A video game demo is a crucial opportunity to reel in audiences and perhaps welcome new players into the mix before launch day. The appetizer for Final Fantasy 16 has not only won over the hearts of Game of Thrones fans with its darker tone, but it’s also invigorated players who otherwise had some Final Fantasy fatigue.
Opening the doors to Valisthea ushered in an investable roster of new characters, turned up the heat with family politics, and introduced a new furry companion for everyone to obsess over. Here are the greatest moments from the Final Fantasy 16 demo.
Spoilers Ahead For Final Fantasy 16
10 No Mana Needed
As soon as you enter the ring with Lord Commander Murdoch during the tutorial, it becomes apparent that Final Fantasy 16 is not flaunting the same magic system as past titles, as there are no mana points needed to cast your fire spells on enemies meaning it’s a button-smashing free for all.
This change has brought about controversy within the fandom and is reminiscent of the limitless spell-casting you could deliver in Hogwarts Legacy. Aside from sidelining the bread and butter of the franchise’s combat, it certainly made you feel more powerful when battling the Morbol, and that untethered encounter deserves a place on the list.
9 Brothers In Arms
After Clive’s father, Archduke Elwin, tasks him with clearing out the goblins, the young protagonist is accompanied by two fellow Shields, Tyler and Wade, who assist you in defeating the Morbol at Stillwind with some playful back-and-forth chat.
The pair return again during the final act of the demo, risking it all to protect young Joshua and the Archduke. Becoming invested in a couple of side characters within the demo proves Square Enix’s success in creating these charming personalities and the appearance of these brothers in arms deserves a mention in the ranks.
8 Cinematic Strike & Evasion
If the battles, big and small, weren’t magnificent enough within the franchise, then Final Fantasy 16 has also included Cinematic Strike and Evasion Quick Time Events, which add an extra bit of flare to your killing blow.
Triggering between boss phases or when pivotal moments occur in battle, these cinematic events allow you to deliver a devastating blow or a Matrix-like dodge to avoid a brutal strike from the enemy, and their use during the fight against the Imperial Soldiers is worthy of a mention on this list.
7 Clive & Joshua's Bond
From the outset, we know the Fire Eikon, Phoenix, takes a toll on Joshua, Clive’s younger brother, and even though the protagonist is considered a Dominant reject, he’s a loyal Shield to his kin, shown in a touching heart-to-heart between the two.
During the demo's climax, we’re reminded once again of Clive’s love and heartbreak for his brother while the Phoenix is being bested by Ifrit, and this emotional core established in their one-to-one conversation prior effectively won over our hearts and is a solid entry within the ranks.
6 Anabella’s Betrayal
We knew as soon as she arrived that the Duchess of Rosaria, Anabella, was the Cersei of Final Fantasy 16, and her disdain for Clive was shown very early on and only grew to deliver a cold blow to the Shield after he had already suffered the loss of his brother.
Upon arriving at Phoenix Gate, Anabella discovered that Joshua and Elwin had perished, but Clive had lived, and she makes the heartless decision to kill him. However, at the last second, she decides to spare his life and enroll him in the imperial front line — a jaw-dropping act that was an impactful way to close the demo.
5 The Lord Of The Rings Nod
One prologue to rule them all landed during the opening of the demo, showing the Eikons Phoenix and Ifrit battling as they fell through a cavern, but the imagery and cinematic shots bore a striking resemblance to another cold open within a movie.
The opening of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers showed Gandalf battling the Balrog through a similar setting, and while Square Enix may or may not have taken inspiration from the Peter Jackson epic, the opening was nevertheless a spectacle to witness.
4 Joshua’s Cry
One of the most brutal moments in the demo occurred when Joshua was beaten to death in his Phoenix form by the Eikon Ifrit after they concluded the battle first seen in the aforementioned cold open.
While uncomfortable to watch, this scene demonstrated the darker turn that this Final Fantasy entry had taken, and we were forced to watch alongside the heartbroken Clive. It is a moment not to be forgotten quickly and therefore earns fourth place on the list.
3 Torgal’s Debut
After leaving Clive in the present day and returning to the past when he was fifteen, we’re also introduced to the wolf cub, Torgal, who is being carried around the settlement by Jill and already has a noteworthy bond with Clive.
Serving as another nod to Game of Thrones and the Direwolves, Torgal is going to be everyone’s protect-at-all-costs companion during gameplay, and you can also pet him in-game, which is an added bonus. Torgal’s debut earns third place in the ranks.
2 Ambrosia Saves The Day
After Joshua turns into his Dominant form as the Phoenix, Clive’s brother begins to lose control by spouting fireballs and destroying the settlement. As Clive runs forward in an attempt to reach his brother, rubble starts to collapse, and the Sheild’s white Chocobo, Ambrosia, quickly moves in to save Clive from being buried.
This results in the trusty steed being hit severely on the head, and it's a sight we’re not used to seeing in Final Fantasy. Fans rarely witness the lovable Chocobos being gravely injured, but Ambrosia’s heroism earned this moment second place on the list.
1 Phoenix Versus Ifrit
First place on our list of greatest moments from the demo has to go to the final fight between Phoenix and Ifrit, which shows the full battle between the Eikons that we only got a taste of during the cold open.
Tasked with targeting Ifrit with fireballs and dodging his flaming response while navigating the rocky expanse, this battle was an eye-widening experience elevated by the stunning graphics, cutthroat editing, and spine-chilling score that left us wanting much more.