The team behind Final Fantasy XVI has announced a pre-release update to address several issues identified in the lead-up to the game’s release. The patch, approximately 300MB in size, will target performance issues, crash problems, progression issues, and minor text errors.
The team has apologized for the necessity of the update, but they assure players that the game will still be playable without an internet connection. The issues being addressed are minor and not critical to the gameplay experience.
One notable aspect of Final Fantasy XVI is the prioritization of English for motion capture and acting performances. The team recommends players play the game in English, regardless of their native language, and use subtitles for the best experience.
The team has also confirmed that the game’s story will not be “front-loaded” as the demo suggested. Players can expect more gameplay than what was shown in the demo. In response to player feedback, the team is also planning to address concerns about motion blur and button mapping. If possible, a motion blur toggle will be added, and more button layouts will be provided.
Final Fantasy XVI is optimized for HDR displays, and players with such displays are encouraged to use them for the best visual experience. The game will also feature a Bloody Palace equivalent, a wave-based gauntlet mode for those seeking an additional challenge.
The New Game Plus (NG+) mode will offer new challenges, including new bosses, new enemy placements, and new moves for existing bosses. The prologue can be skipped in NG+, and players will receive a “score” and rating based on their action performance. This feature will be turned off by default in the first playthrough to allow players to focus on the story.
Lastly, the controversial Liquid Flame “cinematic dodge” feature is the result of an equipable accessory that enhances your dodge. This feature is entirely optional.