Why Final Fantasy XVI Is The Most Shocking Final Fantasy Ever

Rob and Rosie have played four hours of Final Fantasy XVI and think it’s the most shocking Final Fantasy game ever. Whatever your history with the series, you have never played an FF game like Final Fantasy 16. Served up with lashings of new Final Fantasy 16 gameplay, here are all the reasons why Final Fantasy fans should prepare themselves for one of the daring, dramatic and dynamic RPGs ever made…
Final Fantasy XVI releases on PS5 on 22 June and we are already counting down the days. Do you have any questions you’d love us to answer about the latest installment in the series? Pop them in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them.
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All music featured courtesy of epidemicsound.com (www.epidemicsound.com)
We use the AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra, Elgato 4K60 S+, and Atomos Ninja V and Ninja Inferno for gameplay capture.
Follow the team on Twitter:
Ash: bit.ly/AshMillman
Rosie: bit.ly/RosieCaddick
Rob: bit.ly/RobPearson
Dave: bit.ly/DavidJackson
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[@StabbyRocketJoe]

FFXVI is about to destroy all expectations.

[@captbuckyohare5585]

Hopefully in the right direction.

[@Bewoulf1223]

But that was my expectation 😕

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

For people who are "worried about the future of the series": It is not the way the series is going to be forever going forward. Final Fantasy has always changed either the setting, the visual art style, combat mechanics, party composition, etc. Look at how different FF IX is from FF VIII, or FFXII is from FFXI, or even at how FF 7 Rebirth is going to be from FF XVI.

[@warlorddk2070]

Its a open world JRPG... Usually have a feel to them... Doubt it will revolutionise that much... I get people are excited but check your biasies as a fan. The hype mindset is what makes reviewers say Zeldas voice acting is spot on when only 5% is voiced... 😅

[@StabbyRocketJoe]

@@warlorddk2070 it's not an open world game tho. It has a zone-based levels akin to FF12.

[@lionheart4424]

I love seeing you geek over FF16 knowing you both are longtime fans of the series (Rob has made sure we don't forget that over the years). Can't wait to play this next month!

[@nerdmommy7114]

I remember this hype that I wanted PS4 so bad because of FF15. And now I'm hyped up again because of FF16. So is this a sign to actually get a PS5?! So hyped up! Also love your hair, Rosie! Beautiful!

[@warlorddk2070]

Wait... You only get the current system when a FF comes out?.. The magic you have missed😵‍💫

[@gantz0622]

About to get as disappointed as we all were for how bad FF15 was? :D

[@randomdaveUK]

​@@gantz0622 ff15 was a Witcher 3 clone...

[@nerdmommy7114]

@@randomdaveUK Um... no it's not. Or is this sarcasm?

[@zacatkinson3926]

@@gantz0622 XV wasnt bad at all

[@r3dz0ne982]

The design of the health and stagger bars for the enemies look amazing. I like the way it shows how much damage you're doing without big flashy effects. It lets you enjoy the big flashy moves instead : )

[@ThePrincessFera]

After playing that one quest from FFXIV Shadowbringers, the one they had to tone down to meet the rating, I heard FFXVI was going to be M and I was like "Yoshi P and team are going to blow that out of the water" I'm so excited ❤❤❤

[@peppy-lettuce]

Having never played a final fantasy game, I've got to say this looks amazing! The love and hype you both have for these games is infectious! I genuinely cannot wait to pick it up and fall in love with a new franchise of games! I'll definitely be buying this one!

[@katherinemerkel3505]

Welcome to the fandom 😊

[@idudahkepake]

Give FF 7 Remake a try,it's a masterpiece.

[@peppy-lettuce]

@@idudahkepake my mate has lent their copy of FF7 , enjoying so far!

[@hkoizumi3134]

If you're coming from FF14, it may not be a huge surprise when it comes to the tone of FF16. FF14 had really dark and sad parts that it still resonates within the community even after years has passed. For those that skipped FF14, you're gonna be caught off guard.

[@ex0stasis72]

Oh good! FF14 was the only FF game I've played, well that and FF7 Remake.

