Author: Klauss Nightbringer

Host of Phoenix Down Radio, supergeek extraordinaire, and bastion of useless knowledge!

Episode 206 – Darkest Before the Dawn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, Klauss is joined by longtime friend of the show and host of Moogle-Go-Round Radio, Chille! The pair listen to disc 6 of the Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack, and discuss the latest news in the Final Fantasy universe. Enjoy!

Show Notes: Nobuo Uematsu stepping back from video game composing after release of Fantasion Neo Dimension – by Liam Doolan: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/10/final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu-says-fantasian-neo-dimension-is-his-final-project
FFXIV Moogle Treasure Trove event runs until start of Patch 7.1: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/mogmog-collection/202410/ik3ur7rfxb 
FFXIV x Fall Guys collab coming back – by Joseph Kime: https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/final-fantasy-14-fall-guys-33913719 
FFXIV All Saints’ Wake runs now through Nov 4: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2024/All_Saints_Wake/5or4qa29uw 
FFXIV Live Letter 84 scheduled for Nov 1: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/f30e1d3c33739710dbabc63f4adac12ea93909ea 
Final Fantasy XVI PC 1.02 Update Introduces New Graphics Settings, Performance Improvements – by Francesco De Meo: https://wccftech.com/final-fantasy-xvi-pc-1-02-performance-improvements/ 
Final Fantasy XVII will have a very high 24-year old bar to clear – by Enricko Ozoa: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-17-high-bar-vivi-character-good-why/ 
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack – Disc 6: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Six_(1:16:08)

Episode 205 – See You at the Crossroads

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, Seyrr and Klauss talk about the news from FFXIV Live Letter 83 from Tokyo Game Show, Yoshida’s thoughts on an FFIX Remake, possible plans for FFXVI to come to Xbox, and an interesting opinion piece asking if SE’s expecations of Final Fantasy games is too high. Enjoy!

Show Notes:
Donate to Phoenix Down Radio’s Extra Life 2024 Campaign: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=531318
Yoshi-P thinks a FFIX Remake Will Take More than One Game – by Kat Bailey: https://www.ign.com/articles/yoshi-p-thinks-a-final-fantasy-9-remake-would-take-more-than-one-game
FFXIV Pauses Housing Demolition in the wake of Hurricane Helene – by Kat Bailey: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-14-pauses-housing-demolition-in-the-wake-of-hurrican-helene
SE Wants to bring Final Fantasy XVI to Xbox, but can’t say when – by Tom West: https://www.trueachievements.com/news/final-fantasy-16-on-xbox
Are SE’s Expectations For Final Fantasy Too High? – by Matthew Morante: https://www.cbr.com/square-enix-final-fantasy-expectations/
FFXIV Live Letter 83 summary – by Tony Garsow: https://novacrystallis.com/2024/09/final-fantasy-xiv-live-letter-83-summary-patch-7-1-detailed-ffxi-collab-chaotic-alliance-raids/

Episode 204 – Dawntrail SpoilerCast Pt 2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, Klauss and Seyrr continue their spoiler-filled discussion of FFXIV: Dawntrail. The pair also discuss a number of news stories from the Final Fantasy universe. Enjoy!

Show Notes
SE Admits Final Fantasy XVI and 7 Rebirth profits ‘Did not meet our expectations’ – by Wesley Yin Poole: https://www.ign.com/articles/square-enix-admits-final-fantasy-16-and-7-rebirth-profits-did-not-meet-our-expectations
Future Final Fantasy games may release day & date on PC and consoles – by Iain Harris: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/final-fantasy-16-confirms-september-pc-release-date-director-says-its-possible-probably-even-likely-future-final-fantasy-games-launch-day-1-on-pc/
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PlayStation 5 Pro and Standard Footage Compared by Digital Foundry: by Orpheus Joshua: https://noisypixel.net/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-5-pro-and-standard-footage-compared/
Steam users give Final Fantasy XVI a ‘Very Positive’ rating after 900+ review, but suggest you don’t play the game without installing a specific mod – by Iain Harris: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/steam-users-give-final-fantasy-16-a-very-positive-score-after-900-reviews-but-suggest-you-dont-play-the-action-rpg-without-this-mod/
Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura considering retirement – by J Brodie Shirey: https://gamerant.com/tetsuya-nomura-may-retire-after-kingdom-hearts-4/

Episode 203 – Dawntrail SpoilerCast Pt 1

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

In this week’s episode, Klauss and Seyrr discuss the Dawntrail storyline, spoilers and all. The pair also talk about the latest news around the Final Fantasy universe. Enjoy!

