Hello - my name is Masanobu Suzui and I am the Series Director for the THEATRHYTHM games.

Our new game, THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, is more than just a rhythm action game. It’s also a celebration of the FINAL FANTASY series that all of us on the development team adore. This game is a true passion project, and we’ve filled it with recreations, secrets and references to the moments in games that mean so much to us.

I wanted to share some of these with you all, so I asked the team to tell me some of the things you can do in the game that conjure powerful emotions for them personally.

As you can see, we all poured a lot of love into the game!

1. STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN: Jack’s Theme

One of the tracks we added to THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE was Jack’s Theme from STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN. We paid special attention to the background so that it reacts exactly like it does in the ending to that game, with light emerging from a glimmer of clouds in the sky!

If you play with just a party consisting of Garland and Princess Sarah, it doubles the emotional impact of the moment - it’s something we’re really proud of!

2. Alexander’s Temporal Stasis attack affects more than the combat

There’s a really cool feature in the stage for THE PRIMALS / FINAL FANTASY XIV track Band:Rise (included in the Deluxe Editions of the game).

What we tried to do was recreate the Temporal Stasis attack in the battle with Alexander on the music score itself! Everything in the stage - including the rhythm itself - freezes and if you’ve played FINAL FANTASY XIV, you’ll immediately recognize when it happens! Please enjoy that little Easter Egg for fans!

3. Recreating an emotional moment with Noctis

For the FINAL FANTASY XV track Main Theme from FINAL FANTASY, we specially made blue flower petals that fly across the scene as you play. We did this to recreate the original moment in FINAL FANTASY XV when you hear this song!

4. Introducing Aeon Battles

In previous THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY games, Summons – or Aeons or Eidolons, depending on the game - emerged to help the player damage enemies. However, for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, we asked the developers to use the Summon data to appear on the monsters’ side.

This was done because we wanted to represent the Aeon battles in FINAL FANTASY X, so it’s really cool it’s in the game. If you play with a team comprising the original characters - Tidus, Yuna and Auron - it’s even more emotional!

5. Going solo with Zack Fair

You may have noticed that THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE allows you to set a party of a single character. This feature exists in the game because of the track The Price of Freedom from CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–!

We wanted to recreate that one scene where you’re just playing as Zack alone against the horde of Shinra soldiers!

6. Moogle memories of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2

If you want to capture the spirit of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, use a two person party with just Serah and Noel on any song from the game. The team is accompanied by a Moogle, just as they are in the original game! which really helps recreate the feeling of the original game!

7. Moogle memories of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES

In FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES stages, if you play as Ciaran alone, you get a two-man party with just a Moogle as a partner, just like you do when you play CRYSTAL CHRONICLES solo. Some on the team find this very emotional as it recreates the powerful moments and memories from the game!

8. Blitz Off!

The music stage for Blitz Off! from FINAL FANTASY X has some fun features. To simulate the idea of Blitzball in our game, we made it so that only human enemies appear during the track Blitz Off! Also, occasionally, a circular enemy appears to simulate the ball!

When you play this stage, I recommend playing as just Tidus and Jecht. Then you have the Zanarkand Abes on your side!

9. Galuf charges in

This is one of my own personal favorites. During The Dawn Warriors, if you play as Galuf on his own, you can recreate the scene where he rushes into Exdeath’s castle to save Bartz and his comrades.

Apparently, the guy who worked on that stage was crying all the time while he made it!

10. A secret that will bowl you over

If you press both bumper buttons down on a loading screen, it makes the party fall over! If the screen is showing chocobos, they’ll jump up!

This one’s not really emotional - it’s just funny.

I hope you enjoy playing THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE and discover your own emotional moments!

The game is out now for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Three versions are available:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

For news and updates about THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

We’ve celebrated everything from spell-slingin’ black mages to sword-swingin’ warriors, but there’s one type of RPG hero that hasn’t had their time in the spotlight: the type that uses a firearm.

Whether you call them machinists, gunners or something else, their eagle eyes, pinpoint accuracy and sense of style make them a blast. Let’s take a look at just seven of our favorites:

Irvine - FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

Irvine seems to be the consummate sharpshooter - cool, suave and utterly composed. He presents himself as a ladies’ man, constantly attempting to woo the women in the party, to various degrees of failure.

However, as you discover through the game, much of this is a front. Despite operating as a sniper - a traditionally solitary role - and his lighthearted persona, Irvine craves companionship and cares deeply for his friends.

He’s thoughtful and surprisingly sensitive - when the pressure’s on him to take out a dangerous sorceress, he chokes. It’s only thanks to Squall’s support that he finds the resolve to pull the trigger and fulfil his duty.

Ultimately, he’s a valued member of the team, both in and out of combat. And certainly the most stylish - few people rock a hat quite so well.

• Get FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

Jack - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN DIFFERENT FUTURE

Jack Garland may be a versatile fighter, able to use many types of weapons, but firearms are not one of them. So for once, Jack doesn’t make the cut for this list.

…what’s that? The third additional mission in the Season Pass, DIFFERENT FUTURE, adds them as a weapon type along with three associated gunslingin’ jobs?

Wow! He really is a Jack of all trades!

• Find out more about STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN: DIFFERENT FUTURE

Yuna - FINAL FANTASY X-2

After the events of FINAL FANTASY X, the world of Spira is forever changed… and so are its residents.

That’s especially apparent in Yuna - once this Summoner was weighed down by the burden of responsibility, and the expectation that she would suppress the threat of Sin. But now that the murderously moist menace is no longer a factor, she’s free to pursue her own goals in her own way.

And she does so in spectacular style! She explodes into the game with a new attitude, a new career as a sphere hunter and two powerful handguns – you could even get a real life PS2 controller based on these weapons!

It brings to mind 1,000 words, and all of them are variations of ‘awesome’.

• Get FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

Brakka - HARVESTELLA

This mercenary is quiet, reserved and quite lethal with a gun. And yet, like most things in the beautifully fleshed-out world of HARVESTELLA, there’s much more to him than meets the eye.

Once he accepts a job, he’ll go to any ends to take it to completion. That’s to your benefit when you hire him during your investigations into the deadly season known as Quietus. Despite his hefty fee - he costs more than a few carrop harvests - once he joins the team, he’s a steadfast ally who you’ll come to rely on.

And as the story progresses, you’ll peel back the layers of his personality, discover the tragic past that drives him, and even potentially bring him back from the edge of darkness. By the end, you may even call him… friend.

• Get HARVESTELLA

Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn - FINAL FANTASY XIV

You can’t accuse Merlwyb of being an underachiever.

This former pirate has risen to become leader of the Maelstrom, one of the three Grand Companies of Eorzea. Despite her swashbuckling past, she’s grown into a strong leader, who guides the city-state of Limsa Lominsa with a firm hand.

Too firm, some pirates may argue, as her restrictions have gone a long way to curtailing their activities. However, with the reemerging threat of the Garlean Empire, and the threat of the primals, her attempts to maintain a tentative peace with other nations prove to be most prudent.

While she spends much of her time playing politics, she’s equally impressive when it’s time for direct action. Be it a duel or the field of combat, her two beloved muskets, Death Penalty and Annihilator, are all she needs to get the job done.

• FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Free Trial

Balthier - FINAL FANTASY XII / FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS

We go from a pirate of the sea to one of the sky!

Balthier’s a true swashbuckler, sailing the skies of Ivalice with skill and style - if he does say so himself. He’s often seen wielding a gun, and this was his starting weapon in the original release of FINAL FANTASY XII, and his weapon of choice in the Nintendo DS sequel FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS.

Things changed a little with the introduction of the Zodiac job system used in later releases of the game, including FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE. This lets you assign characters whatever job you like, so you can choose to make Balthier something other than a gun-toting Machinist if you were so inclined.

Even so, his legacy with the weapon means he will always be identified with it. Plus we couldn’t exactly leave him off the list, could we? He’s the leading man!

• Get FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

Vincent - FINAL FANTASY VII

Vincent’s not the only gun-user in FINAL FANTASY VII. Barret’s pretty heavily armed too and we mean that literally.

However, while Barret can also make use of select melee weapons, the marvelous Mr. Valentine sticks to using firearms. This makes him a useful addition to any party - able to lurk in the back row and fire shots off from a safer distance.

Vincent is such an integral part of the FINAL FANTASY VII series that it’s easy to forget that many players missed him the first time they played. In the original game, he’s an optional character - an enigmatic figure found sleeping in the depths of the Shinra mansion.

Despite that, he’s featured prominently in the movie FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN and even took the lead in his own game: DIRGE OF CERBERUS FINAL FANTASY VII. It’s easy to see why he’s so beloved - between his awesome design, cool as ice persona and skill with a gun, he’s one of the most stylish characters in the whole series.

Yes, he may occasionally reach his Limit and turn into a rampaging new fiendish form, but hey - we all have bad days.

• Get FINAL FANTASY VII

Those were just a few of the gun totin’ heroes we love in Square Enix games, but we’re sure you have some picks of your own. Let us know on social media:

• Square Enix Blog
• Square Enix on Twitter
• Square Enix on Facebook
• Square Enix on Instagram

Which FINAL FANTASY game has the best music?

It’s a hotly debated topic among fans of the series - and it’s a tough one to answer because all the games have absolutely incredible soundtracks. Ask five different people, you’ll likely get five different answers.

It’s never been easier to make your own mind up though - THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains a massive 385 tracks in the base game alone from all across the series!

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

What's more, music from the FINAL FANTASY series is available to stream on most music streaming services and the Square Enix Music Channel on YouTube.

• Square Enix Music on YouTube

A lot of you are probably racing to listen to Liberi Fatali we speak (well, type), but for everyone else, you may be wondering: with all this music, where should you start?

To help answer that question, we thought it would be interesting to take an audio tour through the history of FINAL FANTASY. We’ve picked a track from each game that we think represents the unique sound and feel of that entry in the series - and would make a good starting point for your audio adventure.

FINAL FANTASY - Opening Theme

If we’re talking iconic, how could we not start with the Opening Theme to FINAL FANTASY. Composed by the great Nobuo Uematsu, it’s one of the tracks that defines the entire series. It may change in style and instrumentation across games, but it stays FINAL FANTASY through and through. Simply put, this is where it all started.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY II - The Rebel Army

Uematsu could do genuinely impressive things with the limited sound capabilities of the NES. If you need evidence, look no further than The Rebel Army from FINAL FANTASY II. With a powerful melody, and a rich, full sound, it’s one of the most recognisable pieces of music from the early games.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY III - The Boundless Ocean

The adventure and endless possibility of FINAL FANTASY III shines through in the music, and The Boundless Ocean in particular. It’s a hauntingly beautiful track - but unfortunately you don’t hear it for very long in the actual game.

Now that it’s on streaming services though, you can play it for as long as you like.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY IV - Main Theme of FINAL FANTASY IV

This theme, which plays when you’re exploring the overworld, has a sense of momentum that makes for perfect travel music.

What really makes it stand out though, is how elegantly it fits into the game’s central themes of longing and redemption.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY V - Four Hearts

Another overworld theme? Why the heck not?

Four Hearts from FINAL FANTASY V makes for a fascinating counterpoint to FINAL FANTASY IV’s overworld theme. It’s much more strident and optimistic - appropriate for when you hear it in the story.

Of course, fans will know that Four Hearts isn’t the only overworld theme in the game…

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY VI - Maria and Draco (starting with Overture)

From the melancholic beauty of Terra’s theme, to the utter insanity of Dancing Mad, FINAL FANTASY VI has one of the most iconic soundtracks in the series.

It’s also one of the most ambitious - and nowhere is that clearer than in the famous opera scene, which sees party member Celes forced to step into a major theatrical production.

On the FINAL FANTASY VI soundtrack, the opera is split into multiple tracks, starting with Overture, moving onto Aria Di Mezzo Carattere, Wedding Waltz - Duel and finally Grand Finale.

That’s right, we’ve technically picked four tracks - deal with it.

This sequence demonstrates Uematsu at the top of his game. Despite all the excitement, drama and petulant octopi in FINAL FANTASY VI’s opera, it’s the music that holds it all together.

Oh - and a bonus mention for the version from the Distant Worlds: Music from FINAL FANTASY, which orchestrates the whole suite into a full 12 minute performance. It’s a mini-epic.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY VII - One Winged Angel

Estuans Interius

Ira vehemti

Estuans Interius

Ira vehemti

Sephiroth

Sephiroth!

FINAL FANTASY VII is one of the most famous soundtracks in videogame history, and One Winged Angel is arguably its most famous tune.

An expected choice perhaps, but when something’s this good we don’t mind being predictable.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE - Let the Battles Begin! - Break Through

One of the most impressive things about FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE’s music is how it fuses the original themes that fans know and love with exciting new elements. Much like the game itself.

That fusion of new and old can be found throughout the soundtrack, including this early version of the game’s iconic battle theme.

Let the Battles Begin! - Break Through plays as Cloud is pursued through the streets of Midgar by Shinra security. It kicks in with a fresh take on the original game’s battle music, and grows in intensity, finally exploding into the full theme fans know and love. Paired with the beautiful 4K visuals, it creates a very memorable sequence.

It’s also a great example of how the game’s dynamic music evolves over the course of a scene - simply masterful.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY VIII - Love Grows

The fledging romance between Squall and Rinoa sits squarely at the heart of FINAL FANTASY VIII.

Love Grows captures that theme beautifully and reminds us that while FINAL FANTASY VIII does bombast well, it’s the human drama that holds it all together.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY IX - Vamo alla Flamenco

FINAL FANTASY IX is a much more light-hearted adventure than its immediate predecessors, and this is reflected in its soundtrack.

A few seconds of Vamo alla Flamenco is all you need to understand exactly what FINAL FANTASY IX is going for - fun, humor and sheer, unadulterated joy.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY X - Zanarkand

FINAL FANTASY X begins on a desolate landscape, and the plaintive piano of this beautiful piece of music.

It’s an effective opening - the world of Spira is defined by loss and sadness, and Zanarkand gets this across better than 100 lines of dialogue ever could.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XI - Opening Theme

The Opening Theme of FINAL FANTASY XI is a long track that covers a lot of ground musically. The highlight is a vocal section known as Memoro de la Ŝtono. It starts relatively sombre, but as more and more voices join, it reaches a dramatic crescendo that will send shivers down your spine.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XII - The Dalmasca Estersand

Wide open space, dangerous beasts and starkly beautiful scenery make the Dalmasca Estersand one of the most memorable early locations in FINAL FANTASY XII.

Actually, there’s one more thing that helps - this piece of music. We advise you to go with the remastered Dalmasca Estersand from FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE - it has a slightly richer sound in our opinion. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any version of this track.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XIII - Blinded by Light

It’s something of a musical departure from the earlier games, but FINAL FANTASY XIII’s soundtrack really works. The battle theme, Blinded by Light, is one you’ll hear over and over in the game, but somehow it never gets old.

A serious earworm warning before you listen though - it’ll jam itself in your head and refuse to leave.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 - Etro’s Champion

As one of the few direct sequels in the series, FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 has a rare opportunity to directly build on its predecessor’s musical themes. And oh boy, does it.

Etro’s Champion takes the central melody of Blinded by Light and puts a whole new spin on it. It’s familiar and fresh at the same time - and if that’s not a perfect description of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 as a whole, I don’t know what is.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII - Luxerion

The town of Luxerion is one of the most interesting areas of LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII - both visually and musically.

The track that plays as you explore the town - appropriately called Luxerion on the soundtrack - is incredibly dynamic. It moves from mellow and hypnotic, to up-tempo and back again. It’s not a conventional FINAL FANTASY track, and that’s exactly why it’s worth a listen.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XIV Online - Torn From the Heavens

The FINAL FANTASY prelude is almost as famous as the original Opening Theme itself - it appears throughout the series. It’s typically pretty gentle, but not so in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online.

Composer Masayoshi Soken’s incredible Torn From the Heavens deftly works those famous notes into a thrilling track that sparks wonder and excitement.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

FINAL FANTASY XV - Apocalypsis Noctis

This FINAL FANTASY game has one of the most eclectic soundtracks in the series, ranging from breezy guitar riffs to brassy battle tracks. But when it goes big, its soundtrack really sings.

Apocalypsis Noctis is about as big as you can go. This choral track is almost overwhelming in its intensity - but my word, it’s exciting.

• Play on Spotify
• Play on Amazon Music
• Play on Apple Music

Those are just some of the incredible tracks ready to listen to right now on your service of choice! There’s so much more to discover though - so dig in and get lost in a world of music.

Oh, and by the way - the definitive answer to which FINAL FANTASY has the best soundtrack? THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE.

Now that’s how you dodge a question.

What are your favorite FINAL FANTASY tracks? Share your tips on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
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• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Hello again! THEATRHYTHM series director Masanobu Suzui here! I have overseen the game design from the beginning of the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE project.

• Favourite FF games: FF4 to FF6 (The combination of pixel graphics and storytelling that were cutting-edge at the time is just amazing)
• Favourite FF music: “Blinded by Light” from FF13 (The impact of the opening part to the chorus really gets the adrenaline pumping)

In this article I’d like to talk about how the character designs for THEATRHYTHM were created!

Monster Octopus has done the character designs for THEATRHYTHM from the first game onwards. This was touched upon in our first blog article “How Theatrhythm came about”, but the art style was entirely predicated on the characters and monsters being drawn by him.

A vital mission and key challenge for the development team was to make Monster Octopus’ illustrations move in as vital and dynamic a way as possible on the game screen.

THEATRHYTHM Producer Ichiro Hazama explained the idea for the rhythm action game to Monster Octopus, who had already collaborated with Square Enix and Mr. Tetsuya Nomura on KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE, and he agreed to us using his designs in the project. They went on to discuss all the details, such as how to split the different parts, model data conversion, gradation and motions etc.

Apart from the characters and monsters that he had already drawn for KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE, Monster Octopus designed all the characters for THEATRYTHM from scratch, including the weapons they carried. We also had him add in some extra details to their clothing and decoration.

The designs were planned through individual discussions for each character, going into what form each small detail should take and what references from the original games should be used.

We had 4 new monsters drawn up for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE.

As you’d expect from his name, Monster Octopus is incredibly skilled at drawing monsters. He really is exceptional in how he can differentiate their silhouettes, get just the right balance of stylisation on the different parts and judge the right level of detail perfectly.

Every time a new design comes in, the whole dev team nod approvingly and are motivated to give that character movements and textures that do it justice. It is a really good mutual working relationship that we have, and it inspires both sides to strive for even higher quality results!

I have talked about the character design from my perspective as part of the game development side at indieszero, but please also allow Monster Octopus to give you his thoughts from the perspective of the actual designer.

Monster Octopus, character designer for the THEATRHYTHM series here! Mr. Suzui has asked me to give a short introduction to how I approached the designs!

• Favourite FF games: FF12 (I like the world of Ivalice)
• Favourite FF music: “One-Winged Angel” (This was the song I played the most across the whole of the TFF series)

People often think of super deformed character designs as just reducing the amount of visual information and creating a simpler design with shorter proportions, but I don’t see it as stopping there. My own approach to super deformed designs is to adjust the level of visual information to a suitable place for each platform, while simultaneously working out how to maximise the inherent appeal in each one.

For each individual character design, I first start by gathering together as much reference material as possible. I use these to deepen my understanding of the original designer’s intentions, looking at the interpretation of each line that Mr. Amano has drawn or how Mr. Nomura or Mr. Itahana have realized their creations in pixel art or 3D.

On top of that I also consider how the fans have experienced these characters and what they memories of them they cherish. I then work out the best way to incorporate those aspects of their appeal into the super deformed design too.

The team’s trust towards me has led to quite a unique workflow for THEATRHYTHM games. My collaboration with indieszero feels a lot like a band’s jam session.

The guys at indieszero ad-lib suggestions about the kinds of textures and motions to apply to each character and really try to understand what I want to express as they work up the designs for their incorporation into the game. When the indieszero team split the designs into detailed sections, they will sometimes sneak in areas where they pass on the colouring. At other times there are parts that you would normally never expect to move, but because it is indieszero, I am always absolutely sure they will animate them!

I always look forward to seeing the finished characters and monsters in the game, and they never fail to exceed my expectations.

Of all the enemy characters that I designed for this game, the one I have the fondest memories of working on was Ardyn.

When I started working on him, it was hard to figure out how his complex clothing was constructed. I really wondered how indieszero would split the design up to move freely. The other thing was the sheer number of weapons he used with his Armiger power! It was quite a headache and I spent time mulling over how to approach these.

If I added too much detail in how the weapons were drawn then it would overload the player with too much visual information and also get in the way of Ardyn himself, but at the same time I didn’t want to make them too simplistic. I also had to make subtle tweaks to work out how best to express Ardyn’s mysterious side.

Please take a look at the finished Ardyn in game to see the results!

It’s me, Suzui again!

Monster Octopus also did the hand-drawn graffiti style note images shown on the right hand side of the party selection screen. He more than delivered on this request from the development team and came up with as many as 5 different versions for us to use. All of them are incredibly cute, so look out for these in the game too!

See you for THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY next week!

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

To stay up to date with future news about the game, including upcoming DLC, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Get ready for a torrent of exclusive PowerWash Simulator news. The next set of new levels take you to the world of one of the most famous Final Fantasy titles... and it's available to download now!

• Get PowerWash Simulator

Named the ‘Midgar Special Pack’, it features five new jobs based in the City of Mako itself!

Read on, and we’ll tell you all about it.

Wait… what? FINAL FANTASY DLC in PowerWash Simulator?!

Yep! FuturLab have collaborated with the FINAL FANTASY VII team to bring the gritty city of Midgar to PowerWash Simulator. You could say that Midgar is facing an Avalanche… of dirt.

This new pack contains five levels set above and below the plate. Armed with your collection of high-pressure power washers, you’ll set to work clearing up the mess made by Midgar’s usual suspects - Don Corneo’s lackeys, Professor Hojo’s ‘specimens’ and Heidegger’s dangerous tech.

You’ll accept jobs from both loyal members of Avalanche, and Shinra bigshots. As you clean, you’ll discover their stories through text messages.

Of course, the city of Midgar is a far cry from the not-really-mean streets of Muckingham - you’ll have to contend with new dirt types, such as bio-residue, as you spray your way through some truly iconic locations.

So what are we cleaning in the Midgar Special Pack?

As mentioned, the Midgar Special Pack contains five levels:

The Hardy Daytona and Shinra Hauler

How is anyone expected to drive away from the Shinra Building in dirt-encrusted vehicles?

Someone needs to make them sparkle once more. You are that someone.

The mighty Scorpion Sentinel

Clean while its tail is up! It’s gonna counter with… well, nothing. It’s been deactivated for the cleaning job at hand - you’re fine.

But the Scorpion Sentinel, on the other hand, is looking a little worse for wear. It’s covered in grime and requires one heck of a spring clean.

The charming Seventh Heaven

The interior of the beloved Sector 7 bar is absolutely filthy - nobody’s going to want to sit and sup a Cosmo Canyon cocktail in that. Or eat Egg and Chips.

Better get to work.

The Mako Energy Exhibit

The Shinra Building’s famous energy exhibit is caked in all kinds of muck. You’ll have to be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of that model of Midgar in order to make it shine as brightly as the lifestream itself.

Why you? Well, it’s the Shinra Electric Power Company, not the Shinra Electric Power Washing Company, right?

The formidable Airbuster

The pinnacle of Shinra engineering, this super-powerful mech is set to make a big splash when it’s deployed against the company’s enemies.

Of course, it can’t go into service looking like that, so give it a once-over with your power washer. Actually, make that a twice-over at the least - it’s very dirty!

We hope you’re excited to start cleaning up Midgar. Of course, there’s plenty of PowerWash Simulator fun to experience beyond these new jobs too:

• Get PowerWash Simulator

Fans and critics alike rave about this game, and now a whole new audience can see what everyone’s gushing about. If you’re about to start your PowerWashing adventures, here’s what to expect:

• Super-satisfying gameplay - from the feel of the water to the ‘ding’ of completion, it’s all so, so rewarding
• An interesting story - yes, there’s a story and it goes places you may not expect
• A laid-back experience - PowerWash Simulator is all about good clean fun. There’s no arbitrary time limits or enemies. You get the job done how and when you want.
• Super-satisfying gameplay - I know we said this already, but it really is impossible to stress how good it feels to clean
• Online co-operative gameplay - you can play through the story with a friend, or team up with up to three other players in Free Mode.
• Hours of fun - all the content from previous releases are included in these new versions
• Super-satisfying gameplay - yes, we’re still going on about it. If you play the game, you’ll get it.

Don’t forget, there’s also the Tomb Raider Special Pack available now for all platforms - 5 new levels set around the illustrious Croft Manor.

• PowerWash Simulator on Twitter
• Square Enix Collective on Facebook
• Square Enix Collective on Twitter
• Square Enix Collective on YouTube

Hi, my name is Kubota Minami, Score Editor at indieszero!

• Favourite FF games: FF8, FF10, FF Type-0 (I am a massive Squall nerd!)
• Favourite FF music: “Vermillion Fire” from FF Type-0 (I cannot remember how many times I have listened to this track. The dramatic structure of it gives me goosebumps.)

I am involved in the creation of the music score data for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, reprising the same role from THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY ALL-STAR CARNIVAL.

In this article, I’d like to show you some of the development work that goes on at the indieszero studio!

There have always been many FINAL FANTASY fans working at here. We pour our passion for FINAL FANTASY into our work on a daily basis, and also strive to pick up the latest information about the franchise and deepen our knowledge of each game.

We keep a wide selection of FF soundtracks, Ultimania guides and background books in our offices!

During the development of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, you could always spot someone fervently studying an Ultimania book.

There are moogles in the break room. They do the vital job of cheering up and rejuvenating our exhausted development staff!

We also have a THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY ALL-STAR CARNIVAL cabinet, which previously saw staff playing matches against many players from around the country. We all have fond memories of the whole team coming together to play the game again when the FINAL BAR LINE project was approved, so we could utilise our experiences in the development of the next game.

We have a THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL pop-up in the office entrance and there are posters further inside… they were even signed by Mr. Uematsu himself!

You can still feel the love for all the past games in the THEATRHYTHM series!

Let’s also take a look at one of our developer’s desk!

Wherever you look there is FINAL FANTASY merchandise everywhere. This desk is a shrine to the team’s love for the series!

You can really feel our passion for FINAL FANTASY and for THEATRHYTHM in every corner of the development team’s offices!

Finally, each and every member of the team have poured their love for every meticulous detail of FINAL FANTASY into the development of the THEATRHYTHM series, from the original games to the music, the characters, worlds and locations.

We sincerely hope that your experiences with THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE create some wonderful memories.

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

To stay up to date with future news about the game, including upcoming DLC, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

The word is out on FINAL FANTASY XVI!

We recently gave the world’s press and influencers some hands-on time with the upcoming game. They got to experience a segment of the highly anticipated adventure, which gave them a taste of the mature story, incredible characters and exhilarating combat that await you in the full game.

We know a lot of you will be very interested in their experiences, so we’ve listed some highlights here for easy access! Follow the links below to find out what they have to say:

Previews

• Gamespot
• IGN
• Eurogamer
• Polygon
• TheGamer
• Mashable
• VG247
• VentureBeat
• Cnet
• Press Start
• Push Square
• PlayStation Blog
• Havian (video)
• GameRiot (video)
• Alex Moukala (video)
• DevilNeverCry (video)
• Primalliquid (video)
• Final Fantasy Union (video)

Interviews

• RPGFan
• Gematsu
• VG247
• Gamesradar

Sounds pretty great, right? The good news is that you don’t have long to wait until you can experience it yourselves - FINAL FANTASY XVI releases this year on June 22, 2023 for PS5!

How to Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI

There are four different editions of FINAL FANTASY XVI available to pre-order. What’s more, if you pre-order any edition of the game, you’ll get these awesome pre-order bonuses:

• The Braveheart (Weapon) DLC
• Cait Sith Charm in-game item - an accessory that boosts your received Gil.

As for the different editions of the game available, allow us to explain:

FINAL FANTASY XVI Standard Edition (physical and digital)

As the name implies, this edition includes the full game only.

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI physical Standard Edition
• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI digital Standard Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Deluxe Edition (physical only)

This version of the game includes:

• The full game
• A Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook Case
• A cloth map of Valisthea - where the story unfolds

It’s available to preorder now on the Square Enix Store:

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI Deluxe Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Digital Deluxe Edition (digital only)

This digital version of the game is available on the PlayStation Store and includes:

• The full game
• A digital mini artbook that features some of the stunning illustrations and artwork from the game
• A digital mini soundtrack showcasing a selection of tracks from composer Masayoshi Soken’s incredible soundtrack

Head over to the PlayStation Store to preorder it now:

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI Digital Deluxe Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition

The FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition is available exclusively from the Square Enix Store (while in stock). It’s a must-buy for any fan of the series, filled with amazing items including:

• Collector’s Box - A beautiful metallic-sheen box that features beautiful artwork by legendary FINAL FANTASY series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano

• The full game - includes the base game box, which features stunning reversible cover art

• Premium Statue: Phoenix vs Ifrit - an exquisitely crafted figurine that depicts the battling figures of two key Eikons: Phoenix and Ifrit

• Metal Eikon Pin Collection - a premium metal pin collection featuring eight Eikons

• Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook Case - a beautiful metal case for the game that features art of the main character, Clive

• Cloth World Map of Valisthea - this printed cloth represents the map of Valisthea, where the story unfolds

• Blood Sword (Weapon) DLC - the fabled scarlet steel of Firion, hero of Final Fantasy II

Pre-order this version of the game from the Square Enix Store, and you’ll also get the following bonus items:

• FINAL FANTASY XVI Pre-Order SteelBook Case
• The Realms of Valisthea Wall Banners (6 inch height printed cloth banners)
• Digital Mini Artbook
• Digital Mini Soundtrack
• Scholar’s Spectacles in-game item - an accessory that boosts Exp

Please note that quantities of the Collector’s Edition are limited, so pre-order ASAP to avoid disappointment.

• Preorder the FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition

We hope you’re excited by what you’ve read or watched about FINAL FANTASY XVI. We can’t wait for you to experience this bold new entry in the series. We’ll have much more to share as we get closer to release, so be sure to follow us on social media to hear the big news first!

