Today was a moment of celebration for the devout Final Fantasy amongst us. But, why you ask? Because, just as the pre-launch celebration for Final Fantasy 16 concluded, Square Enix confirmed when the highly anticipated demo for the PS5-exclusive game is coming out.

If you're in the United Kingdom, the Final Fantasy 1 demo will be out at 9:00 AM on Monday, June 12, which translates to 4:00 Eastern Time or 1:00 AM Pacific Time for those living across the pond.

But, while that may seem like such an early start, Naoki Yoshida, the game's director, promises that FF16 is worth getting up for.

As with previous demos from Square Enix, the upcoming gameplay snippet of FF16 is more than just a brief glimpse into the game. It's a wholesome helping of FF16, specifically, the game's opening prologue. This segment offers a tantalizing glimpse into the backstory of our protagonist, Clive. Expect to invest a solid two and a half hours exploring this part alone, and, if we believe the early previews, it's two and a half hours well spent.

To further incentivize playing through the FF16 demo, Square Enix is rewarding the players who can clear through it with a separate battle demo.

Mind you, this isn't for the faint-hearted. Prepare for an action-packed, two-hour sequence where you infiltrate a fort with the help of the fearsome Torgal the Wolf and the mysterious Cidolfus Telamon. Expect diverse enemies, and brace yourselves for epic boss encounters.

To top it all off, your progress in the prologue demo carries over to the main game, creating a seamless transition for those who wish to continue Clive's journey when Final Fantasy 16 officially launches on PlayStation 5 on June 22.

Unfortunately, your combat demo progress won't carry over, but it serves as an enticing taste of the challenges that await you in the main game.

What's most striking about this demo, however, is its apparent readiness. Square Enix has gone to great lengths to ensure that the demo is polished, refined, and ready for players to dive into. It's a refreshing change from the sometimes rushed and messy preview experiences we've seen in the past.

But beyond the demo, Square Enix has ambitious plans for the franchise. With a new trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and potential rumours of remakes of Final Fantasy 9 and Final Fantasy 10 as well as a remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, it's evident that this beloved universe is set to continue its expansion.

Square Enix's confidence in its latest offering is reflected in its decision to forgo a day-one patch, believing the game to be sufficiently polished. It's a bold move and one that places the focus on the game's art and design rather than any potential technical hiccups.

Whether it's the intrigue of Clive's story, the thrill of the action-packed combat, or the polished state of the demo, one thing is clear: Final Fantasy 16 is not just another game. It's a testament to Square Enix's commitment to delivering high-quality, immersive experiences, and a shining beacon of what the future holds for the Final Fantasy franchise.

It's safe to say that it's time we put to rest the rumors about the "low" pre-order sales of Final Fantasy 16.