Show Notes
Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters getting wide retail release – by Alana Hagues: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/08/final-fantasy-pixel-remaster-physical-edition-getting-wide-retail-release
Fan recreates FFVII as a platformer – by Sam Fang: https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-fan-reimagines-ps1-game/
– Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49CJLp2uyyE
SE Confirms Queens Blood will be expanded in FF7R part 3 – by Khayl Adam: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/08/queens-blood-confirmed-for-final-fantasy-7-rebirth-sequel-ccg-to-be-expanded
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth PS5 Sales Still a Secret as Square Enix Reports Year-on-Year Decline – by Robert Ramsey: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/08/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-ps5-sales-still-a-secret-as-square-enix-reports-year-on-year-decline
Final Fantasy XIV Moonfire Faire runs until August 26th: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2024/Moonfire_Faire/vk09iygn4m
Final Fantasy XIV at Gamescom 2024: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/e377f4a9df0f6e5f75fbef675ec3f32eda8ae3a9
Final Fantasy XIV at PAX West 2024: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/241d23ac7d08e688da8a9df5e59f5d4a49eafd5c
Final Fantasy XIV is a load-bearing MMO helping to keep SE profitable – by Tyler Colp: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/final-fantasy-14-is-a-load-bearing-mmo-helping-to-keep-square-enix-profitable/
Final Fantasy XIV responds to Dawntrail Graphics Feedback – by James Ratcliff: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-14-dawntrail-graphics-feedback-dev-response/
FFXIV Dawntrail soundtrack releasing in October with Zero minion – by Eliot Lefebvre: https://massivelyop.com/2024/08/06/final-fantasy-xiv-is-releasing-the-dawntrail-soundtrack-on-october-30-with-a-wind-up-zero-minion/
Final Fantasy 16 Leak Suggests PC Version May Be Coming Soon – by Marc Deschamps: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/final-fantasy-16-nvidia-leak-pc-version-coming-soon/

Episode 202 – Myriad Thoughts About Dawntrail

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, Klauss and Seyrr give their spoiler-free thoughts about the newest expansion to FFXIV, Dawntrail. The pair also talk about the myriad news stories, collaborations, and rumors regarding the game and series. Enjoy!

Show Notes
How To Drink features drinks from Tulliyollal – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqdNJTs3tmk
Arcade by Alvin does Tacos Al Pastor from Dawntrail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoqHg9lPHMw
FFXIV mobile reportedly in development by Tencent – by Alessio Palumbo: https://wccftech.com/final-fantasy-xiv-mobile-reportedly-in-development-by-tencent/
Nintendo Switch 2 Could Get Final Fantasy XIV, But It May Not Happen For Years – by Francesco De Meo: https://wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-final-fantasy-xiv/
Recommencement of Automatic Housing Demolition in FFXIV starts with Patch 7.01: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/news/detail/a2941a22b0d94109ea533a403187e62ccec5f714
Issues with FFXIV Housing brightness: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/97c0a6b1b1eaa77b67e9329588e4e7501facc4d6
Free Game Time granted to FFXIV Players: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/5f736b6fea2b84d97fa617b3399d12a5dff797e5
Upcoming Job Adjustments in FFXIV: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/e2da42164b4e6c9967ebb2e41d6321a515d36909
FFXIV’s Overhauled Graphics make its most underappreciated activity worth doing – by Willa Rowe: https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-14-sightseeing-log-graphics-dawntrail-1851583631
Final Fantasy Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi reunites with SE after 2 decades away – by Jason Schreier: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-07-03/-final-fantasy-creator-hironobu-sakaguchi-reunites-with-square-enix?srnd=technology-vp
FFXIV: Dawntrail puts up highest numbers since A Realm Reborn – by Khayl Adam: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/07/final-fantasy-14-dawntrail-puts-up-biggest-player-numbers-since-a-realm-reborn