• https://www.finalfantasyxvi.com
• http://twitter.com/finalfantasyxvi
• http://facebook.com/finalfantasyxvi
• http://instagram.com/finalfantasyxvi

Hello there - my name is Masanobu Suzui and I am the THEATRHYTHM series director, including THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE. I’ve been involved in this project from the start and oversee the whole of the development and broad design.

• Favourite FF games: FINAL FANTASY to FINAL FANTASY III (These were my initial experience of FF and left a deep impression)
• Favourite FF music: “Let the Battles Begin!” from FINAL FANTASY VII (I love the chorus part that changes dramatically from the powerful tone)

Today I would like to talk about how THEATRHYTHM came about in the first place!

The origins of THEATRHYTHM

We started talking about plans for the first THEATRHYTHM game around 12 years ago. It all began with long-time series producer Ichiro Hazama coming to us, to discuss his ideas for making a rhythm game that used FINAL FANTASY music.

This image shows the initial proposal document that we wrote here at indieszero based on that theme.

The tentative title we came up with was the rather grand sounding “FINAL FANTASY is Music” (pained laugh).

The name “THEATRHYTHM” was proposed by Mr. Tetsuya Nomura during development on the first game. It’s a very unique and distinctive name, which sounds like nothing else out there, so I think it’s a great title for the series.

Incidentally, the subtitle for this latest game “Final Bar Line” was also decided upon in a conversation with Mr. Nomura.

The key words “final line/ double bar line” came to mind from the music related motifs used in the stave notation UI design, and that led on to the final title.

Character designs

I would now like to touch on the character designs a bit more.

From the very start, I wanted to use the same super-deformed art style that Monster Octopus had done for us on KINGDOM HEARTS Mobile.

We added texture gradations to the base designs to bring out the feel of the characters and monsters, and imagined a new visual style unique to Theatrhythm that would bring the battle and location backdrops from all the different FINAL FANTASY generations closer together.

There are many nostalgic scenes from across the FINAL FANTASY series that players remember when they hear the music, so we designed the game system in a way that would bring back memories of experiencing these adventures for the first time as you played THEATRHYTHM.

Defining the gameplay of THEATRHYTHM

As THEATRHYTHM was a game based on music from RPGs, the first thing we thought of was how to make different game structures based on exploration, battles and events. They could all be enjoyed in their own ways, rather than just having one set of mechanics for everything.

We paid attention to having the trends in a music track’s melodies differ for each type of scene and worked up different systems that fit with each one.

In addition to that, we didn’t just want for player skill to be the only factor in completing the game but strove to create a rhythm action system where it became easier to complete a stage by practicing, increasing your level and cleverly using items and abilities - just like in the FINAL FANTASY games that the music is taken from.

Extra thoughts

Finally, I would like to give everyone a glimpse at some of the other design documentation that I dug up from the time of the initial project discussions.

Before we put together the official project proposal, we drew out a rough image of how the game was going to play on white boards and notepads. It is quite crowded and messy, but you can just about see how the mechanics are supposed to work!

This document is from a meeting with Square Enix where we discussed how we wanted to describe the genre of the game when it was featured in magazines etc. and it contains an unnecessarily large number of suggestions that the team thought up (When I unearthed this, I smiled at the passion the team had back then and how they really did come up with way too many ideas).

Ultimately, we combined a number of these together to come up with “Theatre Rhythm Action”!

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE is out now for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Three editions are available:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

Click the links below to get the game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

You can also play a free demo available that lets you experience 30 tracks from the game, including beloved songs from FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XV!

Your progress even carries over to the full game!

• Everything you need to know about the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo:

Join us next week as we give you more behind the scenes insight into the game!

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Here’s some news that should be music to your ears: THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE is out now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch!

This marvelous musical masterpiece brings together some of the greatest video game music of all time and raises the bar (line) for rhythm action games. Not only does it feature a massive 385 FINAL FANTASY tracks to play through in the base game, there are songs from other Square Enix games coming as DLC!

Sounds good, right? It’s an absolutely massive package that will thrill FINAL FANTASY fans, rhythm action aficionados, and… well, basically anyone who loves music.

Read on, and we’ll tell you all about it.

What is THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE?

The new game is a rhythm action game that celebrates 35 years of amazing music from the FINAL FANTASY series, and beyond.

You’ll put together your dream FINAL FANTASY party, choosing from 104 characters, and exciting RPG battles play out alongside the rhythm action.

When playing, you’ll push buttons in time with the music to match triggers moving across the screen on three different types of stage, from traversing fields and taking on classic series monsters in battle, to reliving some of the series’ greatest moments.

It sounds simple enough, but like the best games in the genre, it’ll test your dexterity and timing - and your ability to get in tune with the track.

That said, the game is designed to be a game for everyone. Simple to learn controls and up to four difficulty settings mean you can jump in and start having a good time - whether you’re a rhythm-action savant or have the gaming equivalent of two left feet.

Which we guess would be two left thumbs?

What tracks are in the game?

There are a massive 385 tracks in the base game, taken from dozens of different FINAL FANTASY games. The Digital Deluxe Edition also has an additional 27 tracks - plus Season Pass 1, which adds 30 more!

The game features many amazing tracks, from famous hits like One-Winged Angel and Battle at the Big Bridge, to some you may be listening to for the first time.

You can see the full base game track list here:

• THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY: The THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE track list

What modes are in the game?

The game has multiple different ways to play including:

• Series Quests: Advance through a total of 29 titles, clearing quests and unlocking characters and playable songs.

• Music Stages: Play the music you've acquired to your heart's content and attempt to get a high score! You can also play with Simple Style controls, which use only a single button, or Pair Style, which lets you play co-op with two players on one screen.

• Multi Battle: Up to four players can face off in online multiplayer matches.

• Museum: Peruse and enjoy the music, videos, and various collections you've acquired. You can also check detailed play records.

How does the multiplayer work?

Playing THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE with others is really fun, and there are a few options to do so.

You can take the game online in Multi Battle. In this mode, you and your opponent(s) will play the same track and try to get the best score. As you play, you’ll fill a Burst Gauge - when complete, you’ll unleash a special move that can hinder your opponent.

For example, the Fat Chocobo can appear to block their view, or you’ll freeze their points so that only perfect hits count. Of course, your rival can also do this to you, making for tense, exciting and funny competitions.

If you’re more into working with someone than against them, you can also play together on the same console with Pair Style Mode. This splits the stave into two parts, allowing both players to play a song together.

How do I get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE?

The game is out now for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Three editions are available:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

Click the links below to get the game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

There’s also a free demo available that lets you play through 30 tracks from the game, including some beloved songs from FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XV!

Your progress even carries over to the full game!

• Everything you need to know about the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo

We hope you enjoy the musical mayhem of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE! It’s a wonderful celebration of FINAL FANTASY, Square Enix and videogame music, and we can’t wait for you to experience it! Perhaps we’ll see you online in Multi Battle!

To stay up to date with future news about the game, including upcoming DLC, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

It’s Valentine’s Day - the perfect time to tell your loved ones how much you care for them!

What better way to say it than by sending them a card, featuring some of the most adored characters from the FINAL FANTASY series?

If you want to share your heart with another of the FINAL FANTASY faithful, then we have the perfect Valentine’s Day cards for you to share with them. Based on the cute designs from the upcoming THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, they’re sure to make your beloved’s heart skip a beat!

To get the cards, click on the link beneath each image to download a high-quality version that you can print:

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

• Click here to download

We hope you love these cards. We’re pretty sure you’ll love the game they’re based on, too.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE launches for PS4 and Nintendo Switch on February 16, 2023. It’s a triumphant celebration of 35 years of incredible videogame music, with a massive 385 tracks from the FINAL FANTASY series included in the base game alone!

Not only that, but you’ll be able to download DLC based on other Square Enix titles, including the NieR series, SaGa series, OCTOPATH TRAVELER, LIVE A LIVE and more!

Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now. All digital preorders come with 15 ProfiCards to use in game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

There’s also a free demo available that lets you play through 30 tracks from the game, including some beloved songs from FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XV!

Your progress even carries over to the full game, so download it now and start setting some scores!

• Everything you need to know about the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo

For more FINAL FANTASY fun, be sure to follow the team on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY.

If you were concerned that FINAL FANTASY VIII wouldn’t be well represented in THEATRHTYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, then don’t be afraid - there are plenty of tracks from Squall and co’s adventure to experience.

In fact, from men with machine guns, to blue fields, you’ll find your way to all sorts of amazing music from the game. And before you think maybe I’m a-lyin’, check out this tracklist:

• Ending Theme (FMS)
• Waltz for the Moon (FMS/EMS)
• Balamb GARDEN (FMS)
• Blue Fields (FMS)
• Don't be Afraid (BMS)
• Force Your Way (BMS)
• Shuffle or Boogie (BMS)
• The Man with the Machine Gun (BMS)
• Premonition (BMS)
• Fisherman's Horizon (FMS)
• Love Grows (FMS)
• Ride On (FMS)
• The Castle (FMS)
• Maybe I'm a Lion (BMS)
• The Extreme (BMS)
• Liberi Fatali (BMS)
• Find Your Way (FMS)
• The Oath (FMS)
• Eyes On Me (FMS) (Digital Deluxe Edition / upgrade only)

So eyes on me, as I take you through just three of the amazing tracks in the game - you may already like them but listen again and you’ll probably find your love grows even more!

Liberi Fatali (BMS)

24 years on from its 1999 release, the opening sequence to FINAL FANTASY VIII has lost none of its power.

The opening duel between Squall and Seifer is expertly choreographed and beautifully rendered, but what really brings it together is this epic choral track by Nobuo Uematsu. As the fight goes on, intercut with scenes of other characters and events, the track builds and builds to a screaming climax that leaves quite the impression on the listener.

It certainly did for me!

Fisherman’s Horizon (FMS)

When FINAL FANTASY VIII goes big, it goes to the extreme, but what makes the soundtrack so remarkable is how memorable even the quieter moments are.

The tranquil settlement of Fisherman’s Horizon is a welcome bastion of peace and tranquillity for the game’s heroes. Pieced together from found and recycled materials, and with a pacifist philosophy, it provides both respite and a stark contrast to the rest of the world.

All those feelings are perfectly captured in the town’s beautiful theme.

Ride On (FMS)

When you force your way onto the Ragnarok, it’s a big moment - in many ways the culmination of Squall and Rinoa’s tentative relationship. Even then, you may have had a premonition that this beautiful craft would become yours to control.

When it does, it’s feels amazing.

Although you and the SeeD-y team have experienced world travel through Balamb Garden’s unexpected… portability, it’s nothing compared to the freedom that this flying craft offers you.

Suddenly, the world is your oyster, and the sense of endless possibility bursts from this track that perfectly captures the feelings of soaring through the clouds at lightning fast speeds. FINAL FANTASY wouldn’t be complete without airships, and this theme is one of the greats!

We hope you enjoyed listening to these tracks - there are hundreds more to enjoy in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE!

The game releases physically and digitally for PS4 and Nintendo Switch on February 16, 2023, so either shuffle (or boogie) down to your local games store, or preorder now through the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop.

Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now. All digital preorders come with 15 ProfiCards to use in game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

There’s also a free demo available that lets you play through 30 tracks from the game, including some beloved songs from FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XV!

Your progress even carries over to the full game, so download it now and start setting some scores!

• Everything you need to know about the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY.

Today, we’re taking an audio tour through a game series that needs no introduction: FINAL FANTASY VII.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains music from multiple titles in the series: the original FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY VII Advent Children, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, LAST ORDER: FINAL FANTASY and CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–.

We’ve talked about CRISIS CORE already (read that here), so today we’re going to take you through three more works from the series. Grab some headphones and let’s go.

FINAL FANTASY VII

If you’re a fan of videogame music, you’ll have listened to FINAL FANTASY VII’s music before - on CDs, vinyl, streaming, in concerts, and of course, in the game itself. It’s often cited as one of the greatest game soundtracks of all time - and with good reason.

In THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, you get to interact with multiple tracks from that original game:

• Aerith's Theme (BMS/EMS)
• Opening - Bombing Mission (BMS)
• Let the Battles Begin! (BMS)
• Fight On! (BMS)
• The Chase (FMS)
• Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII (FMS)
• Rufus's Welcoming Ceremony (FMS)
• JENOVA (BMS)
• Gold Saucer (FMS)
• Cosmo Canyon (FMS)
• The Highwind Takes to the Skies (FMS)
• Judgment Day (FMS)
• Birth of a God (BMS)
• One-Winged Angel (BMS)

Every one of these tracks is incredible, and we could fill a book gushing over them. But for the sake of brevity, let’s focus on just a couple of our favorites:

Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII (FMS)

Exploring the world of Gaia has always been a joy, thanks in large part to FINAL FANTASY VII’s remarkable main theme.

This wide-ranging track conjures the sense of adventure and near boundless scale that blew fans away when the game first released on the original PlayStation - and continues to do so today.

Aerith’s Theme (BMS / EMS)

Playing through THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE will evoke many memories of adventures, battles, and characters from throughout the FINAL FANTASY series. But not all of them will be happy.

Aerith’s Theme is a powerful track that perfectly captures the flower girl from the slum’s strength of will, and inherent sense of loneliness. It’s one of the most famous tracks from FINAL FANTASY VII, used in some pivotal moments that… well, if you know, you know.

Making it a Battle Music Stage in THEATHRHYTHM is clever… if a little cruel perhaps. It’s hard to get an SSS ranking when your eyes are bleary from tears…

FINAL FANTASY VII Advent Children

In 2005, fans were brought back to the world of FINAL FANTASY VII with a brand new animated movie.

Advent Children continued the story of Cloud, as he faced the emergence of three oddly Sephiroth-esque adversaries, the return of Shinra and his own feelings of guilt and helplessness.

The movie featured new versions of the original game’s classic tracks but added its own as well to create a unique soundscape. Many of these memorable tracks can be played as music stages in THEATRHYTHM:

• Advent: One-Winged Angel (BMS/EMS)
• Those Who Fight (Piano Version) (BMS)
• Beyond the Wasteland (BMS)
• Aerith's Theme (Piano Version) (FMS)
• Battle in the Forgotten City (BMS)
• Divinity II (BMS)
• J-E-N-O-V-A (AC Version) (BMS)

• Cloud Smiles (FMS)

Let’s listen to a couple:

Divinity II (BMS)

The battle with Bahamut Sin is one of the standout sequences in FINAL FANTASY VII Advent Children. After battling through his demons, Cloud stands ready to defend the world against this massive, summoned threat.

It’s a tough fight, but the young hero has help. All his friends join forces to give him a boost and help take down the monstrosity. Accompanied by this thrilling track by composer Nobuo Uematsu, it’s a real punch the air moment!

Cloud Smiles (FMS)

It’s fair to say that Cloud goes through some… challenges over the course of Advent Children. Between Shinra, returning enemies and the geostigma disease ravaging his body, he doesn’t have a lot to laugh and smile about.

So when the day is won, and he’s able to find peace at last, it’s an incredibly cathartic moment. Composer Uematsu palpably captures those feelings of relief and freedom in this uplifting track, which subtly calls back to themes from the original game.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE

Revisiting the world of FINAL FANTASY VII was a daunting task for the whole team - and that includes the composers. Working with guidance from Nobuo Uematsu, the team faced the challenge of reinterpreting some of the most beloved music of all time for a brand new generation… and even add to it.

To say they succeeded would be an understatement. The team created an unforgettable soundtrack that built on the work of composer Uematsu but stands proud on its own merits. So many good tracks are included in the game, and many of them are ready to play through in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, including:

• FFVII REMAKE: Bombing Mission (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Let the Battles Begin! - A Merc's Job (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: The Airbuster (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: J-E-N-O-V-A - Quickening (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: One-Winged Angel - Rebirth (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Midgar Expressway (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Main Theme of FFVII - Sector 7 Undercity (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Collapsed Expressway (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: High Five (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Tifa's Theme - Seventh Heaven (FMS)

• Hollow (EMS)

Here are a couple of my personal favorites from the selection:

FFVII REMAKE: The Airbuster (BMS)

Composer Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic boss theme of FINAL FANTASY VII, ‘Fight On!’ features throughout FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE in many different arrangements. In the case of The Airbuster, one of its composers Tadayoshi Makino’s approach appears to have been to go as hard as possible.

Combine thrashing guitars, a ceaseless beat, a bellowing choir and an orchestra turned up to 11, and you get an utterly exhilarating track that can’t help but pump you up for an epic battle.

FFVII REMAKE: One-Winged Angel - Rebirth (BMS)

It’s impossible to pick any song from the original FINAL FANTASY VII as the ‘best’ - there are so many true classics after all. But in terms of popularity, One-Winged Angel is definitely a contender - so its inclusion in FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE had to be done right.

The weight certainly wasn’t lost on one of the song’s composers Yasunori Nishiki. In our FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Revisited series, he explains:

“One-Winged Angel is one of the most important music tracks in my whole life, so when I was asked to arrange it, I felt a great responsibility to make a good version, even if I had to use the rest of my life to do it.”

Fortunately he succeeded. FFVII REMAKE: One-Winged Angel - Rebirth is an incredible track that captures the raw power and fury of Sephiroth in a fresh way. What’s admirable is its restraint - rather than hit us with that choir straight away, the track and the battle build up to the moment. As a result, when it hits it’s incredibly effective.

Ultimately, composer Nishiki says: “I do think I achieved what I set out to do here and created a worthy remake of the track that would not bring shame to my memories of it.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Cue the familiar fanfare because that wraps up another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. You’ll be able to experience all these tracks in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, which launches February 16, 2023, for PS4 and Nintendo Switch!

Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now. All digital preorders come with 15 ProfiCards to use in game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

A new demo for the game is also now available:

• Everything you need to know about the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY… oh wait, it’s Monday, isn’t it?

We interrupt our regular schedule to bring new some super-exciting news: a free THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo launches February 1, 2023 on PS4 and Nintendo Switch! Not only that, but your progress carries over into the full game!

Read on, and we'll tell you all about it.

What songs are in the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo?

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE is the biggest rhythm action game in the series, with a massive 385 FINAL FANTASY tracks in the standard edition alone - plus 27 more in the Deluxe Editions. Plus, there will be multiple DLC packs featuring music from other Square Enix series, like NieR, OCTOPATH TRAVELER, LIVE A LIVE, Mana, SaGa and more.

That’s a lot of music, and the demo gives you a generous selection of 30 tracks from that massive playlist.

Music Stages in the game fall into three types:

• Battle Music Stage (BMS) - Defeat waves of enemies in time to up-tempo battle themes.

• Field Music Stage (FMS) - Journey forth with a party across themed landscapes with relaxing field music.

• Event Music Stage (EMS) - Play to the beat against the backdrop of unforgettable scenes from each title.

Here’s which tracks are included in the demo - and the type of stage you’ll play through:

FINAL FANTASY II

• The Rebel Army (BMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Town (FMS)
• Main Theme (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY V

• Main Theme of Final Fantasy V (BMS)
• Four Hearts (FMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Mambo de Chocobo (FMS)
• Harvest (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY VII

• Opening - Bombing Mission (BMS)
• Let the Battles Begin! (BMS)
• Fight On! (BMS)
• The Chase (FMS)
• Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIII

• Defiers of Fate (BMS)
• Saber’s Edge (BMS)
• Blinded by Light (BMS)
• March of the Dreadnoughts (FMS)
• Desperate Struggle (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIV

• Hard to Miss (BMS)
• On Westerly Winds (FMS)
• The Land Breathes (BMS)
• Serenity (FMS)
• Torn from the Heavens (BMS)
• To the Sun (FMS)
• Nemesis (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XV

• Stand Your Ground (BMS)
• The Fight Is On! (BMS)
• APOCALYPSIS NOCTIS (Uncovered Trailer) (BMS)

How do I get the THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE demo?

The demo will be available to download from 1 February, 2023 (technically 31 January for some parts of the world):

• Jan 31, 2023: 21:00 PST
• Feb 1, 2023: 00:00 EST
• Feb 1, 2023, 00:00 GMT
• Feb 1, 2023: 01:00 CET
• Feb 1, 2023: 11:00 AEDT

It’s free, so to get it, simply head over to the PlayStation Store or Nintendo eShop from then to start downloading it.

I played the demo and, wow - this game is really fun! How do I play more?

It is really fun! While the demo has a generous selection, it’s only a fraction of the amazing music in the final game, which is available from 16 February, 2023.

Plus you’ll enjoy the full suite of game modes, including Series Quests, where you can relive 29 past titles through their music and gain new songs and characters, the Multi Battle mode, the packed-out Museum and more!

And, of course, all your progress carries over to the main game, so those amazing scores you set now will still be there when you play!

The game’s available to preorder now. Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

These editions are available to preorder now. All digital pre-orders include a set of 15 ProfiCards that can be used in-game.

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

We hope you have fun playing the demo. Remember to join us back here on the Square Enix Blog each Thursday for THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY, where we showcase some of the amazing tracks in the game and more.

• Square Enix Blog

Also, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media for news and updates about this toe-tapping rhythm action spectacle!

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Jack Garland has discovered the truth behind Chaos. He’s passed the Trials of the Dragon King and battled Gilgamesh… but his biggest challenge is yet to come.

The third and final additional mission for STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is now available. Called DIFFERENT FUTURE, it pits Jack and his allies against threats old and new.

Read on and we’ll tell you all about it.

What is DIFFERENT FUTURE about?

Guided by an enigmatic moogle spirit, Jack and his allies travel to a city in another dimension.

Lufenians call this place Central. From here they observed a myriad of worlds and dimensions. Yet it took only the mad delusions of one Lufenian to bring it all to ruin.

Jack strides deep into the heart of this ghostly city to break the fetters of this karmic juggernaut once and for all.

New Characters

Jack will meet a few new faces during his multidimensional adventure, a few of which may be familiar to FINAL FANTASY fans…

Moogle

A spirit who comes to Jack and his allies for help in saving Lufenia from interdimensional interference and fixing a broken future.

The Emperor

The Emperor plans to take over the world, using all the magic and monsters at his disposal to do so, and his heart is set on the power of the crystals and chaos.

The Lufenian

A darkly deluded Lufenian who interferes with dimensions.

Driven by a desire to restore the world to its former order and beauty, she summons otherworldly weapons from dimensional distortions with the aim of eradicating not just Jack, but the world itself.

New enemies

Jack will face off against some powerful new adversaries during DIFFERENT FUTURE. He’ll need to be fighting at the top of his game to defeat these foes:

Omega

Omega is an interdimensional weapon with the power to destroy gods. It will hunt Jack down using its arsenal of skills more powerful than anything Jack has come across before.

Above: Delta Attack - as well as dealing damage, this move can petrify you as well, so watch out!

Above: Wave Cannon - a deployed arcane circle fires a powerful beam.

The Emperor

The Emperor appears before Jack and his allies, and he is hot on the trail of the moogle.

His motives for coming to this dimension are different from the Lufenian, and he seems to have no intention of teaming up.

Above: Thirst for Chaos - an arcane circle appears in the player’s wake, from which a number of magical orbs arise and explode.

Above: Demon’s Hymn - The Emperor summons a spectre who attacks you on his behalf. With this attack, he can summon gigas, coeurls and other monsters.

New jobs

Jack’s got a new weapon type: guns. Three new jobs that use firearms are coming in DIFFERENT FUTURE:

Musketeer

Hitting an enemy with the Job Action “Stun Bullet” can prevent them from performing unblockable attacks.

Hunter

While the Job Action “Analyse” is in effect, a counter will increase each time you attack an enemy. The higher the counter, the more easily you will be able to pierce an enemy’s resistance and strike their weak points.

Gambler

Use the job action “Roulette” to spin the wheel and use any two abilities chosen at random.

New Blacksmith Feature: Fabrication

Fabrication is a new feature of the blacksmith. Some say that it’s a Lufenian technology.

It allows you to make replicas of equipment using imitation materials and blacksmith materials. It also makes it possible to replicate chaos effects.

Imitation materials are versatile materials that can be used at a blacksmith’s. Imitation materials can be used as a substitute for other materials when upgrading equipment or synthesising new items.

How to get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN: DIFFERENT FUTURE

DIFFERENT FUTURE is the third and final mission available through the Season Pass, so to play it, you should purchase that.

It also includes TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING and WANDERER OF THE RIFT - both available to play now!

• Find out more about the Season Pass

If you’ve yet to play STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN, you can purchase the Digital Deluxe edition which includes the Season Pass, digital mini-soundtrack, and digital artbook!

STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is available right now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via the Epic Games Store:

• Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

We hope you enjoy this final content release for STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN. Thanks to everyone who’s embraced chaos and joined Jack and his friends on this adventure.

To stay up to date with news and information about this and other FINAL FANTASY games, be sure to follow us on social media.

• STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!

FINAL FANTASY V and FINAL FANTASY VI were the last mainline games in the series to launch on the Super Nintendo, and the last to use the distinctive pixel art style. Talk about going out with a bang!

From the breezy freedom of FINAL FANTASY V to the epic narrative of FINAL FANTASY VI, the games stand up among the greatest RPGs ever - and of course, the music plays a big part in making them so fondly remembered!

Naturally, the upcoming rhythm action extravaganza THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE includes many tracks from these games. So lend us an ear, and we’ll discuss some of our favorites:

FINAL FANTASY V

There’s a ridiculous amount to enjoy in FINAL FANTASY V: the light-hearted tone, the memorably world and, of course, the expanded job system that gave players an unprecedented level of customization over their party.

Musically, the game is another masterpiece by Nobuo Uematsu, full of tracks that are as enjoyable to listen to today as they were back in 1992. It’s well represented in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE through the following tracks:

• Main Theme of Final Fantasy V (BMS)
• Home, sweet Home (FMS/EMS)
• Four Hearts (FMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• To the North Mountain (FMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Library of Ancients (FMS)
• Mambo de Chocobo (FMS)
• The Airship (FMS)
• The Dawn Warriors (BMS)
• Battle at the Big Bridge (BMS)
• A New World (FMS)
• In Search of Light (FMS)
• The Decisive Battle (BMS)
• The Final Battle (BMS)
• Harvest (FMS)

Let’s take a closer look at some favorites:

Battle at the Big Bridge (BMS)

Iconic. There is no other word to describe this legendary track.

Actually, no, come to think of it there are quite a few - catchy, exhilarating, energetic and brilliant all come to mind. It’s no wonder that it’s become a signature track for the FINAL FANTASY series, appearing in multiple games since its debut in FINAL FANTASY V. You’ll hear it in games like FINAL FANTASY XII, the FINAL FANTASY XIII series, FINAL FANTASY XIV and many more!

The driving rhythms and fast tempo make it the perfect candidate for a rhythm action stage, and one that will really test your dexterity if you crank the difficulty up. Good luck!

Home, Sweet Home (FMS/EMS)

FINAL FANTASY V is one of the funniest games in the series - it has a wry wit that plays with the conventions of fantasy RPGs to often hilarious effect. Even so, there’s also a lot of heart behind the humor, as this track emphasises.

As the name implies, it’s the theme for the town of Lix - the home of main character Bartz Klauser. It’s strong melody easily conjures a sense of peace and belonging. You can go home again, and it sounds great.

FINAL FANTASY VI

FINAL FANTASY VI is the true definition of a ‘fan favorite’. It’s acclaimed for its amazing story, exciting gameplay, memorable characters… and of course, it’s superb soundtrack. For the final game on the Super Nintendo, Uematsu-san brought his A-game, delivering classic track after classic track.

Not only do the perfectly underscore the action, and sound great when listened to on the OSTs, they also make for really great rhythm action stages. Here’s which pieces are in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE:

• Celes's Theme (FMS/EMS)
• Locke's Theme (BMS)
• Battle (BMS)
• Edgar & Sabin's Theme (FMS)
• Protect the Espers! (BMS)
• The Decisive Battle (BMS)
• Terra's Theme (FMS)
• Grand Finale (BMS)
• The Airship Blackjack (FMS)
• Battle to the Death (BMS)
• Searching for Friends (FMS)
• Dancing Mad (BMS)
• Kefka's Tower (FMS)

Let’s listen to some of these amazing pieces:

Terra’s Theme (FMS)

This theme echoes throughout FINAL FANTASY VI. This unforgettable melody first plays in the game’s famous opening, as Terra, Biggs and Wedge march towards city of Narshe in their powerful Magitek armor. It’s also the primary overworld theme for the game, with its sweeping melodies a perfect accompaniment for exploration and adventure.

It’s the perfect theme for the character of Terra too, with the melancholy flute-like sounds reflecting the struggles she faces throughout the game - from her enslavement by the Empire, to her own internal conflict about her dangerous powers.

It’s a unique track that helps give FINAL FANTASY VI such a strong identity of its own!

Searching for Friends (FMS)

Ok, we’re going to be dancing mad around spoilers here just in case some people haven’t played FINAL FANTASY VI.

At some point in the story, a certain person does a certain thing that has as certain set of consequences. The result is that the heroes are scattered around the world and must be reunited once more. During this airship-based search, the overworld music changes to this new theme: Searching for Friends.

It’s an amazing piece of music that captures the sense of hope and excitement that comes with getting the band back together.

Dancing Mad (BMS)

Kefka is one of the most memorable villains in FINAL FANTASY history. He’s not a tortured soul acting out of love like FINAL FANTASY XIII-2’s Caius Ballad, someone who’s been lied to like FINAL FANTASY VII's Sephiroth, or betrayed like FINAL FANTASY XV's Ardyn. He’s just an evil jerk.

So facing off against him is an enticing prospect - most players will be eager to give the laughing harlequin the smackdown he so richly deserves. Of course, Kefka doesn’t go down easy - it’s an epic knockdown brawl against a super-powerful foe with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. All that tension and drama comes through in this truly epic boss theme.

That wraps up another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. You’ll be able to experience all these tracks in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, which launches February 16, 2023, for PS4 and Nintendo Switch!

Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now. All digital preorders come with 15 ProfiCards to use in game:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Welcome to another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!

If you’ve read the song list for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE (and if not, you can see it here), you’ll notice that there are a lots of tracks from FINAL FANTASY XIV in the game. That’s appropriate because there’s a lot of FINAL FANTASY XIV.

