Final Fantasy XIV ‘Famitsu Wave’ Interview Pours Information

The September 2009 edition of Famitsu Wave has released in Japan sporting a DVD containing an eight-minute segment on Final Fantasy XIV. A lot of new information has come out of the DVD and we’ve got it for you.

Eorza is the name of a region that’s the main setting of the game and as a full world, Vana’diel (from Final Fantasy XI) is naturally a little bigger. The actual world the game takes place in is called Haiderin. The style of Haiderin will be different from Vana’diel, aiming for a “high-fantasy” style setting. They want the setting to be more modern in comparison to Final Fantasy XI‘s more middle-age setting. There will be advanced technology in the world, as you’ve clearly seen from the skyships in the trailer.

The races in Final Fantasy XIV will bring on a familiar look. However, the races of Final Fantasy XI are being reimagined. The Galka-looking character you’ve seen in the trailer, will not be called a Galka, but something else. Other changes will be in order as well.

Final Fantasy XIV revolves around character growth. There will be no experience points or leveling system this time around, and a new system will come in to play. Square Enix wants to deliver an experience where new players have the freedom to try out any quest and many different things, growing naturally from their experiences. A deep story will be in tact in Final Fantasy XIV, including cut-scenes, but they’re going beyond that by also delivering a wider variety of stories and quests. They want players to enjoy the process of character growth.

Jobs were the lasting appeal of Final Fantasy XI. They want to utilize that concept, but stack more on top of it. The focus will be on weapons, determining how you play, grow, and fight. They’ll be expanding upon the basic job system. He says this also explains the Final Fantasy XIV logo, which features weapons sticking out of the name.

The main idea for Final Fantasy XIV is to provide freedom of growth through the variety of quests offered. However, players can meet up with friends and set off on adventure or they can play solo. Players won’t be left with nothing to do, bored.

Square Enix is considering large scale battles, however, regular battles will be against single enemies. During quests you can gather parties and fight against multiple foes.

The game’s music is going to be composed entirely by Uematsu.

“This will be a Final Fantasy that brings the setting to a whole new world that you can experience with the new friends you will meet.” Nobuaki Komoto, director of Final Fantasy XIV said. “I welcome you to join us in the world of Final Fantasy XIV and hope you enjoy your time there.”

“You can trust that we plan to create a world of new possibilities that redefine the MMO. I hope you’re looking forward to everything we have in store.”

According to Square Enix, there’s a secret message hidden in the trailer. Finally, you can watch the actual interview below.