FF14 Composer Considers This MMORPG Lacks FF8 Elements

The acclaimed Final Fantasy XIV has always been accustomed to incorporating and absorbing content from other Final Fantasy games, so it is not surprising that we will continue to see the series’ past in FFXIV.

In a recent interview, the game’s lead composer Masayoshi Soken said that the current MMORPG field is still lacking a work that truly carries the soul of Final Fantasy. The talented composer who has won numerous awards has a desire to pay tribute to the classic work Final Fantasy VIII. However, Soken also said that whether FF14 will add more Final Fantasy references later will depend on the specific situation.

Masayoshi Soken

Back in 2010, the first version of FFXIV 1.0 almost ruined the entire IP due to its disastrous performance. It was during this crisis that Soken was appointed as the lead composer and set the emotional tone for A Realm Reborn with epic tracks. After fourteen years of hard work, he not only created legendary songs such as Close In the Distance and Tomorrow and Tomorrow for FFXIV, but also demonstrated his cross-border strength in Final Fantasy XVI. And his fusion of symphony and electronic rock won him high praise from industry professionals.

Interestingly, although FFXIV main music library already contains hundreds of adapted songs from the Final Fantasy series, Soken still has a special liking for FFVIII, and said that he felt very sorry that Eorzea continent has not yet fully demonstrated the spiritual heritage of FF8. As soon as this remark came out, it immediately triggered a hot post on Reddit - after all, this music giant has always been known for his accurate quotations, and every time the classic melody reappears, it can trigger the collective memory of players.

FFXIV Dawntrail

It is interesting that in Dawntrail, players can clearly see the developer’s tribute to Final Fantasy 9. Perhaps this practice of favoring one over the other is the deep motivation for Soken’s voice this time.

In March, FFXIV released Patch 7.2. This means we are coming to the end of Dawntrail and can welcome the next expansion. It will be a great opportunity to showcase other game content and reimagine its world and characters - it is a good opportunity to include FF8 in it.

Classic Implantation

In this case, why doesn’t FF14 directly introduce FF8 content on a large scale? This is because the resurrection of each classic element requires a narrative fulcrum. This also happens to reveal the key to FFXIV’s success - unlike the theme-park design that simply piles up feelings, the developer always adheres to the principle of world view compatibility. Every classic reappearance is a dual satisfaction of narrative logic and player emotion.

In addition, the implantation of classic content is often accompanied by fluctuations in the economic system. According to experience, this kind of sentiment-driven economic cycle is quite amazing. In the month that Gunbreaker class was launched, the total amount of Final Fantasy XIV Gil in circulation in the in-game weapons market grew incredibly, which also indirectly confirmed the leverage that the addition of some classic characters has on the virtual economy.

But I think now is the best time to integrate FF8 into FF14. Because now we need a new long-term villain to drive the story further. This can’t help but remind us of FF8’s primary antagonist - Ultimecia, who is the first female main villain to appear in the Final Fantasy series.

As a sorceress from the future, her strength should not be underestimated. She tried to make herself a living god. Although her plan did not succeed in the end, she still caused a lot of trouble for players in Final Fantasy 8, and thus left a very deep impression on players.

Interestingly, her ability to travel through time and space is just right for the plot of FFXIV, and we look forward to her joining as a new villain.

All in all, there are still many opportunities for Final Fantasy 14 to integrate with other Final Fantasy games. With new version confirmed to explore new continents, I hope Soken can get his wish. Maybe the legacy of FF8 will really be reborn in FF14 in the future.