With selections from the original A Realm Reborn soundtrack, and the Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers expansions, the upcoming rhythm action extravaganza shows the sheer breadth of the music in FINAL FANTASY XIV. What’s astonishing is just how consistently brilliant all that music is.

From completely original themes to complex tracks that pay homage to the rich musical legacy of the series, the music of FINAL FANTASY XIV is a consistently engaging audio tour that works wonderfully whether it’s accompanying your adventures in Hydaelyn or you’re simply listening to it through headphones.

It also makes for some superb rhythm action stages in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, and there are a massive 33 included in the base game:

• Answers (EMS)
• Hard to Miss (BMS)
• On Westerly Winds (FMS)
• The Land Breathes (BMS)
• Serenity (FMS)
• Primal Judgment (BMS)
• Torn from the Heavens (BMS)
• To the Sun (FMS)
• Nemesis (BMS)
• Under the Weight (BMS)
• Engage (FMS)
• Fallen Angel (BMS)
• Good King Moggle Mog XII (BMS)
• Ultima (BMS)
• Through the Maelstrom (BMS)
• A Light in the Storm (FMS)
• Oblivion (BMS)
• Ominous Prognisticks (BMS)
• Ink Long Dry (FMS)
• Heroes (BMS)
• Locus (BMS)
• Metal - Brute Justice Mode (BMS)
• Exponential Entropy (BMS)
• Moebius (BMS)
• Rise (BMS)
• The Worm’s Tail (BMS)
• Wayward Daughter (BMS)
• Triumph (BMS)
• Sunrise (BMS)
• A Long Fall (BMS)
• What Angel Wakes Me (BMS)
• Promises to Keep (BMS)
• Who Brings Shadow (BMS)

Let’s take a listen to some of our favorites:

Torn from the Heavens (BMS)

The Prelude is a FINAL FANTASY staple, appearing in almost every game in the series. So to take that typically gentle melody and turn it into something as exciting and rousing as Torn from the Heavens is simply inspired.

It’s become a signature track for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, echoing throughout the game and its expansions at key moments, performed live at concerts and appearing in titles like DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT and WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY MAXIMA.

It’s easy to see why - just try not to feel pumped up when listening to this!

On Westerly Winds (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIV fans know that all the best people start their adventures in the La Noscea region.

…alright, everyone from The Black Shroud and Thanalan - put down your torches and pitchforks, I’m just kidding! But I started my very first adventure in La Noscea, so the sweeping theme for this grassy, coastal region is burned into my brain.

And now, assuming you listened, it’s in yours too. You’re welcome!

Heroes (BMS)

Few games do ‘epic’ as… um… epically as FINAL FANTASY XIV.

Heroes is the final boss theme in FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward and it underscores the dramatic battle extremely effectively. An arrangement of the expansion’s title track, ‘Heavensward’, it’s exciting, bombastic and has a palpable sense of climax.

And - spoilers - it also works brilliantly as a rhythm action stage.

Ink Long Dry (FMS)

If you want an example of just how musically diverse FINAL FANTASY XIV Online really is, you should take some time to listen (or re-listen) to this amazing dungeon theme from the Heavensward expansion.

The Great Gubal Library, once the biggest repository of knowledge in Eorzea, is now abandoned. Images of grand halls filled with dusty books are easily conjured by this eclectic and jazzy track.

It’s one of the more offbeat tracks in the game, so we’re delighted it’s included in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE!

Who Brings Shadow (BMS)

The story of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers focuses on the battle between light and darkness, and those themes are explicitly captured in this amazing track.

The fusion of guitars, vocals, drums and chorus create a rollercoaster of a track that ebbs and flows, moving from measured and tense, to almost overwhelmingly intense.

It’s Masayoshi Soken at the very top of his game.

As you can see (or hear), there’s a lot of marvelous music in FINAL FANTASY XIV, and THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE brings it to the forefront in all its glory. If you’re a fan of the critically-acclaimed MMORPG, you’re going to get a real thrill out experiencing this music in a new way.

And if you’re not a fan of FINAL FANTASY XIV, you’ll likely become one after hearing the musical selection in THEATRHYTHM. If you like what you hear, you can always sign up to the free trial, which lets you play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the first expansion Heavensward up to level 60 for free, with no restriction on playtime.

• Find out more about the free trial

As for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, you’ll get to experience that very soon too! The game releases February 16, 2023 for Nintendo Switch and PS4. Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

These editions are available to preorder now. All digital pre-orders include a set of 15 ProfiCards that can be used in-game.

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

That’s it for this week’s THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. Join us next time for another audio tour through the music of the FINAL FANTASY series! And be sure to follow us on social media for more news and information about THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE:

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

One of the best things about FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is that it’s your story.

Every player has dozens of tales to tell. We talk fondly of snatched victories and embarrassing defeats against powerful bosses, show off our unique looks and the gear we’ve crafted, laugh about good times at the Gold Saucer, and, of course, think back on the many friends we made along the way.

That’s captured in a new live action FINAL FANTASY XIV Campfire video series, which sees a group of adventurers sitting around the fire to swap stories. If you’ve ever wanted to see what the denizens of Hydaelyn would look like if they were pulled into our world… here you go.

The Dragoon takes the lead in the first video. He’s the newbie of the group, fresh from a great success and eager to jump into more adventures in future. Take a look:

The Warrior is the leader of the group. At least, she’s a warrior now. As she explains, she can take any role she wants, from front-line tank to helpful healer. Some players like to specialize on a single class, while others like to mix things up. In FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, it’s all possible.

Hydaelyn is a world full of adventurers, and the game has a real sense of community. That’s the subject of the White Mage’s campfire chat. She reflects on the many amazing experiences she’s shared with friends, and how having each other’s backs is the key to success.

The final video focuses on a Blacksmith, and how her interests go beyond simple questing. As a crafter, she can build her skills and make amazing weapons for the team - and that’s just one activity available to her. As she says, there’s always more to do in FINAL FANTASY XIV.

If all that sounds fun, then get online and start making your own stories. If you’ve yet to try the game, there’s a free trial available that lets you play through the entirety of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn and the first expansion Heavensward up to level 60 with no restrictions on playtime.

In terms of content, that’s essentially two full-size FINAL FANTASY adventures available to play for FREE. Head over to the official website to find out more or sign up:

• https://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Behind the Scenes

After all that, you may be wondering: how did we bring FINAL FANTASY XIV into live action?

The short answer is with planning, effort and a touch of technical wizardry. We’ve put together another episode that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the video series was made. Take a look:

2023 marks 10 years since FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn released, and the game continues to go from strength to strength. If you’re a fan of the game, you should join us at one of the FINAL FANTASY XIV fan-fests, taking place in Las Vegas July 28-29, 2023, London October 21-22, 2023 and Tokyo January 7-8, 2024.

For more information, keep your eyes on https://fanfest.finalfantasyxiv.com/.

Finally, to stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow the team on social media:

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Welcome back to THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!

For those just joining us, each Thursday, we take an audio tour through the FINAL FANTASY games and highlight some of the brilliant tracks that are set to make an appearance in the upcoming rhythm action extravaganza THEATHRYTHM FINAL BAR LINE.

This week, we’re looking at two more classic games from the series and their astonishing soundtracks. Prepare your ears because these games are melodic masterpieces.

FINAL FANTASY III

The third game in the FINAL FANTASY series introduced the now famous job system. This let characters switch between different roles over the course of the adventure, offering a dizzying amount of flexibility over how you set up your party.

The system was a big hit with fans - and very influential, with variations on the idea appearing in many other games, including FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY XIV, STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN and even games like last year’s HARVESTELLA!

The music was equally memorable. Composer Nobuo Uematsu’s mastery of the Nintendo Entertainment System’s sound chip was unparalleled - as the following two tracks demonstrate.

Eternal Wind (FMS)

Exploring the world map is always a delight in FINAL FANTASY games, but it’s particularly memorable in FINAL FANTASY III thanks to this unforgettable theme. Despite the limitations of the early hardware, this beautiful piece still captures a palpable sense scale and wonder.

As with many beloved tracks in the series, Eternal Wind has taken on a life beyond its original game. This unforgettable melody echoes through future games, from the fast-paced remixes of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT to FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers’ main theme.

In that sense, the name is appropriate - a track this good will live forever!

This is the Last Battle (BMS)

Fun fact: this is not merely the last battle, it’s also the first full boss theme in the FINAL FANTASY series!

What a way to begin! This multi-faceted track begins slowly with some mysterious tones that echo and repeat. Suddenly the track gains momentum, speeding up until the full theme kicks in proper.

That classic NES sound is utilized perfectly to create a fast-paced anthem that feels exciting and climactic. It definitely hypes you up for those tough battles with the Cloud of Darkness!

FINAL FANTASY IV

With FINAL FANTASY IV, the series jumped onto the next generation of hardware - the Super Nintendo. Not only did this result in a significant step up for visuals, it also raised the game for the sound.

FINAL FANTASY IV had the strongest emphasis on story yet, and the enchanting tale of Cecil, Kain and Rosa was brought to life thanks to the stunning soundtrack, once again by Nobuo Uematsu. The emotional heart of the game, and its sweeping sense of adventure was brought to life by tracks likes these:

The Red Wings (FMS)

The Red Wings are the elite air force of Baron, and the power and threat of this airborne armada is vividly brought to life by this theme. If you’ve played the game, you probably already have images of mighty airships soaring across the waves to their destination.

It also serves as a theme for the main character Cecil Harvey, capturing his bravery and troubled spirit perfectly.

Battle with the Four Fiends (BMS)

The Archfiends are no mere bosses. These super-powerful elemental monsters are the general of Golbez’s army, and some of the toughest battles that Cecil and his brave band of allies face during their adventure. It’s only right then that they get their own theme.

The excitement and danger of these tricky battles is driven home by this fast-paced theme. It makes each of these climactic battles feel as dramatic as possible - and makes for one heck of a fun rhythm action stage.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE launches February 16, 2023 for Nintendo Switch and PS4. Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 songs from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

That just about wraps up another Theatrhythm Thursday. Join us next week for another audio tour through the music of the FINAL FANTASY series!

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Welcome back to THEATRHYTHM THURSDAYS!

When you think of FINAL FANTASY XV, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is the audio. And we’re not just talking about: “I’ve come up with a new recipeeeeh!”

The soundtrack, spearheaded by the legendary Yoko Shimomura, brings the unforgettable world of Eos and the emotional saga of Noctis to life in every aspect. Vastness, danger, humor and tragedy - it’s all captured wonderfully through an expansive collection of music that stands tall, even amongst the consistently high standards of the FINAL FANTASY series.

Naturally, a selection of these tracks are included in the upcoming THEATRYHTHM FINAL BAR LINE, acting as music stages for you to play along with in exciting rhythm action gameplay.

Here are the tracks included in the base game:

• Stand Your Ground (BMS)
• Veiled in Black (BMS)
• Valse di Fantastica (FMS)
• The Fight Is On! (BMS)
• APOCALYPSIS NOCTIS (Uncovered Trailer) (BMS/EMS)
• Flying R (FMS)
• Invidia (BMS)
• OMNIS LACRIMA (BMS)
• Up for the Challenge (BMS)
• NOCTIS (FMS)
• Somnus (FMS)
• Hellfire (BMS)
• Magna Insomnia (BMS)
• Main Theme from FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
• Shield of the King - Theme of EPISODE GLADIOLUS (FMS)
• Home Sweet Home - Theme of EPISODE PROMPTO (FMS)
• EPISODE IGNIS - The Main Theme (FMS)
• The Dance of Silver and Crimson (BMS)

Now, let’s hear some of our favorites:

OMNIS LACRIMA (BMS)

Let’s go big or go home. And things don’t get much bigger than OMNIS LACRIMA!

This amazing track first plays when Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto are sent on a gem hunt by the cunning journalist Dino. Unfortunately, their path to the shiny stones are blocked by Zu - a giant slumbering bird.

The boys try to sneak past, but ultimately their efforts are for nothing - the beast awakens, unfurling its wings as the magnificent choral section at the start of this track explodes into life. It’s an incredible moment that perfectly encapsulates the scale, drama and visual splendor of FINAL FANTASY XV.

This track becomes a boss theme for the giant monsters you’ll find around Eos. From foul-smelling Malboros, to the screen-filling Adamantoise, every encounter feels epic and exciting thanks to this energetic choir, soaring strings and driving piano.

What can I say? This track is the best.

Valse di Fantastica (FMS)

This track only plays infrequently as you explore the plains, forests and roads of the world, but and whenever it does, it’s a joy.

This melodic waltz carries with it a palpable sense of adventure, as well as a hint of sadness - very fitting for the epic road trip that Noctis and his entourage go on in the game.

The combination of a strident rhythm, and soaring melody that builds as the song progresses makes it a perfect candidate for a Field Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - and it doesn’t disappoint.

I know this is one stage I’m going find myself playing over and over - purely to enjoy the music.

Home Sweet Home - Theme of EPISODE PROMPTO (FMS)

Now it’s time for something more… mellow.

FINAL FANTASY XV’s first three DLC episodes shone the spotlight on Noctis’ friends, giving players a much more intimate look at these very different heroes than the main game can afford.

EPISODE PROMPTO follows the wise-cracking photographer after he’s been separated from the rest of the team. Lost and alone, he embarks on a journey that risks shattering his very sense of identity - and this melancholy scenario is captured in the powerful theme by composer Naoshi Mizuta.

EPISODE PROMPTO is an enjoyable adventure to play that mixes up with the game’s mechanics with some well-implemented shooting and even a new vehicle. Plus it brings back Aranea (who - yes you were right - should have featured in our article about Dragoons)!

But that sense of tragedy and sadness echoes throughout, creating a memorable mood that sticks with you. We’re very glad it’s in THEATRHYTHM for all to hear!

Bonus: The World Ends with You

We also wanted to celebrate another amazing game this week - and it’s highly distinctive soundtrack.

The World Ends with You originally released for Nintendo DS in 2007 in Japan, and later for mobile devices and Nintendo Switch. It won acclaim thanks to its contemporary Tokyo setting, innovative action-based combat system and strong sense of fashion. It simply oozed cool.

That sense of style extended to the music, with a soundtrack that fused contemporary styles from pop to hip hop to create a truly unique sound.

The game went on to inspire a superb (and equally musically brilliant) sequel in NEO: The World Ends with You, and a well-received animation too. Now, tracks from the game are coming as DLC for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE. Here’s just a taste of what to expect:

Calling (FMS)

Appropriately, this has become something of a calling card for the series. It’s a fantastically upbeat track that perfectly captures the uniquely stylish sensibilities of the game.

As a signature track of the series, versions of this song have appeared in other games too. It reappeared with a new arrangement in NEO: The World Ends with You and also features in KINGDOM HEARTS DREAM DROP DISTANCE - and by extension, rhythm action game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory!

I hope you enjoyed this THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE is overflowing with amazing tracks like these and more - it’s a musical extravaganza that’ll delight anyone who loves these games, or just enjoys incredible music.

It releases February 16, 2023 for PS4 and Nintendo Switch! Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

To stay up to date with news about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media.

• FINAL FANTASY on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

And be sure to bookmark the blog at https://www.square-enix-games.com/news and come back next week for another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!

Sure, Buster Swords and gunblades are awesome, but the greatest weapon of all… is the mind.

The power of intelligence can’t be underestimated - many Square Enix games feature characters who use intellect rather than brute force achieve amazing things.

We wanted to recognize just a few of these brilliant brainboxes - they may not always be on the side of the angels, but you still have to admire the power of their minds.

Grimoire Weiss - NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

You’d expect an ancient tome to be full of knowledge, and that is indeed the case for Grimoire Weiss. Unfortunately for everyone else, he knows it.

This sentient book demands respect.

We mean that literally - he’s always telling people to treat him with reverence. What’s more, he’s something of a square - taking him seriously all the time would be exhausting!

But In fairness to the prickly page-turner, he is erudite, and though he’s missing chunks of his memories, he’s still able to guide the protagonist through many dangerous situations. A loudmouth he may be, but you won’t find a better buddy in NieR Replicant’s bleak world.

• Get NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…

Hojo - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

What do you get if you cross a genius level intellect with a total absence of ethics? You get Hojo… and he’s no joke.

The sinister (and suspiciously greasy) Shinra executive cares about one thing: the advancement of his scientific research. There is no line he won’t cross to achieve those goals - as Aerith and Red XIII discover to their horror.

The original FINAL FANTASY VII gave fans plenty of insight into the horrors that his brilliant brain has wrought, but FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE takes things even further. You get to spend some quality time in the heart of Hojo’s laboratories - and with the mutated monstrosities within.

In doing so, you get an even richer understanding of the sinister scientist’s deepest depravities… and just how dangerous his mind can be.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

Chadley - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

Hojo may be a horror, but it would be wrong to assume that everyone in Shinra’s Research and Development Division is a monster. Take Chadley, for instance.

This earnest young researcher enlists Cloud and company in his attempts to compromise Shinra from the inside. If the heroes help him with his research, he’s able to provide them with powerful new materia - the kind of stuff you can’t find in a typical store.

He also runs the Shinra Combat Simulator, which offers a place to train and earn valuable rewards. Although considering how brutal some of these fights are, maybe we shouldn’t be thanking him for that.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

Cyrus - Octopath Traveler

Intelligence does not always equate to common sense - a fact perfectly demonstrated by Cyrus Albright.

This scholar works as a researcher and lecturer at the Royal Academy in Atlasdam, where he’s something of a hit with his students. Not just because of his enthusiasm for learning, or his impressive magical might, but also because… well, frankly he’s a stone cold fox.

Unfortunately for them, Cyrus cares about books, knowledge and unravelling the world’s mysteries - anything outside of those may as well not exist.

He’s completely oblivious to his love-struck students’ feelings - and this becomes the trigger for an unfortunate incident.

One young woman, aggrieved by his complete lack of interest, secretly reports a groundless rumor to the Headmaster that Cyrus is romantically involved with another student - the Princess no less! This results in Cyrus being chased out of the Academy.

Yet even this blatant attempt to capture his attention doesn’t reach him. Cyrus completely misunderstands the situation, believing that the fault lies with himself for not having noticed the young woman’s passion for her studies.

There’s just no helping some people…

• Get OCTOPATH TRAVELER

Balthier - FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

Intelligence comes in many forms: on this list so far, we’ve seen academic and scientific, but the self-proclaimed ‘leading man’ of FINAL FANTASY XII utilizes a brilliant mind in a different way: street smarts.

Balthier’s quick thinking and razor-sharp wit have made him the consummate air pirate. Along with his trusted companion Fran, he sails the skies of Ivalice getting into the kind of trouble that would end a lesser man.

From the moment he takes the stage in FINAL FANTASY XII, it’s clear that he’s a clever guy. But as the story progresses, and the flamboyant layers of his personality are peeled away, you slowly realize that there’s so much more to him than that…

• Get FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

Shinra - FINAL FANTASY X-2 HD

Not to be confused with the evil organization that the afore-mentioned Hojo and Chadley work for (let’s not go down that rabbit hole), this Shinra is a young genius who aids you throughout FINAL FANTASY X-2.

Although still a child, he’s a genuine prodigy whose technological prowess is invaluable to Yuna and her sphere-hunting companions. Not only does he help them decode and view the complex data storage devices called spheres, he’s also able to teach the team how to use the Garment Grid, which lets them switch jobs in combat.

All this and he hasn’t even hit puberty yet! You have to admit, that’s pretty impressive.

• Get FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

Haruka Kagami - The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story

The protagonist of The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is polite, humble and unassuming… at least until a mystery needs solving.

The acclaimed novelist has an astonishingly keen mind. Once she starts putting all the pieces of mystery and clues together, like a puzzle in cognitive space, she lets nothing - and no-one - stand between her and the truth.

Whether it’s 100-year old murder, or a crime much closer to home, Haruka is able to spot the clues, form hypotheses and follow the path of logic to its conclusion - no matter how shocking it may be.

• Get The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story

Thus endeth the lecture. We have presented just a few of the cleverest characters from Square Enix games, but we know there are many more.

So please share this article on social media - knowledge must be shared after all - and let us know who your favorite clever-clogs are.

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It’s time for another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!

Today, we’ll be taking a look (and a listen) at the incredible audio of FINAL FANTASY XIII!

Before the game’s release, music fans had high expectations for the soundtrack… and composer Masashi Hamauzu didn’t disappoint. FINAL FANTASY XIII’s soundtrack was imaginative, exciting and extremely memorable - we bet some of you can hum the themes even now.

This unique sound makes it a real highlight of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, too! The stirring field themes and thrilling battle tracks allow for challenging and super-fun music stages.

Here’s what tracks are included in the game (BMS denotes a Battle Music Stage and FMS is a Field Music Stage. Learn all about them here):

• Defiers of Fate (EMS/BMS)
• Saber's Edge (BMS)
• Blinded By Light (BMS)
• March of the Dreadnoughts (FMS)
• The Sunleth Waterscape (FMS)
• Fighting Fate (BMS)
• Will to Fight (BMS)
• The Archylte Steppe (FMS)
• Dust to Dust (FMS)
• Eden Under Siege (BMS)
• The Gapra Whitewood (FMS)
• Desperate Struggle (BMS)
• Nascent Requiem (BMS)
• Eternal Love (FMS) (Deluxe Edition Track)

Let’s highlight a few of the tracks we can’t wait to play:

Blinded by Light (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIII’s battle theme is seared into my brain - and I bet it’s the same for a few of you, too.

It perfectly captures the game’s exciting strategic combat system - fast-paced and so catchy you want to play again and again.

And in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, I expect many of us will do just that!

The Sunleth Waterscape (FMS)

This is another track that’s iconic to FINAL FANTASY XIII. As the name implies it plays as you explore the Sunleth Waterscape - a vast nature reserve on the floating continent of Cocoon.

In THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, you’ll get to play your way through this track, while your party traverses this familiar location. It may not have the same grandeur as its original game, but it makes up for it in cutesy charm!

Fighting Fate (BMS)

You’d expect a track with the title ‘Fighting Fate’ to be pretty epic and… yep. It’s pretty epic. Heard during your battles with Barthandelus, it’s a near-overwhelming cacophony of drums, brass and chorus that give the battles a truly climactic feel.

The lyrics are Latin, but rather brilliantly, they tie into the story itself. The villain even directly quotes them during the story.

“Ragnarok. De Die Irae, l'Cie Pultis. Tuum fatum sequeris. Tuum sanctuarium affligeas.”

Which (very) loosely translates as:

“Raganork, Pulse l’Cie, on the Day of Wrath Follow your destiny and destroy your home.”

As we said: epic.

You’ll get to play through all these tracks and a lot more on February 16, 2023, when THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE releases for Nintendo Switch and PS4.

Three editions of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

That’s all for now - join us on the blog next week for another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. And be sure to follow us on social media too:

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What would FINAL FANTASY be without its Cids?

Almost every game in the series features a character with the name ‘Cid’. From cynical engineers to affable educators, each one is as distinct and memorable as the game he appears in.

It’s an important part of the series, so we thought it was long overdue to take a tour through the series to celebrate these fantastic FINAL FANTASY fellows.

So, without further ado, let’s take a loving look at some of the Ciddiest Cids who ever Cidded.

…no, we don’t really know what that means either.

The OG Cid - FINAL FANTASY II pixel remaster

This Cid was the first character in the series to have the name - and he’s more than worthy of it. He was the first to have an airship, beginning the series-spanning love affair between Cids and flight.

Initially, he operates his craft as a simple transport service, but as he’s drawn into the game’s central conflict, that airship becomes pivotal for the main heroes’ adventure.

Cid Haze - FINAL FANTASY III pixel remaster

Cid Haze is an eccentric inventor from the town of Canaan, whose mechanical skills are only matched by his impressively bushy beard.

He faces many hardships over the course of FINAL FANTASY III, from incorporeal curses to the illness of his beloved wife. Despite this, he remains a positive, jovial figure who’s ready to help our heroes when they need it most.

Cid Pollendina - FINAL FANTASY IV pixel remaster

The next Cid didn’t just make airships - he made history.

Burly, boisterous and brilliantly-bearded, Cid Pollendina also has the distinction of being the first playable Cid in the series!

He’s the master engineer for the Red Wings - the air force of the mighty kingdom of Baron, and his unrivalled mechanical knowhow has turned the group into something to be reckoned with. Despite this job, he has a strong moral compass, and is unafraid to stand up for what’s right - even at the risk of his own liberty.

This Cid can also be somewhat brash, possessed of a level of self-belief that could be considered arrogance… if he didn’t have the skills to back it up. Despite his sometimes prickly personality, he’s a good friend to hero Cecil and a beloved character in his own right.

Plus, his eventual role as a party member raised the profiles of Cids for the entire series. In our book, that makes him a V.I.C: Very Important Cid.

Professor Cid Previa - FINAL FANTASY V pixel remaster

FINAL FANTASY V’s Cid swapped engineering for academia - though his penchant for tinkering remains intact.

Professor Cid Previa is a researcher, who has devoted his life to the study of elemental crystals that are fundamental to his world’s existence. He was responsible for crystal amplification devices, which brought prosperity to the areas that used them… until they didn’t.

Flaws with the design caused severe damage to the crystals, and the professor is riddled with guilt as a result. But this noble-hearted Cid isn’t one to stand around feeling sorry for himself and throws himself into more projects, determined to make amends for his mistake.

Cid Del Norte Marguez - FINAL FANTASY VI pixel remaster

Cid Del Norte Marguez is a prime example of ‘just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.’

As the chief scientist for the evil Gestahlian Empire, Cid’s made some mistakes. His genius created the Magitek that gives the Emperor’s forces such power. He pushed his surrogate daughter Celes into armed service. And perhaps worst of all, he’s directly responsible for Kefka’s power and… unpredictable mental state.

It’s not exactly a glowing resume, is it?

Even so, this Cid is a surprisingly gentle man, who favors peace and diplomacy over violence. When he realises the dark truth behind his technology - and the darker intentions of those who use it - he takes action to try to put things right.

Plus, his relationship with Celes leads to some of the most powerful moments in the game…

Cid Highwind - FINAL FANTASY VII

Arguably the most famous Cid of all, the high-flying Mr. Highwind has a very prominent role in FINAL FANTASY VII.

When we first meet Cid, he’s a broken man. Once he was to be the first person to travel into space, but an aborted launch and the shuttering of Shinra’s space program have left his dreams in ruins.

But when he’s drawn into Cloud and company’s conflict with Shinra, he finds renewed purpose. His skills with a spear make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, and he’s the natural choice of captain for the team’s airship. He even has a brief stint as leader when Cloud is otherwise indisposed.

In short, he’s an essential member of the team, and a Cid to be reckoned with.

Cid Kramer - FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

This unconventional Cid wears a lot of (metaphorical) hats. He’s the founder of the mercenary group SeeD and acts as headmaster of Balamb Garden, one of its training schools.

As befits an educator, he’s a kind and nurturing man, who wants his students to achieve their best - and to keep thinking for themselves. He takes every opportunity to push the closed-off Squall into embracing his potential as a leader.

Having an administrative role, rather than an engineering or piloting one, makes him something of an anomaly among his other Cids. He doesn’t even have an airship.

…or does he?

Cid Fabool IX - FINAL FANTASY IX

Cid Fabool IX is the Regent of Lindblum, and a mechanical genius, responsible for inventing many airships, including the revolutionary Hilda Garde II.

At least… he was. By the time we meet him in FINAL FANTASY IX, Cid’s suffered an unfortunate transformation into an oglop, a condition that affects both his physical appearance and mental capacities.

Before you feel too sorry for him, he did bring it on himself - it’s his wife’s Hilda’s punishment for his infidelity.

Despite his flaws, this Cid is a wise man (or oglop) who has the best intentions in mind for his city and Princess Garnet and goes above and beyond to help the team throughout the game.

Oglop or not, he’s a Cid through and through.

Cid - FINAL FANTASY X HD

This surname-less Cid is the leader of the Al Bhed tribe, and - in true Cid-style - the captain of an airship.

While bossy and tactless, he’s a strong leader who is well-liked by his people. That may be because this Cid isn’t just technically adept - he’s also a man of action. If he has a plan in mind, he’ll follow through, no matter the consequences.

He has a close familial connection to members of the party - he’s the father of Rikku and uncle of Yuna and will do anything to protect his family. Even if it can be a little… extreme at times.

Cid - FINAL FANTASY XI

Cid is the most accomplished engineer in FINAL FANTASY XI’s world of Vana'diel. His inventive genius isn’t unrecognised either as his work has brought wealth to Bastok and turned him into a person of influence within the Republic.

Typically found in his workshop in the Metalworks, Cid has plenty to keep budding adventurers busy, and has a major role in the Chains of Promathia expansion.

Yes, it involves airships.

Doctor Cid - FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

This genius scientist is the head of the Archadian Empire’s Draklor Laboratory.

A brilliant and insightful man, he believes his research and development of Manufactured Nethicite as a way to give humanity control of its own destiny. Of course, passion can give way to obsession…

Without wishing to give too much away, the doctor’s a very different type of Cid compared to previous games – and one of the most memorable. If you’ve played the game, you know what we mean. And if you haven’t… go play FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE and find out. You won’t regret it!

Cid Raines - FINAL FANTASY XIII

The youngest Cid in the series is also one of the most complex and elusive.

Cid Raines is a commander in Sanctum’s Guardian Corps, and captains the gargantuan airship the Lindblum (the series does love a callback!).

Despite working for the organisation pursuing our heroes, Cid’s a polite and friendly face, offering hospitality and co-operation to a captured Snow, and helping the party out on future occasions.

Of course, there’s more going on than his cultured demeanour would suggest, and the dashing young commander has complex motives and a few secrets of his own…

Cid Garlond - FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

Is this the hunkiest Cid in FINAL FANTASY? We couldn’t possibly comment but…

*looks at social media*

…apparently you can.

FINAL FANTASY XIV Online’s Cid Garlond is a defector from the warmongering Garlean Empire, who tries to use his powerful magitek creations to improve lives rather than take them.

Despite his complex past, including an inconvenient case of amnesia, he’s a warm, optimistic, and important ally for the Warrior of Light. His technical assistance, advice, and airship get the adventurer out of more than one scrape over the course of A Realm Reborn and its expansions.

Cid Sophiar - FINAL FANTASY XV

Once a close companion of King Regis Lucis Caelum, Cid now runs a mechanics in Hammerhead, along with his granddaughter Cindy.

