Overview
- Masayoshi Soken expresses a desire for increased references to Final Fantasy 8 in Final Fantasy 14, contingent upon narrative relevance.
- Current elements reflecting FF8 within FFXIV include the Gunbreaker role and the Eden raid series.
- The Triple Triad card game, originating from FF8, continues to evolve with regular updates in FFXIV.
In a recent discussion, Masayoshi Soken, the lead composer for Final Fantasy 14, revealed his interest in integrating more nods to Final Fantasy 8. While he holds a nostalgic appreciation for FF8, Soken emphasizes that any references are selectively included based on thoughtful context and narrative coherence.
Since taking the reins as the primary composer for Final Fantasy 14 after its tumultuous initial launch, Soken has been instrumental in crafting the soundscapes for subsequent expansions. His work on the soundtrack for Final Fantasy 16 recently earned acclaim as it secured the Best Score and Music accolade at The Game Awards in 2023. While FFXIV features rich original compositions across its expansions, such as “Close In the Distance”and “Tomorrow and Tomorrow,”it also incorporates remixes and reimaginings from classic titles, including Final Fantasy 9 and spin-off series like Final Fantasy Tactics.
Soken expressed his keen interest in generating more recognition for FF8 within FFXIV, citing that the developers at Creative Studio 3 carefully select which installments to draw upon. In an interview featured by PCGamesN, he articulated his preference for FF8 references to enhance future expansions or patches, asserting that these additions should integrate seamlessly into the overarching storyline.
Masayoshi Soken Advocates for More FF8 References
- Soken’s enthusiasm for more Final Fantasy 8 references is evident in his interviews.
- The inclusion of these references would need to align with the narrative’s context.
- Existing references to FF8 comprise the Gunbreaker job, the Eden raids, and the Triple Triad card game.
- The latest expansion, Dawntrail, currently showcases many nods to Final Fantasy 9.
There are indeed significant tributes to FF8 woven into the fabric of FFXIV. The Gunbreaker class directly channels the legacy of Squall Leonhart and his iconic gunblade, while the Eden raid series—rooted in the mythology of FF8—inclusively features familiar music themes during encounters. Specifically, the Ultimate raid challenge, Futures Rewritten, incorporates reimagined renditions of tracks like “The Legendary Beast”and “The Extreme”from FF8.
Additionally, Triple Triad, one of the standout mini-games in FFXIV, continues to resonate with fans as it has its origins in FF8. Players enjoy collecting an array of cards introduced regularly through updates, alongside diverse rule sets that maintain engaging gameplay.
As a theme-park MMORPG, FFXIV often showcases myriad inspirations, and while the Dawntrail expansion prominently features elements from Final Fantasy 9, the richness of the Final Fantasy universe leaves an open door for future honors towards FF8 as Soken’s wishes are taken into account by the development team.