Episode 203 – Dawntrail SpoilerCast Pt 1

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 200 – Press On!

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 198 – A Land of Eikons

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

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

Episode 196 – The Rebirth of the Remake

This week, Klauss and Seyrr talk about the buzz surrounding Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the new demo that dropped this week, and other news regarding remake speculation for other Final Fantasy games. Seyrr then takes us down the Remake/Remaster rabbit hole with a fun discussion about what a remake is. Enjoy!

Show Notes: FFVI director believes a proper remake would take about 20 years – by Ryan Dinsdale: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-6-remake-would-take-about-20-years-to-make-original-director-says
FFVII Rebirth lead is cool to do a 2D/HD remake of FFVI (like Octopath Traveler – by Hirun Cryer: https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-lead-is-down-for-a-final-fantasy-6-remake-in-the-hd-2d-style-of-octopath-traveler
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is BIG! – by Jesse Lennox: https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-preload-guide/
FFVII Rebirth Demo is live, features a playable Sephiroth – by Jess Cogswell: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-demo-is-now-live-and-features-a-playable-sephiroth/1100-6520862/
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Demo is Hiding Easter Eggs of Two Legendary Super Bosses – by Mike Reyes: https://en.as.com/meristation/news/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-demo-is-hiding-easter-eggs-for-two-legendary-super-bosses-n/
FFVII Rebirth fans are getting creative with the in-game piano in the demo – by Ed Nightingale: https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-fans-are-getting-creative-with-its-in-game-piano
FFVII Rebirth concludes at the end of the original game’s Disc 1 – by Phil Hornshaw: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-concludes-at-the-end-of-the-originals-disc-1/1100-6520864/
Final Fantasy VIII Director would change the combat system if it ever got remade – by Matt Purslow: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-8-director-would-change-the-combat-system-in-a-remake
FFXIV XBox beta starts Feb 21, requires Game Pass on top of sub – by Ryan Dinsdale: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-14-requires-game-pass-subscription-to-play-on-xbox
FFXIV Valentiones Day celebration runs until Feb 21: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2024/Valentiones_Day/ob5mppsb6x
Fan-made Final Fantasy IX “Memoria Project”: https://www.ffix-memoria.com/

Episode 195 – Neverending Nightmare

This week, Seyrr and Klauss go over the fourth and final disc from the Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack. The duo also discuss a number of news articles relating to the upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XIV. Enjoy!

Show Notes
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has an official Sony TV – by Liam Croft: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/01/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-now-has-its-own-official-sony-tv
Final Fantasy VII Remake Story recap video prepares us for Rebirth – by Jenni Lada: https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-story-recap-video-preps-us-for-ffvii-rebirth/
Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete version getting a 2-day viewing in US Theaters before launch of Rebirth – by Christina Alexander: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-advent-children-complete-receives-two-day-viewing-in-us-theaters
Final Fantasy XIV’s Live Action series ‘dead’ – by Wesley LeBlanc: https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/final-fantasy-xiv-live-action-tv-series-dead-says-the-production-company-behind-it#:~:text=The%20Final%20Fantasy%20XIV%20live,that%20was%20working%20on%20it
Final Fantasy XIV Black Edition HORI Tactical Assault Comander keypad preorders are live: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/81185cc78888f7ac84216842f45ef3907bd84c06
FFXIV x FFXI THe Maiden’s Rhapsody event is live again: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2024/The_Maidens_Rhapsody/flf9m2g38k
FFXIV Moogle Treasure Trove: The First Hunt for Genesis event runs Jan 30 – March 11: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/mogmog-collection/202401/8degg9wgnk
Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack Disc 4:
https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XV:_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Four_(1:17:07)

Episode 194 – Over the Waves

In the first episode of 2024, Klauss and Seyrr discuss the 3rd disc of the Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack, as well as the latest news from FFXIV Fan Fest Tokyo, updates on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and more! Enjoy!