He’s more hands-off than other Cids, preferring to let Cindy take care of the nuts and bolts of the work, but he’s still an important figure in the game, providing technical support and even a boat to Noctis and his entourage.

Despite his gruff, curmudgeonly demeanour, Cid has a big heart and looks out for Noctis in various ways. Not only does he improve their weapons throughout the adventure, he’s also ready to deliver some brutal home truths that prepare the pampered prince for the trials ahead.

As you can see, the name Cid spreads far and wide across the FINAL FANTASY series. And of course, this is just the numbered entries - the spin-offs have plenty of Cids of their own too!

But this is long enough already, so we’ll end it here. Thanks for joining us on this celebration of Cids… but which is your favorite? Let us know on social media:

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This is where it all began!

The original FINAL FANTASY was a groundbreaker in 1987, offering an exciting and expansive adventure that continues to inspire the RPG genre. But it wasn’t just the gameplay that made it stand out - it was also the music.

Despite the limited sound capabilities of early consoles, legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu was able to create rich tones and memorable melodies that live on to this day. Many of the motifs that appear in this game echo through the entirety of the series and go a long way to helping the games feel connected - despite their very different settings and gameplay styles.

Playing through these tracks in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE may bring back feelings of nostalgia for older fans, but they also hold up as brilliant pieces of music in their own right. Here are the tracks in the game:

• Opening Theme (EMS/FMS)
• Main Theme (FMS)
• Matoya's Cave (FMS)
• Battle (BMS)
• Castle Cornelia (FMS)
• Mt. Gulg (FMS)
• Miniboss Battle (BMS)
• Final Battle (BMS)
• Sunken Shrine (FMS)
• Airship (FMS)

As ever, let’s dive into some of our favorites:

Opening Theme

The Opening Theme to FINAL FANTASY is instantly recognizable. This powerful melody has become the main theme for the entire series, appearing in multiple games over the last 35 years.

This track changes in style and instrumentation throughout the series, but every single version owes a debt to this - the OG FINAL FANTASY music track. What can we say - it’s iconic.

Battle (BMS)

Strong battle themes have been a consistent element of all FINAL FANTASY games, and it’s another element of the series that emerged fully formed in this original game. The original battle track is a fast-paced piece that reflects the excitement and danger of the game’s pioneering battle system.

You’ll be spending a long time on this theme, and it’s a testament to the incredible talents of Nobuo Uematsu that it never gets old.

FINAL FANTASY II

FINAL FANTASY II established what is perhaps the biggest trademark of the series - and we don’t just mean chocobos.

This game started the series’ tradition for change and constant innovation. While the team could have followed up the smash hit original with more of the same, they instead decided to mix things up with new mechanics like the proficiency system, where characters skills with weapons and abilities increased the more they used them.

Fans can debate whether they like the sequel or the original game more, but here’s something everyone can agree with: the soundtrack is another masterpiece. Working once again with the limitations of the era, composer Uematsu produced themes and melodies that stand the test of time.

You can play through many of them in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE:

• Finale (FMS)
• The Rebel Army (EMS/BMS)
• Battle Theme 1 (BMS)
• Town (FMS)
• Main Theme (FMS)
• Tower of the Magi (FMS)
• Dungeon (FMS)
• Battle Theme 2 (BMS)
• Battle Theme A (BMS)
• The Imperial Army (FMS)
• Chocobo Theme (FMS)

Here are a couple of tracks that we can’t wait to play:

The Rebel Army (BMS)

Easily one of the most recognizable tracks from FINAL FANTASY II, the Rebel Army is a stirring march that sets the tone perfectly for this bold new adventure.

By listening to it, you understand how well it’ll work as a rhythm-action stage. The strong beat and instantly-hummable motifs seem tailor-made for a game like THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE. We look forward to setting some top scores on this one.

Chocobo Theme (FMS)

We’d be kweh-zy not to highlight the original Chocobo Theme!

FINAL FANTASY II was the first game to feature these fine feathered birds, and they’ve become integral to the franchise. Not only do they appear in almost every game since in some way, they’ve also inspired their own spin-offs, such as FINAL FANTASY FABLES: CHOCOBO’S DUNGEON (also represented in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE by the way).

It’s not just the birds who have become mainstays of the series though - it’s the music too. This theme repeats across the series and whenever it appears, it’s catchy, fun and instantly memorable. It just warks!

That’s all we have space for in today’s THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY, but we’ll see you next week for more magical music.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE launches February 16, 2023, for Nintendo Switch and PS4. Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media:

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December 18 is the 35th Anniversary of FINAL FANTASY, and we have some exciting news to celebrate: the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series is coming to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch!

FINAL FANTASY I - VI will launch digitally for these platforms in Spring 2023. The games can be purchased individually or together as a bundle.

A limited physical edition will also be available on the same day:

The FINAL FANTASY I-VI PIXEL REMASTER -FF35th Anniversary Edition is a true celebration of the series, featuring some pretty awesome extras, including:

• FINAL FANTASY I-VI COLLECTION - physical collection of all games for either PS4 or Nintendo Switch-
• Anniversary Edition GOODS BOX.
• A bonus lenticular sleeve for the game package.
• 2-disc vinyl record set featuring newly arranged game music with exclusive cover artwork by Kazuko Shibuya
• A specially compiled artbook showcasing beautiful character pixel art.
• Eight stylized pixel art character figures in window packaging.

The FINAL FANTASY I-VI PIXEL REMASTER -FF35th Anniversary Edition is available exclusively from the Square Enix Store and is available to preorder now. Quantities are limited, so order now to avoid missing out.

• Preorder the FINAL FANTASY I-VI PIXEL REMASTER -FF35th Anniversary Edition

A small run of a physical standard edition, FINAL FANTASY I-VI COLLECTION, will also be available exclusively from the Square Enix Store from Spring 2023. Again, quantities will be extremely limited, so be sure to preorder before it sells out:

• Preorder the FINAL FANTASY I-VI COLLECTION

For those who haven’t experienced these incredible games on PC and mobile, the FINAL FANTASY Pixel Remaster series comprises FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY VI, giving fans a chance to relive some of the most beloved RPGs of all time in a way that perfectly captures the spirit of those original games.

But if anything, we’re even more excited for new fans who’ll get to experience them for the very first time. These games are true masterpieces, and the FINAL FANTASY Pixel Remaster series offers the best way to play them yet!

Let’s take a closer look at the games in the series.

FINAL FANTASY

This is the ironically named game that started it all. You take control of the Warriors of Light, off on a journey to defeat four fiends and restore peace to the world.

So many of the elements of the series that we’ve come to know and love make their debut right here in this very first entry: a massive world full of mystery, some iconic monster designs and that incredible music.

FINAL FANTASY II

The second game in the series introduces a new world, new characters and something that would become a trademark of the series: innovation.

The story focuses on the conflict between the hostile Empire of Palamecia and the rebel resistance. A small group of heroes is all that stands between the world and ruin.

FINAL FANTASY II demonstrates the developers’ willingness to push their boundaries and try new things. For example, rather than sticking to the predictable, the game features a proficiency system in which characters skill with weapons and abilities increase the more they used them.

Fun fact: this is the FINAL FANTASY game that introduced the world to chocobos! Now that’s a legacy.

FINAL FANTASY III

When darkness falls and the land is robbed of light, four young heroes are chosen by the crystals to head off an exciting journey across a vast and hostile land.

This critically-acclaimed entry in the series innovated with a flexible job system, which lets characters change their roles in combat at any time. Many of the most famous elements of FINAL FANTASY started here too - for example, it was the first to introduce summons, including series mainstays Bahamut and Shiva!

FINAL FANTASY IV

FINAL FANTASY IV delivers one of the richest and most powerful stories in the series. It’s filled with characters and scenarios that fans continue to love to this day.

It focuses on the dark knight Cecil, who finds himself stripped of his position and rank when he questions his king’s increasingly troubling orders. When he’s sent on a simple delivery mission with his friend Kain, the shocking events that follow send him and a group of allies on an incredible journey of betrayal, love and redemption.

This is the first game to feature the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which combines turn-based and real-time elements to create fast-paced and strategic combat.

FINAL FANTASY V

The world of FINAL FANTASY V is on the verge of destruction because the elemental crystals that bring life and prosperity to the lands have lost their power.

The only hope lies in four heroes: Bartz, Princess Lenna of Castle Tycoon, pirate Faris and the mysterious Galuf. Driven together by fate, they set off on a quest that to save the planet itself.

As well as refining the ATB system, FINAL FANTASY V expands your strategic options massively through a greatly expanded job system, which let you customize your characters with 22 different jobs.

FINAL FANTASY VI

FINAL FANTASY VI is a game that’s beloved by fans and critics alike.

That’s partly thanks to its incredible setting and story. It’s set in a land where magic has disappeared, and humanity has instead turned to iron, gunpowder, steam and other technology.

Actually, it would be more accurate to say that magic is mostly gone - a young woman enslaved by the evil Empire still has the power. When she encounters a powerful ancient being called an Esper, she sets off a chain of events that will have epic and terrible consequences.

The FINAL FANTASY Pixel Remaster series is already available on PC via Steam, as well as iOS and Android:

• Get the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster Bundle!

FINAL FANTASY I-VI pixel remaster come to PS4 and Switch in Spring 2023. We’ll have more to share in the new year, so be sure to follow us on social media for news and updates:

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It’s a big week for FINAL FANTASY fans because Zack is back!

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION released December 13 for (deep breath) PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam!

This prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII is a significantly enhanced version of the 2007 PSP classic and focuses on Zack Fair - a SOLDIER operative with close ties to many of the characters from that beloved RPG.

A number of tracks from that original release feature in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - so what better subject could there be for a THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY?

The CRISIS CORE soundtrack was led by composer Takeharu Ishimoto and features a combination of fresh takes on classic FINAL FANTASY VII tracks and completely original compositions.

It’s an eclectic soundtrack that takes you from driving metal to somber piano - in other words as bold and full of personality as Zack himself!

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains six tracks from the series:

• CRISIS CORE Theme - Succession (EMS)
• The SOLDIER Way (BMS)
• The Price of Freedom (BMS)
• Encounter (BMS)
• Timely Ambush (from FFVII 'Let the Battles Begin!') (FMS)
• A Flower Blooming in the Slums (from FFVII 'Aerith's Theme') (FMS)

Let’s take a closer look - and listen - at a few favorites:

CRISIS CORE Theme - Succession (EMS)

The main theme of CRISIS CORE is not your typical FINAL FANTASY track. This beautiful and melancholy piano piece conveys a lot of emotion through its simple melody. The song hints at the deeply affecting journey that lies ahead of you.

In THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, this track is an Event Music Stage (EMS). That means you’ll see beautiful video scenes from the game as you play, and this makes this powerful track hit that much harder.

What? I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Encounter (BMS)

Feeling tired? A little worn down? Blast a few seconds of Encounter, CRISIS CORE’s battle theme, and your energy will surge back to full power! This track is exhilarating. The shredding guitars and surging rhythms really make you feel like you’re the heart of the action.

It’s a very different battle theme for FINAL FANTASY VII, but it really works. Its suitability as a Battle Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM is clear - you just know this one is going to test your rhythm-action expertise in a really fun way.

The Price of Freedom (BMS)

The price of freedom is steep.

That message sits at the very heart of CRISIS CORE - a painful lesson for Zack (and us!) to learn. It’s driven home by this wistful rock track, which conveys longing, joy, tragedy… all the things that that Zack himself experiences over the course of his adventures.

It makes for a very different kind of Battle Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - and a particularly memorable one.

You’ll be able to hear all these tracks from February 16, 2023, when THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE releases for Nintendo Switch and PS4!

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

Or you can hear newly arranged versions - as well as a host of other enhancements to the visuals, combat system and more - in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

• Get CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

Bonus: Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered

This month also saw the release of Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered on PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS and Android. Considering how good the music is in the game, it would be a crime not to take the opportunity to talk about it - especially as music packs from the SaGa games are coming to THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE as standalone DLCs and as part of the game’s Season Passes!

Ardent Rhythm (BMS)

This track is included in Season Pass 1, as part of a DLC pack for the SaGa series (THEATRHYTHM FBL SaGa Series Pack). And holy moly, it’s fantastic!

Composed by Kenji Ito, it’s an utterly unique combination of acoustic guitar, drums, and energetic vocals that sounds absolutely incredible. Beware though - it’s also an earworm that will lodge itself firmly in your brain for the rest of the day.

The music of the SaGa series is legendary - always inventive, sometimes experimental and consistently brilliant. If you’re coming to the series for the first time in Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, prepare to discover this for yourself.

That’s all for this week’s THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY! Come back next week to hear some more amazing music from the game - and be sure to follow us on social media!

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Zack Fair has to endure a lot during CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION. Over the course of this aspiring hero’s adventures, he’s faced with challenges that push him to the limit both physically and emotionally. Still, nobody said being a SOLDIER operative was easy.

We can, at least, make it easiER. With the game out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, we thought it would be useful to share a few tips and tricks to let you hit the streets of Midgar running.

With this advice, you’ll be SOLDIER First Class in no time!

• Get CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

Explore Midgar between every story beat to unlock new missions, minigames and sub-events

In between the big story moments, you’ll be deposited in Midgar and given free rein to explore the city. Make sure you take that chance because there’s tons to discover.

There are a few areas you’ll be able to visit again and again - the Shira Building, Sector 8’s entertainment district, and the Sector 5 slums. Exploring these areas and talking to the citizens will let you unlock new missions, discover fun minigames and much more.

Finding cool stuff is easy in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION because the game helpfully marks mission-givers and other important interactions on the map with a gold exclamation mark. Check the map screen regularly to make sure you’ve interacted with everything you can.

But while you’re at it, I recommend taking the time to talk to everyone in town, yellow exclamation mark or not. The residents of Midgar share different viewpoints that reveal a lot about the city - some are angry, others informative and a few are just plain weird (looking at you Shinra Building receptionist). And because this version is fully voiced, they bring the city to life like never before!

Switch your materia frequently

As you fight through missions and the story in CRISIS CORE, you’ll level up the materia you have equipped. Once a piece has reached ‘Master’ level, it’s maxed out and won’t grow any further, so unless it’s fundamental to your current play style, consider switching it for something new.

The more master materia you have, the better. It means that when you start experimenting with materia fusion, you’ll be able to create much more powerful pieces than you would otherwise.

Zack only has a limited number of materia slots available (four at the start of the game, and later six when he’s promoted to First Class), so any master materia is taking up valuable space that could potentially be used to grow something else - even if it’s just an unleveled orb of the same type.

Use preset loadout sets to be ready for different challenges

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION lets you create up to five different loadouts of materia and accessories. This means you can prepare for different scenarios in advance, without having to spend lots of time faffing around in menus each time.

For example, I created multiple sets to accommodate common challenges in the game. My ‘boss killer’ set, for example, includes Materia and accessories that boost attack and defense. When I know a boss is coming (and in missions you can see them ahead of time), it only takes me a few seconds to switch to this loadout - and maybe add a piece of materia to take advantage of their elemental weakness - and give myself an edge over the opponent.

Another loadout I recommend setting up is the ‘Eek, I’m probably under-leveled for this’ set (In case you can’t tell, I’m no good at catchy names). That prioritizes materia and accessories that boost defense and raise Zack’s HP.

Many bosses have powerful abilities that can wipe out an unprepared SOLDIER operative in a single hit, but this loadout makes you more likely to survive those big attacks - or just take on missions you otherwise wouldn’t be strong enough for yet.

I’m sure you’ll find different sets that work for you and your playstyles, so take advantage of them. Remember - a little prep ahead of time can save you lots more in the future.

Consider the MP and AP cost of Materia

Materia Fusion unlocks fairly early in the story, and it opens up your options dramatically. By combining two pieces of materia, and spending some SP, you can create entirely new materia to equip.

Not only is this a lot of fun to play around with, it’s possible to create some insanely powerful pieces. You could, for example, create a version of Assault Twister that causes instant death on foes, or those coveted ‘-aga’ spells very early on.

Obviously, powerful materia is great, but be a little bit careful with how you use it - especially when you’re still low level. More powerful materia means more extravagant MP or AP requirements, and you may find yourself running out of both as a result.

While you can mitigate this a little by equipping other materia that boosts MP and AP or get a lucky roll on the DMW to use them without cost, it might be safer to hold these powerful pieces back until you’ve grown into them.

Prioritize the best mission rewards

Once past the opening of the game, Zack can embark on missions from most save points. More and more will become available as you play through the game, and it won’t be long before you have plenty of options available.

Which to embark on first is entirely up to you. However, I recommend looking at the rewards listed in the mission descriptions and prioritizing those that expand Zack’s skillset.

For example, one early mission is a rematch against Ifrit, which rewards you with his Summon materia. Making this one your first port of call means you’ll then be able to summon ol’ firey-chops during subsequent quests, making them potentially easier.

Other examples are the Keychain, which lets Zack add another accessory, or the Chocobo Feather which opens up new options in the DMW. There are plenty more to discover, but the key point is that the earlier you collect them, the sooner you’ll be able to make use of them.

Collect all chests when on a mission

While on a mission, you’ll see a counter in the top right corner of the screen showing you how many chests you’ve found. Be sure to explore thoroughly and find all the chests in the area.

Often chests will just contain an item, such as a Potion or Soma - useful, but not massively exciting. However, sometimes they’ll give you more valuable rewards, such as materia or accessories, and you won’t want to miss those.

Most chests are easy to find, but a few can be tricky. A good tactic is to check the map for obvious dead ends - there’s probably one tucked away there.

If you have missed one on a mission, don’t worry - you can always come back and replay the mission (there’s even a filter in the missions list to flag unclaimed chests), but it’s much more efficient to try to get them all on a single run.

Explore areas carefully - even if you have all the chests

Don’t assume that just because you’ve found all the chests in an area, there’s nothing else to discover. Some missions have other secrets, such as hidden monsters that, when defeated, unlock additional missions to complete.

For example, a certain mission contains a Tonberry, which will unlock an entire sequence of quests centered on the stubby grudge-holding horrors. One mission has you fighting literal hordes of the monster - which is both thrilling, and utter nightmare fuel for us long-time FINAL FANTASY fans.

It’s okay to leave stuff for later

If you’re like me, you may feel compelled to try to do every possible mission before continuing with the story. Resist those completionist urges.

If you’re failing a mission constantly, even when buffing yourself up with materia, you’re probably just not quite ready to take on that level of challenge. Instead, return to the story - that mission will still be there when you get back. When you do, you’ll be inevitably stronger, more knowledgeable about the game, and more prepared for success.

Take down Boss’s Ability Gauges FAST

Sometimes a bar will appear on a boss. This means it’s preparing for a big attack, and you need to act.

Attacking the boss will let you reduce the potential damage of this assault, maybe even cancel it completely, but you need to move fast. Don’t worry about being clever, showing finesse or finishing off another target - just get right in there and wallop it with your strongest attacks before it’s too late.

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION is out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam!

• Get CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

We hope these tips help - and if you have any of your own, why not share them with us on social media:

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What videogame weapon is more iconic than the Buster Sword?

This massive blade is famously wielded by Cloud Strife in FINAL FANTASY VII, but what are its origins and how did it come into his possession? That’s one of the questions answered in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION - out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

• Get CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

This greatly enhanced remaster of the beloved prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII stars Zack Fair - a young SOLDIER operative.

To celebrate the release of the game, we’re excited to unveil a one-of-a-kind tree carving of the legendary Buster Sword, created by the talented Simon O’Rourke, a renowned UK based tree sculptor and self-confessed video game enthusiast.

Take a look at him in action:

It’s an incredible work of art that captures the style and imposing scale of this magnificent weapon. But how did it come to be? We chatted to Simon to find out:

Hi Simon. How did you get started with tree sculpture?

I was an illustration graduate - a children’s book illustration specialist. I’ve loved art all my life, but I hadn’t really considered how to make it a career.

I needed work after university and ended up working for a friend of mine who’d just started a new tree surgery business - just to bring some money in, you know. He eventually offered me a full time job, and one day I saw someone carving with a chainsaw and had a lightbulb moment.

The idea for this art just clicked - and I decided to just give it a go. It snowballed from there and here we are!

How familiar with FINAL FANTASY VII series were you before this project?

Oh, I’ve loved gaming since the 90s. I cut my teeth on things like Doom and Quake. I’ve also always loved fantasy, so naturally was very attracted to FINAL FANTASY VII (laughs).

I like ‘medieval’ style games, and the crossover between almost medieval-style weaponry and science fiction backdrops in FINAL FANTASY VII really appealed to me. And of course, I’m from an illustration background, so I particularly love the styling of the game, the concept art… it’s all so up my street.

The Buster Sword too - it’s so iconic. It’s just a really epic-looking sword, so it was a good subject to carve. Turning it into a Christmas tree is perhaps a little off the wall, but a nice idea I think (laughs).

Though I’m not sure how much my wife appreciates it…

What inspired your design for this sculpture?

Well, Christmas trees are obviously pretty traditional at this time of year, and I’m always interested in playing with different styles. In terms of the design, I was inspired by the patterning on the blade of sword. You have this almost ‘circuit board’ feel, with these lovely diagonal lines curving into uprights.

I had this vision of the Buster Sword merging from the natural-looking tree at the base up into something much more sci-fi. I initially considered creating it as part of a natural tree but having such a heavy topweight of tree balanced on something carved could potentially be dangerous.

So I ended up creating the branches separately - again, these were inspired by those lines on the blade.

How do you ensure your work is sustainable and not environmentally damaging?

I don’t buy trees that are harvested - I would never cut down a tree for my carvings. I only use trees that have already been felled by tree surgeons.

There are many reasons why someone would have to take a tree down, but it essentially comes down to the ‘four Ds’: dead, dying diseased or dangerous. If a tree is designated as any of these, it’s marked to be removed.

While all the trees I use have been felled for a good reason, I also believe sustainability is important. That’s why I pay into a tree planting scheme to offset what I use.

Where did you source the tree for this project?

This tree is a Blue Atlantic Cedar that was felled by a tree surgeon, due to suffering from dieback, which is unfortunately going round the UK right now.

A dieback is a sort of airborne pathogen that gets into the tree via the leaves. Anything that kills the foliage on the tree basically signs its death warrant, as leaves are what the tree uses to get food from sunlight.

So this particular disease kills off the branch ends and starts a slow, but inevitable demise for the tree. Honestly, it’s kind of heartbreaking to see so many magnificent trees going down that route.

But I’ve been fortunate to take a few of them and give them a second life as carvings. That’s something I really like.

So how exactly do you go about turning a dead tree into a massive sword?

Well, lots of planning to begin with. And short answer, I removed all the parts of the tree that weren’t part of the carving (laughs).

I visualized the sword inside the tree before I did any cuts. I thought: how big can I make this sword and still be able to get it proportionally right? The proportions are the most important part for me - I measured and used calculated ratios to size the sword as big as I could get it for that tree.

Once I’d planned and measured everything out, I took all of the outer wood off. Over time, if there’s bark on the tree, it falls off and starts to look scrappy.

Then it was a case of carving it all. I’ve got a big range of chainsaws - I think of them almost as my paintbrushes. If I have big cuts to make, I’m going to use the big saws. When I get to the smaller details, I have really fine-tipped saws.

Once I got down to the level where I couldn’t use the chainsaws, I started using grinding tools and rotary tools. I don’t always use staining or coloring in my carvings, but for this I did. I used an ebony wood stain to create that gunmetal feel, while still being able to see the grain of the wood. It really makes the sword jump out, I think.

How long did it take?

Including prepping and making all the branches, it was around four days of planning and sculpting.

What were the most challenging things about creating this artwork?

The hardest thing was getting the lines parallel and straight - and getting the proportions of the Buster Sword right.

I find it easier to carve sculptures of natural life rather than mechanical things. That’s because mechanical - or in this case ‘engineered’ - subjects need to have perfectly straight lines. For this one, I used a laser level to make sure everything was absolutely perfectly aligned, but it’s actually much of a challenge to get these right compared to, say, an animal.

That’s the thing about the Buster Sword as a subject - It looks so simple, but there’s a lot of planning that has to go into it.

What elements of the tree are you most proud of?

I really like the touch of having the steel rivets in the hilt. I love the whole effect of the circuit design of the branches. And the contrast between the vertical sword and all those diagonal lines was really satisfying.

Finally, where can people go to learn more about you and your art?

My website has loads of information on - it’s https://treecarving.co.uk/.

My Instagram and Facebook feed are pretty active too - that’s where you can see the most recent work I’ve been doing.

• https://www.facebook.com/simonorourketreecarving/
• https://www.instagram.com/simonorourke/

Many thanks to Simon for his time - and his remarkable work. The Buster Sword makes a triumphant return in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, available today for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

• Get CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow us on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on TikTok
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

The trailers for FINAL FANTASY XVI have revealed much about the game, highlighting the game’s intricate story and detailed world, showcasing the fast-paced Action-RPG combat and more. But one question remains on fans’ lips more than any other:

When can we play it!?

We’re excited to announce that FINAL FANTASY XVI launches globally for PS5 on June 22, 2023! What’s more, pre-orders for the Standard and Deluxe Editions of the game are now live, with a Collector’s Edition set going live on Monday, December 12 (pm GMT for European fans, 6pm PST for US fans) that… well, it’s pretty darn awesome, if we do say so ourselves.

The news was revealed at The Game Awards 2022, where a new trailer for the game also debuted. It’s titled ‘REVENGE’, a nod to Clive Rosfield’s motivation. Take a look:

Pretty good, right? And trust us - that’s barely a glimpse at the epic story and spectacular action that’s in the full game. When Producer Naoki Yoshida describes it as “a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride in video game form” he’s not kidding!

What versions of FINAL FANTASY XVI will be available?

There are three versions of FINAL FANTASY XVI available to pre-order. If you pre-order any edition of the game, you’ll some awesome pre-order bonuses:

• The Braveheart (Weapon) DLC
• Cait Sith Charm in-game item - an accessory that boosts your received Gil.

As for the different editions of the game available, allow us to explain:

FINAL FANTASY XVI Standard Edition (physical and digital)

As you’d expect, notwithstanding the special pre-order bonuses, the standard edition of the game includes:

• The full game only

It's available to preorder now:

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI physical Standard Edition
• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI digital Standard Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Deluxe Edition (physical only)

This version of the game includes:

• The full game
• A Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case
• A cloth map of Valisthea - where the story unfolds

It's available to preorder now on the Square Enix Store:

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI Deluxe Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Digital Deluxe Edition (digital only)

Available to pre-order from the PlayStation Store, this version of the game includes:

• The full game
• A digital mini artbook that features some of the stunning illustrations and artwork from the game
• A digital mini soundtrack showcasing a selection of tracks from composer Masayoshi Soken’s incredible soundtrack

The game's available to preorder now:

• Preorder FINAL FANTASY XVI Digital Deluxe Edition

FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition

Available exclusively from the Square Enix Store starting Monday, December 12 at 6pm PST / 6pm GMT, the FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition is packed full of amazing items that make it a must-buy for any fan of the series. Included in this bumper package is:

• Collector’s Box - A beautiful metallic-sheen box that features beautiful artwork by legendary FINAL FANTASY series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano

• The full game - includes the base game box, which features stunning reversible cover art

• Premium Statue: Phoenix vs Ifrit - an exquisitely crafted figurine that depicts the battling figures of two key Eikons: Phoenix and Ifrit

• Metal Eikon Pin Collection - a premium metal pin collection featuring eight Eikons

• Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook Case - a beautiful metal case for the game that features art of the main character, Clive

• Cloth World Map of Valisthea - this printed cloth represents the map of Valisthea, where the story unfolds

• Blood Sword (Weapon) DLC - the fabled scarlet steel of Firion, hero of Final Fantasy II

Pre-order this version of the game from the Square Enix Store, and you’ll also get the following bonus items:

• FINAL FANTASY XVI Pre-Order SteelBook Case
• The Realms of Valisthea Wall Banners (6 inch height printed cloth banners)
• Digital Mini Artbook
• Digital Mini Soundtrack
• Scholar’s Spectacles in-game item - an accessory that boosts Exp

Quantities of the Collector’s Edition are limited, so if you want this edition, with all the cool extras, we recommend you pre-order ASAP to avoid disappointment.

• Preorder the FINAL FANTASY XVI Collector’s Edition

We hope you enjoyed the new trailer and are excited to experience the game from June 22, 2023. We’ll undoubtedly have more to share as we get closer to the big day, so be sure to follow us on social media for news and other updates!

• https://www.finalfantasyxvi.com
• http://twitter.com/finalfantasyxvi
• http://facebook.com/finalfantasyxvi
• http://instagram.com/finalfantasyxvi

To say that THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains a lot of music is like saying that the Sahara Desert contains a lot of sand. While true, it doesn’t convey the sheer, mind-boggling quantities involved.

The new rhythm action game contains more than 380 tracks in the standard edition alone - plus 27 more in the Digital Deluxe Edition and DLC music packs featuring some of the best music from other Square Enix games!

Over the next few weeks, as part of our new 'THEATRHYTHM THURSDAYS' feature, we’ll be looking at some of the tracks in the game, sharing some memories of how they featured in their original games and maybe sharing a few sneak peeks of what they sound like.

First though, we thought we should share a list of the FINAL FANTASY related tracks revealed in the game so far.

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE Standard Edition

The base game contains a massive 385 tracks from across the FINAL FANTASY series. These tracks are played over three music stages:

• Battle Music Stages (BMS) - Defeat waves of enemies in time to up-tempo battle themes.

• Field Music Stages (FMS) - Journey forth with a party across themed landscapes with relaxing field music.

• Event Music Stage (EMS) - Play to the beat against the backdrop of unforgettable scenes from each title.

