Final Fantasyis one of the longest-running RPG franchises in the gaming industry, and its unique formula of creative world-building and compelling gameplay has brought several successes to Square Enix through the years. Even a gigantic franchise likeFinal Fantasyhas not been without its struggles, and its tumultuous past from the late 2000s to the mid-2010s is well-documented. However, its next edition,Final Fantasy 16, is set to continue a trend of recovery for Square Enix’s flagship, and the publisher appears to be looking to previous successful releases for inspiration for the new game. Gamers have noted several similarities betweenFinal Fantasy 16andFinal Fantasy 12- one of the better-rated editions of theFinal Fantasyseries - from the announced countries to the worlds themselves. Valisthea seems to borrow some vibes from Ivalice, and gamers are comparing the features of both universes.
It’s not new forFinal Fantasyto borrow some elements from older editions to use in new releases. AsFinal Fantasy 16is still on the way, some of the noted similarities across the fan base can be dismissed as mere speculation, but more than a few of these theories have some merit to them. Square Enix is creating Valisthea to be a world with unique distinguishing characteristics, and the successes ofFinal Fantasy 12in the modern gaming market made Ivalice an ideal reference point for the publisher.Final Fantasy Tactics,Vagrant Story, and a few remakes share Ivalice as the world setting, so it’s fair to say Square Enix has enough empirical evidence of the desirable features to bring toFinal Fantasy 16.
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The Medieval Era Hugely Influences Valisthea and Ivalice
The Medieval Era has been highly romanticized across various forms of media. Some of themost prominent TV shows today, fromGame of ThronestoThe Witcher, take viewers on a journey to the Dark Ages to experience life in the kingdoms of old.Final Fantasyis no different, as the influence of the Middle Ages on the design ofFinal Fantasy 12is undeniable. Ivalice salutes the Medieval Era in several ways, from the Gothic-styled architecture spotting the landscape to the gameplay battles featuring old-fashioned knights. Valisthea appears to be going down the same path from the displays of buildings sighted during trailers and gameplay reveals.
The similarities between Ivalice and Valisthea go deeper than landscape and architectural design. A world is composed of nations, and the countries featured in Ivalice received plaudits for their thoroughly fleshed-out backstories. Each country had a unique enrapturing quality, drawing players in with an almost cultural feel. Gamers hope Valisthea’s confirmed nations inFinal Fantasy 16will be just as detailed, and the early signs are encouraging. Naturally, with such a high bar set in Ivalice,comparisons have been drawn between the countries inFinal Fantasy 12and16.
The Archadian Empire from Ivalice and The Holy Empire of Sanbreque from Valisthea share the most striking resemblance to gamers due to their antagonistic roles in both worlds. The Archadian Empire is a heavily militarized state, and the kingdom uses its prowess to annex other countries into its borders. Their conquests on Ivalice have expanded their influence and land mass, and the empire is the largest nation inFinal Fantasy 12asides from Rozarria.The Holy Empire of Sanbreque plays the same role inFinal Fantasy 16,using its enviable military to take control of other countries.
The leaders of these nations share a common saint-like element. Vayne Solidor, the ruler of the Archadian Empire, has ambitions to rewrite history by becoming the Dynast-King. Vayne merged with Venat and took on the form of The Undying during the finalboss battle ofFinal Fantasy 12. The Holy Emperor of Sanbreque inFinal Fantasy 16is the Dominant of Bahamut, meaning he can transform into the eikon at will. The similarity in the abilities of these leaders to transform is uncanny, and this is one of the areas Valisthea draws inspiration from Ivalice.
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Mothercrystals Remain The Source of Power and Conflicts
One ofFinal Fantasy’s main selling points is its impressively detailed storytelling, and while the core elements of the plot may be mythical, Square Enix gave the franchise a theme of political turmoil, something people are all too familiar with in the real world. Countries inFinal Fantasy 16’s Valistheaare formed around the Mothercrystals to harness the sources of energy. However, a strange blight spreading across the land threatens to damage the Mothercrystals, and friction is starting to build between the six nations.
A peace treaty and the Council governing the realm of the Crystalline Dominion are being tested thanks to the strange phenomenon, and although there’s no evidence of violence yet, the embers of a large-scale war are fanning into a flame.Final Fantasy 12’s Ivalice was set during a conflict between two world powers, with the player’s home country of Dalmasca annexed as a casualty of the war.Final Fantasy 12did not employ an absolute evil likeFinal Fantasy 16in the form of the blight, but the heavy political manipulation dominating the game serves as a point of reference for Valisthea’s Crystalline Dominion Council.
The Council of the Crystalline Dominion exists to ensure a fair allocation of the power of its Mothercrystal among each nation that has a Council seat, but asthe Blight threatens to overwhelm some Mothercrystals, some politicking will be necessary for survival as nations fight to protect their best interests.
A full-scale conflict in Valisthea seems inevitable, just like the intriguing political landscape of Ivalice, where Rozarria and The Archadian Empire were at loggerheads.Final Fantasy 16is shaping up to be a re-enactment ofFinal Fantasy 12in many ways, and fans are excited to see anotherrelease from Square Enix asFinal Fantasy 16enters its final stages of development.
