Yeah, with how long it has taken them to get their games out in recent years, it doesn't seem likely that we will see FFXVI anytime soon. Unless they decided to go retro and make FFXVI a return-to-form classic using either 16-bit or PSOne graphics. Octopath Traveler did quite well for them (despite it not being completely retro in aesthetic). Final Fantasy used to be known for having bleeding edge cinematics, but I think with the current gaming landscape, a retro FF16 could be welcomed.

Retro-XVI is a cool idea and if as good as say 7, 8, 9, I would very much welcome such a decision.

I've got two thoughts about it. People come to expect somewhat of a technological showcase from mainline FFs. Perhaps such an endevour is better suited for a spin off like christal chronicles or the one where you ride the creatures in battle. I guess it would sell more, if it is in the mainline of FFs, but expectations are higher/different for such games and could hurt a creative product.

Also, if they make it just with downgraded graphics (i love the beautiful backgrounds of FF8 and 9, don't get me wrong), people might perceive it as a Square being cheap. For that, I think it would need a strong gameplay-hook. Something to really talk about after the first, or second trailer. You can go into walls with Link. You can control npcs in the new Super Mario. Something of this magnitude, to direct peoples thoughts away from FFXVI probably being a 1/20 of FFXVs development cost.

World of Final Fantasy seems like what you want.

Yeah, that's the one I was referencing. But it did not exactly light the world on fire. But calling such a game FFXVI would make matters even worse (making a dud into a controversy).

What I really want from Square is FFXVI with the production value of FF7-Remake (the whole thing, not part 1) in one game with an open world that is satisfying to explore with a good story, earned character moments, good dialogue, grand action in enticing scenarios and a battle system that is all: strategicaly deep, interesting to watch, easy to follow (not that christmas lights diarrhea we usually get from them these days), reaction-based, not entirely turn-based (maybe not at all, but FF7R was quite good).

Nothing more :)

FFXV was like that so I think FFXVI will be also, you just may not like the game itself.

Than I guess we have very different opinions about FFXV. To me its open world was not interesting, it had a boring story that barely made sence, horrible level design, shit dialogue, numbingly boring scenarios (find the wedding dress, etc.), unearned charater moments and an unengaging, uninteresting, sometimes even broken combat system.

That game got way better reviews than it deserved. I might be in the minority with my overly negative take of FFXV. But I'm glad for everybod who enjoyed it.