoaster Thanks for sharing your playthrough, Jesse!

[@inewulf3204]

Jesse was the first of my subbed channels to upload. As a PC only player I am now riding with You for this experience. Thank you and can't wait for more

[@lizxfiasco]

I literally just finished watching the demo..I was like man I hope he plays this..and then this posted...I said it once and I'll say it again..I didn't get to experience Final Fantasy until the mmo..So I thank you again for letting those that never knew about this series experience it.

[@pforgottonsoul]

Cid is already my favorite character and i haven't even known him for that long.

[@QuantumKumquat]

I am so glad you're doing a full-on playthrough of this game and sharing it with us. I've been a massive fan of yours since the old omfgcata era, watching you playing the WoW Cataclysm beta, etc. I've been looking forward to this game since it was announced and my family and I have been having a rough time financially so owning a PS5 and playing this game myself is just not possible. The next best thing is enjoying it with you as you share your experience with us. Thank you so much.

[@Elliot226]

Don't know why KZbin un-subbed me but now it makes sense why I haven't been seeing your videos in forever. I know this isn't getting finished from your Twitter post, but man I've missed watching your let's plays. So proud you've cracked the million subs (I was originally subbed WAY back in the day before the year of a million subs was a thing). WISH KZbin HAD LET ME STAY SUBBED DURING THE CRITICAL TIME PERIOD. But glad to see you're still going. And going to your page and hearing that ending song with TB just threw me back to the good old days. It made me really emotional (in a good way) knowing how important that still is to you. I know it might be weird as a fan, but since I still use KZbin everyday, I do think about TB at least once a day and miss him so much. But it's hard to watch old videos. It's just nice knowing you've still kept that memory going for us. Thanks Jesse. And really glad I get to watch these again and see what you've been up to.

[@JoeBombinoGameStreams]

YES!! Oh man I’m so amped for this for multiple reasons! 1) I don’t have a PS5 so I can’t play this anyway and 2) this really brings me back to when Jesse did Let’s Plays all the time. I’m watching every second of this playthrough LFG

[@Medianwow]

I'm in the same boat. I miss the old let's plays! Can't wait to experience this with JC.

[@zabrac1566]

Jesse still does Let's Plays though you may not see them as he posts them on his 2nd channel, Cox Clips. He recently did Horizon: Forbidden West and has Street Fighter 6 & Jedi: Survivor, though Jedi is based on when he can get the all the boys to play it together. Check his 2nd channel out and see if there was a Let's Play of a game you might've missed!

[@benhagstrom2185]

Sadly, even if Jesse did more let's plays, I just don't have time to watch them like I used to. I'm all in for this one though.

[@slasher8765]

We will get this for PC thankfully and by then all the bugs and maybe even textures will be ready for us

[@mischitary]

Just found out that the Field BGM for Rosaria is the melody of the songs the soldiers are singing at the feast. I was totally gobsmacked.

[@mintshroom]

I really appreciate how in tune Joshua is with the various situations he is thrown into. It really clicks for me when joshua leaves the dinner to find Clive. He can easily tell he is no longer needed at the dinner, and he just bows out. He is rather constantly rather perfectly aware of his role in any given situation, and how he is meant to act, even as a small kid. I wonder how much of that is his natual personality, or how much of it is taught to him because he is the Phoenix.

[@Mindofthequill]

Hell yes. You are *the* guy I wanted to watch play this game. I watched you play all of FF15 back in the day and I have joined in many FF14 streams. I'm pumped.

[@Erranruin]

God I love Jesse lets plays, been my favourite way to see games I'll never play for decades, so glad you're still going strong

[@Geekanomicon]

This has become my Favorite modern Final Fantasy. IMHO it's a Masterpiece. This from an old hand who started with Final Fantasy II (IV) on the SNES.

[@TheGeekShow]

"Does Titan shit boulders?" A question all FF14 players will be trying to find the answer to from now on. It also gives new meaning to Titan Extreme and Titan Savage.

[@yoshifurukawa7]

Watching the just pure unadulterated joy on jesse's face while playing this is almost as entertaining as the game

[@ChrisDiorio]

I'm glad you are playing the start again so I can experience my favorite line so far: FuckFuckFuckFuckFuckFuckFuckFuck

[@Pravaification]

I love how the Midnight Raven boss is just using all of the FFXIV Ninja abilities

[@forensicfanatic1]

Comment for the algorithm! Been a long time watcher, and I always look forward to my Cox content

[@missfuneralsong]

I still remember being there for the marathon ff6 stream and managing to stay awake for all of it (minus one short nap). And look where we are now!

