Final Fantasy XVI producer purposely decided to show in-game footage in trailer

By Aaron Mamiit Updated April 25, 2023

The Final Fantasy XVI announcement trailer, one of the highlights of Sony’s most recent PlayStation 5 livestream, purposely showed in-game footage instead of pre-rendered scenes, according to the game’s producer.

Naoki Yoshida, producer for Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, revealed in a panel at the Tokyo Game Show 2020 that the trailer for the next Final Fantasy game focused on in-game footage to manage players’ expectations. As translated by @aitaikimochi on Twitter, Yoshida said that if Square Enix released a pre-rendered trailer, “then people would say something like, ‘well, guess I’ll see you in 2035!'”

Final Fantasy 16 Producer Yoshi-P mentions they were pressed for time to make the FF16 trailer since they wanted to only show in-game scenes, so they couldn't fine-tune the graphics. However, they'll reveal a more polished trailer in the future! Here's my subs for his comment! pic.twitter.com/VMqy9D2jYl

— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) September 27, 2020

Yoshida revealed that “it was rather tough” to make the trailer as there was no time to make adjustments, but the development team was able to put together a teaser that manages to drive up hype for Final Fantasy XVI while showing the actual game.

Yoshida also mentioned that Square Enix will roll out a teaser site in October for Final Fantasy XVI that will provide information on the game’s world and its characters. The team will then focus on development.

Final Fantasy XVI coming sooner than expected?

Square Enix has not yet announced a release date for Final Fantasy XVI, but Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier recently claimed that it will launch “sooner than people think.”

In the Triple Click podcast, Schreier said that Final Fantasy XVI has actually been in development for at least four years, which would mean that work on the game may have started right after, or perhaps even before, the release of Final Fantasy XV in 2016.

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Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…

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All Chronolith locations and rewards in Final Fantasy 16

A chronolith trial pillar glowing in the sunlight.

Every Final Fantasy game changes up the battle system in one way or another. Final Fantasy 16 isn't the first to have real-time, action-focused combat, but is by far the most polished and refined one. The story is by no means secondary, but for the first time players are able to really express themselves through the various combos and abilities you can pull off. Square Enix recognized this and included special combat trails called Chronolith Trials. These are somewhat similar to the special missions you can find in games like Devil May Cry 5 where you are faced with a unique challenge for a reward. As tough as these challenges are to beat, finding them is also a bit of a chore. Hop on your Chocobo and follow our lead to find all the Chronolith locations in Final Fantasy 16.
What are Chronolith Trials?

Chronolith Trials are unique combat trails that put you into an arena that spawns waves of enemies. There will always be three rooms that each spawn three waves of enemies, plus a boss at the end. You're on a timer, and can only use a designated Eikon with predetermined abilities. By pulling off Battle Techniques, including Precision Dodge and Ability Finishes, you can extend your time. If you're quick enough to beat all the enemies without running out of time, you'll earn a special accessory as a reward. There are seven in total, and completing them all will also unlock the final Wall of Memory item you need to complete that collection.
All Chronolith Trial locations
Phoenix
In Greensheaves in Rosaria, fast travel to Martha's Rest and exit to the north. Follow the path east and you will find it just before the path leading to Rhiannon's Ride.

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The best Final Fantasy games, ranked from best to worst

Final Fantasy X

While the role-playing game (RPG) has become a catch-all genre, now encompassing an almost silly range of games that don't share much in common, there was one video game franchise in the 1980s that was the quintessential RPG. Yes, we're talking about Final Fantasy from Square Enix.

The fantasy Japanese RPGs debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, but they became cultural touchstones in the '90s as Super Nintendo games. From there, the series made an incredibly successful jump to 3D on the PlayStation 1 before the mainline series started to take more risks, including the elimination of turn-based battles and massively multiplayer online game (MMO) entries, and the latest game, Final Fantasy XVI, becoming a full-on character-action game.

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Final Fantasy 16 Renown explained: what is Renown and how to earn it

Final Fantasy 16's cover showcasing its protagonist infront of two demon summons.

Every JRPG, and even games with RPG elements, likes to introduce new systems into the mix for you to learn and interact with. Most of the mechanics in Final Fantasy 16 will be familiar, like sidequests, upgrading gear, and unlocking abilities. However, later on, the game will introduce you to the Renown system once you take control of the Cursebreakers. This occurs once you reach the main hub of the game called Cid's Hideaway after going through the main story until you reach A Chance Encounter. While you might be feeling content ignoring this new mechanic and just pushing on with the main story, there are plenty of reasons to learn it. Here's a simple explanation of how the Renown system works in Final Fantasy 16.
What is Renown and how to earn it

Without spoiling much, after Clive takes on a certain mantle and is in charge of Cid's Hideaway, the Renown system will automatically be put into effect. This is meant to represent how much inspiration and support Clive has earned from the people of Valisthea in his cause and fight against the Blight. You can see how much Renown you currently have by visiting the Patron's Whisper and talking to Desiree.