A whole new world
In a recent interview with IGN, Square Enix Director Hiroshi Takai and Combat Director Ryota Suzuki provided details on the intricate New Game Plus system for Final Fantasy XVI. Appropriately named Final Fantasy Mode, the system will change the game and introduce new features. Once you’ve beaten the game on either Story Focused or Action Focused mode, selecting New Game + from the title menu screen will allow you to select the new Final Fantasy mode:
“Replay the game in Final Fantasy mode with data carried over from a previous playthrough. In this mode, the level cap is raised to 100 but enemies are far more powerful. To aid you in your journey, the legendary “Ultima Weapon” is available for crafting. After starting, you will be unable to switch over to Story or Action Focused mode.”
Increased level cap, a new synthesis system, and more
Like most NG+ modes of the genre, level, items, and money will carry over to the new start. Feature wise, players will be able to extend their level higher than before up to a new cap of 100. The levels aren’t just for fluff, though. The world of Valisthea will be completely revamped in NG+, with tougher enemies who are also a higher level.
In the example provided in the interview, they showed an early zone in the game called Greatwood. The first time you experience this area it is inhabited by Hornets around level 11, with a Wyvern mid-boss located in the zone. When you traverse the Greatwood on Final Fantasy mode, it will be a bit different. Instead of Hornets, the zone will be home to level 44 Raptors. Instead of the Wyvern, the mid-boss will now be a Chimera. Our reviewer can confirm that upon completion the new Final Fantasy mode brings new enemy placements and difficulties. Even the type of enemies that spawn change in interesting ways through this new mode.
As you progress through the game again, you will be receiving a lot of the same equipment from your first playthrough. A new system will allow you to synthesize two duplicate pieces of equipment together to create one stronger variant. You’ll also be able to craft the Ultima Weapon, which will more than likely be the most powerful weapon in the game.
It’s great to see Square Enix taking NG+ to the next level. Typically NG+ can almost seem like a chore in most games. You play through the same exact game again with little or no changes. But games like NieR: Automata featured new gameplay and a new story with each subsequent playthrough, and made me genuinely look forward to playing again as opposed to dreading it. If done right, Final Fantasy XVI could have insanely high replay value with Final Fantasy mode.
Final Fantasy XVI releases exclusively on PlayStation 5 June 22.
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