[@bandi138138]

I love how Jesse nods his head everytime he pulls off a precision counter lol

[@Elischannel4stuff]

2:51:33 Physicker líke physical, one who practises physic (healing). Today, I get to be that guy.

[@vendrexlorddragon]

Yooo, your face when you're in a fight lessening to dialog is my face anytime I play final fantasy games too lmfao. I don't have a ps5 yet sooooo you're my main man for watching and getting to experience the story that I know I will love.

[@talisenamell]

Jessie releases a Final Fantasy game vid "LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO" Vid is 4hrs long "By the God Emperor this day has been a blessed one"

[@SwitchbackCh]

Amazing so far! I'm in love with the ATL as a concept -- such a simple but great solution. Even as a lore nerd, being interrupted by prompts and popups in the middle of a cutscene always makes me abit annoyed or forget to look it up, but being able to just access a compendium with entries relevant to whatever's onscreen at the press of a button is such a brilliant solution that accommodates players who don't care for lore and those who love it both at once. I hope more games utilise this system.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

So envious of you Jesse getting to play FFXVI early, but thank you for sharing this. You are a treasure. I love watching your streams, and videos.MCU crew in particular also makes me proud to be in the chat. I wish I could play a game with you one day. This game looks so amazing. Yoshi-P and Soken are living up to the legacy set by Sakaguchi and Uematsu and are the rightful heirs to the legacy of Final Fantasy.

[@munky342]

I've been away from your channel for a while Jesse. But I can confidently say that I'm all in on this series. You're so close to 1M subs now too, been a long road.

[@DrSmurrie]

and I thank YOU, good Ser Cox because I can't play myself and have learned to love FF through your passion for it!

[@MultiJellybones]

2:46:50 ohhh I love the concept of Jagd in Final Fantasy. Trule it is part of every fantasy world's recipe

[@Talausia]

Unless there is a Biggs and Wedge later in the game, I am going to refer to Wade and Tyler as Biggs and Wedge.

[@magus2003]

Like many others, cant afford a ps5 so Im glad youve decided to upload this to youtube. Thanks for that. Visually and audibly this game is stunning so far, but after these couple hours it really reminds me of the mcu movies. All flash and glamour but not much else. Hoping the story is just slow burn and starts to build into something.

[@JusTxIcE213]

I've been watching this man ever since he played terraria with TB and I've made it a tradition to watch that series once a year. 4k more to go until 1m Please carry our BOI!!!!😭😭😭

[@PCRman]

I'm not sure how long I will stick with this series because DAYUM this game looks good and I want to play it myself. But watching Jesse's theory brain work is a delight. Also, I played FFT recently, so seeing Cidolfus as an actual Thunder God Cid is pretty fun.

[@indigophoenix12]

Im with you on final fantasy fandom. the first one I picked up was in 1993, Final Fantasy 2 (FFIV in Japan): Spoony Bard Edition. I was living in a civil war fort at the time. (Fort Jefferson, in Dry Tortugas National Park.) And got to explore Edwards Crumbling Castle as Cecil while inside a brick 'castle.' Im glad you're sharing your hype and playthrough!

[@mirusasaki]

Bless FFXVI for bringing up Jesse Let's Plays again.

[@chrislawrence6701]

Won't be able to fully watch until next week when I've had time to play myself, but I cant wait to enjoy your playthrough!

[@TakaChan569]

"Now he recognizes her" i mean in the middle of a fight most people don't stop to look hard at the faces of the people they are fighting.

[@UTU]

I was hearing all the hype, never played an FF game and never will probably, but I had to come watch good ol' Cox play this one.

[@sailorb00]

YESSS. So excited for this playthrough! Let's goooo! Also Torgal is best boy ((and a dead ringer for LoZ:TP's wolf Link. Low key keep waiting to see Midna jump up from his shadow fsdf))

[@KyleCorbeau]

1:31:54 Every time I hear this exchange it really reminds me of Prompto and Ignis respectively.

[@lacelazier]

For FFXVI, I knew I had to watch your stream, Jesse, knowing that you're into the lore side of things when it comes to Final Fantasy. I don't have a PS5 of my own as I am waiting for the PC version, but I just had to know what happens in the game, and you taking us along for the ride is just pure awesome! I really love that you take the time to explore the world, every nook and cranny, read every piece of lore and whatnot. For me, who wants to eat and drink /everything/ the game has to offer, I am happy I get to experience it through your eyes ^ v ^ ) Don't feel bad about taking your time and going at your own pace with the game!

