JRPGs will always be a popular genre, but the past few years have seen them because more and more “westernized” in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. Perhaps the most obvious is Final Fantasy 15, which has a strong “boy band road trip” vibe to it. It’s been to mixed success over the years, and there are certainly JRPGs that will always retain their original flavor. However, it makes sense from a marketing and commercial standpoint.
Indeed, Tales of Arise was very upfront about telling a darker story to better appeal to a Western audience. The Tales of Arise reviews alone prove how successful of a “merger” it served to be. Now, it’s no secret that Final Fantasy 16 is taking a similar approach, and if it plays out anything like Tales, it’s going to be a hit.
Tales of Arise – The Darker Story Set in an Anime World
Tales of Arise retains everything about the franchise that made it unique, such as the skits. Playing through it clearly feels like a Tales game and a JRPG, yet the story was on a whole other level. It was much darker than past Tales entries and much more direct, tackling everything from the pain of losing a loved one to loneliness and sometimes straight-up acts of evil. It tackled mature themes and more, emphasizing the west’s more preferred storytellings right out of dark fantasy and things like Game of Thrones.
Despite this, it still managed to feel like a Tales game. Bringing in a darker story, diving full fledge into sci-fi fantasy, and more were all bold decisions. These decisions, however, clearly paid off, and they could do the same for Final Fantasy 16.
Final Fantasy 16 – A Medieval Fantasy Approach with a Dark Twist
With this in mind, Final Fantasy 16’s approach to westernization by focusing on darker fantasy may just pay off all the same. It’s clear this is a goal in development, as while much is not known, Final Fantasy 16 is working with its English voice actors—based on British English since it’s more associated with medieval times—first before Japanese despite being set in Japan. It’s usually the other way around. Yet, beyond the minor parts, it’s clear that Final Fantasy 16 tells a dark story.
At least in the trailer, it makes it seem that Joshua dies as a way to push Clive on his journey. The Iron Kingdom, a region in Final Fantasy 16’s Valisthea setting, kills any Dominant baby born in its region. While classic elements like the crystals remain, it does seem to be embracing the darker story the west enjoys so much. If it can interweave darker storytelling into its narrative while maintaining its distinct Final Fantasy flavor, which the one trailer does seem to suggest, then Final Fantasy 16 has all the makings of being an unforgettable entry. Only time will tell, of course, if it manages to follow that balancing act.
Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PS5.