Final Fantasy 16 Sets a High Bar for its Successor to Clear Regarding One Feature

The legendary Final Fantasy series has long wowed fans with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and, of course, its epic summons. In Final Fantasy 16, however, Square Enix has taken summons to a new level by fusing them deeply with the human experience. The game connects its Eikons—its term for classic summons like Ifrit, Phoenix, and Bahamut—with human characters called Dominants, who have the power to embody these godlike creatures in both form and force. This arguably philosophical approach has led to some of the most intense battles and character-driven narratives the franchise has ever seen.

By blending massive, explosive Eikon battles with personal struggles, Final Fantasy 16 makes its summons feel less like distant mythical beasts and more like reflections of its characters’ inner worlds. As a result, the next Final Fantasy installment will face a significant challenge if it hopes to improve on this groundbreaking feature.

Humanizing Final Fantasy Summons Deepens Character Development

One of Final Fantasy 16’s most impressive achievements is how it humanizes the Eikons by linking them to Dominants. Each Dominant’s connection to their Eikon provides insights into their personalities and struggles, often representing their innermost fears and desires. Clive, the protagonist, is especially notable as the Dominant of Ifrit. As Clive confronts his past, the destructive nature of Ifrit reflects his inner turmoil, turning battles into physical manifestations of his emotional journey.

The human-Eikon connection also allows players to experience the power of these summons in a more personal way. Instead of simply calling forth Ifrit in a flash of fire, players experience the raw strength and fury of Ifrit through Clive, blurring the line between human and summon. This transformation is particularly significant for Clive’s character arc, symbolizing his path toward self-acceptance and resilience. Each Eikon and Dominant pairing reveals something essential about the human condition, making Eikons more than just tools for battle—they become integral to the story’s exploration of power, sacrifice, and identity.

Intense Final Fantasy 16 Eikon Battles Redefine Epic Scale

One of Final Fantasy 16’s standout elements is its dramatic Eikon battles, which feature eye-popping visuals and a range of gameplay styles that showcase each Eikon’s unique powers. From action-packed, on-rails sequences to showdowns reminiscent of God of War, these fights aren’t just gameplay highlights—they’re central to the story. The iconic battle between Bahamut and Ifrit is a perfect example, combining cinematic visuals with thrilling gameplay to deliver a climactic, emotionally charged experience. Each encounter is as much about the characters involved as it is about the spectacle of the fight itself.

These battles allow players to take direct control of Eikons, giving them an unprecedented level of involvement in the action. No longer are summons relegated to cutscenes or brief appearances; instead, players become the Eikon, wielding its powers and embracing its destructive potential.

Final Fantasy 16’s Dominants Add Depth to Summons’ Mythology

Final Fantasy 16 also expands the lore surrounding Eikons, grounding them in the world’s mythos and political landscape. This, in turn, deepened the Summons’ mythos within the overarching Final Fantasy franchise. Each kingdom’s Eikon is tied to a Mother Crystal, a magical source of power that sustains its people, leading to conflicts as nations compete for control. Dominants, individuals who can harness the power of an Eikon, are viewed with a mix of reverence, fear, and resentment, as their abilities make them both invaluable and dangerous. Hugo Kupka’s role as the Dominant of Titan exemplifies this; his Eikon’s overwhelming strength allows him to become a powerful economic advisor.

Building on a Transformative Final Fantasy Summons System

For the next Final Fantasy title to surpass Final Fantasy 16, it will need to take the Eikon system even further, possibly by exploring new ways for players to interact with these powerful beings. Instead of stopping at mere transformations, the series could explore a more dynamic relationship between characters and their summons, perhaps allowing players to shape how their Eikons evolve based on the decisions they make in the story.

In Final Fantasy 16, the summons system has been reimagined in a way that feels both powerful and personal. Through visually stunning battles and emotionally charged connections, Final Fantasy 16 has set an ambitious standard, leaving fans eager to see how future installments will meet this challenge.