[@justinjacobson9837]

That FF4 box art Kain Dragoon pose!

[@denn-0h]

Holy moly, a 4 hour episode! Looks like I'm gonna be occupied for a bit xd

[@iamsquatty]

This is one of the better iterations of cid I've seen in a wje for final fantasy, I love it!

[@AustinKazda]

Hey Jesse, I've been a fan since the RPG Makers days. I'm super excited you are so close to 1 Mil. If anyone deserves it, it's you my dude.

[@funkmasterchung1]

Ah I’ll be back Jesse! I’m gonna need to play it myself before I watch anyone else do so. Excited for this!

[@umphreak9999]

1:59:33 even when it's inadvertent or incidental, pulling off sick shit in a fighting or character action game is the most satisfying thing in video games, imo. Especially when the combat is this good

[@miqotesoulia8620]

the active time lore is such a cool feature! love having a moment to see what Im curious about that is happening right then and there.

[@VinceW187]

When i saw the streams and let's plays start coming out for this game, i knew exactly who to watch play. This is some amazing content thank you!

[@lycandula]

1:24:28 I don't care how it ended, that Precision Dodge x4 combo was pretty slick.

[@abby5934]

You playing the way you play games is why I keep coming back to watch your stuff, Jesse. Never change 💙

[@AzimSF]

Just wanted to say that the moment I watched until 2:18:11 I just had to go and buy myself a PS5 and the game. I wanted to experience everything first hand and so here I am 9 days later after having done so now excited to see Jesse do it! 💯

[@mjs3188]

I cannot get over how fantastic of an homage That Scene is to the fight with the 13th Angel in Evangelion. Sitting there watching our main character disassemble someone important to him against his will. Ifrit takes over Clive the way the Dummy Plug takes over Unit-01.

[@fireslasher13]

I've been waiting for a few episodes to come out so so I don't run out too quickly 😂 Thanks so much for playing and sharing with us!

[@Sith9890]

hell yeah brother I'm planning on playing this game myself once I get my hands on a PS5, but experiencing it via Jesse will definitely tide me over

[@E-mol]

Been away for many years from watching gameplay videos from ya Jesse, but god damn! Had not realized how much I had missed your incredibly entertaining insight and curiosity for lore with the worlds that you enter and explore. Keep doing what you do best lad!

[@thehollyhazard]

Jesse, i miss your playthroughs. Please do it more often. ❤

[@Sith9890]

speaking for myself the lore entries are absolutely good content

[@genereaver]

It's not a perfect solution, but it's a great middle ground that seems to well-appease both the hardcore lore divers and the hardcore main story fans.

[@sam23696]

I haven't had any interest in FF before, but I can't help but love the passion Jesse has for this so I'm here for the journey. And also I'm stuck grinding in another game so this is perfect.

[@Otrovai]

I have to wait to get my hands on a ps5 to play this. but good lord am i still gunna watch jesse play this. Jesse never ceases to make Final fantasy entertaining as all get out.

[@iselreads2908]

Just gotta take a moment to appreciate how in the forest area the battle theme is just the neutral theme, but they crank the volume, the drums, and a few instrument changes from flutes to...I believe French Horns being the more notable ones, to change a peaceful atmosphere into a blood-pumping battle theme

[@DiegoEagler96]

The stage replay is such a nice feature. Jesse won't have to go through the strife of losing footage that happened in his FFVII Remake playthrough.

[@kamuishr3]

I don't usually watch playthroughs of story based games, but I love Jesse and all his work so adding a comment for the Algorithm Gods.

[@krisattwood3634]

Thanks

[@jessecox]

Thank YOU!!!

[@ExorcistX999]

Jesse Cox and FF content makes my day

[@timslack7568]

Goetz seems like he'd make an excellent Enchantment Seller

[@isupposeiexist]

I will give this game credit: Visually, stunning. Gameplay, stunning. The themes of the people of the Phoenix being all about protection, healing, and order while Ifrit is destruction and demonic: brilliant opener... I just wish the world wasn't so miserable later in the game. I don't want to save ANY of these people.

[@ormoffat]

4 HOURS?! Jesse you SPOIL us!