Final Fantasy 16 recently released a new trailer focusing on Valisthea but introducing two new characters. Square Enix would expand on these two Final Fantasy 16 characters, with one of them being the Warrior prince of Sanbreque's Holy Empire. Named Dion Lesage, this character has an interesting set-up that brings to mind FF4's protagonist Cecil.
Now, the Final Fantasy franchise has been around for so long that there are many long-standing traditions, such as the prevalence of crystals and a character named Cid in-game, but there are plenty of unintentional similarities. Indeed, that seems to be what's happening here with Final Fantasy 16 and FF4.
FF4: Cecil's Face Turn vs. FF16: Dion's Potential Heel Turn
For those who may not recall, Final Fantasy 4's Cecil begins the game as a Dark Knight. He is a celebrated commander, beloved by his men for his Captaincy of the Red Wings. Cecil is not the child of, but is otherwise raised by, the King of Baron. Cecil then follows the King's orders blindly as a Dark Knight, struggling with his own sense of identity and morality. He eventually comes to hate himself for the things he's done, but in finding himself again, he manages to become a Paladin - initiating a role change in Final Fantasy 4. His growth shows how people can find themselves and regain their honor, as Cecil was convinced there was no way back for him: "I've worn this darkened armor for so long now, there's no mote of light left in me. Not even... in my heart."
The parallels between Dion and Cecil seem obvious. Dion is loved and respected by his people and troops, just like Cecil was (even if Dion is actually royalty). Dion leads Sanbreque's most feared order of Knights, the Dragoons, while Cecil was Red Wing Captain. They both fulfill that niche as the beloved military leader that is somehow connected to royalty. Where they differ, however, is that Cecil started off as a Dark Knight before becoming a Paladin; Dion looks very much like a "Paladin" but the game hints he may be moving toward the dark side.
Because of the blight in Final Fantasy 16, "all is not well in the empire, and the gathering shadows may yet be enough to quell Bahamut's Light," reads the Square Enix website. In other words, it seems that the light Dion is fighting to save may fade, and in his attempt to save it, it's possible that he—as Bahamut's Dominant in Final Fantasy 16—would find himself turning into more of a Dark Knight. This is only speculation based on the description, of course, and however it plays out, it's possible that Dion is redeemed. After all, Cecil had thought he lost his light, but he hadn't.
This is an interesting turn, too, because Final Fantasy 16's Clive appears to be more akin to a Warrior of Darkness than a Warrior of Light. He is the dominant of the Dark Eikon Ifrit, after all, and much of his personal quest relies on vengeance. It could be that both Clive and Dion fall, perhaps eventually being able to rise up. Yet, the similarities and contrasts between Dion and Cecil seem pretty clear, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Dion fall, just as Cecil rose above his turmoil.
Final Fantasy 16 releases in summer 2023 for PS5.