Final Fantasy XVI introduces us to a new protagonist, Clive Rosfield. Clive is the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, a region in the game’s world, Valisthea. Despite his noble lineage, Clive’s life is far from privileged. He is chosen to be the Dominant of the Phoenix, an Eikon of Fire, but fate has a cruel twist in store. Instead of Clive, his younger brother Joshua becomes the Phoenix’s Dominant, leading Clive to become his protector. Clive’s journey in Final Fantasy XVI is one of tragedy, duty, and redemption. As a young knight, he is renowned for his mastery of the blade and his ability to wield the Phoenix’s fire. However, a disastrous incident changes everything. Clive loses his brother in a horrific event known as the “Tragedy of Rosaria,” which sets him on a path of revenge against a dark Eikon known as Ifrit.

The character of Clive Rosfield is complex and deeply human. He is a man torn between his duty to protect his brother and his desire for vengeance. His struggle is not just against the monsters and enemies he faces on his journey, but also against his own inner demons. His character development is one of the highlights of the game, as players witness his transformation from a naive young knight to a hardened warrior. The world of Final Fantasy XVI is as rich and detailed as its protagonist. Valisthea is a land blessed with the mothercrystals, gigantic crystals that tower over the realms around them, blessing them with aether. This aether allows the realms to thrive and prosper. Each realm has a dominant, a person who is blessed with the ability to call upon their realm’s Eikon, a powerful and deadly creature. The politics and power struggles between these realms form the backdrop of Clive’s story, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.