[@Phantasiafan87]

Quite true, but it also consists of a myriad of lighthearted moments. I hope XVI has a lot of that too. Maybe it will be like the Yakuza series where the side content will have lots of humor and heart warming stories.

[@evi6199]

I've played FFXIV and FFXVI demo and I have to say FFXVI way exceeded FFXIV in a way I never thought possible. FFXIV is Game of Thrones. FFXVI is Attack on Titan level

[@batfan932]

@@evi6199 FFXIV is its own masterpiece and I doubt the scale and lore intricacies will ever be topped. FFXVI is more what would have happened to FFXIV if it wasn't hamstrung by the T rating. Especially during Shadowbringers. That mess was dark.

[@ibelieveitcauseiseentit9630]

I skipped final fantasy 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 might buy this one though.

[@otterpoet]

Thank you both. Absolute delight hearing you talk about this; a Final Fantasy that sounds like my style of game and story. Rob is the reason I played and platinumed _FF15_ and so glad to see him so excited for this.

[@dragonsaki3266]

Once this comes out I'm expecting a dedicated video on the water graphics Rob

[@L.L.MacRae]

Watching this after completing the demo, and I can't remember being so excited for a new mainline FF game!! It's threatening to overthrow my excitement for Rebirth! It's an absolute joy to see how much work has been put into this game and I cannot wait to explore and discover everything! Your excitement is unbelievably contagious :D What a time to be a Final Fantasy fan! 🎉🎉

[@Struggler12349]

The boss fight against "Titan lost" looks absolutely out of this world

[@Wogle]

Rob: "I can't believe Final Fantasy is doing this!" Me: "Welcome to Shadowbringers 😉." I'm very excited for XVI!

[@richs.500]

This has been my most anticipated game since it was announced in September 2020. I'm not much of an action gamer, but I played and enjoyed FF7 Remake and am more than ready for this. Also, Torgal is best boy 2023.

[@ericwalker6477]

The goodest boy

[@Myles]

I’m drowning in epic games I don’t have time to play and they just keep coming! 😭 What a time to be alive! 🙌💙

[@ex0stasis72]

"Hold onto your papers!" -- Two Minute Papers

[@krc1242]

I can’t wait for this game! Been a FF fan since the 90s and something makes me feel this game is going to be special

[@johnwetziggaming5964]

Me too

[@darkvanilla7320]

Ever since the 1st one on NES. And that stupid Marsh Cave.

[@dreamer6737]

Let’s enjoy these coming weeks before release, there’s something special waiting for a new mainline FF title ❤😊

[@warlorddk2070]

What makes you feel its gonna be special? 🤔 And in what way?

[@krc1242]

@@warlorddk2070 hello! Sorry just seen your comment. I think it will be special because I am a big fan of the director and producer of this game, if you judge by reviews I am probably in a niche audience that actually enjoyed The Last Remnant haha! It’s also because of what they have shown and what they have said in interviews so far that for me everything looks great and they are saying the right things. For what I mean by special is more of a personal thing. XVI isn’t going to change the world of gaming or anything like that. Will most likely be nominated for GOTY but won’t win. I mean more that even though I love this series there is only about 5 main series single player titles that for me personally I really enjoy playing more than once (FFIV, FFVI, FFVII, FFIX and FFX) the last one originally came out over 2 decades ago. I’m hoping that this will finally be a more recent single player mainline game that I finish then immediately want to press new game (or new game+ if that’s an option) 🙂

[@sixpin551]

Great video guys. Thanks for covering this preview and doing so without spoilers! I'm hyped even more for release.

[@jokebapack2]

FF fans are growing older. I'm 10 when I played my first FF. Now I'm 40. It is natural for FF to mature with the fans.

[@I_Am_The_Social_Reject]

Just wish it was still turn based. And mature isn't always a good thing. But I'm sure 16 will be great and a good mature game

[@5H4K490]

@@I_Am_The_Social_Reject ff has never really been turn based this, its mostly worked with an active battle system. But I agree on the sentiment It has gone from being a purely tactical game to a more action oriented one.