Here’s what’s included:

FINAL FANTASY

• Opening Theme (FMS/EMS)
• Main Theme (FMS)
• Matoya's Cave (FMS)
• Battle (BMS)
• Castle Cornelia (FMS)
• Mt. Gulg (FMS)
• Miniboss Battle (BMS)
• Final Battle (BMS)
• Sunken Shrine (FMS)
• Airship (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY II

• Finale (FMS)
• The Rebel Army (BMS/EMS)
• Battle Theme 1 (BMS)
• Town (FMS)
• Main Theme (FMS)
• Tower of the Magi (FMS)
• Dungeon (FMS)
• Battle Theme 2 (BMS)
• Battle Theme A (BMS)
• The Imperial Army (FMS)
• Chocobo Theme (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY III

• Elia, the Maiden of Water (FMS/EMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Eternal Wind (FMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• The Boundless Ocean (FMS)
• Salonia (FMS)
• Let Me Know the Truth (FMS)
• Forbidden Land (FMS)
• The Crystal Tower (FMS)
• The Dark Crystals (FMS)
• This is the Last Battle (BMS)
• Crystal Cave (FMS)
• The Invincible (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY IV

• Theme of Love (FMS/EMS)
• The Red Wings (FMS)
• Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV (FMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Battle with the Four Fiends (BMS)
• The Airship (FMS)
• Troian Beauty (FMS)
• Tower of Zot (FMS)
• Lunar Whale (FMS)
• Within the Giant (FMS)
• The Final Battle (BMS)
• Another Moon (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY V

• Main Theme of Final Fantasy V (BMS)
• Home, sweet Home (FMS/EMS)
• Four Hearts (FMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• To the North Mountain (FMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Library of Ancients (FMS)
• Mambo de Chocobo (FMS)
• The Airship (FMS)
• The Dawn Warriors (BMS)
• Battle at the Big Bridge (BMS)
• A New World (FMS)
• In Search of Light (FMS)
• The Decisive Battle (BMS)
• The Final Battle (BMS)
• Harvest (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY VI

• Celes's Theme (FMS/EMS)
• Locke's Theme (BMS)
• Battle (BMS)
• Edgar & Sabin's Theme (FMS)
• Protect the Espers! (BMS)
• The Decisive Battle (BMS)
• Terra's Theme (FMS)
• Grand Finale (BMS)
• The Airship Blackjack (FMS)
• Battle to the Death (BMS)
• Searching for Friends (FMS)
• Dancing Mad (BMS)
• Kefka's Tower (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY VII

• Aerith's Theme (BMS/EMS)
• Opening - Bombing Mission (BMS)
• Let the Battles Begin! (BMS)
• Fight On! (BMS)
• The Chase (FMS)
• Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII (FMS)
• Rufus's Welcoming Ceremony (FMS)
• JENOVA (BMS)
• Gold Saucer (FMS)
• Cosmo Canyon (FMS)
• The Highwind Takes to the Skies (FMS)
• Judgment Day (FMS)
• Birth of a God (BMS)
• One-Winged Angel (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE

• FFVII REMAKE: Bombing Mission (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Let the Battles Begin! - A Merc's Job (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: The Airbuster (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: J-E-N-O-V-A - Quickening (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: One-Winged Angel - Rebirth (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Midgar Expressway (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Main Theme of FFVII - Sector 7 Undercity (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Collapsed Expressway (FMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: High Five (BMS)
• FFVII REMAKE: Tifa's Theme - Seventh Heaven (FMS)
• Hollow (EMS)

FINAL FANTASY VII Advent Children

• Advent: One-Winged Angel (BMS/EMS)
• Those Who Fight (Piano Version) (BMS)
• Beyond the Wasteland (BMS)
• Aerith's Theme (Piano Version) (FMS)
• Battle in the Forgotten City (BMS)
• Divinity II (BMS)
• J-E-N-O-V-A (AC Version) (BMS)
• Cloud Smiles (FMS)

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–

• CRISIS CORE Theme - Succession (EMS)
• The SOLDIER Way (BMS)
• The Price of Freedom (BMS)
• Encounter (BMS)
• Timely Ambush (from FFVII 'Let the Battles Begin!') (FMS)
• A Flower Blooming in the Slums (from FFVII 'Aerith's Theme') (FMS)

LAST ORDER: FINAL FANTASY VII

• Last Order (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY VIII

• Ending Theme (FMS)
• Waltz for the Moon (FMS/EMS)
• Balamb GARDEN (FMS)
• Blue Fields (FMS)
• Don't be Afraid (BMS)
• Force Your Way (BMS)
• Shuffle or Boogie (BMS)
• The Man with the Machine Gun (BMS)
• Premonition (BMS)
• Fisherman's Horizon (FMS)
• Love Grows (FMS)
• Ride On (FMS)
• The Castle (FMS)
• Maybe I'm a Lion (BMS)
• The Extreme (BMS)
• Liberi Fatali (BMS)
• Find Your Way (FMS)
• The Oath (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY IX

• A Place to Call Home (FMS)
• Behind the Door (FMS/EMS)
• Vivi's Theme (FMS)
• Swords of Fury (BMS)
• Vamo'alla flamenco (BMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Over the Hill (FMS)
• Festival of the Hunt (BMS)
• Roses of May (FMS)
• Something to Protect (BMS)
• Aboard the Hilda Garde (FMS)
• Not Alone (FMS)
• The Darkness of Eternity (BMS)
• The Final Battle (BMS)
• Dark City Treno (FMS)
• Iifa, the Ancient Tree of Life (FMS)
• Ipsen's Castle (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY X

• SUTEKI DA NE (Isn't It Wonderful?) (FMS/EMS)
• Otherworld (BMS)
• Battle Theme (BMS)
• Spira Unplugged (FMS)
• Movement In Green (FMS)
• Blitz Off! (BMS)
• Thunder Plains (FMS)
• Assault (BMS)
• Servants of the Mountain (FMS)
• A Fleeting Dream (FMS)
• Challenge (BMS)
• Fight with Seymour (BMS)
• A Contest of Aeons (BMS)
• Final Battle (BMS)
• Mi'ihen Highroad (FMS)
• Launch (FMS)
• Via Purifico (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY X-2

• 1000 Words (FFX-2 Mix) (EMS)
• We're the Gullwings! (FMS)
• "Let me blow you a kiss." (BMS)
• The Farplane Abyss (FMS)
• YuRiPa, Fight! No.1 (BMS)
• The Bevelle Underground (FMS)
• Their Resting Place (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XI

• Vana'diel March (FMS)
• "FFXI Opening Theme" (BMS/EMS)
• Ronfaure (FMS)
• Battle Theme (BMS)
• Gustaberg (FMS)
• Selbina (FMS)
• Recollection (FMS)
• Awakening (BMS)
• Shinryu (BMS)
• The Sanctuary of Zi'Tah (FMS)
• Fighters of the Crystal (BMS)
• A New Horizon - Tavnazian Archipelago (FMS)
• Ragnarok (BMS)
• Heavens Tower (FMS)
• Sarutabaruta (FMS)
• Voyager (FMS)
• Melodies Errant (BMS)
• Tough Battle #2 (BMS)
• Iron Colossus (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XII

• FINAL FANTASY (FFXII Version) (BMS)
• Ending Movie (from FINAL FANTASY XII Original Soundtrack) (BMS)
• The Archadian Empire - original - from FINAL FANTASY XII (FMS/EMS)
• Boss Battle (BMS)
• Streets of Rabanastre (FMS)
• The Dalmasca Estersand (FMS)
• Heart of a Child (FMS)
• Giza Plains (from FINAL FANTASY XII Original Soundtrack) (FMS)
• Flash of Steel (BMS)
• Battle with an Esper (BMS)
• Life and Death (BMS)
• Phon Coast (FMS)
• The Mosphoran Highwaste (FMS)
• Struggle for Freedom (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIII

• Defiers of Fate (BMS/EMS)
• Saber's Edge (BMS)
• Blinded By Light (BMS)
• March of the Dreadnoughts (FMS)
• The Sunleth Waterscape (FMS)
• Fighting Fate (BMS)
• Will to Fight (BMS)
• The Archylte Steppe (FMS)
• Dust to Dust (FMS)
• Eden Under Siege (BMS)
• The Gapra Whitewood (FMS)
• Desperate Struggle (BMS)
• Nascent Requiem (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2

• Warrior Goddess (EMS)
• Etro's Champion (BMS)
• Full Speed Ahead (BMS)
• Paradigm Shift (BMS)
• Groovy Chocobo (FMS)
• The Last Hunter (BMS)
• Crazy Chocobo (FMS)
• Heart of Chaos (BMS)
• Historia Crux (FMS)
• Eclipse (FMS)
• Noel's Theme - Final Journey - (FMS)
• Plains of Eternity (FMS)

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII

• The Savior - LIGHTNING RETURNS:FINAL FANTASY XIII - (BMS/EMS)
• LIGHTNING RETURNS - LIGHTNING RETURNS:FINAL FANTASY XIII - (BMS)
• Crimson Blitz (BMS)
• Chaos (BMS)
• The Dead Dunes (FMS)
• The Glittering City of Yusnaan (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIV

• Answers (EMS)
• Hard to Miss (BMS)
• On Westerly Winds (FMS)
• The Land Breathes (BMS)
• Serenity (FMS)
• Primal Judgment (BMS)
• Torn from the Heavens (BMS)
• To the Sun (FMS)
• Nemesis (BMS)
• Under the Weight (BMS)
• Engage (FMS)
• Fallen Angel (BMS)
• Good King Moggle Mog XII (BMS)
• Ultima (BMS)
• Through the Maelstrom (BMS)
• A Light in the Storm (FMS)
• Oblivion (BMS)
• Ominous Prognisticks (BMS)
• Ink Long Dry (FMS)
• Heroes (BMS)
• Locus (BMS)
• Metal - Brute Justice Mode (BMS)
• Exponential Entropy (BMS)
• Moebius (BMS)
• Rise (BMS)
• The Worm's Tail (BMS)
• Wayward Daughter (BMS)
• Triumph (BMS)
• Sunrise (BMS)
• A Long Fall (BMS)
• What Angel Wakes Me (BMS)
• Promises to Keep (BMS)
• Who Brings Shadow (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY XV

• Stand Your Ground (BMS)
• Veiled in Black (BMS)
• Valse di Fantastica (FMS)
• The Fight Is On! (BMS)
• APOCALYPSIS NOCTIS (Uncovered Trailer) (BMS/EMS)
• Flying R (FMS)
• Invidia (BMS)
• OMNIS LACRIMA (BMS)
• Up for the Challenge (BMS)
• NOCTIS (FMS)
• Somnus (FMS)
• Hellfire (BMS)
• Magna Insomnia (BMS)
• Main Theme from FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
• Shield of the King - Theme of EPISODE GLADIOLUS (FMS)
• Home Sweet Home - Theme of EPISODE PROMPTO (FMS)
• EPISODE IGNIS - The Main Theme (FMS)
• The Dance of Silver and Crimson (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0

• We Have Come (BMS/EMS)
• War: Warrior Worth a Thousand (BMS)
• The Earth Under Our Feet (FMS)
• War: The White Weapon (BMS)
• Tempus Finis (FMS)
• Vermilion Fire (BMS)
• Soar (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT

• The 4 Heroes of Light (FMS)
• Fiend Encounter (BMS)

STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

• Jack's Theme (BMS)
• Battle: Chaos Advent (BMS)
• Battle: False Knight – Motif from "Battle" (BMS)

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY

• Keeping the Peace from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
• The Decisive Battle - arrange - from FINAL FANTASY VI (BMS)
• The Troops' Advance from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (BMS)
• Battle 1 - arrange - from FINAL FANTASY IX (BMS)
• DISSIDIA - ending - from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (BMS)
• DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY [FINAL TRAILER] (BMS)

DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY

• Lux Concordiae from DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY (EMS)
• Canto Mortis -An Undocumented Battle- from DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
• Gate to the Rift from DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
• Cantata Mortis from DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY (BMS)
• DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY [FINAL TRAILER] (BMS)

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY -Arcade-

• "The Rebel Army" from FINAL FANTASY II (Arrangement) (BMS)
• "Eternal Wind" from FINAL FANTASY III (DFF Arrangement) (BMS)
• "Dancing Mad" from FINAL FANTASY Ⅵ (Arrangement) (BMS)
• "Antipyretic" from FINAL FANTASY TACTICS (Arrangement) (BMS)
• Massive Explosion (Short ver.) from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY -Arcade- (BMS)
• God in Fire - arrange - from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (BMS)
• "Ominous Prognisticks" from FINAL FANTASY XIV (Arrangement) (BMS)
• "The Beginning of the End" from FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 (Arrangement) (BMS)

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT

• Dare to Defy (BMS)

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA

• Spark from DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition

• FFCCR: Moonless Starry Night (EMS)
• FFCCR: Today Comes To Be Tomorrow (FMS)
• FFCCR: Promised Grace (FMS)
• FFCCR: Monster Ronde (BMS)
• FFCCR: Across the Divide (FMS)
• FFCCR: Woebegone Creature (BMS)
• FFCCR: United, Heaven-Sent (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: The Crystal Bearers

• This Is the End for You! (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY Record Keeper

• Battle at the Big Bridge～Ver.2～ FFRK Ver. Arrange (BMS)
• The Decisive Battle FFRK Ver. arrange from FFVI (BMS)
• The Man with the Machine Gun FFRK Ver. arrange from FFVIII (BMS)
• Blinded By Light FFRK Ver. arrange from FFXIII (BMS)
• The Chase FFRK Ver. arrange from FFVII (BMS)
• UTAKATA FFRK Ver. arrange from FFType-0 (BMS)
• Chaos Shrine FFRK Ver. arrange from FFI (BMS)
• Stand Your Ground FFRK Ver. arrange from FFXV (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS

• Opening (EMS)
• Prologue (FMS)
• Trisection (BMS)
• Apoplexy (BMS)
• Antipyretic (BMS)
• Precipitous Combat (BMS)
• Ultima's Transformation (BMS)
• Ovelia's Theme (FMS)

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY

• Warrior of Light - Mobius Final Fantasy (BMS)
• Dancing Edge (BMS)
• Magic Madness (BMS)
• Femme Fatale (BMS)
• Bloodthirst (BMS)

WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY

• World of Battle (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY FABLE: CHOCOBO'S DUNGEON

• Dungeon Hero X's Theme (BMS)
• Raffaello Battle (BMS)
• Pop-Up Duel (BMS)
• Guardian of the Dark II (BMS)
• Leviathan Battle (BMS)

FINAL FANTASY MYSTIC QUEST

• Hill of Destiny (BMS)
• Battle 1 (BMS)
• Battle 2 (BMS)
• Doom Castle (FMS)
• Battle 3 (BMS)

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY

• The Chaos Shrine - TFF Menu Arrangement - From FF (BMS)
• Return of the Warrior - TFF Menu Arrangement - From FFIII (FMS)
• Battle at the Big Bridge - TFF Menu Arrangement - From FFV (BMS)

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL

• THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL Special Arrangement Medley (Long Version) (BMS)
• THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL Special Arrangement Medley (EMS)
• Choose Your Combatants - TFFCC Menu Arrangement - From FFT (BMS)

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY All-star Carnival

• Fight With Seymour - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFX (BMS)
• Matoya's Cave - TFFAC Arrangement - From FF (FMS)
• Prelude - TFFAC Menu Arrangement - From FF (FMS)
• Main Theme of Final Fantasy V - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFV (BMS)
• Locke's Theme - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFVI (BMS)
• J-E-N-O-V-A - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFVII (BMS)
• The Red Wings - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFIV (FMS)
• TFFCC Special Arrangement Medley - TFFAC Arrangement - From TFFCC (BMS)
• Battle at the Big Bridge - TFFAC Arrangement - From FFV (BMS)

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE

• THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE Special Battle Arrangement Medley (BMS)
• FFVII Special Arrangement Medley - TFBL Arrangement - From FFVII (BMS)

BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY / BRASS de BRAVO

• Moogles' Theme (FMS)
• FF Medley (FMS)

BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY / BRASS de BRAVO 2

• Battle at the Big Bridge (BMS)
• Mambo de Chocobo (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY TRIBUTE THANKS

• Opening Theme (BMS)

Digital Deluxe Edition additional tracks

The Digital Deluxe Edition of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and the Season 1 Pass. A Digital Deluxe upgrade for the physical and digital standard edition is also available if you want the additional tracks.

Here are the tracks included in the Digital Deluxe Edition that have been revealed so far:

FINAL FANTASY III

• Zephyr Memories -Legend of the Eternal Wind- (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY VIII

• Eyes On Me (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY IX

• Melodies Of Life ～Final Fantasy (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY X

• Zanarkand (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY X-2

• Kuon -Memories of Waves and Light- (FMS)
• ???

FINAL FANTASY XI

• Distant Worlds (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY XII

• Kiss Me Good-Bye-featured in FINAL FANTASY XII- (FMS)
• Symphonic Poem "Hope" ～FINAL FANTASY XII PV ver.～ (FMS)

FINAL FANTASY XIII

• Eternal Love (FMS)

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–

• ???

FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0

• ???

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition

• FFCCR: Sound of the Wind (FMS)

COLLABORATION TITLE

• Aerith's Theme -Collab Arrangement- (BMS)
• Cosmo Canyon -Collab Arrangement- (FMS)

Modulation - FINAL FANTASY Arrangement Album

• Battle Theme 2 -Modulation ver.- from FINAL FANTASY II (BMS)
• Battle at the Big Bridge -Modulation ver.- from FINAL FANTASY V (BMS)

BATTLE SQ

• Battle SQ : FINAL FANTASY IX Not Alone (BMS)

SQ Chips

• SQ Chips: FINAL FANTASY III "Go above the Clouds!～The Invincible" (FMS)

More SQ

• More SQ: FINAL FANTASY Dugem DE Chocobo (FMS)

Sanctuary THE STAR ONIONS

• Fighters of the Crystal (BMS)

SQUARE ENIX ACOUSTIC ARRANGEMENTS

• Acoustic: The Decisive Battle (BMS)

SQUARE ENIX JASS -FINAL FANTASY-

• Blinded By Light Jazz Arrangement (BMS)

Scions & Sinners: FINAL FANTASY XIV ～ Arrangement Album ～

• Band: A Long Fall (BMS)

THE BLACK MAGES

• Clash on the Big Bridge (FINAL FANTASY V) (BMS)

THE BLACK MAGES II～The Skies Above～

• The Skies Above (BMS)

THE PRIMALS

• Band:Rise (BMS)

As you can see, there really is a seemingly endless track list in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - and we haven’t even discussed the Season Pass content yet!

We’ll share that information at a later time, but with music from the SaGa series, Mana series, LIVE A LIVE, The World Ends with You, NieR series and much more, it’ll be sure to be worth playing… and listening to!

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE launches February 16, 2023 for Nintendo Switch and PS4. Three editions will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

We’ll have a lot more to share about the game in the next few weeks, so be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media to learn more!

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It’s time for another look at CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION!

This highly-anticipated prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII launches in just a few weeks - December 13, 2022, to be precise, but before that, we wanted to give you another sneak peek at what to expect.

We have a lot to show you, including a look at fan-favorite character Tifa Lockhart, some new information about the magic and abilities in the game, and a brand new gameplay feature that involves the iconic Buster Sword! So let’s get on with it!

Introducing Tifa

• Voiced by: Britt Baron

Zack doesn’t just cross paths with Cloud and Aerith - he also encounters another beloved FINAL FANTASY VII character: Tifa Lockhart!

Tifa is a young girl who lives in the town of Nibelheim. She’s also Cloud’s childhood friend.

Tifa is chosen to guide a Shinra investigation team, led by Zack and Sephiroth, to the Nibelheim mako reactor.

New feature: The Buster Sword battle stance

Once Zack acquires the Buster Sword, he can make use of Battle Stances and Strong Attacks.

This is a new gameplay element added for this new version of CRISIS CORE that allows Zack to expend AP (attack points) to take up a Battle Stance. This changes his regular attacks into heavy-hitting “Strong Attacks” or greatly enhances the damage done by abilities.

Block enemy attacks using the defensive effects of the Battle Stance, then unleash an immensely satisfying counter strike action with Strong Attacks.

While performing a Strong Attack, Zack will not flinch if hit by enemy attacks and will continue his attack!

Minigames and sub-events

While playing through the story, Zack can take on various different minigames and trigger sub-events.

Completing minigames will earn items and gil, including some items that are required to trigger certain sub-events.

Physical fitness test (squats)

You can play the squats challenge in the training room of the Shinra Building. Perform more squats than the opponent can within one minute to win.

Building the flower wagon

Sub-event involving building a flower wagon for Aerith. Hand Aerith the items to use as materials and build a unique creation.

Mail

As the story progresses, Zack will receive mail from various people.

Some emails supplement the story with extra background information and others reveal unexpected sides of different characters, allowing you to dive deeper into the world of CRISIS CORE.

There are also fan clubs for Sephiroth, Genesis, Angeal and Zack. After fulfilling the special conditions required to join, Zack will receive exclusive mails sent members of each club.

Magic

By equipping Materia, Zack can access powerful magic. Using magic consumes MP - powerful spells will use an enormous amount, so be careful!

Here are a couple of spells you can use in the game:

Energy

Magic that fires a projectile which homes in on an enemy and has a piercing effect upon impact.

Flare

Magic that creates an explosion, inflicting massive damage to all enemies.

Abilities

Some materia lets Zack use powerful abilities in battle. Abilities consume AP and can be unleashed at the end of a regular combo. They increase in potency depending on the number of hits landed.

Let’s look at a couple:

Poison Blade

Ability that initiates a slash attack that inflicts the Poison status ailment. Poisoned enemies will lose HP gradually over time.

Hammer Punch

A technique that inflicts damage that ignores mitigation effects provided by the target’s VIT stat. The more AP Zack has remaining, the higher the damage.

Summons

In battle, the DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system triggers randomized effects, based on the combination of numbers and images that appear on the slots.

When the DMW enters Summon mode, all the images change to summons and it becomes possible to unleash the summon monster’s Limit Break.

Here are a couple of these powerful Summons:

Odin unleashes Zantetsuken!

Phoenix can use Rebirth Flame!

Chocobo Mode

Some mission rewards include additional images for the DMW. Once these images have been acquired, the DMW can transition into Chocobo Mode!

If the images align while in Chocobo Mode, you can use a Limit Break. Last time, we introduced some of these, including Chocobo Stomp, and Cactuar’s 1,000 Needles. Now, let’s reveal a couple more you could get:

Moogle: Moogle Power

The level of all materia that Zack has equipped will increase.

Cait Sith: Courage Boost!

Removes all negative status effects and temporarily enhances multiple attributes.

…or it could be a dud.

Of course, if the images on the DMW don’t align in Chocobo Mode, you could get a ‘dud’ result that inflicts damage and stuns Zack.

That’s all we have to show for now - but you don’t have to wait long to see more. CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches on December 13, 2022, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam!

It’s available to preorder now:

• Preorder CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

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The release of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION draws ever closer.

This new and enhanced version of the classic prequel to the original FINAL FANTASY VII tells the story of Zack Fair - a young SOLDIER operative working for the Shinra Company. The enthusiastic young hero is sent on a mission to investigate the mass disappearance of Shinra personnel, setting off a chain of events that will change his life.

The game launches December 13, 2022, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch and Steam. That’s just a few weeks away, but for excited fans desperate to return to Midgar once more, the wait must feel agonizing.

We have just the thing to distract you then - a fresh preview of the game! Read on and we’ll look at some characters, Materia, mechanics and more!

Characters

Unlike a certain spiky-haired blond, Zack is a real people person. During his adventures, he crosses paths with many fascinating characters.

We have three more to introduce today - and if you’re a fan of FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, you may just recognize them…

Reno

• Voiced by: Arnie Pantoja

Reno is a young, brash Turks agent who wields a rod. His flashy appearance and irreverent demeanor make him seem somewhat petulant and frivolous, but he always gets the job done in the end.

Rude

• Voiced by: William C. Stephens

Rude is another member of the Turks and joined at the same time as Reno.

Taciturn and unreadable behind his sunglasses, Rude is difficult to approach, but he’s actually a surprisingly compassionate man.

Hojo

• Voiced by: James Sie

Hojo is the current head of Shinra's Science Department. He was also the lead scientist of the Jenova Project and closely involved in the research that led to the creation of SOLDIER.

He continues to engage in unethical human experimentation.

Missions

Next, we’ll look at some of the gameplay systems in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, starting with Missions.

Missions are special SOLDIER assignments given to Zack by the Shinra Company and the citizens of Midgar, outside of the main story. New missions are unlocked when you fulfil specific conditions as the story progresses.

Completing missions will earn you rewards of Materia and items - with more valuable rewards offered depending on the mission’s difficulty.

Some missions feature boss enemies as targets. Defeat the target to complete the mission.

Ability Gauge

Some powerful foes have access to special abilities. When using these, the enemy enters a “casting” state and an ability gauge appears.

By attacking the enemy during the casting period, it’s possible to lower the gauge and reduce the damage taken.

Reducing the gauge to zero will prevent the enemy from using its ability at all!

Materia: Magic

By equipping Materia, Zack gains access to magic and abilities.

Magic consumes MP when used. In addition to ranged attack magic, there is also HP recovery magic and status-enhancing support magic. Here’s a look at a couple of spells that Zack can cast.

Electrocute

This spectacular area of effect magic drops a thunderbolt on the target and the surrounding area.

Wall

Wall is support magic that reduces the damage that Zack takes.

Materia: Abilities

Abilities are used by consuming AP. They can be unleashed at the end of a regular combo and increase in potency depending on the number of hits landed.

Vital Slash

This is a sword technique where Zack raises his blade high before delivering a mighty strike. It takes some time for this ability to activate, but it will always cause a critical hit when it lands.

Thunder Blade

Thunder Blade lets Zack imbue his sword with the power of thunder, then deliver a slicing attack. The ability has a wide area of effect, attacking many foes at once.

Materia Fusion

In CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, it’s possible to fuse two different types of Materia to create a new one!

When enemies are defeated, they provide SP that can be consumed to perform fusion. The Materia used in fusion are lost, but the process does allow you to create powerful Materia at an early stage and / or obtain rare Materia that are not usually available.

For example, you can fuse “Fire” and “Poison” Materia to create “Dark Fire” Materia.

Dark Fire Materia combines a fire element attack with the poison and silence effects.

Limit Breaks

In battle, the DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system triggers randomized effects such as enhanced status and the ability to use powerful Limit Breaks.

When the DMW lines up images of the same character, Zack can use a Limit Break ability based on the character featured.

Here are a couple of examples:

Cissnei: Lucky Stars

Genesis: Apocalypse

Summons

When the DMW enters Summon Mode, all the images change to summons and it becomes possible to unleash the featured entities’ Limit Breaks.

The designs of the summon monsters have been altered to match those in FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.

The summon “Bahamut Fury” is unique to CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION and was designed by FINAL FANTASY VII character designer Roberto Ferrari!

If it comes up on the DMW, Bahamut Fury can unleash Exaflare!

Chocobo Mode

Some missions will reward you with additional images for the DMW.

If you have acquired specific images, such as Chocobo or Cactuar, the DMW can switch to Chocobo Mode.

If the images align in this mode, you can use Limit Breaks! Here’s a look at some of the attacks you can get from Chocobo Mode:

Chocobo: Chocobo Stomp

Cactuar: 1.000 Needles

It’s a dud!

If the images in the DMW don’t align, you’ll get a “dud” result that inflicts damage and stuns Zack.

We hope you enjoyed this latest look at CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION. There’s not long to go until you can experience it yourselves - the game releases December 13 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam!

• Preorder CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

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Warriors and fighters are a mainstay of any RPG. Sword in hand, these brave combatants dive into the heart of the action, relying largely on strength and skill with the blade to see them through.

We wanted to highlight some of these remarkable warriors of all types across our games.

But let’s be honest - this is a role that can be somewhat blurred - while some characters slot perfectly into the ‘fighter’ archetype, others have abilities that go beyond the blade. The important thing is that they all primarily rely on their weapons and their skills to win the day.

Squall - FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

The introspective Squall has trouble sharing his thoughts with others, but when he’s on the battlefield, you know exactly what he’s feeling. Most of the time it’s: “I’m going to hit you very hard with this gunblade”.

Squall has his fair share of flaws - he’s uncommunicative, reluctant to assume responsibility and wastes far too much time playing Triple Triad (although that may be just when we’re in control). Even so, he has an inner strength that draws people towards him - his friends know he’s someone they can rely on, even if he doesn’t.

Of course, his outer strength is pretty impressive too. He’s one of the few people able to wield a gunblade - a powerful weapon that lets him augment his strikes with a powerful blast for a little extra kick.

All said, we consider him among the greatest warriors in all of gaming. And if you don’t agree… whatever.

Beatrix - FINAL FANTASY IX

This Alexandrian knight is proud, brave and utterly loyal to Alexandria. Unfortunately for her, this loyalty is easily manipulated and she’s responsible for some truly heinous acts in the name of the queen.

However, we’re not here to judge her decision-making, which is… let’s say ‘mixed’ (destroying Burmecia: bad choice, opening her heart to Steiner: great choice), we’re celebrating her skills as a warrior. In this respect, she’s unmatched.

You face off against Beatrix multiple times in FINAL FANTASY IX and each time she destroys your group without breaking a sweat. She’s someone you quickly learn to fear and respect, so when she joins the party for a short time during a certain event, it’s a real thrill.

• Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Switch
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Ardbert - FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

While some embrace the role of the villain, others have it thrust upon them. So it is with Ardbert, the Warrior of Darkness.

This powerful fighter is regularly at odds with the Warrior of Light. Ardbert first appears after the events of Heavensward to threaten both Hydaelyn and its greatest champions. He’s a constant threat who is brash, angry, and utterly loathes the very concept of “heroes.”

While his methods may be dangerous, his motivations are pure, as his singular focus is on saving his home. Over the course of the story, you begin to understand the rage and regret that drives him and even sympathise with his plight. He doesn’t want to be a monster - he just doesn’t see any other path.

He’s a truly compelling character in a game full of them and one of the most memorable warriors in the series.

• The FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Free Trial
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2B - NieR:Automata

2B or not 2B? That is the question - because her fellow Android A2 is equally deserving of recognition as a warrior.

But with NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition currently winning new fans on Nintendo Switch, it seems most appropriate to avoid spoilers and focus on the character you play as at the start of the adventure. And also because 2B is a formidable fighter.

As a member of the android military unit YoRHa, 2B is more than trained for combat: she’s designed for it. Her speed and agility, as well as her ability to wield multiple weapons, means she’s capable of taking on enemies that tower many meters above her. And often do.

