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PS5 Exclusive, Final Fantasy XVI, Is Half A Year Behind Schedule

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
Final Fantasy XVI

As Final Fantasy fans are probably painfully aware, Final Fantasy XVI has been a rather quiet since its reveal during the September PS5 Showcase in 2020. Producer Naoki Yoshida addressed this, stemming it to the ongoing pandemic, the one that caused many studios to scramble to navigate the new environment. 

According to Yoshida, the FFXVI team are behind in development from where they’d like. The producer said they’re a half a year behind schedule, but the reason behind the lacking news was them doing their best to play catch up throughout 2021 and amending communication issues. 

Here is Yoshida’s full statement.

“When last we spoke, I promised I would have more information on FINAL FANTASY XVI sometime later in 2021. However, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to keep that promise as complications stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have delayed the game’s development by almost a half year.

As the latest addition to the FINAL FANTASY series being developed for the PlayStation 5, FINAL FANTASY XVI has amassed a sizeable team composed of talented creators from around the world. However, in an effort to offset the effects of COVID-19, we’ve had to decentralize that workforce by permitting staff to tackle their assignments from home. This has unfortunately hampered communication from the Tokyo office, which, in turn, has led to delays in—or in extreme cases, cancellations of—asset deliveries from our outsource partners.

That said, we have spent much of 2021 addressing this issue, and hope to see its impact to a minimum by the new year, allowing us to better focus on the tasks at hand: increasing graphic resource quality, refining combat mechanics, fleshing out individual battles, putting the finishing touches on cutscenes, and conducting overall graphical optimization. Our primary goal now is to be as hands on with the game as possible in order to see it fully polished.

So that leaves us with the question, when can we expect the next round of information? Well, I am happy to announce the current plan is to conduct our next big reveal in spring of 2022 as we seek to build excitement leading up to the game’s eventual release.

I deeply apologize to all those who have been looking forward to learning more about FINAL FANTASY XVI, and thank you for your continued patience while we focus our combined efforts on development.”

There was no timeline confirmed as to when the game would release, but they did start strong with showcasing four minutes of footage during its reveal, so at least fans have that.

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PS Plus Subscribers Can Upgrade Final Fantasy VII Remake To PS5 Version

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
Final Fantasy VII

Back in March this year, Final Fantasy VII Remake was part of the PlayStation Plus lineup. While it wasn’t clear at the time, it’s been revealed that players who redeemed the game within that month have the ability to upgrade their copy to a PS5 version for free.

There isn’t a current deadline, but we’d get to it as soon as you possibly can in case there is a cut-off date. None the less, you can start turning your Final Fantasy VII Remake PS4 version into the current-gen, if you are lucky enough to have one, starting this Wednesday.

There’s even more, though, as this news comes with a secondary piece of news. For a limited time, the INTERmission episode, which stars fan-favorite character, Yuffie, will be discounted for a limited time. 

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PlayStation Now Adds GTA, Final Fantasy X/X-2, John Wick Hex, And More

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
PlayStation Now

Even though PlayStation Now might be on its way out the door as Sony supposedly looks to add tiers to PlayStation Plus, they’re still adding new games to the service. This month, fans have four games of varying genres to choose from.

Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition

Fans can play 1/3 of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition as Sony adds GTA III: The Definitive Edition into the mix. We don’t think we need to detail much of what this entry is, much like the other two games in the trilogy, it’s pretty universally known. That said, its definitive edition comes equipped with upgraded graphics and updated weapon and radio wheels. That being said, it’s a very limited time inclusion, with fans able to play it until January 31.

John Wick Hex

John Wick Hex is also on the list to come to PlayStation Now. Touted as an action-focused strategy game, you play as none other than John Wick as you strategize and pick out weapons that will fit your strategy.

Spitlings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmCkFyKnZD0

Spitlings is the next game to get the PS Now treatment and a stark contrast from the rest. Making its home as an arcade-style action game, you control the Spitlings as you aim to rid the screen of all bubbles, but it isn’t as easy to do as it sounds as these square, toothy creatures. This game can be played either alone or with a companion online or on the couch with customizability.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remastered

Finally, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remastered takes a step in the spotlight as the last inclusion to this month’s PlayStation Now lineup. Taking you on the memorable adventure to stop the supernatural creature that is Sin, this turn-based strategy adventure comes complete with not only memorable characters and touching moments, but its sequel, as well.

These new games are set to be added December 7.

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Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker Expansion Delayed

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
Final Fantasy XIV

Square Enix is no longer releasing the Final Fantasy XIV expansion, Endwalker, on November 25 as planned. The studio announced its delay through a lengthy post by its producer and director, Naoki Yoshida.

The post points to his quality of life improvements as the main driving factor for its new release date next month. Yoshida also says it was his own selfishness as the game’s director that caused this mild bump. It isn’t much of a delay, at least and most fans probably won’t even care, considering it’s mostly tied to offering up a more substantial and polished product.

“However, as we neared the end of development and I played through everything—from quests to battle content and the like—I just couldn’t contain my desire to further improve Endwalker’s quality, specifically because this expansion pack marks the first major culmination of events in FFXIV so far. Even as we look beyond Endwalker, the FFXIV story will continue for a long time and we hope to deliver many more enjoyable experiences in the game.”

Endwalker is touted as the biggest expansion to Square Enix’s mass multiplayer game. Now, Square Enix earmarked December 7 as its official release with early access going live on December 3.

What do you think? Are you excited for the next expansion? Tell us below!

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Recent Trademarks Point To Possible Final Fantasy VII Remake DLC

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
Final Fantasy VII Remake

The latest trademarks made by Square Enix have been made public. The trademarks point to the possibility of Final Fantasy VII Remake DLCs in the works.

The trademarks include Ever Crisis, which is similar to Before Crisis, a mobile FF title and PSP game, The First Soldier, which could be a reference to Sephiroth, and the logo for The Shinra Electric Power Company.

The trademarks initially were filed back in mid to late December but were only just now made public today. With its delayed release back in April, it does seem Final Fantasy VII Remake, it isn’t impossible for DLC.

On the other hand, the trademarks could’ve been filed in reference to the game releasing to other platforms later this year.

What do you think? Are these trademarks for potential DLC? Tell us below!

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Poll Reveals Japan’s Favorite Final Fantasy Entry And Character

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger 0 Comments
Final Fantasy

NHK, Japan’s national broadcasting station, asked participants to answer what their favorite entry to the Final Fantasy series is and who their favorite franchise character is. The poll, which recently showed its answers, had mixed results. Both polls each had over 400,000 participants.

As much as you might imagine that Final Fantasy VII was the top entry to a majority of Japanese participants, that wasn’t the case. You’d be forgiven for expecting that with how much hype is surrounding its remake, with it consistently topping charts on Famitsu. The number one game in the franchise, according to the polls (via SiliconEra), is Final Fantasy X.

This doesn’t mean VII has been forgotten about, though. The other poll to reveal the fan-favorite character in Japan was none other than FFVII’s lead protagonist, Cloud Strife.

Runner-ups in the polls, though, aren’t too shocking. When it comes to the best game entry, FFVII took home silver. Meanwhile, FFX’s Yuna was Japan’s fan-favorite runner-up character.

Do you agree with the chart? Who’s your favorite character and entry to the franchise?

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