[@harukozgoalz3566]

Can't wait for future FFXVI AMV's/GMV's as I don't possess a ps5 currently.

[@danielrosamond7838]

Can not wait for this. My only concern was if the world felt "lived in" but this video has banished any fears of that! Just a few weeks to go

[@paullomax4038]

Rob looks like he manages a suburban wine bar in this video.

[@mattsully2238]

(in Rob's scratchy baritone) cheers, mate. Fancy a pint?

[@yeahimageek6090]

After many many years of gaming, this will be my first ever final fantasy game. My first experience! I can’t wait!

[@ex0stasis72]

Similar here, although I've played FF14 and FF7 Remake. Both are fantastic. FF14 is an acquired taste at first, but the first expansion Heavenward was one of the best stories I've ever experienced in a video game. It's not that I've never had the chance to play other Final Fantasy games. I just am generally put off by anime games and over the top, exaggerated voice acting. So, one of the big selling points for FF16 for me is the fact that this is the first FF game where they wrote the script in English first and then translated it to Japanese. So it's less likely that there will be those awkward localization issues.

[@5H4K490]

PSN sells the FF collection of all the old classic games from F1 to FF12. Highly recommend going through them if you get the chance.

[@privateeromally7347]

I've neve really been FF fan. But afte playing remake, this is a pretty good 34th B-day present. 6/22

[@soon551]

The characters really feel alive, not like other games where it feels like it was made by a computer. It is still made with a computer, i know... But it just feels real. Cant wait, really cant wait

[@madalice5134]

I can't wait for Final Fantasy XVI!!! I've got my deluxe edition preorder and I'm taking a few days off work on release so I can properly sink into this game. I love seeing younguys geek out ivwr the gane and it's so cool that you got to play a chunk of the game. I'm so excited! This is such an amazing year for gaming.

[@stephenbottomley5210]

Great vid guys! Have been a little apprehensive about this one (many reasons, esp that the colour palette seems incredibly brown from the PS3/360 of gritty realism, if that sounds stupid) . Liking more from what I see each new video and you’ve been the best ones on coverage today. Torgal is Best Boy and perhaps worthy of a pre order alone! 😉 Keep up the good work and see you Weds for the Showcase! ❤

[@Mintcar923]

Granted I’m a huge sci fi fan I think this FF is going to be the one.. There’s just something about fantasy or medieval settings that go hand in hand with the genre..

[@karenpascual606]

If Rob's excited then I'm excited! I've been waiting for a new FF title that has a mix of Tactics political intrigue/drama, FF7R's gameplay, actual immersive open world with good ol fashion FF elements (summons, enemies etc) 🤞🤞🤞

[@nairilee]

I'm still quite nervous about the combat because I super suck at DMC, but the hype is real! It looks phenomenal!!!

[@markdesselle5572]

I promise if you keep at it you will get better. I hated DMC at first and I gave it another chance after a year and it became one of my favorite franchises. Playing fighting games like Tekken also helps with building muscle memory for strings of different button combos. I used to be strictly JRPGs but DMC and the like helped open me up to other genres.

[@will-love-lvx]

Plus they have tweaks so you can make it easier...I wouldn't worry!!

[@FranWest.]

I felt the same, having never played DMC, but after playing the demo - all my fears were erased. The combat is fun and not difficult to get used to. It became an instant buy for me!.

[@will-love-lvx]

Great preview! I'm definitely going to get it. Not day one because I have to buy a whole rig to play it. But ASAP!! It looks fun as hell to me!

[@mikedelgrande5296]

Huge FF fan and super excited for XVI. But no matter how hyped I already am, your videos never fell to exponentially increase my hype level. Let’s gooo!

[@badaboom2321]

I Never played a final fantasy game in life before today. I just finished the FF16 demo on ps5 and I’m HOOKED! I been watching so many KZbin videos about this game 😍I’m so hyped for it

[@maxminy5634]

It’s way different than it’s predecessor but still feels familiar. I’m so hyped! Demo was amazing

[@ryancho1381]

After plying the demo, this game will be one of the best of its series. Beautiful graphic and the story. Cant wait to play rhis game.

