Final Fantasy XVI Reveals New Gameplay Footage at PAX East 2023

During PAX East 2023, Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida and lead localization staff member Koji Fox were present to discuss the upcoming action JRPG. The stream, shared on Square Enix’s official Twitch channel, presented new gameplay videos highlighting world exploration, the combat, and the cast.

Specifically, dedicated brief videos were shared for the battle system, vast world, and Eikon battles.

The game will follow protagonist Clive across his teen years, twenties, and thirties, better informing players of his continually evolving motivations. Initially, he’s obsessed with vengeance, but he grows wiser as he grows older and learns more about the world and its denizens.

Introducing a closer look at the world of Valisthea in Final Fantasy XVI. #FF16 pic.twitter.com/ezqxe35Co1

— FINAL FANTASY XVI (@finalfantasyxvi) March 25, 2023

Player versus enemy battles comprises Clive typically fighting foes via ability customization manufactured by the player. Upgrading and the aforementioned customization highly encourage individualistic playstyles. The second type of battle is Eikon bouts, where Clive battles summons in varying ways depending on the opponent. They’re all made from the ground up with distinct feels.

You can view the official PAX East panel broadcast, where this new footage was revealed below. Unfortunately, the stream suffered immensely from frame drops, and multiple streams were initiated and then ended. We will update this article as these other VODs are saved or other trailers are uploaded.

A mod on the Twitch channel stated the following:

“Apolog[ies] everyone! We’ll have the full VoD posted later on this channel and on our YouTube.”

One of our staff members at the event has told us some of the discussions occurring past the stream cutting off:

• Boss fights have multiple phases, and the QTE cutscenes are what bridge the environment changes when the phases change.
• Hub Area was shown off
• Yoshi-P was playing a hands-on demo

UPDATE: The full VOD is viewable below:

Final Fantasy XVI is set to be a more action-heavy entry than its predecessors, with a Devil May Cry V designer even taking the helm. Throughout the title, players will control the protagonist Clive, as he confronts various Dominants, humans who have been cursed with the power to become Eikons.