Category: Games & Hobbies

Episode 202 – Myriad Thoughts About Dawntrail

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 193 – Don’t Panic!

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This week, Klauss is joined by guest host Niknar. They talk about Disc 2 of the Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack, the Butterfinger x FFVII Rebirth promotions, KupoCon’s reasoning for cancelling Susan Calloway’s appearance, SE adding all of their Piano collections to multiple streaming services, and more. Thank you to everyone who donated to Extra Life during today’s stream! Enjoy!

Show Notes
Butterfinger x FFVII Rebirth promotions are live – by Jason Fanelli: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/its-the-butterfinger-x-final-fantasy-7-rebirth-crossover-you-were-waiting-for/1100-6518856
Butterfinger x FFVII Rebirth Sweepstakes rules: https://www.gamewithbutterfinger.com/rules
KupoCon issues statement regarding Susan Calloway amid anti-trans accusations – by Michael Hassall: https://www.fanbyte.com/ffxiv/news/kupo-con-issues-statement-on-susan-calloway-fans-reject-safety-concerns-reasoning
KupoCon’s second statement: https://kupocon.com/7842/
Letter from Susan regarding her Twitter: https://susancalloway.com/letter-to-fans
Square Enix Music adds its Final Fantasy Piano collections to many online streaming sites: https://sqex.lnk.to/pianoFF
10 reasons why Final Fantasy VIII should get a remake before Final Fantasy IX – by Alyx Maglio: https://www.cbr.com/ff8-remake-before-ff9/
Final Fantasy XIV x Fall Guys event kicks up netcode frustrations – by Iain Harris: https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-14s-fall-guys-event-kicks-up-netcode-frustrations-that-have-been-lingering-over-the-mmo-for-the-past-10-years/
Final Fantasy XV Original Soundtrack Disc 2 https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XV:_Original_Soundtrack#Disc_Two_(1:15:16)

Episode 191 – Walking Toward the Dawn

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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