She approaches each battle with focus and a no-nonsense attitude - but she has an emotional side too. It’s just a shame that the story of NieR:Automata means you don’t get to see it, right?

…shh! Spoilers!

• Get NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition

Hikari - OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

You haven’t been properly introduced to Hikari yet - OCTOPATH TRAVELER II isn’t out until February 24, 2023.

But you should be excited because he’s one of the best warrior-type characters you’ll meet next year. Hikari is the younger prince of Ku - a nation that seems to always be at war. This kind-hearted fighter worries greatly about his nations’ people, who suffer greatly due to the endless conflict.

Despite his formidable skills as a fighter, he prays for a world without conflict, and sets off on a journey to try and bring peace to his nation.

So why’s he in this list? Is he a tantalizing tease of what’s to come? A display of confidence in a character we know you’ll adore? A shameless reminder to preorder OCTOPATH TRAVELER II? All of the above?

We’ll let you decide that for yourselves but take it from us: Hikari absolutely deserves his spot. We can’t wait for you to find out why.

• Preorder OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

Jack - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

Jack can do it all. Whether he’s a diving dragoon, tricksy thief or a punchy pugilist, the protagonist of STRANGE OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN excels at any job you equip him with.

He starts his journey, however, as a Swordsman - and when it comes to carving up foes, he’s one of the best in the biz. Whether he’s going to toe-to-tentacle with a Malboro, or facing off against one of the Four Fiends themselves, a greatsword is all he needs to come out on top.

And what greatswords they are! STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is full of beautiful gear, but these massive blades are particularly impressive - so much so that we commissioned prop-maker LittleJem to bring one to life!

We’ve said it over and over again by this point, but grouchy Mr. Garland really is a Jack of all trades… and definitely a master when it comes to the sword!

• Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

The Valkyrie - VALKYRIE ELYSIUM

The protagonist in Valkyrie Elysium was created by Odin to purify souls.

How does she do that? By beating the ever-loving daylights out of them of course!

Many of the darker souls left in the desolate ruins of Midgard manifest as undead, meaning they have to be defeated to be saved. Of course, the Valkyrie is more than up to the task - she was literally made for this.

She’s able to use multiple weapons, from different types of swords to spears, access Divine Arts to purify foes, summon Einherjar - spirits of fallen warriors - to help her in battle and more. Few fighters in action RPGs have so many options available to them in how they approach a battle.

Combined with her speed and agility, it all makes the Valkyrie a force to be reckoned with - few action RPG heroes are as fun and flexible to control as her!

• Get VALKYIE ELYSIUM

Zack - CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

“What the…?!” I hear you gasp? “Not Cloud Strife?”

Look - blondie definitely deserves to make this list, but with CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION coming on December 13, it’s only right that Zack gets his time in the spotlight.

He’s more than worthy of it too. Zack is a skilled fighter who wields the iconic Buster Sword as much skill and style as any of its other owners. Whether he’s facing off against Wutai ninjas, mechanical monstrosities, or Summons like Ifrit, his speed and strength give him the edge he needs to triumph. He’s one of the few people to have beaten multiple 1st Class SOLDIER operatives...

But the size of the Buster Sword pales in comparison to the size of Zack’s heart. He’s a generous soul who believes in his friends and will do anything to protect them. He may start CRISIS CORE as SOLDIER 2nd Class, but he’ll always be 1st Class in our hearts.

Who needs Cloud, eh?

• Preorder CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

Cloud - FINAL FANTASY VII / FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE

…oh alright, he’s equally awesome, so here he is. You can stop typing that Tweet now.

Those were just a few of our picks for our favorite fighters, but it’s barely scratching the surface of all the amazing characters out there. It’s a highly contested field - there are so many amazing warriors that everyone is sure to have their own favorite.

So let us know who you’d pick. Share your thoughts on social media - maybe we’ll do a follow-up that highlights your picks later!

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Zack is back!

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam in just a few short weeks - and there’s a lot to be excited about.

Originally released in 2007 in Japan for PlayStation Portable (and then in 2008 in North America and Europe), CRISIS CORE is a prequel to the original FINAL FANTASY VII that tells the story of Zack Fair - a SOLDIER operative with strong connections to many characters from that classic RPG. Sent on a mission to investigate missing Shinra personnel, Zack finds himself on a powerful journey that will test his skills and resolve in equal measure.

But CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION is so much more than a mere remaster of that beloved game. It’s been massively upgraded and improved across the board, to create something that feels fresh, modern and thrilling.

But how exactly has it changed, you may be wondering? To help answer the question, we’ve put together VII - um, we mean seven - reasons why this version of CRISIS CORE is the definitive experience.

1. The visuals have been drastically improved

The first thing you’ll probably notice about the latest version of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– is that it’s quite the glow-up! To call the visuals improved would be a Midgar-sized understatement - almost every aspect of the game’s graphics has been completely reworked to make it look as beautiful as possible.

Above: The original CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–

Above: CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

Of course, the original game was also quite a looker for its time - the team achieved amazing things on the PSP hardware. It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful games on the platform - so much so that the team briefly considered whether they needed to change it at all.

According to Producer Mariko Sato: “We thought about bringing the game over to modern platforms without changing the visuals. However, we put the original on a large screen, and saw lots of elements that gave us pause - both technical and in terms of audience perceptions.”

Executive Producer Yoshinori Kitase adds: “After FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, fans expect so much more from the graphics!”

As a result, almost every single visual aspect of the game has been updated and improved - characters are more detailed and expressive, locations look more natural, and even the user interface has been refined to look closer in feel to that of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.

The result speaks for itself - this is one pretty game:

2. The battle system is faster and more fluid

A significant amount of work has also gone into updating the battle system to make it feel faster and more responsive. As Producer Sato herself says: “We did some serious fine tuning on this game!”

The original CRISIS CORE featured an action-based battle system, which let Zack attack enemies and choose attacks in real-time. It was (and still is) a lot of fun, but it’s also noticeably slower and more stop-start than many of today’s action RPGs.

As a result, many aspects of the battle system, from attack timing and animations to the camera, have been tweaked or reworked to make battles far smoother. It’s now a lot snappier to control, and Zack attacks with much greater fluidity.

However, while the team refined a lot, they still wanted the game to retain that distinctive CRISIS CORE flavor. The result is a remaster that takes many of the ideas of the original game, refines and polishes them, and presents them in their ultimate form.

The result is combat that feels dramatic, super-satisfying and very distinctive.

3. The DMW has been reworked

One of the most unique elements of the original CRISIS CORE is the ‘Digital Mind Wave’ (DMW) - and reworking this has been another area of intense focus for the team.

The DMW sits in the corner of the screen, and three slot wheels turn automatically during battle. When certain combinations of images and numbers come up, they’ll have different effects in battle. For example, getting ‘777 makes you invulnerable to attack for a short time, while ‘222’ cuts the cost of casting magic.

In the original CRISIS CORE, certain combinations would pause the action to show you the effect - dramatic, but also arguably pace-breaking. Now, things flow a lot better. For example, in instances where the DMW triggers a cutscene, you can also now skip them if you want to get right back into the fight.

Limit Breaks also work differently now. In the original CRISIS CORE, getting three characters’ would cause Zack to launch a powerful attack. In CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, you can now store that Limit Break to use at a time of your choosing within the fight.

All these changes mean battles move faster, you have more control over Zack’s actions... basically, it’s even more fun!

4. Summons are somehow even more awesome

What would the FINAL FANTASY VII series be without its Summons?

When the DMW lands on three identical Summon images, Zack can utilize series classic mainstays like Ifrit, Bahamut and Odin. These formidable entities attack with all the flair and force you’d expect from them - actually no, even more.

The Summon Animations have been completely reworked compared to the original CRISIS CORE. If you thought they were dramatic before, you ain’t seen nothing yet - their new attacks feel much more powerful, and better integrated with the world of the game.

5. Enemy attacks are more manageable

The story of CRISIS CORE puts Zack up against some powerful foes, including some of those afore-mentioned Summons. In the original CRISIS CORE, bosses would sometimes launch extremely damaging attacks - and not give you much warning to prepare before-hand.

These super-attacks are still in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, but a new mechanic has been added to give you a way to mitigate the damage.

When a boss is about to unleash a devastating assault, a new Ability Gauge appears on the screen. By attacking the enemy, you can reduce this gauge and the power of the attack. The lower you get it, the less damage it will do - and if you can reduce the bar to zero, the attack will be canceled entirely.

It’s a feature that changes your approach to boss battles, rewards skillful use of your own skills and magic… and gives poor Zack more of a fighting chance!

6. The whole game is fully voiced

In the original CRISIS CORE, certain important scenes had voice acting, but much of the dialogue throughout the rest of the game was presented with text alone. With CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, this is no longer the case!

Now, the entire game is fully voiced, from start to finish in English and Japanese. Every cutscene, side quest and incidental scene is brought to life by a talented cast of actors, making this dramatic story hit even harder than before!

7. The soundtrack has been newly arranged

For the original CRISIS CORE, composer Takeharu Ishimoto has created a wonderfully eclectic collection of music. This amazing soundtrack crosses genres and styles, incorporates many classic FINAL FANTASY VII themes, and introduces new ones that stick in the head… and the heart.

These tracks have been arranged for CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, bringing them new depth. What’s more, he has returned to create new arrangements for some pieces!

It’s another reason that the game sounds as good as it looks!

As you can see, all these improvements make CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION much more than a remaster - it’s an all-round better game in almost every aspect. Yet arguably its greatest element remains unchanged: Zack Fair himself.

The hero of CRISIS CORE’s big heart, loyalty, sense of humor and enthusiasm are every bit as endearing now as they were back in 2007. As Producer Sato says:

“He’s passionate and honest in all he does. He’s someone you’d really want around as a friend, a mentor or a junior colleague - the kind of person you’d feel proud to be like.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

You can reunite with Zack and this updated classic for yourselves from December 13, 2022, when CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam.

• Preorder CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

To stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY VII on social media:

• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Twitter
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• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on TikTok
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Jack Garland vs Gilgamesh!

If you’re a FINAL FANTASY fanatic, that’s probably all you need to know about WANDERER OF THE RIFT - the second expansion for STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN.

The rest of you, however, may be wondering - what’s all the fuss about? With the new content now available to download and play, we thought we’d give you a brief summary of everything you need to know:

What is WANDERER OF THE RIFT?

This is the second part of the STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN Season Pass. Set after the previously released TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING, it introduces the dimension-hopping Gilgamesh and a ton of new content, including a new job to play as, a new type of dungeon and new gear.

Oh, and also a tonberry blacksmith!

We’ll talk about what’s been added in a bit, but for any newer FINAL FANTASY fans…

Who the heck is Gilgamesh?

First introduced in FINAL FANTASY V, Gilgamesh is a figure who appears throughout the series. His portrayal can vary wildly between games, but he’s usually characterized by his many arms, a self-satisfied attitude and a love of swords that could charitably described as ‘obsessive’. He’s also often battled on big bridges.

In that first appearance in FINAL FANTASY V, he’s a recurring boss and a source of comic relief.

Gilgamesh as he appears in FINAL FANTASY V pixel remaster

Despite his fearsome appearance and self-satisfied attitude, he’s not much of a threat. His cowardly nature and inherent clumsiness mean that he’s as much a threat to himself as others - though he does help Bartz and the gang out by the end of their adventure.

The character - and his name - continue to echo throughout future games in the series. For example, he makes a memorable appearance in FINAL FANTASY VIII, replacing the summon Odin when Seifer cleaves him in two.

Gilgamesh as he appears in FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

A personal favorite is his appearance in FINAL FANTASY XII, where he battles the party on a bridge, armed with legendary swords from across the series, including Cloud’s Buster Sword from FINAL FANTASY VII and Tidus’ Brotherhood from FINAL FANTASY X. Except, look a bit closer and you’ll realize they’re just knock-offs - and he’s just as full of empty bravado as you’d expect.

Gilgamesh as he appears in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

We’d also be remiss not to mention Greg… uh, we mean Gilgamesh in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, where he‘s involved with one of the only characters with an ego as out of control as his own: Hildibrand Manderville. As the Warrior of Light, you’ll face off against him on several occasions, all crazier than the last. Have you ever fought as a green chicken?

A very different portrayal can be found in EPISODE GLADIOLUS for FINAL FANTASY XV. Here, you face off against a much more deadly Gilgamesh, as Gladio tries to prove he’s worthy of the title Shield of the King. The traits are still there - obsession with swords, bravado, but this time he’s got the skills to back them up.

There are plenty more examples we could pick from - from appearances in spin-off titles like Chocobo GP, to examples of the name being used, even if the character himself isn’t. But this is already becoming an essay, so let’s move on to the big question…

What’s Gilgamesh’s role in STRANGER OF PARADISE WANDERER OF THE RIFT?

As the name implies, the dimension-hopping warrior arrives in Jack’s world, and his appearance adds an unwelcome element of chaos to Jack’s plans. And you all know how he feels about Chaos…

Rest assured, you will have an opportunity to face off against Gilgamesh, but don’t expect him to be a joke or pushover like in earlier games. STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is all about fast-paced, challenging combat, so expect him to put up quite the fight!

Wielding swords and spears in both hands, he attacks Jack with fast, damaging attacks. You’ll have to dodge, block and use Soul Shield carefully, and look for openings for your own counter attacks.

Be careful though - he may also use his fabled ‘missile’.

What’s new in WANDERER OF THE RIFT?

The arrival of Gilgamesh also heralds the addition of tons of new content to STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN, including:

Rift Labyrinth

This mysterious labyrinth appeared when Gilgamesh appeared. A new story plays out while you take on a series of short, randomly generated dungeons.

The bite-sized and ever-shifting nature of these monster-filled mazes makes for a compelling gameplay loop that plays into the game’s strengths - the brutally satisfying combat and the massive selection of different jobs to play as.

Speaking of which…

Blue Mage job

Jack has some new tricks up his sleeve thanks to the addition of the Blue Mage job. He’s always been able to steal monsters’ abilities with Soul Shield and use them himself, but Blue Mage lets him take that to another level.

You’ll get the Blue Mage job after progressing a certain way through the Rift Labyrinth and it’s a fantastic addition to Jack’s toolkit. When you have instant abilities available, you can use R2 / RT to use them without using up a charge. Alternatively, you can hold the button to power them up with MP - with devastating results!

Dimension Bringer

Progress through the Rift Labyrinth and you’ll also gain access to Dimension Bringer - a very cool new command ability.

When you use it, enemies nearby will be slowed down, and every time you use a combo ability, the damage you inflict will go up. Also, while the effect is active, you can use a special attack in the place of Soul Shield and make it easy to chain combo abilities - it’s great for taking down foes really quickly… and quite stylishly too.

GILGAMESH difficulty

Accessible once you’ve beaten TRIAL OF THE DRAGON KING, this new difficulty mode will test your high-level gear loadouts like nothing else.

Not only can you take on enemies with higher levels than normal, you can also earn relic gear with Summon Blessings!

Summon Blessings

Some equipment contains special effects, received from the blesssings of Summons like Ifrit, Odin and Bahamut. These can be wildly useful effects that improve your stats based on the blessing value - so they’re well worth equipping!

To get these blessings, you first have to take acquired gear to a new tonberry blacksmith for appraisal. Don’t worry, it won’t take long - tonberries apparently work faster than they walk!

Monster Bells

These new items let you call on a monster to come support you in battle. First you need to find a summonstone and complete a special event with a monster, but when you do, you’ll be able to call them into the fray.

Taking on the hordes with a Malboro at your side? As awesome as it sounds.

Chaotic Monsters

These are not, as the name implies, monsters who lack organizational skills. Quite the contrary - they’re quite efficient at their job, which is primarily to murder Jack and his friends.

Chaotic monsters are super-powerful versions of beasts that are far more dangerous than the standard variety. But if you take the risk and take them, there are much greater rewards to be had. Provided you can beat them, of course.

As you can see, there’s lots to get stuck into in WANDERER OF THE RIFT. The new content is available now as part of the Season Pass for the game.

This also gives you the first additional mission: TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING, as well as the yet-to-be released third expansion: DIFFERENT FUTURE!

• Find out more about the Season Pass

If you’ve yet to play STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN and you’re eager for some Jack on Gilgamesh action, then the game is available to buy now for PS5, PS4, and PC via the Epic Games Store:

• Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

Finally, for more news and updates about the game, be sure to follow the team on social media:

• STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
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It’s here! The latest trailer for FINAL FANTASY XVI has arrived! But rather than us introduce it, we’ll hand over to the game’s Producer, Naoki Yoshida himself!

“I'm happy to announce that our newest trailer - Ambition - is now live. Rather than focusing on action as we did in our last reveal, this time we wanted to give the world a more in-depth look at FINAL FANTASY XVI's lore and its rich cast of characters - with the Dominants front and center.”

Naoki Yoshida, Producer, FINAL FANTASY XVI

You can watch the trailer right here, or head over to the FINAL FANTASY YouTube channel:

• Watch on YouTube

As Yoshida-san says, the new video takes you deeper into the realm of Valisthea, introducing some of the diverse nations vying for power and the rich characters who reside within them.

This includes a look at some Dominants - individuals who are blessed with the ability to call upon the power of dangerous creatures called Eikons. Some nations revere these powerful figures, others send them to the frontlines as weapons of war - and, as the trailer reveals, you’ll learn a lot about them over the course of the game.

We’re particularly excited to introduce you to two more today: the Dominants of Bahamut and Odin!

Dion Lesage - the Dominant of Bahamut

Dion Lesage is the crown prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque and leads its noblest order of knights: the Dragoons. He’s also the Dominant of Bahamut, the Dragon King.

This warrior prince is beloved among his people. His ability to turn the tide of battle means that songs of his heroism and the power of Bahamut are common among Sanbrequois bards.

But shadows are gathering in the Empire - and they may be enough to quell Bahamut’s light…

Barnabas Tharmr - The Dominant of Odin

Barnabas Tharmr arrived on the shores of Ash as a wanderer - with not land or title of his own. It was his skill with a blade that won him a kingdom.

Although the local beastmen revolted against his rule, Barnabas used the power of his Eikon, Odin, to quell their uprising near single-handedly, and successfully brought the entire Eastern continent under the Waloeder banner.

Barnabas may have an army and navy that rival any other in Valisthea under his command, but he’s still drawn to where the fighting is thickest - riding his spectral steed and sundering his enemies with his fabled black blade. Or sometimes you’ll see him observing the chaos from the sidelines, a grisly gleam of fascinating in his eyes.

When is FINAL FANTASY XVI released?

FINAL FANTASY XVI is set for release in Summer 2023. The game puts you in command of Clive Rosfield, a young man tasked to guard his younger brother Joshua - the Dominant of the Phoenix. Unexpected events set Clive on a dark and dangerous road to revenge.

You can see some new screenshots for the game here:

We’ll have more to share about the game as we get closer to release, but check out the latest status update below from Director, Hiroshi Takai:

“As the game edges closer to completion, the team has turned its full attention to debugging and final adjustments. Now that things are starting to come together, the game is sizing up to be something truly special.”

Hiroshi Takai, Director, FINAL FANTASY XVI

Check out the full developer messages on the official website, and to stay up to date with news and information about FINAL FANTASY XVI, be sure to follow on social media:

• https://www.finalfantasyxvi.com
• http://twitter.com/finalfantasyxvi
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The second mission in the STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN Season Pass is nearly here!

Titled ‘WANDERER OF THE RIFT’, the new content launches for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Epic Games Store on October 26, 2022!

It tells a new tale, set after the events of the original game, and the previously released TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING. We’ll avoid going into detail to avoid spoilers for the story so far, but we can say a new visitor arrives before Jack Garland and his allies. Someone who are long-time fans of FINAL FANTASY and/or big bridges may well recognize…

As tantalizing as that trailer is, we’re sure you want to know more. So let’s take a closer look at what’s new in STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN: WANDERER OF THE RIFT!

New character: Gilgamesh

It’s Gilgamesh!

Able to wander freely between dimensions, Gilgamesh’s very existence is an oddity.

He rises to challenge Jack and his comrades, bringing chaos to the world.

Wielding swords and spears in both hands, Gilgamesh battles Jack and his comrades with an abundance of dynamic attacks.

When the time comes he may even use his fabled missile...

But Gilgamesh isn’t the only addition coming in Wanderer of the Rift…

New gameplay: The Rift Labyrinth

A strange labyrinth also manifested when Gilgamesh appeared in Jack’s world: the Rift Labyrinth!

A new story plays out as you conquer a series of randomly constructed short dungeons.

New job: Blue Mage

We all know STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN’s main man is a Jack of all trades - White Mage, Black Mage, Monk, Dragoon, Thief… he can do it all.

Now he has another job to add to his repertoire: Blue Mage!

The Blue Mage job is unlocked after progressing a certain way through the Rift Labyrinth. It lets Jack learn enemy abilities and turn them into his own powers.

When playing as a Blue Mage, you can push R2/RT to use Blue Magic when these instant abilities are available. Holding down the button lets you charge them up for an even more powerful attack.

This makes it possible to activate instant abilities without using up charges, and power them up with MP.

New Command Ability: Dimension Bringer

Dimension Bringer is a new command ability that Jack can learn in WANDERER OF THE RIFT.

Once activated, enemies in the vicinity will be slowed and the damage the player inflicts will increase each time an action ability is used.

While the effect is active, a special attack can be used in place of Soul Shield. Unleash the special attack and rapidly take down the foe with combos.

New ‘GILGAMESH’ difficulty level

WANDERER OF THE RIFT adds a brand new difficulty level to the game: GILGAMESH!

GILGAMESH difficulty is only playable if you’ve completed the TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING, and it adds a whole new level of challenge to the game. Enemy levels are raised further, meaning that even more fearsome foes will appear to threaten Jack and friends.

When playing on GILGAMESH difficulty, you can obtain special relic equipment that comes with Summon Blessings attached - various special effects received from the blessings of summons like Odin, Ifrit and Bahamut. Equipping this equipment will improve your character’s capabilities based on the blessing value.

These blessings can be obtained by appraising relic equipment at the Tonberry Blacksmith.

New: Tonberry Blacksmith

You read that right - WANDERER OF THE RIFT adds a Tonberry Blacksmith to the game!

…what, you thought because they carry a chef’s knife, they could only work in the catering industry? It’s that kind of assumption that could make someone hold a grudge…

New item: Monster Bells

Since the world of STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is dangerous, it’s good to have a little help from time to time. In that respect, Monster Bells are just the thing!

These are items that let you instantaneously call up a monster to support you during battle.

To receive the support of a monster, you first need to find a Summonstone and then complete a special event with that monster.

You can increase your affinity with the monster through conversations, feeding it and using items.

When your affinity level increases sufficiently, you will receive Monster Bells that can be used in battle to temporarily call up the monster to fight for you.

New threat: Chaotic Monsters

When playing on the “GILGAMESH” difficulty level, monsters infused with Chaotic energy can occasionally appear in all missions, including the Rift Labyrinth. These are called “Chaotic Monsters”.

Chaotic status is indicated by the crown icon at the start of the monster’s name. These Chaotic Monsters are more dangerous than standard monsters of the same type - but they can earn you greater rewards when defeated.

As you can see, the new content expands STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN in a pretty dramatic way!

You’ll get to experience it all for yourselves on October 26, 2022 when WANDERER OF THE RIFT launches for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and the Epic Games Store.

To access this new content, you must have purchased the STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN Season Pass, which is available now. This also gives you access to TRIALS OF THE DRAGON KING, and a future third expansion: DIFFERENT FUTURE.

• Find out more about the Season Pass

If you’re yet to experience STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN, then you should get on that. It’s a thrillingly brutal action RPG that acts as an unabashed love letter to all things FINAL FANTASY series while adding its own fresh spin and unique tale. The game is available now:

• Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

Finally, to stay up to date with news and information about the game, be sure to follow the team on social media:

• STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY on Instagram
• FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 17

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

“The Midgar Expressway" is an incredible track, featuring motifs from across the FFVII/FFVII Remake soundtrack. How much work went into creating this piece of music, was it one of the harder pieces to work on?

I remember that putting together the first arrangement demo for the crazy motorcycle bit at the beginning of "The Midgar Expressway" probably didn't even take a week to do.

I thought that keeping the bpm of 190 but changing the motifs in the subsequent parts would be really tricky, but when I actually got down to working on it, the power and momentum from the visuals guided me and I managed to create these sections without too much of a headache.

The feeling of being "in the zone" when I was working on this track was a valuable experience and really sticks in my memory.

Featuring guitars in all the different sections of "The Midgar Expressway" was one thing that I was quite particular about, so I decided to use the Advent Children versions for the sections from "Those who Fight" and "Let the Battles Begin".

Yoshinori Nakamura (TV ASAHI MUSIC CO., LTD.)

Why was the Motor Ball boss battle added into the motorbike mini-game as opposed to being a separate boss fight in the original FFVII? Was there ever a time when it was a separate boss fight?

That is a great question. The original script written up by Mr. Nojima actually had the last section of the game go from the Motor Ball battle to the Whisper Harbinger and finally the ending.

Mid-way through development we changed direction to make Sephiroth the final boss of this title and felt that having three boss fights in a row would spoil the tempo. Accordingly, we decided to use Motor Ball as the boss of the G-Bike section just before the final boss fights instead.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Whisper Rebrum, Viridi and Croceo seem to represent Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo from FFVII Advent Children, fighting to save their own future (referencing the entries that appear after using the Assess materia on each). Is this true?

The Whispers are capable of forming monsters from all the memories in the flow of time, and I think that includes the characters who exist or will exist in the timeline as well.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

Next, the party are shown memories of the future as told in the original FFVII, was there ever a concern that this wouldn't be obvious to fans playing Remake with no prior knowledge of the original FFVII?

Cloud and the team do not really understand what they are seeing in the scene where they are granted memories of the future either, so it is fine if the full meaning behind the visions is not communicated to the player.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The Midgar Highway stage was created specifically for motorbike riding action. I remember it was a large map and it must have been made in quite a different way to the regular stages in the game. Were there any difficulties or challenges in creating the highway?

It was hard work placing the clusters of buildings across such a wide area to match with the layout of Midgar, and a challenge unique to working within this setting. We constantly needed to check the compass directions to prevent the landscape deviating from the map of the city, asking ourselves what direction the Shinra Building should be visible from and where the position of the plate that forms the player's final destination should be.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

The battle with Sephiroth features various phases, differing party members depending on conditions set throughout the story and crazy camera angles throughout. How difficult was it to pull this all together?

There were numerous mechanics and systems specifically made for this battle, and it was one of the ones that we took a lot of care on, as well as one of the trickiest to pull off.

There were also a lot of bugs that needed fixing and it took a long time to make overall.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

One-Winged Angel - Rebirth is another wonderful arrangement of one of the most famous music tracks in videogame history. What was it like being entrusted to rearrange this track for FFVII Remake and how pleased are you with how it came out?

“One Winged Angel” is one of the most important music tracks in my whole life, so when I was asked to arrange it, I felt a great responsibility to make a good version, even if I had to use the rest of my life to do it.

It goes without saying that I like everything that the original composer, Mr. Nobuo Uematsu, has done, and I also loved Mr. Shiro Hamaguchi’s orchestration of "One Winged Angel", so the music of these two creators has had a massive influence on me.

When I set out to do my new version of the track, I first searched for what kind of arrangement would make a version of "One Winged Angel" that would satisfy me personally, something that did not damage any of the numerous appealing factors of the original and most importantly something that would not disappoint me or corrupt my childhood memories of hearing it

As the track name “One-Winged Angel - Rebirth” implies, the key word to explain this new arrangement is “rebirth”.

I mentioned this in the Ultimania Guide (Final Fantasy VII Remake Material Ultimania) too, but I remember seeing a comment from Mr. Uematsu somewhere in which he talked about how he approached the original composition by first creating a number of different motifs and then trying to piece them all together in the manner of a puzzle. I started my arrangement in the spirit of “re-constructing” that original puzzle, breaking it back down into its constituent phrases and then putting it back together in a new order.

On top of that, the battle is spilt into four separate phases, so I also had to make the arrangement for each phase fit with its own distinct character, while at the same time making sure that the excitement and tension built up gradually as the phases progressed.

I took particular care with phase 3, where Sephiroth shows his wing for the first time and the player’s party all come together, marking the start of the fierce final confrontation.

I felt that this was the point I needed to raise the player’s excitement level to its peak and decided to do that by bringing in the timpani drums from the introduction, the most distinctive phrase from the whole track. I then worked back to create the whole composition.

Nothing will really come of it if I say this, but in the end my personal favourite version of “One Winged Angel” is the original one! (Laughs)

However, I do think I achieved what I set out to do here and created a worthy remake of the track that would not bring shame to my memories of it.

Yasunori Nishiki (Additional Composers)

Are the attacks Cloud uses on Sephiroth here meant to resemble Omnislash from the original FFVII (and later shown in FFVII Advent Children)? What were the concepts behind the design of this heated battle scene?

I will leave the actual names and background behind the techniques he uses here to players' imaginations.

We did not envisage having a scene where Cloud and Sephiroth face off in a duel when we started the development, so we were very excited while making it.

At the start of the scene we deliberately made the camera movement similar to when the two of them fought in the original FFVII, in order to make it reminiscent of the original game.

Then it moves on to the action part, showing Cloud dauntlessly struggling against the all-powerful Sephiroth.

We consulted with a swordfight choreographer, who offered the opinion that because of the difference in the reach of their weapons, Cloud had little chance of winning if he tried to fight at a distance. Accordingly, we went on to choreograph it to have Sephiroth parrying and evading the attacks while Cloud continuously tries to press in and fight at close quarters.

It may appear to be a fairly evenly matched contest, but Sephiroth is not actually being pressed very hard here.

Hidekazu Miyake (Cutscene Director)

Thank you for sharing your memories and thoughts of working on FFVII Remake. Is there anything you would like to say to fans who have been reading this whole blog series?

As it says at the end of the game "The Unknown Journey Will Continue", and Cloud and his friends will be on that journey for a while yet. From here on in the Whispers cannot act to maintain the destined timeline, so fans can look forward to seeing what kind of future awaits the team.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

Thank you for sticking with us all the way through the blog series. The development team are currently hard at work on the second game, in which the story moves away from Midgar and expands out onto the world map. And it is not just the story! I will be working day and night to ensure that the game design also offers an even more thrilling ride and is packed with even more surprises than the first game.

