Final Fantasy XVI Summon Concept Art Shared by Square Enix Japan

Incredible, High-Res Artwork Shows off Mythical Monsters

As several highly anticipated games are lined up for a summer release, we are seeing more marketing efforts in motion. Final Fantasy XVI is launching exclusively for PS5 on June 22nd and is taking a more action-oriented approach to combat, closer to something like Devil May Cry rather than the turn-based/action hybrid used in Final Fantasy VII Remake. However, what has stood out the most to me is the focus on the series' iconic Summons (known in FFXVI as Eikons), seemingly both in plot and gameplay, which could lead to some of the most spectacular scenes we’ve seen on the platform, especially since many PlayStation staples haven’t really captured the next-gen feel many were hoping for. While many of these beings have appeared in trailers, we now have breathtaking concept art for the Eikons, most characters, and several landscapes. 

I noticed these art pieces catching traction online (thanks to user @BltzZ7 for pointing me to the source) with many fans squealing with delight at the new designs in the comment sections of Twitter. These were shared in full on the Japanese version of the Final Fantasy XVI website and at the time of discovery the North American press portals had yet to be updated. Garuda, in particular, is picking up popularity in a similar fashion to reactions to Lady Dimitrescu of Resident Evil Village. Trailers have already shown that Eikons will be seen slugging it out in epic clashes alongside their Dominants users but seeing each design laid out like this allows us to take in the little details. These pieces were presumably crafted by the game’s character designer, Kazuya Takahashi who continues to share incredible work online. 

For anyone not as into the Final Fantasy franchise, the Summons are these powerful elemental creatures and beings that are brought in through magic to fight alongside the player, typically to do a flashy attack. These mighty allies are a great way for each game to have a distinct look and feel, sometimes being radically different creatures but still keeping their core framework. Shiva has been an ice-blasting beauty in most of the classic games but was once two sisters that fold into a motorcycle. Ifrit usually appears as a Djinn-like being but is more bestial and canine in Final Fantasy X.

I’ve always loved seeing the new animations and shake-ups in design; I would often save whole folders of these art pieces on my PC, just to look at them. Seeing their new looks in this form and knowing that they’ll have a big role in an action-driven PlayStation exclusive has me far more excited than I was before, even as a massive fan of the series. 

June 22nd cannot come soon enough. 

Learn more about Final Fantasy XVI on the official website. Images courtesy of Square Enix.