Final Fantasy XVI's leading lad is called Clive, and that is brilliant.
Producer Naoki Yoshida spilled the beans in a post to the PlayStation Blog, along with details on the world that Clive inhabits, and artwork of its cities and characters. You'll remember in the "Awakening" teaser trailer for Final Fantasy XVI that war is being waged over a mysterious blight that is affecting the mountains of Mothercrystals. This threatens life all over the six realms, as the crystals bless Valisthea's population with aether and allow them to live in peace.
"Countless wars have been fought over the Mothercrystals all around the land, leading to the rise of nations such as the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, and the Iron Kingdom, each with their own culture and ideology," explained Yoshida. "Ongoing skirmishes have forged an uneasy peace between these nations, but with the emergence of the ruinous Blight, that fragile peace is starting to deteriorate."
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This is where Clive Rosfield, the hero of Final Fantasy XVI, steps into the spotlight. "The firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, Clive is a Shield who protects his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix," stated Yoshida. "Joshua bestowed the Blessing of the Phoenix upon him, giving Clive the ability to wield a part of the Eikon's fire. However, as the story unfolds, he is swept up into a great tragedy."
Crikey. Usually, that would be a vague conclusion to Clive's character, but it is possible that Final Fantasy XVI won't hold back when it comes to the darker themes in its storyline. The game was given a PEGI 18 rating in a European newsletter, and the only other Final Fantasy title to receive this rating is Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, though only in North America. In addition, the Eikons (also known as Summons) are a core element of the world, and their power is vital yet dangerous when defending Valisthea from threats.
"Joshua Rosfield is Clive's younger brother and also the Dominant of the Phoenix-Eikon of Fire," continued Yoshida. "How Dominants are treated depends on the realm-in some they are revered as royalty, while in others they are sent to the frontlines as weapons of war." Joshua is still a young child, but is keenly aware of his role in the realm, and of the implications of his devastating abilities. Luckily, his friend Jill Warrick (a ward of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria) is there to look after him, and keep him grounded.
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Yoshida assured that the next big update that we receive about Final Fantasy XVI will arrive in 2021. In the meantime, there's the official website to peruse, which has even more information on the world and its cast of characters.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Final Fantasy 16, PS5, Final Fantasy