As someone who has spent countless hours delving into various virtual worlds through the lens of gaming, I must say that the imminent release of Final Fantasy 16 on PC is like a long-awaited reunion with an old friend. This game, with its action-oriented combat and intricate narrative, has been a subject of much anticipation and debate among gamers for quite some time now.
The exclusive run of Final Fantasy 16 on the PlayStation 5 is about to conclude, as a PC version looks set for release very soon.
At Gamescom 2024 this week, there are whispers that Final Fantasy XVI might finally reveal its official release date. We got a chance to chat with Square Enix’s Hiroshi Takai to gather some insights into the progress of the game’s PC version.
In simpler terms, Final Fantasy XVI (or simply Final Fantasy 16) stands out as the most action-focused main installment in this renowned series. Across many years, Final Fantasy has experienced numerous changes and adaptations. However, this latest edition has stirred some debate, particularly over its shift away from the traditional party-based tactical gameplay that the franchise is famous for. At the same time, it has earned praise for its impressive combat sequences and boss battles. Our review of the game is yet to come, as we eagerly await the confirmed release date for the PC version.
Since its initial release, Final Fantasy XVI has already seen the addition of two DLC expansions titled The Rising Tide and Echoes of the Fallen. These extra content packs will become available simultaneously with the game’s PC launch on September 17, 2024.
I recently had a conversation with the game director, Hiroshi Takai, to learn more about what gamers can anticipate from Final Fantasy XVI upon its upcoming PC release, as well as any potential plans for the game to be made available on Xbox in the future.
What PC port optimizations can Final Fantasy 16 players expect?
One hot topic when it comes to PC ports these days often falls on optimization. Games built for console platforms and then back ported to PC are occasionally known to suffer issues, owing to the vast amount of configurations that exist in the space. To that end, Takai emphasized how much work Square Enix has been doing to smoothen its PC port pipeline. “We’ve done a lot of work optimizing the game for different CPUs and GPUs, as well as adding a lot of different graphics customization options,” Takai explained. “We’ve also added support for various upscaling technologies, such as NVIDIA DLSS3, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS, and increased the frame rate cap, too.”
Moreover, Takai disclosed that PC users using PS5 DualSense controllers can savor complete haptic feedback as well. Interestingly, the game has been tailored to provide an enjoyable experience for those still preferring the traditional method of mouse and keyboard control. Here’s a suggestion: “Don’t forget to explore other available control options – I’m excited for you to discover your preferred way to play!”
“Our goal with the PC release was to ensure it’s compatible with a variety of devices, and that includes the Steam Deck.”
One factor that prolonged our process of bringing Final Fantasy XVI to Windows was the necessity to fine-tune the performance for an expansive variety of PC configurations. It’s almost like there are as many unique PC setups as there are PC gamers today, making it a significant task to ensure seamless gameplay in each distinct setup.
What’s the future for Clive and FFXVI?
Regarding the game, Final Fantasy 16, I was curious if Hiroshi Takai could provide some insights about potential future developments. The PC release of a “Complete Edition” for Final Fantasy 16 hints that Rising Tide and Echoes of the Fallen might mark the conclusion of Clive’s current story arc, but it’s worth noting that this wouldn’t be unprecedented in the world of Final Fantasy, where sequels have been produced directly. Given the enthusiasm fans have shown for Clive, it wouldn’t be surprising if more stories featuring him were created.
It’s been incredibly heartening to get favorable responses from fans. We’re thrilled that Clive and his team have been so warmly accepted. As for future Final Fantasy XVI content, I can’t share any specific plans with you yet—for now, we’re focusing our efforts on the PC version. After that, who knows what might happen!
Lastly, I couldn’t help but bring up the topic that has been eagerly anticipated by long-time Square Enix fans on Xbox: Will Final Fantasy 16 ever be available on Xbox? There have been whispers about this game potentially joining Final Fantasy 14 in a late release for the Xbox Series X|S, although it’s important to note that these are just rumors at this point. However, Director Naoki Yoshida has expressed openness to the idea of Final Fantasy XVI being played on other platforms someday.
“At the moment, we’re focusing on one step at a time, and I’m afraid I can’t share any details regarding our upcoming projects. However, let me tell you, there’s something about this potential future event that really excites me!”
In my observations, we’ve consistently strived to ensure the PC version is compatible with a broad spectrum of devices. This goal extends to encompassing platforms like the Steam Deck.
Earlier this year, Square Enix and Microsoft mended their bond significantly, as Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer unveiled the Xbox adaptation of the widely-played MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 during a fan event. However, it’s important to note that the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Rebirth, and Final Fantasy 16 are not available on Xbox Series X|S at this time. Conversely, Visions of Mana is set to release on Xbox, marking a rare traditional JRPG appearance from Square Enix on this platform in quite some time.
Without a doubt, it appears that Final Fantasy XVI could be a robust PC release for Square Enix, especially since they are actively restructuring their strategy to focus more on the Windows platform. As gamers continue to explore PC gaming through options like the Steam Deck or building their own gaming systems, this platform is rapidly gaining significance for game publishers across the globe.
Pre-orders for Final Fantasy XVI are now open on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with its official release set for September 17, 2024. If you’d like to take it for a spin beforehand, there’s even a free demo available! A big thank you to Takai-san for answering our questions!
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2024-08-19 20:40