Video games are a big deal in Japan, and the release of a new mainline Final Fantasy title is an even bigger deal. That's why you may find Final Fantasy XVI in unexpected places.
The next issue of the business trends magazine DIME, published by Shogakukan will have Final Fantasy XVI as its cover story and it'll include coverage and interviews with the developers. Funnily, those who purchase the magazine will also find a rather special gift attached, one of two folding fans reproducing the key artwork of the game.
Considering that Japan gets really, really hot and sticky in the summer, it isn't a bad gift. Below you can find a video advertising it.
Final Fantasy XVI is coming for PS5 on June 22. If you'd like to learn more, you can read my preview and enjoy our interview with producer Naoki Yoshida and art director Hiroshi Minagawa. A demo of the game is releasing tomorrow, including most of the content that I tested for my preview, so you'll soon be able to form your own opinion. On top of that, we just learned that PlatinumGames and the Kingdom Hearts team at Square Enix helped out with development.
A demo is already available to download from the PlayStation Store, providing an extensive look at the game's prologue and battle system.
Speaking of Final Fantasy news, a few days ago we saw a new trailer of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which will release in early 2024. Considering that the next expansion for Final Fantasy XIV will likely be announced in July and should come in 2024 as well (if the usual patterns are preserved), fans of the franchise have a lot to look forward to in a relatively short time.