Show Notes
Final Fantasy XVI, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth win at the Game Awards – by Eddie Makuch: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/all-the-game-awards-2023-winners-revealed/2900-4977/#1
FFVII Rebirth teases new story developments for returning character – by J Brodie Shirey: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-biggs/
Final Fantasy XIV FanFest Tokyo introduces new Magic DPS, female Hrothgar, and more! By Tony Garsow: https://novacrystallis.com/2024/01/final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail-reveals-pictomancer-job-female-hrothgar-and-new-areas/
Full Trailer: https://youtu.be/kgiuQwzB6aU
Final Fantasy XIV Producer would still play the game even if SE fired him – by Dustin Bailey: https://www.gamesradar.com/if-square-enix-fired-him-final-fantasy-14s-yoshi-p-says-hed-still-play-the-mmo-and-just-complain-to-the-development-team/
Final Fantasy XVI’s First DLC Adds a Feature the Game Sorely Needed – by Hayes Madsen: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-16-dlc-echoes-of-the-fallen-review-opinion-impressions
FFXVI on PC Shows signs of life, producer says it will run best on SSD – by Ted Litchfield: https://www.pcgamer.com/final-fantasy-16-on-pc-shows-signs-of-life-with-producer-yoshi-p-saying-it-will-run-best-on-an-ssd/
Final Fantasy XVII should be handed over to the younger generation, says Yoshida – by Jordan Gerblick: https://www.gamesradar.com/yoshi-p-floats-ideas-for-final-fantasy-17-a-real-time-turn-based-hybrid-and-a-return-to-pixel-art/
Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia Ending in 2024- by Arielle Haddad: https://www.siliconera.com/dissidia-final-fantasy-opera-omnia-ending-in-2024/
Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack – Disc 3: https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XV:_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Three_(1:16:08)

Episode 191 – Walking Toward the Dawn

In this episode, Klauss and Seyrr talk about FFXIV Patch 6.5, the TGS demos of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and all the latest news from the Final Fantasy universe! Enjoy!

Show Notes
FFVII: Rebirth releases on Feb 29th, 2024 – by Stev Petite: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-deluxe-preorders-live-at-amazon-comes-with-collectibles/1100-6514519/
13 More Things We Learned about FFVII Rebirth – by Ethan Gatch: https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-vincent-cid-ff7-previews-demo-1850860777
FFVII: Rebirth VA’s hosting a panel at NYCC Oct 14th: https://na.finalfantasy.com/news/2359
FFVII may not be ported to other consoles according to leaks – by Trumann Tu: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-leak-xbox-nintendo-ports-unlikely/
Col. Sanders is canonically a BLM in FFXIV – by Iain Harris: https://www.gamesradar.com/kfcs-colonel-sanders-is-now-canonically-a-black-mage-in-final-fantasy-14
FFXIV is getting an official TTRPG release for its 10th anniversary – by Matt Jarvis: https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/final-fantasy-xiv-ttrpg/news/final-fantasy-14-tabletop-rpg-announced
An FFXIV Player has completed all 2751 achievements in the game prior to Patch 6.5 – by Ryan Dinsdale: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-14-player-becomes-first-to-earn-all-2000-achievements
Patch 6.5 notes: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/e17ce5b98068f6972379cef5adbc6c4b664f9780

Episode 189 – It’s All About the Chocobos, Baby!

In this episode, Klauss and Seyrr listen to and discuss the various Chocobo themes from the mainline Final Fantasy games, as well as talk about the latest news from the Final Fantasy universe. We hope you enjoy!

Show Notes
Fantasian has a listing on SteamDB – by George Yang: https://www.ign.com/articles/fantasian-steam-console-rpg
Myth about how Final Fantasy got its name busted by creator in recent interview – by Willa Rowe: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-creator-series-name
Talk of FFVI Remake resurfaces – by Robert Ramsey: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/07/the-fantasy-6-remake-talk-has-started-again
FFVII Ever Crisis set to launch on Sept 7 – by Alex Mateo: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2023-08-10/final-fantasy-vii-ever-crisis-game-launches-on-september-7/.201178
FFXIV Moonfire Faire live until Aug 26th: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2023/Moonfire_Faire/oct9miki0d
Yoshi-P wants to add Pixel Remasters as playable games inside FFXIV – by Rebekah Valentine: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-14-director-wants-to-get-the-pixel-remasters-running-inside-the-mmo
SE stock price dips after they claim FFXVI sales did not hit their “high expectations,” blames slow PS5 adoption – by Robert Ramsey: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/08/square-enix-bafflingly-backtracks-on-final-fantasy-16-sales-blames-slow-ps5-adoption
Compi de Chocobo – https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Compi_de_Chocobo

Episode 187 – Curried Favor

This week, Seyrr and Klauss talk about their experiences in FFXIV Patch 6.4, and Final Fantasy XVI, respectively. The duo also talk about the rumored Final Fantasy IX Remake in progress, the Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis closed beta, and how the Final Fantasy series has surpassed 180 million copies worldwide. Enjoy!

Show Notes
Total sales of all Final Fantasy games exceeds 180 Million: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/07/total-final-fantasy-franchise-sales-at-180-million by Liam Croft
Final Fantasy IX remake is in development at SE: https://mynintendonews.com/2023/07/06/jeff-grubb-reconfirms-final-fantasy-ix-remake-in-development-at-square-enix/#:~:text=Gaming%20journalist%20and%20insider%20Jeff,Final%20Fantasy%20VII%3A%20Crisis%20Core by Sickr
FFXVI DLC is not out of the question: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/07/final-fantasy-16-dlc-is-now-an-option-being-considered-by-square-enix by Liam Croft