Episode 201 – Fire & Ice

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

In this week’s episode, Seyrr and Klauss talk about FFXIV Dawntrail Early access, Final Fantasy IX Remake being accidentally leaked again by Epic Games, and a fun opinion piece on the future of Final Fantasy. The pair then discuss disc 4 of the Final Fantasy XVI soundtrack. Enjoy!

Show Notes
Final Fantasy 9 remake accidentally confirmed early by Epic Games – by Angharad Redden: https://www.gamingbible.com/news/final-fantasy-9-remake-epic-games-store-985095-20240612
Square Enix reveals a special 10th Anniversary edition of Final Fantasy XIV (but only for Europe at the moment) – by Paula Vaynshteyn: https://www.destructoid.com/square-enix-reveals-a-special-10th-anniversary-edition-of-final-fantasy-xiv/
Welcome to Dawntrail Early Access!: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/a4693aceba7eb738ca301893016f0a14c34db2dc
Patch 7.0 Notes: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/d7db61f938f9cea65e4c5cd261918edb036b3004
Updated Material Usage License Agreement: https://support.na.square-enix.com/rule.php?id=5382&la=1&tag=authc
Yoshi-P Tempts Fate, Says ‘Almost No Chance’ of Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail Server Woes – by Khayl Adam: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/06/yoshi-p-tempts-fate-says-almost-no-chance-of-final-fantasy-14-dawntrail-server-woes
FFXIV Dawntrail’s graphics update really is a game changer- by Harvey Randall: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/final-fantasy/ff14-dawntrail-s-graphics-update-really-is-a-game-changer-breathing-life-colour-and-atmosphere-into-the-11-year-old-mmo/
Final Fantasy 17 Needs to Buck the Series’ Biggest Trend – by Hayes Madsen: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-17-comedy
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack – Disc 4: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Four_(1:14:03)

Episode 200 – Press On!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

In our 200th episode, Klauss and Seyrr discuss the fallout from the Square Enix Investors meeting held in May, including the weaker than expected sales of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XVI and their 3-year restructuring plan which includes a number of layoffs in the NA and EU sectors. The pair then delve into the 3rd disc from the Final Fantasy XVI Soundtrack. We hope you enjoy!

Show notes:
Square Enix changes name of Creative Business Unit III, Yoshi-P’s job title – by Daniel Bueno: https://www.siliconera.com/creative-business-unit-iii-name-and-naoki-yoshida-job-title-changed/
SE President bemoans weak Final Fantasy sales – by Rich Stanton: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/square-enix-president-bemoans-weak-final-fantasy-sales-and-says-his-restructure-is-existential-our-winning-formula-is-no-longer-effective/
SE announces “Aggressive” shift in multiplatform strategy – by Wesley LeBlanc: https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/13/square-enix-will-aggressively-pursue-multiplatform-strategy-in-company-reboot
SE confirms layoffs are part of the restructuring plan – by Andy Robinson: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-enix-confirms-us-eu-layoffs-as-part-of-restructuring/
Final Fantasy VII Remake team wants to give players more freedom and new gameplay in series finale – by Ayuo Kawase: https://automaton-media.com/en/news/final-fantasy-7-remake-team-wants-to-give-players-more-freedom-and-new-gameplay-in-the-trilogys-final-part/
Leaker reports FFIX Remake currently in Development – by Lance Gose: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-9-remake-in-development-leak/
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack, Disc 3: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Three_(1:13:44)

Episode 199 – Too Bloody Quiet

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

In this week’s episode, Klauss and Seyrr talk about FFXIV Producer Live Letter 80, the new FFXVI DLC that was just released, and delve into disc 2 of the FFXVI Original Soundtrack. We hope you enjoy!

