Summary
Over one year following its release,Final Fantasy 16remains one of the most original and mature entries in theFinal Fantasyseries. The title delivered a dark and gritty take on the franchise’s original mythology, introducing a host of complex and tragic characters along its roughly 40-hour campaign. Since its launch,Final Fantasy 16has seen the release of two DLC chapters, which add to protagonist Clive Rosfield’s narrative journey. However, some of the title’s biggest areas of interest for fans lie with characters beyond the Rosfield family. WithFinal Fantasy 16seemingly finished with DLC expansions, one particularly popular character deserves their own spin-off title.
Final Fantasy 16tells the tale of brothers Clive and Joshua Rosfield, who seek to destroy the land of Valisthea’s mothercrystals and stop the world-ending plot of the god-like Ultima. The mothercrystals grant certain individuals, called Dominants, immense powers, which they draw from mythological beasts called Eikons. Along his journey, Clive comes into conflict with a host of Dominants, gaining the ability to wield the power of their Eikons. However, a few join him in the fight against Ultima, including Dion, the Dominant of Bahamut. One ofFinal Fantasy 16’s most complex characters, Dion’s personal life and duty to his realm play a major role in Clive’s journey. With so little of the character’s history explored on screen, Dion presents a compelling case for a spin-off title.
Dion is Final Fantasy 16’s Most Complex Force for Good
FF16’s Dion is the Prince of Sanbreque andDominant of Bahamut, whose power he nobly uses to defend the Realm in his father’s name. When the title’s main narrative begins, Dion is considered an enemy, as King Sylvestre orders him to the front lines against any realm he pleases. However, Dion’s personal life, and love for the knight Terence, appear at odds with the rest of the royal family, which also includes his step-mother, Anabella Rosfield, and half-brother Olivier. Unfortunately for Dion, the differences between him and his family continue to grow, before it is shockingly revealed that Ultima himself has been leading the aggressive tactics of Sanbreque the whole time.
Returning home from the war front, Dion discovers Anabella and Sylvestre have circumvented Dion’s right to the throne of Sanbreque, placing Olivier on the throne. When the truth is finally revealed inFinal Fantasy 16’s Sanbreque Arc, Dion attempts a coup, discovering that Ultima had taken Olivier as a vessel and used his influence to corrupt the royal family. Dion attempts to kill Olivier but is thwarted when his father jumps in front of the killing blow. Following an aggressive attack by Bahamut on the capital of Sanbreque, a broken Dion becomes an ally to Clive and Joshua, joining their fight against Ultima. From that moment onward, Dion is an invaluable member of the team, providing wisdom, power, and intel to the Rosfields, before joining them in the final onslaught at Origin.
An FF16 Spin-Off Game Featuring Dion Could Explore His Growing Conflict
Final Fantasy 16introduces Dion at the Battle of Belenus Tor, after the title’s first time-jump. When players meet him, Dion is already established as a fearsome and brave warrior, joining the fray to face-off against Odin. A spin-off title could begin at the same moment, following Dion as he first raises questions during Sylvestre’s discussion of the peace treaty with the Dhalmekians, throughthe assault on Originalongside Clive and Joshua Rosfield.
While such a title would lack the variety of the originalFinal Fantasy 16, in which new Eikon powers are unlocked over time, a Dion-centric adventure could take a new form. Using Bahamut from the get-go, the title could utilize a different combat format. With Bahamut capable of flying freely in certain realms, traversal could similarly be altered for a more exhilarating and focused adventure.
Exploring Dion’s FF16 Origins
Another option for aFinal Fantasy 16spin-off featuring Dion could follow his early rise during the original’s first time-jump through to his questioning of the Dhalmekian negotiations. Players never see what his life was like before Anabella Rosfiled and Olivier began to poison the throne, and the contrast could add weight to a growing schism between Dion and the royal family. WithFinal Fantasy 16’s plans for DLCseemingly over, fans are eager for another opportunity to explore the land of Valisthea and learn more about its characters. A spin-off featuring Dion would not only satisfy fans wanting to return to the world ofFinal Fantasy 16, but also add to the legacy and depth of one of the franchise’s most complex and beloved characters.
Final Fantasy 16
WHERE TO PLAY
An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
