As it stands right now, all signs point to the next year or so being an exciting time forFinal Fantasyfans. If Square Enix’s plans come to fruition, several entries in its anthology RPG franchise will hit store shelves. Because of this, it’s little surprise that the publisher has started to ratchet up its marketing campaigns forgames likeFinal Fantasy 7 RebirthandFinal Fantasy 16.
Although mostFinal Fantasyinstallments inhabit their own universe, subtle elements often crossover between the boundaries of each. Similar names, species, and plot points have all been spotted by fans before. Square Enix’s recentFinal Fantasy 16“Ambition” trailerhas helped to underline this even more, as some have started to compare the game’s countries with those seen in the world ofFinal Fantasy 7.
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Valisthea and Gaia
For the release ofFinal Fantasy 16, Square Enix has taken its series back to its high fantasy roots. As a result of this, the world of the PS5 game has been divided into six distinct countries. Following the collapse of the world’s ancient peoples, each has managed to establish control over a section of the Realm of Valisthea. One of the draws ofFF16’s story will likely be seeing how the unique composition of each factor into the conflict that’s said to be brewing between them.
WhileFinal Fantasy 7’s Gaia is similarly split into distinct areas, there are some striking differences that set them apart fromFF16’s countries. Beyond the fact that the world has been divided into 17 parts, it’s often unclear where the national borders of each are in-game. That’s down to the fact thatthe Shinra Electric Power Companyis the single biggest political force on Gaia.FF7’s nations are subsequently unique, as a multinational corporation has essentially assumed control and unified each under its leadership.
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The Empire of Sanbreque and The Eastern Continent
Despite the differences between the worlds of Gaia and Valisthea, the former’s Shinra-controlled Eastern Continent shares some similarities withFinal Fantasy 16’s Holy Empire of Sanbreque. As the most powerful nation in the game, Sanbreque spreads its influences to the other parts of the world viathe aether its Mothercrystal creates. The source of its own energy might be different, but there are some parallels between that setup and the one Shinra employs itself.
Via Mako Reactors that it’s installed in all ofFinal Fantasy 7’s countries, Shinra is able to keep each of its customers under a similar level of dependency. From its capital city of Midgar on the Eastern Continent, the conglomerate has been able to grow its ambition while becoming the biggest global political force. DuringFF16’s recent Ambition trailer, it’s made clear thatthe Empire of Sanbrequehas similar expansionist motivations. In some ways,FF7’s most powerful country is effectively the end goal it’s reaching for.
On paper, Shinra’s corporate structure looks completely detached from Sanbreque’s Imperial hierarchy. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that one person stands at the top of both structures. For the former and the Eastern Continent,President Shinra has effectively become a dictatorwithin his own right. From an influence and control perspective at least, that sounds a lot like Sanbreque’s currently unnamed Holy Emperor.
The Iron Kingdom and Wutai
Out of all the countries that can be found onFinal Fantasy 7’s continents, Wutai is arguably the most intriguing. Beyond being one of the few locations that Square Enix refers to by name in-game as a nation, the western part of Gaia was the only country that stood up against Shinra’s expansion. Followingdefeat in the Wutai War, however, it fell in line with the conglomerate as well. Although it’s transitioned into a subservient resort town by the time Cloud visits, it still retains a unique cultural identity.
In some respects, Wutai’s detachment from the rest of Shinra’s territory parallelsThe Iron Kingdom inFinal Fantasy 16. From what Square Enix has revealed about the country so far, it’s clear The Iron Kingdom has become isolated and aloof from the rest of Valisthea. Its cultures and customs are subsequently different from the other five nations, particularly when it comes to religion. While its ongoing hostile stance toward its neighbor admittedly sets it apart from the original Wutai, that factor lines up nicely with theRemakeversion of the country.
From a religious perspective, though, Wutai shares a lot in common with the other countries ofFinal Fantasy 16. While most ofFF7’s map worships Gaia itself, the people of Wutai pledge their allegiance solely to the Leviathan deity instead. Although the Summon is seemingly set to skip the upcoming game, that process sounds comparable to the Dominants that willdriveFF16’s story along. Four of the countries that players will encounter have effectively rallied behind an individual Summon in a similar way to Wutai’s traditions.
The Crystalline Dominion and The Western Continent
Despite falling under the influence of the Shinra Electric Power Company, certain countries onFinal Fantasy 7’s Western Continent hold slightly more autonomous power than others.The Gold Saucer and Cosmo sectionsof the region, for example, are both countries that have their own appointed leaders. Shinra is still the force that’s ultimately pulling the strings behind the scenes, but from an outward perspective, the public still has hope that things can change.
That’s demonstrated in the originalFF7by the fact thatBarret and Red XIII both rose upin resistance to Shinra from within these countries. While there’s currently no direct parallel to that process in any ofFinal Fantasy 16’s countries, The Crystalline Dominion does share some of those tendencies. Having rebelled and won its right to independence, the country is now an autonomous group of islands that elect their own representatives.
The countries ofFF7’s Western Continent are comparable to The Crystalline Dominion strategically as well. The latter’s geographical position in the middle of Gaia makes it an important region for Shinra to keep control of. Inboth versions of theFF7timeline, the region was a major staging ground for the wars on Wutai. Similarly, the countries inFF16have fought over the control of the lands that now form The Crystalline Dominion because of their location.
Final Fantasy 16launches summer 2023 for PS5.
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