Decades prior, game demos were the primary way for a company to sell a game. But in the age of social media and internet advertising, demos have become less frequent to safeguard many issues that may arise at launch. Demos can put people off a game – see Forspoken – or they can reassure eager fans – see Resident Evil 4 Remake. Yet rarely do they enhance the level of hype to the degree that Final Fantasy XVI’s demo has, which manages to cram in the first two hours of the game (with the transfer of progress on release). The graphics, gameplay, soundtrack, cut scenes and voice acting highlight a genre-defining experience that pays homage to Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Dark Knight and God of War in its style and cinematic approach. All we can say is WOW.
Playing as Clive in two different time periods, players are treated to fights between Eikons (giant God-like creatures) and the family dynamic at the heart of the story. The demo is packed full of cut scenes rather than strictly gameplay, but this serves as an opportunity to see if you are connecting with the characters and the narrative. It is heart-pounding, action-packed warfare blended with tender moments between siblings and parents, while offering a tutorial for the fairly unique combat. The production value is off the charts, demonstrating the true power of the PS5 – the two hours of storytelling is better than most Hollywood movies and TV shows in both acting and emotion. It is impossible not to be excited about its next steps.
The gameplay does not receive the same level of attention in the demo, but there is a section about fighting goblins in a swamp to showcase how Clive works in battle. The phoenix attacks are powerful and movement is very smooth with so much happening on screen. It only scratches the surface, but there will be a high level of depth and customisation with the acquired skill points. Eikons, perhaps the selling point of the game, feel powerful – but the combat is not as detailed in the early stages. No doubt there will be more to assess on release.
The audio is what all AAA games strive for – the voice acting is incredible, the soundtrack rises and falls with the momentum of battle, and the goblins sound like they want to hurt you. It may be comparable to Elden Ring in sound design, but the cinematics provides a point of difference in comparison. You’ll want the best headphones or audio set-up to experience this beast.
The generous free offering in the demo is a move by a company confident in its product. Few would have completed the two hours without pre-ordering the game. This is exactly how demos should be utilised and is hopefully a new trend moving forward, including the progress transfer to ensure you can pick up where you left off. In a year absolutely stacked with quality, we may be on the verge of the best one yet – and indeed the most ambitious Final Fantasy title.
