Final Fantasy XIV: PERSONA
It seems that Square Enix are taking so long with FF:XIII Fabula Nova Crystallis that they decided to go ahead and make the fourteenth game in the series before we even get to play a demo of the XIII series!
If you don't believe me then this is taken from a recent interview with Tetsuya Nomura who did the character designs, directed the game, voiced all characters AND did the music too, below is an interview with him about the game.
Interviewer: Good morning Nomura-san.
Tetsuya Nomura: Yes, good morning.
Interviewer: Well, today we're here to talk about the latest series in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XIV: PERSONA, what gave you the urge to create this before even completing your own Fabula Nova Crystallis title?
Nomura: That's a very good question. You see, while I was hard at work I felt the need to create a game which has you involved with people living in the same town as you, it isn't exactly Final Fantasy which resolves around a grand journey, but I'm sure people will appreciate it! (laughs)
Interviewer: I see, well then, can you tell us the meaning behind the "PERSONA" title?
Nomura: Well you see, the PERSONA sub-title has a meaning to it, it's meant to be a representation of ones self, their own being and how they reflect upon it, negatively or positively. The outcome will be their own spirit that fights for them, sort of like a guardian angel if you will, depending on the person that is how they will form their own Persona.
Interviewer: Like a stand from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure?
Nomura: EXACTLY!
Interviewer: What about the characters, what are they like, is there any that are special to you during your creation?
Nomura: There are several characters I came to adore during their creation, especially the characters, who are similar to Sephiroth, Faris from an early Final Fantasy title and even Selphie, they are all unique and interesting in their own way, which is why I designed them like that.
Interviewer: Ah, I see. Now about the music, could you explain to us about that process?
Nomura: It was the first time I ever took charge in composing, it was a very difficult process, but I believe it worked well, the OST is very... different to previous games, it's got different elements of various genres in there, a little bit for everyone you might think. We also called up this band, YouMeAtSix was it? To do the opening theme, they're very popular here in Japan, I think they'll do really well for the fans.
Interviewer: Very interesting and insightful. Finally, Nomura-san, I heard you did all voices for the characters, what was that like?
Nomura: Ah... well you see, that part of the game was very stressful for me, I literally poured all my heart and soul into it, giving it my all, like the characters do during battle in the PERSONA game, I felt like I was on a spiritual level with them. I had trouble once or twice with a few characters so I called up a well known voice actor by the name of Johnny Yong Bosch to assist me, he was very helpful and even recorded a few lines for me for a few characters.
Interviewer: Thank you Nomura-san, but that's all we have time for today.
Nomura: No problem, it was an honor speaking with a fan! ~^_^
See? This game is 100% legit, go buy it now. I actually bought it earlier this week, about 22 hours in. Brilliant game on par with FF:VI IMO.
It seems that Square Enix are taking so long with FF:XIII Fabula Nova Crystallis that they decided to go ahead and make the fourteenth game in the series before we even get to play a demo of the XIII series!
If you don't believe me then this is taken from a recent interview with Tetsuya Nomura who did the character designs, directed the game, voiced all characters AND did the music too, below is an interview with him about the game.
Interviewer: Good morning Nomura-san.
Tetsuya Nomura: Yes, good morning.
Interviewer: Well, today we're here to talk about the latest series in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XIV: PERSONA, what gave you the urge to create this before even completing your own Fabula Nova Crystallis title?
Nomura: That's a very good question. You see, while I was hard at work I felt the need to create a game which has you involved with people living in the same town as you, it isn't exactly Final Fantasy which resolves around a grand journey, but I'm sure people will appreciate it! (laughs)
Interviewer: I see, well then, can you tell us the meaning behind the "PERSONA" title?
Nomura: Well you see, the PERSONA sub-title has a meaning to it, it's meant to be a representation of ones self, their own being and how they reflect upon it, negatively or positively. The outcome will be their own spirit that fights for them, sort of like a guardian angel if you will, depending on the person that is how they will form their own Persona.
Interviewer: Like a stand from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure?
Nomura: EXACTLY!
Interviewer: What about the characters, what are they like, is there any that are special to you during your creation?
Nomura: There are several characters I came to adore during their creation, especially the characters, who are similar to Sephiroth, Faris from an early Final Fantasy title and even Selphie, they are all unique and interesting in their own way, which is why I designed them like that.
Interviewer: Ah, I see. Now about the music, could you explain to us about that process?
Nomura: It was the first time I ever took charge in composing, it was a very difficult process, but I believe it worked well, the OST is very... different to previous games, it's got different elements of various genres in there, a little bit for everyone you might think. We also called up this band, YouMeAtSix was it? To do the opening theme, they're very popular here in Japan, I think they'll do really well for the fans.
Interviewer: Very interesting and insightful. Finally, Nomura-san, I heard you did all voices for the characters, what was that like?
Nomura: Ah... well you see, that part of the game was very stressful for me, I literally poured all my heart and soul into it, giving it my all, like the characters do during battle in the PERSONA game, I felt like I was on a spiritual level with them. I had trouble once or twice with a few characters so I called up a well known voice actor by the name of Johnny Yong Bosch to assist me, he was very helpful and even recorded a few lines for me for a few characters.
Interviewer: Thank you Nomura-san, but that's all we have time for today.
Nomura: No problem, it was an honor speaking with a fan! ~^_^
See? This game is 100% legit, go buy it now. I actually bought it earlier this week, about 22 hours in. Brilliant game on par with FF:VI IMO.