I am very grateful for being given this opportunity to send my message out to all the fans.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited - and the series as a whole! Many thanks to all the devs for sharing their insight with us across all 18 chapters of the game.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

For news and updates on anything Final Fantasy VII related, make sure you follow us on social media:

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Regular readers of the Square Enix Blog will know that we’re big fans of game music here.

Whether we’re exploring the history of FINAL FANTASY through its soundtracks, or taking an audio tour through gaming’s greatest deserts, oceans or forests (LA-HEE!), we love to celebrate the work of Square Enix’s amazing composers and sound teams.

So, suffice to say, we’re very excited about THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE. This upcoming rhythm-action game is a celebration of 35 years of incredible music from the FINAL FANTASY series… and beyond.

After the big reveal last week, we thought you might like a closer look at this exciting new game, so read on and we’ll take you through the game modes, stage types, tracks and more.

But first, for anyone who missed last week’s announcement…

What is THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE?

This new rhythm action game aims to revive your fondest memories of FINAL FANTASY through one of the series most powerful elements: the music.

It’s packed with musical gems, carefully selected from across the entire FINAL FANTASY series, from mainline numbered titles and remakes to side-stories, spin-offs and even soundtrack CDs!

As with the previous games in the series, you’ll press buttons to match moving triggers across multiple stage types, all of which test your reflexes, rhythm and understanding of each song’s structure. As you’d expect, these inputs are simple to perform, but with multiple difficulty levels and some truly devilish beats, you’ll find your skills tested in ways that make it very difficult to stop playing.

It also features a massive cast of 104 super-adorable stylized FINAL FANTASY characters, from iconic heroes like Cloud, Squall and Lightning to deeper dives that will make the most dedicated FINAL FANTASY fans ‘ooh’ in delight.

It's also the biggest collection of songs ever included in a THEATRHYTHM game, with a staggering 385 tracks included in the standard edition alone. Plus there is extensive add-on content coming that features music from beyond the FINAL FANTASY series.

So, that’s the broad overview - let’s take a closer look at the different elements of the game, starting with perhaps your biggest question…

…how does the game actually play?

The basics of gameplay

As you play, different circles will move across the screen. The red, yellow, and green circles are called “Triggers”.

When Triggers overlap with the white circles to the right of the screen - called “Trigger Marks” - you must make a well-timed move with a button or stick!

Each Trigger requires a different input:

• Touch Trigger (red circle): Press a button.

• Slide Trigger (yellow circle with arrow): Move the analogue stick in the direction of the arrow. If there are two arrows, you’ll have to use two sticks!

• Hold Trigger (green circle and green line): Hold a button for the duration of the trigger and let go at the end.

• Hold-Slide Trigger (green circle and line with arrow at the end): Hold a button for the duration of the trigger, and move the stick in the direction of the arrow at the end.

Difficulty levels

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE has multiple difficulty levels - all songs can be played at Basic, Expert or Ultimate difficulty. That means that the game can be played by all kinds of players.

If (like me), you’re a bit of klutz when it comes to keeping a beat, Basic is a great way to learn the ins and outs of each song - you can always go up to Expert when you have more confidence.

If you’re an experienced hand at music games, you should try the Ultimate difficulty level - this will give your digits and your sense of rhythm a real work-out.

Approximately a third of songs also have access to a fourth difficulty level: Supreme. This one’s for the real rhythm-action savants - good luck!

Music stages

Different songs will play in different ways, with three Music Stages:

BMS: Battle Music Stage

With BMS stages, you’ll defeat waves of enemies in time with up-tempo battle music! The track being played in the shot above is Veiled in Black from FINAL FANTASY XV, composed by the incomparable Yoko Shimomura!

FMS: Field Music Stage

In these stages, you’ll journey forth with your party with relaxing field music. The track shown above is The Dalmasca Estersand, from Hitoshi Sakimoto’s brilliant FINAL FANTASY XII soundtrack.

EMS: Event Music Stages

In these stages, you’ll play to the beat against a backdrop of unforgettable scenes from each title! Here we can see the stage for FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE’s original song Hollow, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu and performed by YOSH.

Game modes

There are lots of different modes in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE that do a great job of shaking things up.

Series Quests: Advance through a total of 29 titles, clearing quests and unlocking characters and playable songs.

• Music Stages: Play the music you've acquired to your heart's content and attempt to get a high score! You can also play with Simple Style controls, which use only a single button, or Pair Style, which lets you play with two players on one screen.

• Multi Battle: Up to four players can face off in online multiplayer matches.

• Museum: Peruse and enjoy the music, videos, and various collections you've acquired. You can also check detailed play records.

Series Quests

This mode is all-new for THEATRHYTHM BAR LINE - start here to collect songs and characters.

Series Quests let you relive a total of 29 past titles and unlock their songs as you go. Choose from your favorite titles!

When you unlock a new title, you’ll also unlock its associated characters. You can also obtain enemy characters by clearing all the stages.

You’ll advance through a map by clearing each song’s stage. But there’s more to it than that. Each song has its own quest, such as “Defeat 10 Bombs,” to test your party formation skills.

Songs cleared in this mode are unlocked to play in Music Stages!

Endless World

Once you complete a special title, Endless World will be unlocked!

In this stage, a random song is chosen each time, and quest difficulty increases gradually as you progress. Fail three quests and it’s over!

Your ingenuity and technique will be tested to see how far you can advance in a single attempt.

Multi Battle

Want to test your rhythm action skills against other players online? Head to Multi Battle and get ready to compete!

You can join another player's room or create your own and wait for opponents to come to you. If you want to play with just your friends, you can set a password to enter the room.

Once everyone is ready, select which song you want to play. The track will be selected at random from among the songs chosen by the players.

Let the battles begin!

Those who fight further know that you can force your way to victory with Bursts! Fill the Burst Gauge to unleash special moves that can hinder other players or turn the tables to your advantage.

The battle heats up in the second half, where two burst techniques are activated at the same time! Stand your ground or risk careening into danger!

Some of the Bursts you can use are:

• Fat Chocobo Time: A Fat Chocobo will appear on the lanes, hiding them from view and getting in your way.

• Moogle Dance: A Moogle will appear near the Trigger Marks and hide the Triggers from view.

• Point Freeze: Points will be frozen for a period of time and your score will not increase unless you get a RAINBOW CRITICAL or CRITICAL.

After Multi Battles, you can obtain a CollectaCard to add to your collection. Players take turns choosing one CollectaCard from a random set, starting with the first place winner. At the end, the players also exchange ProfiCards.

What songs are in the game?

With a massive 385 songs, pretty much every aspect of the FINAL FANTASY series is represented in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE.

Songs include:

Opening Theme (FINAL FANTASY)

SUTEKI DA NE (Isn’t It Wonderful?) (FINAL FANTASY X)

Battle On the Big Bridge (FINAL FANTASY V)

J-E-N-O-V-A - Quickening (FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE)

We Have Come from FINAL FANTASY Type-0

Of course that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s in the game. From FINAL FANTASY VIII’s Liberi Fatali to FINAL FANTASY XIV Online’s Torn from the Heavens, there’s so much incredible music that we couldn’t dream of listing it all here.

Digital Deluxe Edition exclusive songs

What we can say is the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game comes with 27 additional, exclusive songs, including:

Eyes On Me (FINAL FANTASY VIII)

Melodies Of Life ~Final Fantasy (FINAL FANTASY IX)

Zanarkand (FINAL FANTASY X)

Other tracks include Kiss Me Good-Bye -featured in FINAL FANTASY XII-, Distant Worlds from FINAL FANTASY XI and more!

DLC songs

A huge selection of music from some of the greatest Square Enix games will be available as downloadable content.

You’ll be able to play stages with music from:

• SaGa series
• LIVE A LIVE
• The World Ends with You series
• NieR Series
• CHRONO TRIGGER and CHRONO CROSS
• Mana Series
• OCTOPATH TRAVELER
• Xenogears

…and more!

Some specific tracks coming include:

Song of the Ancients / Fate (NieR Gestalt / Replicant)

OCTOPATH TRAVELER - Main Theme (OCTOPATH TRAVELER)

Ardent Rhythm (Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-)

There will be three Season Passes, each featuring different titles’ music tracks. Every Season Pass will contain 5 song packs for a total of 30 songs each. In total, 90 additional songs will be made available, bringing the total number of tracks in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE up to a gargantuan 502!

How do I get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE?

Three editions of THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE will be available at launch:

• Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.

• Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.

All these editions are available to preorder now:

• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on PS4
• Get THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE on Switch

Wow! That was a lot of information, right? We hope that this musical extravaganza puts a song in your heart and a spring in your step when it releases February 16 for Nintendo Switch and PS4.

We’ll have much more to share about the game as we get closer to release, so make sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media to see news and updates!

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This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 16

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

What had Aerith been drawing on the walls in her room? Are there any particular details we should look out for?

The initial idea set down when designing the backgrounds for the game was that this was a huge drawing that Aerith put together from ages of 4 to 7. She started out by copying the flowers and creatures in the picture books she was given and gradually moved on to drawing the history of the Cetra people that she had heard from her mother as folk tales.

Each section was done as a separate image, but the interesting thing is how she has joined them all together by drawing the lifestream in an unconscious expression of the Cetra's philosophy that everything is linked.

Mizushi Sugawara (Environment Artwork)

Why do the Whispers show up in Aerith's room? They don't seem to be actively trying to change destiny at this point. Does Aerith have knowledge of the future?

If Aerith were to talk of the things she knew and reveal the truth to everyone here, that action in itself could change the destined timeline, so the Whispers move to prevent her doing so and protect the course of events. Aerith may have known the future but had her "memories" of it stolen by the Whispers until this time.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

Sephiroth shows up again! The scene where Cloud attacks him and they clash swords is reminiscent of Advent Children, was this an intentional throwback?

It was indeed!

One of the objectives written into the concept plan for FFVII Remake was to create a playable game experience at the same graphical quality as Advent Children.

Advent Children was used as an overall reference for the quality of the cut scenes in the game, and our intentions might well show through particularly strongly in the scene where Sephiroth appears.

Hidekazu Miyake (Cutscene Director)

How was The Drum devised in development? Was it always seen as a "final dungeon" for the game?

As the Shinra Building is the final location for Remake, where it was not in the original game, we needed to add in a new "final dungeon" between Sample H0512 and the President's Room.

There were a lot of twists and turns in the process of getting this dungeon to the form it finally took, but we felt that it would be best to expand the area with things that paid homage to what was in the original, rather than to put in completely new elements.

We ultimately settled on the idea of re-working the scene on floor 67 where the player peers into the pod storing Jenova's headless body, so that the pod itself is now recreated as a special research facility dungeon with Jenova at its core.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Why did you decide to split the party up during this section? The PHS labels on the communication devices to swap party members was a really nice easter egg for fans of the original FFVII (the PHS is how the player would swap characters in the original game) - how was it decided that this would be added in the game?

I had thought about having a section where Aerith is playable in the Shinra Building from the early stages of development, but because it was the final dungeon, I also wanted to put in a bit where the player experienced battle with all the characters again.

This was a fairly orthodox way to do it, but I decided to structure this section by having the party split into two teams, who then tackled the dungeon in parallel. We had set on the idea of changing between the two teams using communication devices at the level design stage, but we actually called them "communicators" at that point rather than PHS.

However, at some point the scenario team learned that they were called PHS in the original scenario script and this little touch came from the team's playful nature. I also like it a lot too.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Red XIII joins us in the combat but the player doesn't get to play as him, was there ever a time in development where he was intended to be playable? Conversely, was there ever a time when perhaps he wouldn't appear at all until the very end?

Red XIII was definitely going to appear in the story, so the battle designers looked into the best way of incorporating him.

There was a proposal to make him fully playable, but the decision to keep him as an AI controlled guest character in the first game was made when we considered that he only appears at the very end of the story and would not have much room to develop and level up.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

In the battle against Jenova Dreamweaver, the player is engaged in a fierce battle, but the way the BGM changes also adds a huge amount to the excitement of the situation (This goes even more for people who played the original game).

Was adding this kind of climax something outlined in the original briefing?

The original plan was to have the rapid tempo from the start, in a similar way to the same scene in the original FFVII, but when I thought about how it transitioned in from the cutscene immediately before the battle, I felt that it would raise the excitement even further if we started out with a lower tempo version instead and then ramp up to the high tempo during a later phase of the battle.

Even I felt the excitement building when I reached the final phase during the first test play of this scene.

Keiji Kawamori (Music Supervisor)

Was it important to show Barret dying and then being saved by the Whispers to prove that the Whispers are neither for nor against the party, simply trying to correct the course of destiny?

We showed Barret's predicament here as a representation of how the survival or not of a single person can change the destined timeline that the Whispers are trying to protect. However, Barret is pretty tough, so he might well have recovered by himself, even if the Whispers did not move to protect him.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

I found the Rufus battle to be quite challenging! Do you have any tips for players who might still struggle with it from time to time?

You need to firmly grasp Rufus' attack pattern and charge up your ATB for the opening when he reloads, then hit him with your abilities. Repeat that cycle to wear down his health a bit at a time.

He should be easier to beat if you stay calm, observe the situation while guarding and don't just attack recklessly.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

The battle with the Arsenal is interesting in that you can use the scenery to take cover and recover etc. Did you ever consider incorporating more elements of the environment into battles?

You use two long-ranged characters in the Arsenal fight, and I think we managed to create a battle where the scenery can be used effectively.

I was constantly thinking about how we could use the terrain for other battles too, as long as there were good ideas.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited and are looking forward to learning more from behind the scenes of the game over the coming months.

Make sure you share this article with your friends on social media and we hope you’re looking forward to Chapter 18 next week!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

For news and updates on anything Final Fantasy VII related, make sure you follow us on social media:

• Square Enix Blog
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Not every hero is a brave and noble warrior - games portray people in all walks of life, Including some that are a little… let’s say ‘morally flexible’.

Square Enix games feature their fair share of these rogues. They may technically have committed crimes, but we forgive them anyway. Because they’ve also stolen the most important thing of all… our hearts.

Erik - DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

Erik is an expert thief… and the best friend you could ever hope for.

The Luminary - the protagonist of DRAGON QUEST XI S - first meets this rascally rogue in prison. Before you think that this incarceration speaks badly to his profession as a thief, bear in mind it takes Erik a matter of seconds to break himself and the Luminary out of their cells.

In fact, his wits and ability to steal from foes make him constantly useful throughout the adventure. But his greatest attribute is his loyalty. Erik will stand by his friends even at the worst of times - and, as his side story in DRAGON QUEST XI S shows, at great personal cost if necessary.

Of course, Erik is set to make a welcome return in the upcoming DRAGON QUEST TREASURES - along with his equally loot-obsessed sister Mia.

The new game is set to arrive on December 9, 2022 for Nintendo Switch. It throws the young siblings into Draconia - a world of many dangers… and many more treasures. To learn all about it, check out our blog:

• Everything you need to know about DRAGON QUEST TREASURES

Locke - FINAL FANTASY VI pixel remaster

Perhaps Locke shouldn’t really be on this list. After all, he’s not a thief, he’s a ‘treasure hunter’.

Semantics aside (and Locke is always up for some antics), this nimble-fingered hero is a skilled acquirer of items, and these talents have made him a vital member of anti-Empire resistance group, the Returners.

When a job calls for care and discretion, such as smuggling Terra out of the city near the start of the game, he’s the first one they turn to.

Locke’s personality matches his roguish nature - he’s cheerful, charismatic, and quick with a quip. But behind that puckish charm is a heart that’s driven as much by guilt as justice - he’s wracked with regret after the death of his love, Rachel. That can make him more than a little overprotective towards some of the team.

Even so, there few thieves - sorry, ‘treasure hunters’ - you’d rather have in your corner. Because when the going gets tough, Locke is often the key to success.

• Get FINAL FANTASY VI Pixel Remaster

Yuffie - FINAL FANTASY VII / FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

The characters in FINAL FANTASY VII don’t have ‘jobs’ in the traditional sense - the flexibility of the materia system means you can make characters anything you want them to be.

That said, Yuffie’s guaranteed a place on this list for one reason: she steals directly from the party! The nerve!

In the original FINAL FANTASY VII, this Wutai ninja can be recruited after leaving Midgar, and joins the party on their adventures. It would be easy to assume she’s just there to be a likeable and upbeat member of the team, but should you venture close to Wutai, you may be horrified to discover all your materia is missing… and so is Yuffie!

That sets off one of the game’s most memorable optional quests - as you team up with the Turks to catch the little thief… and an old enemy.

Of course, Yuffie makes a welcome return In FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE’s extra episode - FF7R EPISODE INTERmission. She’s on a mission to steal important materia from Shinra, and true to form, she’s more than ready to pilfer a few things from her foes on the way…

• Get FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

Jack - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

As we keep saying, the protagonist of STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is a Jack of all trades… and a master of most of them.

Jack’s able to take on multiple jobs, giving him access to unique skills and weapons in combat. That includes the Thief job, and its fantastic ‘Steal’ ability.

Of course, being a Thief in this game is a little different to most titles in the series. Jack doesn’t merely steal items - he steals abilities. He can then use these abilities against enemies, giving them a taste of their own medicine.

It makes for a fast and fun playstyle that captures the roguish spirit of classic FINAL FANTASY thieves - just admittedly with a lot more anger.

• Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

Rikku - FINAL FANTASY X HD

What do you get if you combine the deft hands of a thief with the skills of an engineer and chemist? You get one heck of a fun character!

Rikku is an upbeat young Al Bhed - a mechanically-minded tribe that are deeply mistrusted in the technophobic world of Spira. This background means that she’s adept at gathering resources and making use of them… often to explosive effect.

Her primary method of getting the components she needs is to take them from enemies - Rikku is able to steal items from almost any foe. She can then mix these items to create grenades, potions and much more.

She’s particularly useful against robots - if she steals from many of Spira’s machina monstrosities, she can dismantle them instantly.

All this makes for one of the most unique ‘thieves’ in the series to date. As the Al Bhed might say:

Cra'c cesbmo dra pacd!

Therion - OCTOPATH TRAVELER

OCTOPATH TRAVELER features eight very different heroes, each with their own stories, class and abilities. Therion is a thief, and he’s very, very good at his job.

We first meet Therion in the town of Bolderfall. He’s already a legend among the criminal community but attempts by fellow thieves to collaborate with him are firmly rebuffed.

A solo infiltration on the other hand… that’s his bread and butter. Rumors of a treasure in an impregnable mansion are all too enticing, and he quickly makes it into the mansion - he’s just that good.

Not only is he an adept infiltrator, Therion’s also a first-rate pickpocket. If you don’t believe us, ask… well, pretty much every NPC in the game.

So long as this shadowy sneak is in your party, you can attempt to pickpocket most townsfolk, and take their beloved items for yourself. That can be something as simple as a healing grape, but he can also nab powerful weapons, armor and more.

In short, Therion is a thief through and through. Wherever he goes, he leaves a path of empty pockets in his wake and although his moral compass may not always point north, he’s an undeniably useful member of the OCTOPATH TRAVELER crew.

Plus his theme music is incredible.

Zidane - FINAL FANTASY IX

The hero of FINAL FANTASY IX is cheerful, enthusiastic and social - he loves meeting people and making new friends.

This extrovert element to his personality may come from his time with the Tantalus Theater Troupe - a traveling company who use their plays to cover their less-than-legal activities. After all, what could be a better distraction than a good production of ‘I Want to Be Your Canary’?

Though seemingly content as a thief, Zidane’s life takes an unexpected turn when he attempts to steal a person - Princess Garnet of Alexandria. But unexpectedly, the princess wants to be kidnapped, and in the chaos that follows Zidane is thrust into an increasingly heroic role.

But even when fighting for the fate of the world, he’ll still find time to tease the strait-laced Steiner, or pick a pocket or two. In fact, his ability to steal from his foes is a vital skill - especially against bosses who often carry incredibly useful and valuable armor, weapons and accessories.

It’s clear that he’ll never fully give up his roguish ways – and why would we want him to?

• Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Switch
• Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Xbox One and Windows 10
• Get FINAL FANTASY IX on PS4
• Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Steam

Those were just a few of our favorite videogame thieves, but what about yours? Which rogues did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comments and on social media:

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This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 15

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

How important was it to start this chapter with the iconic shot of Cloud looking up at the Shinra Building?

The scene where Cloud looks up at the Shinra Building is fondly remembered by many players as the promotional image for the original game and still comes up with a lot of hits from image searches. It was quite difficult to reproduce and fit this scene into the structure of Remake, but we were adamant that we wanted to include it as fan service.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The battle through the carpark section is one of my favourites in the game. By this point in the game it feels like the player has started to feel comfortable with and started to master the combat system, while the incredible "Operation Save Aerith" track plays in the background.

Was it important to keep this track playing at full volume throughout the area in order to drive a sense of urgency and keep momentum up?

"Operation Save Aerith" uses some of the same phrases from "Those Who Fight", but was made pretty much from scratch as a new battle theme dedicated to capturing the feeling of apprehension in this scene and to bring excitement to this series of battles.

Keiji Kawamori (Music Supervisor)

On the Shinra Building ground floor we get to play as Tifa and climb across monkey bars, who was responsible for this section and how did it all come together from concept design?

As part of the policy to give each character their own playable section, I wanted to show Tifa's efforts coming to the fore in the infiltration of the Shinra Building as the game moves towards its final climax.

At this point in the story Tifa is conflicted with doubt that Avalanche's actions were the cause of the Sector 7 plate collapse. I wanted to make the player experience her struggling to move forward under those circumstances and open a path for her comrades on her own.

Having her climbing the overhead ladders and moving across the chandeliers were elements we thought up to fit with the theme of infiltration.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Compared to the original, the Shinra building feels more high tech and near-future in its design. How did you decide on the design direction for this location?

Shinra is always looking towards future economic growth and will discard older regions without a thought. The design direction for the Shinra Building was a part of that, as we wanted to show how Shinra keep all the high-tech secrets for themselves to drive the company's momentum, while the people of the city only receive the benefits of Shinra's cast-offs and may one day be discarded by them in turn.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

In the scene where the party climb the staircase, the music also mimics the effect of being short of breath. How was this achieved?

Mr. Toriyama had the idea of using the BGM as one element to express the character's fatigue at endlessly climbing the staircases. This was achieved by editing the original track and adding effects over it rather than by creating a different arrangement, and it was quite heavily altered in the end, which I think gives an interesting effect.

Keiji Kawamori (Music Supervisor)

The Shinra museum was a great way to introduce us to the company and its executives. How did you decide what to include in it? What was the inspiration behind the museum tour?

This museum shows exhibits designed to get people to view the Shinra Company positively, and is aimed at both Shinra employees and their families, as well as the wider population of Midgar. It tries to give the message that everything will be safe if you stick with Shinra.

To give this area the right appeal and make it feel convincing, I approached the design like an actual museum curator and created numerous assets for historical documents and exhibits that promoted the technology that the company had developed (especially things that did it in a visual manner).

I imagined it more like a company or facility archive rather than a regular public museum.

Mizushi Sugawara (Environment Artwork)

In one of the photos we can clearly see an adult version of Shinra from Final Fantasy X-2, can you tell us why he's there?!

We did this so players can enjoy the speculation, but it could just be a commemorative photo of one of the company employees cosplaying as him.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The video sequence showing us The Ancients was stunning. Why did the team decide to show this as a pre-rendered video rather than generating everything in-engine?

There is a depiction of the construction of Midgar in the video sequence, and right from the start we had decided to request Visual Works (now Image Studio) to do it as a pre-rendered piece, in order to show this scene at a satisfactory quality

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Who's the security guard Cloud meets in the Shinra Building? Was there ever a time when Kunsel was going to be included in FFVII Remake? It was a nice throwback to Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-

The guard was one of Cloud's colleagues from Crisis Core and this episode shows how he was previously a Shinra employee. If too many of his old colleagues showed up then it would probably destroy the Remake story and we might have Whispers appearing.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited and are looking forward to learning more from behind the scenes of the game over the coming months.

Make sure you share this article with your friends on social media and we hope you’re looking forward to Chapter 17 next week!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

For news and updates on anything Final Fantasy VII related, make sure you follow us on social media:

• Square Enix Blog
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Twitter
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Facebook
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Instagram

This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 14

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

In the original FFVII, there’s the jumping to the swinging wire moment (I failed so many times!) – were you tempted to try to bring that across to the new game like you did the reactor switches, squats etc?

In Chapter 15 the party use wire guns to climb up on the wreckage, but this idea actually came from a homage to the swinging wire in the original game.

We decided that it would make for a better result having something that could be used to traverse the dungeon throughout the chapter, rather than just as a one-off gimmick where you have to watch for the correct timing like it was in the original.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

As soon as this chapter starts, there is one ruined building that collapses as Cloud and the team pass by it. With the overall shock at the dire state the town is in and how naturally it collapses, players are likely to pass straight on by, but this seems like a scene that a lot of care and attention went into. Could you explain how this scene was put together, including the more technical aspects?

The collapsing buildings were created for us by a separate team of simulation specialists, after which we spent time tweaking them.

This did not involve moving each piece of rubble individually, and we actually only moved the top part of a single pre-destroyed model, which allowed us to depict large scale destruction with fairly light processing.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

There's a lot of aerial combat in this chapter, which must have been very difficult to implement for melee characters like Cloud and Tifa. Looking back on FFVII Remake and aerial combat as a whole, is there anything that the team might do differently if given another chance to develop the battle system?

This was something we were very torn about. We wanted to make it so that players who were not particularly skilled at action games could still fight fairly easily, but I think that there were possibly some issues left unaddressed here.

I would like to re-work the system overall so that perhaps characters could always choose to fight in the air to a certain degree, like Yuffie can.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

In the original FFVII, the Valkyrie is fought slightly later in the game. Why was this boss battle brought forward and how early in development was this decided?

In Mr. Nojima's original script, the Valkyrie actually appeared in the Shinra Building like it did in the original game, but we were a little concerned that there were too many repeated boss fights in the Shinra Building, which affected the tempo of the area, so we had it altered to be the boss of Chapter 15 instead. Another big factor was how this area sees the player moving over a cross-section of the fallen plate, so having a boss that could fly fitted in well here.

The change was made during the script creation phase, so it was comparatively early in the overall development process.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

The "Fires of Resistance" track that plays throughout this chapter is a real delight. How was this composed? Were the team given an outline of what's to happen during this chapter (and perhaps even shown early versions of the game running?) to decide how to create this dynamic, ever-changing, piece of music?

In Chapter 15 there is a feeling of despair after the great catastrophe that has just occurred, with the party in a heavy, sombre mood.

When I started work on “Fires of Resistance”, I wanted to make it a track that reflected the emotions of Cloud and his comrades at this point in the story but doing that was actually quite tricky to pull off. It was definitely a competitor for the track that took the most toil and effort for me to complete out of the whole game. I actually finished a whole other version of the track, which was abandoned during development, so the version that everyone hears in the game is actually “Fires of Resistance 2.0” (laughs).

I started work on the original version of the track by asking myself what kind of music would help me shake off the misery if I had come face to face with a tragic event or some kind of great disaster. The result of that approach was a track that had a curiously high energy to mask and break away from my feelings of sadness (a kind of empty bravado).Musically it was bold and reckless, with a fast tempo and an irregular metre, and to top it off, I did it in a Celtic style!

Basically, it had become a heaped down musical smorgasbord of a battle music track and had a sound that had not been seen in FFVII Remake before. I felt that this could be an interesting direction and rode out the momentum to also go on and do a version for exploration sections as well. However, when I took a step back and thought about it objectively, I realised that this was probably not the kind of energy that the scene has, and so I shelved the original attempt (laughs).

To put it simply, I tried throwing a curveball to get a bit of a unique reaction, but it just wound up falling flat (laughs).

For the second version of “Flames of Resistance” I brought a little more emotional restraint back to the process and unlike the first attempt where I had tried to mask the sadness, I faced it head on in the composition. I set out to keep the heavy and oppressive atmosphere of FFVII Remake from a sound perspective too, and the track settled into its current form. The way that the rhythm shifts from 4 beats to 5 beats then to 3 and back to 5 again is probably a leftover from the first version.

For FFVII Remake, I was immensely grateful that the composers were able to see detailed play videos of the chapters we were working on before production, that lasted between several minutes and several hours. On top of that, we also had the opportunity to play work in progress prototype builds, so it was easy to work out what kind of music was needed and what the most effective way to have it played would be before we moved on to putting together the actual composition.

It was also great fun and very rewarding being able to make proposals about the music direction based on the gameplay, such as where it might be good to play a variant of the current BGM etc.

Talking specifically about Chapter 15, I had originally thought to do this section with one battle music track and two exploration area tracks, but I felt that changing the music to be somewhat darker in the gloomy section in the middle would help add to the feeling of exhilaration when climbing the face of the collapsed plate and the feeling of liberation when looking down from the top later on. So, I proposed having that darker version as well.

In the end I created five different versions of the same composition for the plate cross-section area (excluding the boss and cut scenes) and the system switches between them dynamically based on the current gameplay.

FFVII Remake uses this kind of subtle music shifting throughout the whole game to enhance the experience, so I would recommend that players pay extra attention to the music to enjoy it even more during their second playthrough on Hard Mode!

Shotaro Shima (Globe Enterbrainz)

It is a very small detail, but I noticed how in the scene where the team cross the steel girder bridge, there is a small stone right in the centre of the bridge to add a feeling of height and danger. Which section of the development team makes the decisions to add small details like that (e.g. is it the scenario team, the backgrounds team or the level designers) or is it more of a collaborative effort with all the teams getting together and discussing it?

There are many times when ideas like this come up during the debates at our checking meetings. Unfortunately I cannot remember the exact conversations that were had, but the small stone could well have been something born from those discussions.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

The shot of Cloud, Tifa and Barret looking out over the destroyed Shinra Building was used often in the marketing campaign for the game - was this a scene that the team spent a long time on perfecting? How did it change during the course of development?

As this is the first time that the player will look out over the ruined cityscape, their emotional reaction will be strong here, so we focused all our efforts on making the backdrop as beautiful as possible.

