Many modern Final Fantasy games have shifted away from turn-based gameplay to a more action-oriented style, and Final Fantasy 16 will continue this trend, according to Naoki Yoshida. To get through the game, players will have to rely heavily on their reactions and finesse. For most, this isn't a big issue; some even prefer a higher difficulty curve. However, for others, action-based games aren't their forte, and their mechanics make it hard for them to enjoy or even fully experience the story.
Yoshida recognizes these players and the others who simply want to focus more on Final Fantasy 16's story, which will be as large a part of the game as its action-heavy combat. As a result, Yoshida says that Final Fantasy 16 will have a mode that focuses specifically on its story. The FF16 producer and co-director claimed so in the latest episode of the Tokyo FM radio show One Morning, where he was asked how his self-described, action-oriented game would treat unversed players.
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Yoshida didn't give any specifics on the mode, but he's more than likely just talking about the "Easy" difficulty setting. In most action-RPGs, this mode is the one for casual players who don't enjoy the stress of battles and simply want to experience the game's story. This description is pretty much how Final Fantasy 7 Remake's difficulty settings describe the mode, just to give an example. If Yoshida plans to have the game mode work differently or be something new entirely, he, again, didn't say.
Speaking of Final Fantasy 16's story, Yoshida also provided some more insight on the message that he wants to get across with it: He wants the story to display the hardships of becoming an adult, as he believes there are some everyone experiences. Yoshida's also been playing Final Fantasy since the first installment; he grew up with it, so he wants to make a story for those who grew up with it as well. Essentially, he's making a gritty coming-of-age Final Fantasy tale.
The major details currently available for FF16's story claim that it will be an M-rated tale about revenge. Square Enix promised a big 2021 Final Fantasy 16 announcement, so it'll likely share more details on the plot there. Yoshida stated recently that he only likes to share news about the game if it contains details that directly represent what it is or what players can expect from it, and a big announcement would be the best time to do that for the story.
Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PS5.
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Source: Games Talk