Final Fantasy 16’s tough new game + difficulty will keep players busy for a long, long time

Once you beat Final Fantasy XVI, you’ll be able to replay it with all your abilities and equipment, thanks to a dedicated New Game+ mode. But if you really want to dig deep into the game’s combat system, you might want to try Final Fantasy mode – a special difficulty option available on a New Game + playthrough.

Accordingly sports reporter, the Final Fantasy mode “increases the game’s difficulty, changes monster placement, and remixes which enemies can appear in battle”. This seems like an impressively strong addition, and could essentially turn Final Fantasy XVI into a giant time sink for players who want to experience absolutely everything.

To be clear, you don’t have New Game + to select Final Fantasy mode while playing; You can stick with the default difficulties instead, though we imagine the earlier battles might be a little easier if you’re packing all your endgame gear.

“The main design philosophy is that the first playthrough is to learn Clive, learn the controls, and then enjoy the story,” explains combat director (and former Capcom designer) Ryota Suzuki. The second playthrough, we want to shift that focus — because the story hasn’t changed — to the action.”

He adds: “In fact, what we have done [Final Fantasy] The mod gives players controlling Clive the feeling that they’re always in danger, that death is just around the corner, and that you’ll need to really focus to be able to clear the stuff.” Sounds tough. Is it, isn’t it?

But of course, it also reinforces the idea that Final Fantasy XVI’s combat system will have a lot of depth to it – especially when Clive has loads of different abilities to unlock.

Final Fantasy Mode also makes adjustments to the game’s arcade mode, which in the base game, serves as a way to replay parts of the adventure and compete for high scores online. Within this higher difficulty, however, Arcade Mode can become Ultimanic Mode, and it’s actually the most challenging content in the entire release.

“It’s pretty much only made for hardcore players, players who pride themselves on their skills in action games,” according to Suzuki.

Will you be taking on Final Fantasy mode in Final Fantasy XVI? Don’t try to kill Clive in the comments section below.