Square Enix’sFinal Fantasy 16is the latest mainline entry in the widely popular and long-runningFinal Fantasyfranchise. The game was received exceptionally well upon its release, with both fans and critics singing its praises for the game’s exceptional quality, intriguing storyline, engaging combat, stunning visuals, noteworthy soundtrack and much more.Final Fantasy 16is set in Valisthea, which is a rich and diverse environment bathed in breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. WhereFinal Fantasy 15took a modern route with its narrative,Final Fantasy 16takes the series back to roots with a medieval setting.
Players take control of Clive Rosfield, a young knight who embarks on quest of revenge and self discovery. On his journey Clive befriends many allies, each with their own motivation to join his cause against the Dominants and their Eikons. The game’s main conflict is the ongoing battle for dominance between the Grand Duchy of Rosaria and the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, while a mysterious phenomenon known as the Blight threatens to engulf the world. Upon first glance, the setting and narrative ofFinal Fantasy 16sounds quite like the critically acclaimed television series inspired by the books of George R. R. Martin,Game of Thrones. However, upon further inspection, it becomes clear thatFinal Fantasy 16is even more similar to the hit shonen anime series,Naruto.
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The Similarities Between Final Fantasy 16 and Naruto
While it is true that theFinal Fantasy 16’sValisthea andGame of Thrones’Westerosare quite alike, and even the conflicts that take place in these realms are very similar, beyond that there is not much room for comparison between the two IPs. On the other hand,Final Fantasy 16has elements that could have potentially been inspired by theNarutoseries.
Valisthea is a realm powered by the mysterious mothercrystals which granted humanity the power to wield magic. Similarly, inNarutofans learn that the true origin of the shinobi’s world has to do withthe God Treeand its fruits which gave Chakra to the humans. Moreover, both worlds have witnessed major wars between powerful nations in a struggle for power.
Another striking resemblance between the two series is the existence of theDominants and the Eikons.Final Fantasy 16features special individuals called Dominants, who have the power to control and harness the abilities of powerful magical creatures known as the Eikons. In contrast, theNarutoseries features special shinobi called the jinchuriki, who act as vessels for some of the most menacing creatures in the entire shinobi world, known as the Tailed Beasts. Much like the Dominants, Jinchrukis can also tap into the chakra and power of the Tailed Beasts, making them incredibly powerful in the process.
To maintain balance and instill order, the Dominants are scattered throughout the Realm of Valisthea, with multiple nations harboring one of these powerful individuals. The exact same case is seenNaruto, where the five great nations have divided up the Jinchuriki and the Tailed Beasts among themselves, all in the name of maintaining peace and stability. Oddly enough, the Eikons and the Jinchuriki both end up being the main source of conflict in both these IPs.
WhileFinal Fantasy 16may appear to be inspired heavily from theNarutoseries, it succeeds in solidifying its own unique identity with its cast of original and relatable characters, world building, and a strong narrative. The fantasy setting of both these properties are a major factor of what draws their audiences, and both of them do a great of job nailing their respective stories and conflicts.
Final Fantasy 16is available now on PS5.
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