Surprise Final Fantasy XVI Ambition Trailer Confirms Importance of Summons

Espers, Eidolons, Eikons, Oh My!

While much of the gaming world is near-sighted awaiting titles releasing at the end of the year, the next numbered Final Fantasy title has gotten a new trailer. Much of the game’s tone, setting, and story were detailed through an emotionally charged trailer that ultimately shows just how integral summons are to the game’s plot. Final Fantasy XVI might have some of the most technically impressive summoned entities in franchise history. 

Additional details were shared in a press release, noting that Final Fantasy XVI is a standalone single-player action RPG. The game takes place in the realm of Valisthea, a land where massive crystals jut from some of the game’s major cities. It was also revealed that Summoners in FFXVI are called Dominants who are noted to be men and women blessed with a “dread power, which is unlike anything ever seen in the series” and these entities are called Eikons.

As shared in the press release, “I'm happy to announce that our newest trailer—Ambition—is now live,” commented Naoki Yoshida, Producer, FINAL FANTASY XVI. “Rather than focusing on action as we did in our last reveal, this time we wanted to give the world a more in-depth look at FINAL FANTASY XVI's lore and its rich cast of characters—with the Dominants front and centre.”

“As the game edges closer to completion, the team has turned its full attention to debugging and final adjustments. Now that things are starting to come together, the game is sizing up to be something truly special,” said Hiroshi Takai, the game’s Director. 

In earlier trailers, we were given glimpses of the clash of Dominants and there are more scenes of that potential gameplay shift in this trailer, suggesting a fighting-game-like spectacle. Summons of iconic names includes Shiva, Bahamut, Titan, Odin, and Garuda. While Ifrit and Phoenix are the two Eikons that the plot might center around, judging by the various trailers and the game’s logo artwork. 

With summons always being a personal highlight of the franchise for me, it is amazing to see them at the center of a numbered title. Considering the action focus and the way previous games have been able to awe players with unforgettable displays of these godlike beings, FFXVI is a game that I am exceptionally excited to play. 

Final Fantasy XVI will be released for PS5 in the Summer of 2023. There is not a rating yet but given the game’s themes, we assume this could be a Mature-rated title. 

Learn more about Final Fantasy XVI on the official website which shares additional details such as new screenshots, character bios, and more. Screenshots used courtesy of official Square Enix media materials.