Show Notes
Multiple Final Fantasy games leaving Playstation Plus Extra in May – by Dalton Cooper: https://gamerant.com/ps-plus-extra-games-leaving-may-2024-final-fantasy/
FFXIV Dawntrail benchmark demo is out: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/benchmark/
FFXIV Dawntrail Benchmark Screenshot sweepstakes: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/d7dedfecba5d6db3afa08d2473b88d478e979285
FFXIV Live Letter 80 coverage – by Tony Garsow: https://novacrystallis.com/2024/04/final-fantasy-xiv-live-letter-80-summary-graphics-update-new-blacklist-features/
FFXVI DLC The Rising Tide is live: https://na.finalfantasy.com/news/2532
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack – Disc 2: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Two_(54:12) 

Episode 198 – A Land of Eikons

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

This week, Seyrr and Klauss delve into the first disc of the Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack along with all the news happening in the Final Fanatsy world. Enjoy!

Show Notes
FFVII Remake part 3 “Off to the races” according to director, who also wants to be “Done with this marathon of projects” – by Hope Bellingham: https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-part-3-is-off-to-the-races-already-according-to-its-director-who-also-wants-to-be-done-with-this-absolute-marathon-of-projects/
Nobuo Uematsu would be honored to make the main theme for the FFVII Remake Trilogy finale – by Isaiah Colbert: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu-would-be-honored-to-return-for-remake-trilogy-finale
FFVII Director promoted to SE Executive Staff – by Wesley LeBlanc: https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/03/final-fantasy-vii-rebirths-director-has-been-promoted-to-square-enixs-executive
The Struggles of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – by Christian Angeles: https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-struggles-with-final-fantasy-7-rebirth/
FFXIV x FFXVI Crossover is live, features Clive’s outfit, and best boy minion and mount – by Wesley LeBlanc: https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/03/the-final-fantasy-xiv-and-xvi-crossover-event-is-live-and-features-new-storyline
FFXIV Xbox players getting banned for recruiting for their Free Companies – by Kenneth Shepard: https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-14-xbox-ban-free-company-recruitment-1851378576
FFXVI’s April update will fix the game’s most annoying flaw – by Lee Brady: https://www.truetrophies.com/news/final-fantasy-xvi-free-update-april-2024
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack Disc 1: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_One_(1:01:25)

Episode 197 – Rebirth in the Other World

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS

In this episode, Klauss and Seyrr discuss recent news in and adjacent to the world of Final Fantasy, including the passing of Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball and how FFXIV players have held vigils to honor Toriyama’s legacy in-game, the upcoming FFXIV 14-hour broadcast, the Xbox Series X/S version’s release date, Little Ladies’ Day and Hatching-tide, and how FFXIV and FFXVI will be at PAX East. Enjoy!

Show Notes
Famous Manga author Akira Toriyama passed away at age 68 – by Thao Nguyen: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/03/08/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-death/72892266007/
FFXIV Players hold in-game vigils for Akira Toriyama – by James Ratcliff: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-14-players-akira-toriyama-vigils/
FFXIV 14-hour broadcast schedule for April 12th at 8PM PT: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/44e1f77e68c4ab007b3ca552717875082fdc77c0
FFXIV Little Ladies’ Day and Hatching-tide starts March 14th: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2024/Little_Ladies_Day_Hatching_tide/fnvycqn3ol
FFXIV/FFXVI at PAX East: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/ecb99281d7e5767c937060e29a88aee7c743a98d
FFXIV confirms controversial Endwalker endgame activity is changing in Dawntrail – by Eric Law: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-14-dawntrail-relic-weapon-quests-changing-endwalker/
Possibility of additional FFXVI DLC is not zero, but you shouldn’t really expect more – by Wesley LeBlanc: https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/08/final-fantasy-xvi-the-possibility-of-more-dlc-is-not-zero-but-you-really-shouldnt
One fan spent 3 years saving a Final Fantasy game before it shut down – by Ash Parrish: https://www.theverge.com/24094441/final-fantasy-opera-omnia-mobile-game-preservation-square-enix