[@MaximusDru]

As someone whos never been a big fan of FF games im just not into turn based combat systems which was a staple of FF games, i've played a few FF games but only ever completed FFX which i did enjoy. I am very hyped for 16 though since it has the combat of a DMC game combined with a vast RPG story of a FF game is very exciting prospect.

[@thepetermullins]

Witcher 3: Witches immediately getting magic naked within seconds of the start of the game. FFXVI: Shows ankle Rob: Ooooooooooh! FINAL FANTASY!!!!!

[@Gwynbleidd_117]

Yoshi.P doesn’t disappoint. I cannot wait for this it is going to be phenomenal. I have no doubt. So glad they decided to go full action. Being able to fully control and craft awesome looking combat with your own actions rather than just hitting skill names in a menu. Turned based is just archaic at this point nothing is exciting about watching a bunch of characters lined up across from each other taking turns attacking.

[@Jimboquacks]

To each their own. Turn based games are more strategic. FXVI does look good. But the FF golden era was still FFVI-FFX before they departed from the turn based gameplay.

[@elwincarstens192]

Love hearing your passion and geeking out! Game looks tight🔥

[@mattsully2238]

I remember being amped for 15 and it was... Ok. Such hyperbole was being lavished on it and it was middling at best. I'm getting a similar feeling this time too. My heart wants to be excited but I've been burned before...

[@mattsully2238]

@M2 I hope you're right. SE has been better lately (ff7re was done well ) but then they made forspoken.

[@leftymu]

This is being made by a _completely_ different team within Square, and it also hasn't spent several years being developed as a different game for a different console generation. The circumstances of FFXV couldn't be more different

[@YaRev85]

Yoshi P, Soken, and Koji make all the difference.

[@will-love-lvx]

I was ultimately disappointed with 15 to be honest. I have a distinct feeling that won't happen with this.

[@BlackBeltNinja]

I’m so hyped for this one. Great coverage.

[@BGLNZ]

I’m so excited man, cannot wait!

[@jstewart_1]

Clicking like and leaving a comment. I don't want any more details about ffxvi until after I beat it. I'll come back and watch it then. Peace.

[@reeceberini1638]

I pre-ordered this a couple months back, I just played some of the demo today and god damn! This game is going to back epic! Cannot wait to get my hands on the full release in a couple days time!

[@thepetermullins]

I'm watching this while playing the pixel remaster of FF3. It's a little jarring seeing the incessant march of progress!

[@kadenzz2935]

FFXVI is a Masterpiece, From start to ending

[@terminalsarcasm]

Street Fighter VI and Final Fantasy XVI is probably gonna eat up my whole summer and fall.

[@ShirleyMay2]

I pre ordered mine. Can't wait for the launch.❤❤

[@TheMissileHappy]

I know most people are looking forward to this game, but for me it's just not what I'm looking for in a final fantasy game :( I guess it's time for me to look for a different jrpg series

[@Force-Multiplier]

Just an exact month away now i can almost breathe now

[@virgilcanmakeplaylists6589]

Where is the turn-based? Where is the party? Where is the RPG?

[@SuperBrentendo89]

I guess they’re starting to realize that the Final Fantasy fanbase has grown up and the new generations of kids-teens aren’t too interested in the series

[@KowashiHitori]

I have Friday off! Ready to play!

[@stephengoodman9058]

I have it on pre order so job already done guys 😄 This will be my second FF game after the pixel remake. It’s basically the same thing right. …….RIGHT?

[@Phantasiafan87]

Any chance you guys will have a presence at the LA event next week? I’d love to stop and say hi.

[@kirankuzhigmail]

After playing the demo, I am so excited. The new combat, the brutality, the intricate storytelling were truly excellent

[@ericougel7858]

Final fantasy should hold a record for most mainline titles and spin-offs of a series I would think

[@DavidCowie2022]

So it's FinalFantasy but GRIMDARK? Well, whoop-de-doo.

[@bella_iris]

Thank you for this insight. The trailers were confusing and I didn't want the game, but this video made me want to buy it. PlayStation Access to the rescue!