With the need to depict a wide area of the city, it took some time creating the required resources, but we had solidly fixed down the concept in the planning stages, so we were able to get on with developing the scene without getting lost. The construction of the backdrop and the post-effects were both very important here, so we were helped greatly by the backdrop and lighting teams too.

Hidekazu Miyake (Cutscene Director)

The scene where Cloud, Tifa and Barret are looking out over the destroyed Shinra building at sunset really brings together the power of the distant vista, the lighting effects (lens flare etc.) and the smoke rising from the ruins etc.

What challenges were there on the VFX side when creating this scene?

As this is a defining and memorable scene from the game, we were careful in how we showed the lens flare effect here.

A lens flare moves in tandem with the camera movement, so we re-worked the point where the sunset crosses the characters position many times. The rising smoke and other effects were used to create a feeling of stillness and lingering tragedy.

Shintaro Takai (Graphics & VFX Director)

The battle with the Valkyrie is part of a huge set-piece that takes place over a few floors, how was this battle devised from concept planning right the way through to final development and implementation?

We started from the concept of creating a unique situation that involved combining the scene progression and battles with the crumbling, high-altitude terrain here.

We planned out the Valkyrie's abilities and the size of the area it is fought in to give the player the experience of starting on a narrow platform and the battle area gradually changing to trap them in a difficult corner that they then have to break out from.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

In this chapter we move into evening time and the lighting also adjusts to the colours of sunset, with a beautiful crimson sky. Were there any particular places or seasons you used for reference here?

Because you can also see the exposed Sector 7 slums in the distance after the plate collapse, the tones we chose for the sky in this scene were intended to give it a slight melancholy feel too, rather than just being beautiful. It is rare to find these kinds of colours in a normal sunset, so we used images of the evening sky after a typhoon had hit for reference.

Iichiro Yamaguchi (Lighting Director)

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited and are looking forward to learning more from behind the scenes of the game over the coming months.

Make sure you share this article with your friends on social media and we hope you’re looking forward to Chapter 16 next week!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

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For news and updates on anything Final Fantasy VII related, make sure you follow us on social media:

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This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 13

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

Why did the team decide to include three separate resolution scenes (with Barret, Tifa or Aerith) at the beginning of Chapter 14?

We decided to include this scene showing the characters renewed determination in the second half of Remake to give players the same kind of experience as with the popular date scene from the original FFVII, which branched depending on which of the characters you had the highest affinity level with.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The pedometer materia is a nice idea (having to take a certain number of steps while equipped to level it up). How did that make it into the game?

This was done because chapter 14 requires the player to walk around a lot of different areas, so we wanted to make all that walking as exciting as possible, not just with the story and setting, but also having something in the game system that contributed to it.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

I was able to spot Kyrie a few times throughout FFVII Remake, but more emphasis is put on her in the early part of this chapter. How was her inclusion in this chapter (and other sections of the game) decided upon? Did she ever have a larger role in the game that was edited down?

Kyrie was originally a character from the novel "The Kids Are Alright". We had her appear innocuously in the early chapters and then as a memorable presence in chapter 14, giving another perspective from a slum dweller. She does appear in other quests as well, so players impressions of the character might change depending on how they play the game.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The scene where Barret, Tifa and Aerith make their decision really brought home how the facial animation is one of the most important elements used to increase the drama in the game. Applying these kinds of subtle expressions to the huge volume of cut scenes in the game must be no small task, so how is this handled on the technical side?

For cut scenes we actually do the facial motion capture at the same time as the body motion capture. A team of dedicated facial animators then takes that data and uses it to build up the facial expressions, aligning them for the different characters in FFVII Remake.

The motion actors and voice actors are different people, so we have to rebuild the lip synching almost completely from scratch. This is done using a tool that automatically sets up lip motions and then the animations are further refined to align with the actual voices.

The things that the animators create have not really changed, but we have put a lot of effort into allowing them to focus on the detailed creative work and automating the remaining work needed.

Akira Iwasawa (Facial Director)

How much extra work needed to go into creating the pull-up mini-game after developing the squats mini-game? Or were these created the other way around?

Also, beating Jules at the pull-ups is one of the hardest challenges in FFVII Remake. Did you mean it to be so challenging?

The squats and pull-ups mini games were both planned and developed together, so there were no special extras added later for the pull-ups or anything like that. There was one set of combined specifications that would be suitable for everything in both mini games.

I understand that there were varying opinions about the difficulty of the pull-ups game, and I made the decision to adjust it to be the hardest challenge during the final part of the development period. The contest with Jules is not compulsory for game progression and it is the last mini-game before the finale, so I felt that it would be more impactful to make this the ultimate challenge rather than just having it as something forgettable with a middling difficulty.

I had followed comments on social media about the pull-ups game and they were exactly what I had expected, so personally I am satisfied at how it turned out.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

I was delighted by the inclusion of chocobos in this chapter, I didn't expect to be able to travel around Midgar with them. Did the team ever consider other modes of transportation?

Chocobo Sam's personality was so strong that we had decided from early on in development that we wanted to use chocobos as a fast travel mechanic.

However, we ultimately put chocobo stops in more places than we had originally planned for, in order to make things more convenient for the structure of the side quests that appear in chapter 14.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

There are multiple versions of the chocobo theme used for fast travel here. Why did you include so many

We made it possible to hear lots of different chocobo themes because of Mr. Toriyama's idea that it would be more interesting and fun if they played randomly throughout the game.

Keiji Kawamori (Music Supervisor)

This chapter sees you revisit many locations – how did you ensure these areas still felt fresh and exciting to explore?

We increased the number of fast travel points and took care with where the side quests became available in order to avoid having the player go back and forth between the Sector 5 and 6 slums.

We also added the pedometer materia to make walking around the slums to complete side quests as fun as possible.

The biggest role of having optional side quests in the scene before heading to the Shinra Building was to give the player the feeling that they could make the decision to proceed on to the final part of the story when they wanted to.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

How did you decide which battles to include here - did you consider adding more fights?

In addition to the Coliseum, we also had Chadley's VR battle simulator, so we planned and decided on the different fight cards for them together.

We considered which opponents to offer based on getting an even spread of various different enemy types to fight, as well as which combinations we wanted to see together.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

Leslie plays a very important role in the story of this chapter, so how was his character designed and created? He was brought in from the novel, so please could you let us in on the particulars of how he came to feature in the game?

Leslie is also a character from the novel “The Kids Are Alright”, and the novels and other content outside of the game are a part of the FFVII world too, so he was included as another person who lives in Midgar and is involved with Cloud and friends.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited and are looking forward to learning more from behind the scenes of the game over the coming months.

Make sure you share this article with your friends on social media and we hope you’re looking forward to Chapter 15 next week!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
• Get Final Fantasy VII Remake

For news and updates on anything Final Fantasy VII related, make sure you follow us on social media:

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If you were watching the latest Nintendo Direct, you may have seen we made a few announcements. Actually, it was more than a few - we revealed a lot of exciting information about new and upcoming games!

We showcased the next entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series, unveiled the marvelously musical THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, launched a brand new demo for HARVESTELLA, unleashed new information about CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION and more!

Oh, and we also released a game - VARIOUS DAYLIFE is out now!

But enough preamble - there’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it:

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II has been announced!

The series that pioneered HD-2D is back!

Set for release on February 24, 2023, OCTOPATH TRAVELER II is a brand-new standalone entry in the series that will release February 24, 2023 for PS5, PS4, Switch and Steam.

You choose one of eight completely new characters and set off on an adventure. Along the way, you’ll meet the other seven characters, and maybe even join them on their own adventures too!

With no connection to the previous game, all players - even those who haven’t played an OCTOPATH TRAVELER title before, can enjoy the charming stories, strategic combat and stunning visuals that make that HD-2D style even more eye-catching than ever!

The game is set in the vibrant world of Solistia, which comprises of an eastern and western continent divided by the sea. It’s a bustling era - large vessels navigate busy sea routes and the power of steam gives birth to new technologies. Some people are thrilled by the glamorous stars of the stage, while others are brought to tears by war, plague, and poverty.

Eight travelers from different regions in this diverse world set out on journeys for their own reasons. You’ll take control of this awesome octet and explore the land as you see fit, taking advantage of each hero’s unique talents along the way.

Everything that was great about the original game is back, including the Break and Boost system that makes every battle an exhilarating test of strategy - and of course, there are plenty of new features, too. Yes - that does include more interactions between party members.

To learn more about the game, check out the full blog:

• 8 things you need to know about OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE will put a song in your heart!

Another classic series is making a return with THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - arriving for PS4 and Switch on February 16, 2023!

This toe-tapping new game celebrates 35 years of amazing FINAL FANTASY music through fast-paced, endlessly replayable rhythm-action gameplay. The standard game features a massive 385 tracks from across the series, including FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY XV, spin-offs and more!

What’s more, the Digital Deluxe and Premium Digital Deluxe Editions and post-launch DLC will include music from additional SQUARE ENIX series, including the NieR series, SaGa series, LIVE A LIVE, OCTOPATH TRAVELER and more!

We don’t want to blow our own trumpet, but we’re pretty excited about this one! You can find out much more about the game modes, characters, track list and more in our dedicated blog:

• Get ready to face the music in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE!

VARIOUS DAYLIFE… is out TODAY!

Surprise! VARIOUS DAYLIFE is coming to Nintendo Switch and Steam today… and PS4 very soon (September 15, 23:00 PDT in the US and September 16, 07:00 GMT in the UK).

Developed by the insanely talented team that brought you OCTOPATH TRAVELER, BRAVELY DEFAULT and TRIANGLE STRATEGY, this game is a distinctly different kind of RPG.

You play as a new arrival on a vast, largely unexplored continent. You’ll take on various types of work to help build your character, and head out on dangerous expeditions to explore new parts of the continent and collect vital resources to expand your settlement.

Unlike traditional RPGs, you don’t gain strength through battle, but instead by taking on jobs around town. Be it physical labor, secretary work or waiting tables, all the work you do makes you more capable of surviving your journeys into uncharted territory. Although you’ll still have to deal with the elements, hunger, and a few nasty surprises…

To find out more about the game, check out our full blog:

• Everything you need to know about VARIOUS DAYLIFE

VARIOUS DAYLIFE releases today for Switch and Steam and September 15, 23:00 PDT / September 16, 7:00 GMT for PS4! Purchase the game before October 17, 2022 to get a digital artbook as an early purchase reward!

You can also get the game as part of a bundle with the TRIANGLE STRATEGY Digital Deluxe Edition on Steam. This will give you a 29% discount and the acclaimed strategy RPG when it launches on October 14, 2022!

A free HARVESTELLA demo is available today on Switch!

Over the past few months, we’ve shown you all kinds of things about this brand-new life simulation RPG, from farming and cooking and making new friends, to battling monsters with the flexible job system!

But the best way to get the measure of this fantastic new adventure is to try it yourself! A free downloadable demo for HARVESTELLA is available today on Nintendo Switch. You’ll get to see how this adventure begins, learn about Quietus - the season of death - and enjoy a variety of gameplay, including tending to crops, socialising with townsfolk and adventuring in dangerous monster-filled dungeons.

Best of all, your progress will carry over to the full game when it releases physically and digitally on November 4, 2022!

• Download the demo

New information about CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

You knew that the beloved Zack ‘The Puppy’ Fair was returning this Winter… and now you know when!

We’re excited to reveal that CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam on December 13, 2022!

Not only is there a brand new trailer for the game, we just released a host of lovely new screenshots and awesome information about the game’s characters and battle system, which you can read right here:

• The characters and combat of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION

The Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection is coming to Switch!

Two of the greatest narrative experiences in gaming are coming to Nintendo Switch on September 27, 2022!

The Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection includes two award winning games: Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm.

These two titles have been optimized specifically for Switch, and feature improved character models, reworked lighting and more. The original Life is Strange has also been remastered with full facial capture, making it even more engaging (and emotional) than ever before!

The game is available to preorder now:

• Get Life is Strange

For more information, check out our blog:

• Everything you need to know about the Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection on Nintendo Switch!

Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered has a release date!

We’re happy to reveal that Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered is coming to PS5, PS4, Switch, Steam, iOS and Android on… (drum roll please…) December 1, 2022!

This new HD version of the legendary Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song (or just ‘Romancing SaGa’ in North America) features a host of improvements, including remastered HD graphics, additional features, refined gameplay and a host of quality of life features that make it even more fun to play.

With the Free-form Scenario System, which lets you experience the story differently depending on how you play, the unique ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Combo’ systems that let characters learn awesome abilities in the heat of battle, and a sublime soundtrack by Composer Kenji Ito, it’s the perfect game to warm your heart this Winter!

As you can see, there’s a LOT of Square Enix goodness to get excited about - right now and in the coming months!

We’ll have more to share about these games in the future, so make sure you follow Square Enix on social media for news and updates!

• Square Enix Blog
• Square Enix on Twitter
• Square Enix on Facebook
• Square Enix on Instagram

And that’s all from us for now. Why are you still reading this - go play VARIOUS DAYLIFE or HARVESTELLA!

First things first: we’re excited to announce that CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION has a release date: December 13, 2022!

That’s quite a holiday gift, and what better way to celebrate than by showing you some new screenshots, and revealing more information about the game?

First, take a look at the new trailer, then read on and we’ll discuss everything from the characters to the battle system!

What is CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION about?

Seven years before the events of FINAL FANTASY VII, the Shinra Company rules from Midgar, the city of mako, wielding an enormous level of influence and military power.

The story follows SOLDIER 2nd Class Zack Fair - a member of a group of elite operatives within Shinra with powerful combat abilities.

Zack, along with his seniors Angeal and Sephiroth, is sent on a mission to investigate the mass disappearance of his fellow SOLDIER operatives.

What he discovers will change his life - and the lives of those around him - forever.

Characters

You’ll meet many interesting characters in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION - some of whom you may recognize from the original FINAL FANTASY VII or FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.

Of course, with CRISIS CORE being set a few years before those games, they may be a little different than you remember…

We previously introduced Zack himself, some of his SOLDIER colleagues and, of course, Aerith too (https://www.square-enix-games.com/news/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-reunion-closer-look). Today, let’s meet a few more unforgettable faces:

Cloud Strife

• Voiced by: Cody Christian

Cloud is a rather introverted young man who joined Shinra because he aspired to be a SOLDIER operative like Sephiroth. He’s from Nibelheim, where a mako reactor is located, and serves as an infantryman.

Cloud meets Zack on one of his missions, where they become fast friends.

Tseng

• Voiced by: Vic Chao

Tseng works for Shinra as the Vice Director for the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department - also known as "Turks".

He has a cool demeanor and isn’t one to show much emotion, but through his assignments, he and Zack develop a relationship of trust that is akin to friendship.

Cissnei

• Voiced by: Kayli Mills

This young woman is the youngest person to ever join the Turks. Because of her upbringing in an orphanage, she finds herself unable to leave troubled people alone.

Lazard

• Voiced by: Francis Ausley

Although the Director of SOLDIER is not a fighter himself, he is trusted as an understanding supervisor who keeps the operatives in line.

He has achieved this position at a young age, but his past remains mysterious.

Hollander

• Voiced by: Jason Marnocha

Hollander is a scientist who used to conduct important SOLDIER-related research for Shinra. However, he was defeated in a power struggle and relegated to a marginal position in the company.

He is currently being pursued due to his suspected involvement in the “mass SOLDIER desertion incident”.

Yuffie Kisaragi

• Voiced by: Brandilyn Cheah

Yuffie is the daughter of the leader of Wutai. Even as a child, she tries to fight the invading Shinra forces and protect Wutai - unfortunately, she is not yet fully capable and can’t get things quite right...

Ever since meeting Zack, she’s been sending him junk mail and pulling him into her treasure hunts.

Battles

Next up, let’s talk about the battle system!

Combat in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION combines intuitive real-time action with a command system that lets you unleash the familiar FINAL FANTASY series magic and abilities.

The game also features the unique “Digital Mind Wave” (DMW) system, which triggers randomized effects such as enhanced status and the ability to use powerful “Limit Breaks," to make battles more strategic.

Read on, and we’ll explore multiple aspects of the battle system, from materia and abilities to how the DMW system works in practice.

Materia

By equipping materia, you will be able to use magic and abilities in battle and enhance your status. In addition, the effects of the DMW system can further enhance materia, allowing for even more powerful effects!

There are lots of different types of magic materia, which give you access to a wide variety of spells, including:

Fire

Fire magic that tracks the enemy and releases an exploding fireball.

Dark Thunder

A magic skill that deals lightning damage as well as poison and silence status ailments to enemies in its path.

Abilities

Also gained by equipping materia, abilities are skills that can be used by consuming AP. They typically consist of various melee attacks that utilize the sword and can be linked with standard attacks.

Here are a couple of examples:

Assault Twister

Zack spins twice on the spot, slashing surrounding enemies.

Jump

Zack jumps vertically, plummets toward the enemy and generates a shockwave.

While jumping, you can dodge enemy attacks.

The Digital Mind Wave (DMW)

The Digital Mind Wave - or DMW - is a system unique to CRISIS CORE. Slot reels automatically spin during battle and produce various effects depending on the images and numbers aligned.

When numbers align in the DMW, it’ll activate an effect corresponding to that alignment. For example, you may get the following effects:

• 7 7 7: Invincible (limited time)
• 6 6 6: Critical (limited time)
• 5 5 5: Null Physical (limited time)
• 4 4 4: AP Cost Zero (until battle ends)
• 3 3 3: Null Magic (limited time)
• 2 2 2: MP Cost Zero (until battle ends)
• 1 1 1: Invincible (limited time)

Getting 7s on the DMW is beneficial and can have useful effects:

• 7 7 * : MP Cost Zero + AP Cost Zero (limited time)
• 7 * 7 : Null Physical (limited time)
• * 7 7 : Null Magic (limited time)
• 7 * * : AP Cost Zero (limited time)
• * 7 * : MP Cost Zero (limited time)
• * * 7 : Endure (limited time)

Limit Breaks

When the same images align in the DMW, you’ll also get a powerful Limit Break that corresponds to the pictured character. For example:

Angeal: Rush Assault

Tseng: Air Strike

Aerith: Healing Wind

Cloud: Meteor Shots

Summons

When the DMW enters summons mode, all the images on the reels become summons. The player can perform a Limit Break that features one of these powerful entities, including:

Ifrit: Hellfire

Bahamut: Megaflare

We hope you enjoyed this latest dive into CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION.

The game launches on December 13, 2022, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam, and is available to preorder today.

We’ll have more to share about the game as we get closer to that wintery release date, so make sure you follow FINAL FANTASY VII on social media (including, finally, TikTok!) to hear the big news first:

• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE on Twitter
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This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 12

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.

With that warning out of the way, let’s mosey…

FFVII Remake wallows in the aftermath of the plate collapse a lot more than the original game. Why did you want players to confront the devastation first-hand in this way?

We decided to focus a whole chapter on the aftermath of the plate collapse in order to show the true impact of the situation in a more realistic way. This was the same idea as how we wanted to get across the aftermath of the reactor bombing mission on Sector 8.

The tragedy that Shinra creates, the fact that Avalanche was the original cause of it and the loss of several comrades are important factors for Cloud and the team's motivation later on in the story, so we took great care in how these scenes were depicted

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

The appearance of the slums changes drastically with the fall of the Sector 7 plate. Looking at all the debris and ruined buildings, it seems that the team did not just add debris to the existing location, but actually went to the trouble of creating another version of the same area again. Was this how it was done?

That is exactly what we did.

We needed to work on the ruined version after the original slums area was completed, so there was not a lot of time left to do it in. However, this is a very important scene for the overall story, so we did not want to cut any corners and it was exhausting for the team. Having said that, thanks to the interesting conceit that there was actually a secret test facility under the area, we were able to approach the design from a fresh perspective, even though we were really making the same location twice.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

The Failed Experiment boss in the lab has been designed with rich details, such as the patterns on its body that glow red or blue alternately.

How do you approach making these kinds of effects that are incorporated onto characters? Are they planned in co-ordination with the character team or added on once they have completed the design?

We actually incorporated emissive designs (using shaders that emit light) into some of the characters, and this system also allowed us to change the colour of the light used. We put effect particles over the character model and tweaked the visuals so it appears they are spilling out of the glowing sections.

The practical order in which this work was carried out involved a handover from the character team to the effects team, but we still all created the idea and worked on it together.

Shintaro Takai (Graphics & VFX Director)

The underground laboratories are hinted at earlier in the game by some NPCs, but I didn't think we'd actually visit them during FFVII Remake. Was it important to include these areas to start to set up some of the elements from the Compilation of FFVII?

We created the story and setting for FFVII Remake based on all the elements that are part of the world overall, including those from Compilation of FFVII. The underground facility in the Sector 7 slums is one area that these elements have been incorporated into in a memorable way.

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director(Scenario Design))

Why was the decision made to allow the player to control only Barret during the underground sections of this chapter? Was it important to give him more screentime and re-establish his character as he had been away from the party for a while by this point? Cloud is absent for a big chunk of this chapter. Why did you make that decision?

I had decided from the start of development that we would definitely give each character their own playable sections, but there was a very clear reason to have the section where you controlled Barret in this chapter.

I felt that out of all the party characters, Barret would be the one who had the most heightened emotions here, with the chance that his friends and comrades from Sector 7 have perished in the plate collapse and the need to see the situation for himself. I wanted the player to take control of Barret and experience these mixed emotions alongside him, vicariously sharing the joy at saving Wedge and the despair at being unable to help his other comrades.

By having this as a playable section, I think we managed to portray his decision the next day in a convincing and believable way. It lets you see why he went as far as entrusting Marlene to Elmira so he could take direct action against Shinra.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Shooting the boxes as Barret is insanely satisfying. Is that why you added so many into the area?

The collapse of the Sector 7 plate is the big climax in the middle of the game, so I wanted to add some variation to the feel of the gameplay in this chapter.

I had just decided on making Barret the character used in this section and came up with the idea of differentiating it from the feel of the dungeons where you use Cloud by incorporating satisfying shooting mechanics with Barret's gun arm.

I really wanted to add a fresh feel to this section, so when it was first implemented, I actually requested for the team to put ten times as many Shinra crates down as you see now! (laughs)

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director(Game Design / Programming))

Was there always an opportunity to create a brand-new piece of music for this boss battle, rather than needing to rely on rearranging existing music from the original FFVII? The track "Infinity's End" plays during the boss battle at the end of this chapter and it's an absolutely stunning piece of music. How did this come together?

"Infinity's End" was originally ordered by Mr. Toriyama as a track to play during battles with enemies in the exploration sections rather than for a boss battle. Although originally created at a request for a new battle theme for FFVII Remake, the finished piece had a real sense of scale and momentum, so it was ultimately used for a boss fight.

Keiji Kawamori (Music Supervisor)

I love the multi-tiered boss battle, with Tifa and Barret fighting on different levels. Was this difficult to implement? Did you ever consider doing more fights like this where the characters were separated?

I do think that there is more potential to expand on the idea of gameplay where the party is split.

We managed to include this type of mechanic in a small way with this boss battle in Remake, but I would like to polish it even further and try something similar again if it looks like we could do something fun with it.

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

I was surprised at the detail and accuracy of physical features and movements. Not just the main characters like Cloud, but also animals like Wedge's cat. Did you do tests before implementing things like the cat's eyes, ears and gestures etc?

The facial animation section has some cat lovers on the team, so they were quite particular about these details. There were also other staff members who actually have cat allergies, but who heroically took it on themselves to take medicine and visit cat cafes to observe their gestures and movements anyway. We also looked at various different resources on cat ear and tongue movements etc. In some ways we may have been more particular about the cat's expressions than we were the human characters!

Akira Iwasawa (Facial Director)

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited and are looking forward to learning more from behind the scenes of the game over the coming months.

Make sure you share this article with your friends on social media and we hope you’re looking forward to Chapter 14 next week!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5, Steam and Epic Games Store while Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on PS4.

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We’ve previously looked out some of our favorite White Mages, beloved Black Mages, and fist fighters in Square Enix games. Today, we’re taking a look at another common fighting style: spear users!

Whether they’re a classic FINAL FANTASY dragoon with their signature Jump attacks, or a versatile warrior who uses the weapon for precision and power, each of these awesome characters has thrust their way into our hearts.

Jade - DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

To her friends, Jade is a steadfast ally, with a protective nature and a wry sense of humor. To those who oppose her… well, they don’t oppose her for long.

Jade may primarily be a martial artist, but she can wield a spear with uncommon skill. Her many techniques let her hit multiple foes at once, deliver critical hits, attack with elements and much more!

The flexibility of her skillset makes her capable of bringing the pain, whatever the foe or situation.

Of course, as a martial artist Jade has training beyond spears - she’s also skilled with claws and has a real talent for fisticuffs too. I guess her name’s appropriate because all that talent’s enough to turn you green with envy!

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Kimahri - FINAL FANTASY X HD

Kimahri may not be the most vocal of characters, but he’s great at getting his point across. Especially when that point is at the end of a long stick.

This Ronso guardian is a strong and flexible fighter. While most of the party in FINAL FANTASY X lean towards specific roles and functions in combat, especially in the early hours of the game, Kimahri’s upgrade path lets you mold him into the warrior you want him to be. Plus his Lancet ability, which lets him learn enemy skills, gives him even more versatility in the field.

That flexibility stands in stark contrast to his personality. Kimahri presents himself as stoic and guarded, but that gruff exterior hides a heart as warm as his fur. He cares deeply about his companions and will rush to protect them against anyone that threatens them.

He may worry about his status among the rest of his species, but as far as we’re concerned, he’s the ultimate Rons-bro!

Jack - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

What? We’re including Jack… again? Well, all together now… he’s a Jack of all trades!

Jack is able to take on multiple spear-wielding jobs, including lancer and dragoon. He’s a dab hand at them too - the range afforded by the big pointy weapon lets him jab and break enemies before they get close enough to lay a finger, tentacle, or chef’s knife on him.

Depending on the specific job, he can hurl his spear at foes from afar, jump into the air and spike down from above and much more. It’s a technical weapon for those who like their fights to be about precision, rather than chaos.

And we all know how Jack feels about chaos…

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Riesz - Trials of Mana

Riesz wears a lot of hats. She’s a princess, a doting sister and, most impressively, Captain of the Amazon Guard.

She commands enormous respect from her warriors - not because of her position as daughter of the king, but due to her abilities as a warrior. Despite her young age, Riesz is a ferocious fighter who uses a spear with as much skill as someone twice her years.

She uses those skills to protect others with near-total commitment. The only thing she values more than her kingdom is her little brother Elliot, who she’s helped raise since her mother passed away.

Sure would be a shame then if something were to happen to him…

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Cid - FINAL FANTASY VII

Despite FINAL FANTASY VII not having defined ‘jobs’ in combat, Cid retains many of the elements of the classic FINAL FANTASY dragoon, He uses a spear, and has access to jump attacks via his Limit Breaks - he even shares a surname with the series very first dragoon in the series, FINAL FANTASY II’s Ricard Highwind (big shoutout to the OG!)

But Cid brings his own distinct style to combat, using his affinity for airships, high explosives and a temperament best described as ‘prickly’ to find imaginative ways to devastate foes.

In fairness, he has a reason to be embittered. Once he was to be the first man in space - but faulty technology and Shinra’s abandonment of the project have left that dream in tatters. But after meeting Cloud and company, he finds a new purpose and proves himself to be a strong, reliable ally.

So much so, that when Cloud is indisposed, he takes over as team leader!

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Freya - FINAL FANTASY IX

Poor Freya endures her fair share of tragedy. She loses the love of her life to absence and amnesia, her hometown of Burmecia is destroyed and she fails to stop the devastation of its neighbor Cleyra. Yeah… it’s a lot.

So with all of that, it’s a testament to her inner strength that she’s able to stay focused and positive. Freya is a Dragon Knight, a highly skilled warrior who uses her spear and agility to deliver a lot of very pointy pain to her foes.

That sharp mind is demonstrated throughout the rest of FINAL FANTASY IX too. She provides useful guidance throughout the adventure, is able put personal grudges aside for the sake of the bigger picture and is willing to kick Zidane’s butt when he deserves it.

All said, she’s a brilliant character and we Jump for joy whenever she’s in the party.

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Estinien - FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

Estinien has become a real fan-favorite, though we can’t imagine why…

What Estinien lacks in social graces, he more than makes up for with his abilities as a dragoon.

This spear-wielding warrior bears the title of the Azure Dragoon and is greatly admired for his combat prowess. He’s less adept at being in the spotlight as he hates politics and parties and won’t mince words when dealing with others.

Although he began a little cold and brusque, Estinien has grown over the course of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga so far. Initially driven wholly by revenge, his adventures alongside the Warrior of Light have helped him find perspective.

While he remains stoic and direct at times, his personality has softened, and he’s become a trusted ally throughout many adventures.

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Kain - FINAL FANTASY IV pixel remaster

Looking for a character that encapsulates everything awesome about dragoons? This is Kain - and he’s able.

Kain follows in the footsteps of his father Ricard Highwind - a spear-wielding warrior who died while Kain was still very young (shoutout to the OG again!).

Adopted by the King of Baron, he grew up alongside the game’s protagonist Cecil, and formed a strong bond with the hero. But tensions simmer beneath the surface of the friendship - the two also share a strong rivalry, which is only exacerbated by Kain’s hidden feelings for Cecil’s lover Rosa.

This comes to a head when Kain is put under the influence of the evil Golbez - and betrays and even battles his former comrade.

But despite these unfortunate events, Kain is a good man at heart - and an exemplary warrior. His physical strength and diverse skillset make him an invaluable addition to the team - particularly in boss battles, where he can really deal some damage!

And let’s be honest: that armor looks awesome, right?

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Those were just a few of our favorite spear-slinging heroes, but we’re sure you have suggestions of your own. Why not let us know your ideas on social media:

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This year is Final Fantasy VII’s 25th Anniversary - and the celebrations have begun!

As part of the ongoing festivities, the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Remake have graciously agreed to dive deeper into the game than ever before.

We've been revisiting their thoughts, memories, and anecdotes from the creation of the game. Check out the first and most recent chapters here:

• First Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 1
• Previous Chapter: Final Fantasy VII Remake Revisited Chapter 11

If you've yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake, go and play it now, and if you read on...

...please beware of spoilers.