Return to Final Fantasy XIV in a Bigger World and Broader Conflict
Final Fantasy XIV is on the precipice of its second expansion. A rebellion is in the works, and with the announcement at Japan’s fan festival in Tokyo, we now know Stormblood will reach the inhabitants of Eorzea on June 20. That is to say, Japan, North America, and Europe will see Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood on the same day.
Since this is a massive expansion, producer/director Naoki Yoshida had plenty of details to reveal. Among them, the all-new role of Red Mage:
- Red Mage (DPS Role): The highly anticipated red mage job will make its debut in Stormblood as a ranged magic DPS, wielding a rapier and magicked crystal medium. A very mobile attacker, the red mage dives in and out of melee combat, assaulting enemies with red magic and short-ranged attacks. The red mage also has the ability to link multiple spells with chainspell, dealing massive damage and following them up with melee attacks.
- Swimming and Diving: This new gameplay mechanic will allow players to seamlessly enter and traverse specific rivers, lakes, and seas in both new and existing areas throughout Eorzea®. Players will also be able to dive underwater in select locations, even while riding flying mounts. Underwater areas will not only include new gathering locations, but also will provide an opportunity for NPC interaction.
- New Beast Tribe and Primal: The Ananta, an all-female beast tribe, is the newest of the beast tribes to be introduced to the world of FFXIV. This ancient tribe resides in the mountains near Ala Mhigo and worships the primal Lakshmi. Known for their skill in spell and gemcraft, the Lamia will play a very important role in the Stormblood main scenario as their persecution by the Garlean Empire is revealed.
- New High-Level Raid: The Bend of Time – Omega was announced as the high-level raid series for Stormblood. Omega has surfaced within the main scenario in the past, but this menace will soon appear in full force. The mystery behind the appearance of Omega and the significance of “The Bend of Time” will be unveiled through the story surrounding this raid.
- New Alliance Raid: Two special guest creators were invited to assist with the design of the newly-announced alliance raid “Return to Ivalice”: Yasumi Matsuno (FINAL FANTASY XII / FINAL FANTASY TACTICS) will write the scenario surrounding the raid, while Keita Amemiya (Onimusha 2 / Shin Megami Tensei IV) will spearhead monster and boss design.
More Cool Stuff
As an added treat, Legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu will return to orchestrate Stormblood’s theme song. An extra something to download and score your epic DPS.
But wait! On top of music, gamers who pick up Square Enix’s Collector’s Edition will get extra treats such as: A Stormblood Special Art Box; Expertly Crafted Zenos yae Galvus Figure; FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood Art Book; Cloth Map of Eorzea; Stormblood Logo Sticker; Exclusive In-game Items: Syldra Mount, Wind-up Bartz Minion, and the Chicken Knife. So if you want to cut some chicken, keep that in mind.
Stormblood follows the largely successful Heavensward expansion, which comes in Amazon’s PC bundle alongside the original game. Everything is–and will be–available for PC and PlayStation 4. For more updates on the road to June’s rebellion, see more at COGconnected. Happy gaming.
SOURCE: Press Release