[@GMG0894]

The blood makes it way more dark and badass. Wish FF would have more gore.

[@crazypetegaming2530]

I hope do a video explaining some of the law like crystals and what not for people (like me) who have never played a final fantasy game

[@captbuckyohare5585]

I'm hyped for the scale, aesthetic, setting, and next-gen wow factor. But, if I'm honest, FFXIII and XV both had those factors in their hype, but the gameplay and mechanics implemented in those games kind of landed as joyless and tedious for me. Very not-Final Fantasy when all was said and done. I can move on from old FF combat gripes and get on board with our new real-time hack n slash direction, but the lack of playing with a proper party and instead relying on AI NPCs in your team, the darker tone, plus the general pot-luck when it comes to how progression and customisation works from title to title.... I just don't know, this feels less and less like Final Fantasy and more like something else with some Final Fantasy elements peppered in. Which doesn't mean it's bad, but it makes managing fan expectations (and I know that depends on the age of the fan in question) very difficult. A wait and see for me.

[@alishavillarreal9310]

Completely agree about the darker tone. I mean, why did they have to go over-the-top with it? I was hoping for the best, considering Yoshi-P said in a video interview, "We didn't go out of our way to make a violent game." But I guess Yoshi-P and I understand that expression very differently. According to Eurogamer's preview video, the game is extremely bloody, chocobos are butchered, there's swearing all over the place, and sex is thrown in also for added measure. Thanks Yoshi-P, Koji Fox, and Rodrigo Sanchez for ignoring feedback and kicking us older fans used to T ratings to the curb. It feels awesome.

[@Stevexupen]

Rosie's ears are absolute units! love them!

[@will-love-lvx]

She does sort of have an elfin look, no?!

[@DigimonTamerfreak]

I can't wait to see rob try to over level in this game

[@Jimpipecigarbear]

One connection that had caught my eye with magic users. Was kinda like a throw back to six where Terra was under control of the empire. Where the mages ended up under the slave class. (The ones that can do magic without crystals.) Also a contrast with some of the media where magic users was nobels.

[@Draco262]

I have FFXVI preordered, but Im working my way through VI and X before. Gonna be a while beifre I play it.

[@sterlonb.digital777]

LET'S GOOOOOOO! GOT MY PRE-ORDER IN! I'M READY! ARE YOU?

[@Mark_GL]

I don't like the stagger system and the DMC combat, but i will buy a ps5 just for this game 😅

[@SjPedro]

got the collector's edition locked in. Can't wait to get it

[@jellord]

Man i was trying to use a potion and i commanded Torgal to attack instead and he saved me lol! Crazy.

[@voxk790]

your new camera is immense!

[@zeroblade9800]

Most shocking? Let me introduce these guys and gals previous work, FFXIV lol. I can't wait!

[@emmabowker4655]

Cannot wait for this!!!!

[@KillerK965]

I've had this preorderd this for months

[@Davewonder31]

#podsquad when I watch other videos I’m like how much time do I have? Do I need to pause this? But with you guys I just let it play all the way through 💯%

[@gdude6064]

As if I needed to be more hyped! 😩😩😩 I CANNOT waaaaait!! 😳

[@Blackwind81]

I have book the release date off work then have to work next day 😢, but have 2 whole weeks off after to just enjoy it

[@PunisherWorld]

I pre-ordered it since march and can't wait

[@Leondragon06]

The game most excited for this year! =)

[@James-gj8rn]

Another round of Previews?I’ve seen all I need to see on the game but I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a demo

[@dafire9634]

​@@christophcookit6334 the demo is out

[@codbdup88]

I just realized I’m so hype for this game that didn’t care at all or even expect airships and travel

[@raziel-bonsai7109]

This is the first game to make me consider upgrading to a PS5 🤔

[@MariaIsabel_Fufuria]

I am soooo happy and excited I waited a couple years to get the PS5. Waiting for the FFXVI bundle to be released in my country. 🎉❤

[@zinc_trioxide]

I think having mature theme are no coincidence it's a gift for those fans who play FF in their childhood (maybe now in their 30s?), thanks SE!

