As the first Final Fantasy 16 with a fully real-time action-based combat system, Final Fantasy 16 is clearly looking to deliver a very different kind of experience from what series fans have been used to for decades, but it’s also looking incredibly likely that it’s going to make good on all of the lofty promises it’s making.
Specifically where the combat is concerned, much has been made of how Final Fantasy 16 is shaping up, with former Capcom veteran Ryota Suzuki having served as the action RPG’s combat director. And according to Suzuki himself, the upcoming title is probably his best work yet.
Speaking in a recent live letter delivered to fans, Suzuki said (translation via @aitaikimochi on Twitter), “I’ve been making action games for the past 25 years in my career, and I truly think this game is my own personal masterpiece.
“We put priority in designing this game’s battle system to appeal to those who previously have not played or are not well versed in action games,” he continued. “So I hope those who have never played an action game before can go and try out Final Fantasy 16. I hope this game will give you a chance to experience the allure that an action game can bring. We hope you enjoy this game.”
During his long tenure at Capcom, Suzuki was involved in the development of a number of major titles, including the likes of Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma, Monster Hunter, and Marvel vs Capcom, and has, of course, built up a reputation as a master of some of the best combat you’ll find in character action titles, like Devil May Cry 5 in particular. To see him putting Final Fantasy 16 on a pedestal over those titles is, to say the very least, high praise.
We’ll know soon enough how successful the action RPG will be in meeting those expectations. Final Fantasy 16 is out for PS5 on June 22. Until then, you can get taste of its combat offerings courtesy of its free demo, which is available now.