In an interview with Famitsu, key people behind Final Fantasy XVI, Takefu Kujiraoka, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), and Hiroshi Takai shared details on the game's latest DLC, Echoes of the Fallen, and its next expansion, The Rising Tide. Read on to know more.
FF16 Developers Unveil Latest DLC Details and Future Plans
FF16: Echoes of the Fallen is Combat Heavy
Originally conceived as one substantial DLC, the development team opted for two separate releases to avoid prolonged fan anticipation. The first of the DLCs to be released, Echoes of the Fallen, is currently available and focuses on combat.
The DLC introduces new enemies and expansive stage layouts. Director Takefu Kujiraoka emphasized that Echoes of the Fallen expands the narrative beyond the main story in the perspective of FF16's main protagonist, Clive Rosfield, and offers approximately 3 hours of additional gameplay.
This expansion also introduces a new area, the Sagespire, wherein more battle-focused content unfolds. Players follow Clive and his companions as they investigate the mysterious appearance of dark crystals on the black market, leading them to the long-abandoned Fallen tower known as the Sagespire.
Omega is Echoes of the Fallen's Final Boss
Also worth noting is the appearance of Omega, a recurring superboss in the Final Fantasy series, as the final boss in Echoes of the Fallen. As a combat-heavy game, the DLC also befittingly introduces gameplay-changing accessories that alter the way players approach battles.
FF16: The Rising Tide Features Eikon Leviathan and is Slated for Spring 2024 Release
The Rising Tide is anticipated to be a substantial expansion, lasting around 10 hours. The upcoming expansion promises new challenges, side quests, and a confrontation between Clive and the legendary Eikon Leviathan.
It appears that Eikon Leviathan will be a focal point in The Rising Tide as Yoshi-P stated,"the mystery of why Leviathan is depicted on the mural and why its existence has not been confirmed for several decades will be solved. I would like you to pay attention to that." The Rising Tide is scheduled for release in Spring 2024.
Leviathan Summon Action Will Have a Twist
The devs highlighted that this upcoming expansion will feature "a field about the size of one area in the main story." Yoshi-P likewise emphasized the uniqueness of the Leviathan's summon action, stating it differs significantly from other summoned beasts. "Yes, this is a long-awaited addition. We are currently making final adjustments. It will perform completely differently from other summoned beast actions."
FF16 PC Port Will Likely Require SSD
While the PC version of FF16 is in development, specific details and release dates, including those for the DLC, are yet to be announced. Kujiraoka encouraged patience from fans, expressing the team's intention to optimize the PC version for players' enjoyment.
Yoshi-P emphasized that an SSD is likely required for the PC version due to the game's critical loading speed requirements. Although exact recommended specifications are to be announced, he made it clear that an SSD is highly recommended for an optimal gaming experience.
No Definite Plans for FF16 Sequels or Spin-Offs
Yoshi-P revealed that the game's core development team disbanded after the development of the main game. While the remaining DLC team is actively working on the game's expansions, Yoshi-P clarified that a direct sequel or spin-off is not in their plans.
Likewise, he stated that, instead of continuously expanding on FF16, the team is eager to move on to new projects and embrace new challenges. Although, it is important to note that the door is not entirely closed. Yoshi-P further commented, saying, "If you ask me if there will be anything related to FF16 in the future, I don't know. Since I don't know what will happen, I'd rather not say anything definite."
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【FF16DLC】鯨岡武生氏＆吉田直樹氏＆高井浩氏開発インタビュー。登場する敵の選出理由など、DLCの詳細触れる濃厚な内容。第二弾の舞台とは？PC版や今後の展開にも言及
Square Enix Press Release: FINAL FANTASY XVI PAID DLC ECHOES OF THE FALLEN NOW AVAILABLE