[@alishavillarreal9310]

If by gift you mean tucking a smelly piece of excrement into my sandwich... then yes, you are absolutely spot on!

[@alishavillarreal9310]

@christophcookit6334 People can't seem to grasp that concept. They confuse obscenity with maturity.

[@alishavillarreal9310]

@christophcookit6334 I'm just happy to find someone else who feels the same way and understands! Tried to share a Square feedback email with you, but KZbin is crazy restrictive.

[@zinc_trioxide]

​@@christophcookit6334 Well of course that's up to you, everyone have their own preference

[@thatssoderek2188]

I feel so conflicted. I was so ready for FF15 and was so utterly disappointed when it came out. It feels like the more hype I hear for FF16 the less I trust anything I hear.

[@dafire9634]

Id say people have more confidence in this one because of the developers involved, Especially Yoshida drives a lot of goodwill from his work on FF14

[@Harrowing999]

Puppy Torgol is cute I’m gonna die!! If anything happens to that pup in the game I will riot

[@EMC_CO86_0_Z]

Looks amazing 🤩

[@rogerchandler2241]

Extremely excited

[@Brannen666]

This game is the reason I am punching pennies for a PS5

[@jakeyeager123]

Usually not into FF but I might have to pick this one up

[@warlorddk2070]

Dont get caught in the hype bud, these guys are 1 payed to promote playstation stuff and two they seem to love anything FF wait for a demo or some streams you can ask about the game.

[@katherinemerkel3505]

Welcome hope you enjoy 16

[@will-love-lvx]

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@zanarkandmusic]

Cannot wait 😊

[@EndeavorDC1]

Fafnir's movement reminds me of Monster Hunter World Radobaan's attacks

[@michaeldonovan231]

Ive only ever played final fantasy seven back in the day so I'm I Going to enjoy this because I've never played any other final fantasy game I like the look of this one because it's not turn based combat which I've never liked so can't wait for this one looks amazing 😍🤩🎉❤

[@Sailor_alan]

My worry is that the combat will completely elude me. I love an rpg, but the combat looks very action heavy. I will give it a fair chance, I'm just not most action style kind of gamer.

[@meta1ke]

There accessories you can equip to make the game easier. It's like an easy mode but customizable (slow time dodge, one button combos, auto dodge, etc.) If you're willing to equip some, it won't be hard.

[@timrosborough9578]

Definitely a day one purchase!

[@Jngham.-]

I was waiting on this one, CANT WAIT AHHHH

[@OdinAUT]

I just finished my Gow Ragnarok Platinum, I still got Hogwarts Legacy and Star Wars to play and now this gem is so much closer? I'll probably wait till next month for it instead of buying one of the other games. Honestly though thanks for the review guys, I just can't wait for it.

[@MumonguGaming]

Demo for this possibly dropping on Wednesday at Playstations showcase. Just heads up, Commenters below and above.

[@RD_Clarke]

I must admit, I havnt been hyped for this game really, but over the past few days I’ve looked alittle more into it and can fully say I’m unbelievably excited for this game!!

[@matthewtryon7452]

Wondering if they are able to capture the essence of Final Fantasy while trying to emulate all that is GoT and DMC? I’m sure it will be split over the fan base but I bet newer players will really enjoy it. As a huge fan I’m hyped for it though I hope the “darker” tone is done well. Im all for a mature and great story, but not if it’s just cursing, violence and raunchy stuff. I haven’t played through all of XIV but if it has similar tones then I think it will be good.

[@ariellaboy7982]

Is this a ps5 exclusive? May have to trade up from my PS4 😅

[@richs.500]

It is PS5 exclusive for at least 6 months.

[@ariellaboy7982]

Ah gotcha... So the old PS4 may have to share a shelf with the PS3 shortly... Unless there's word for it coming to PC after 6 months too?

[@meta1ke]

Exclusivity ends in six months but the director has said that pc will be a longer wait than 6 months

[@thomasboscini5311]

You know I'm already there

[@darkvanilla7320]

One more month!!!!!!!!!!😮😮😮😮😮