Exclusive: FFXIV Devs Share Insights on Game, Creativity

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura. The discussion covers the game's inspirations, collaborations, development challenges, and much more.

TAKUMI, director and producer at FuRyu, shares his role in conceptualizing and overseeing Reynatis. He expresses delight at the game's positive reception, particularly the strong international interest exceeding expectations within Japan. He notes that fans of Tetsuya Nomura's work (Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy) seem to particularly appreciate the game's design and narrative direction.

The interview addresses the inevitable comparisons to Final Fantasy Versus XIII, with TAKUMI acknowledging the inspiration drawn from the original trailer while emphasizing Reynatis' unique identity and creative vision. He reveals direct communication with Nomura, highlighting a shared understanding and a desire to deliver a game that resonates with fans of those titles.

The discussion then shifts to the game's development, acknowledging areas for improvement addressed through post-launch updates. TAKUMI assures Western players that they will receive a refined version.

The process of collaborating with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima is detailed, revealing informal, direct communication via Twitter and other channels, showcasing a unique approach to collaboration. TAKUMI's personal admiration for their prior works, including Kingdom Hearts and various Final Fantasy titles, is a key motivator for these partnerships.

TAKUMI discusses the inspiration behind Reynatis, citing his lifelong love of action games and a conscious decision to create a complete gaming experience, rather than solely focusing on specific aspects like graphics. The development timeline, spanning approximately three years and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, is also discussed.

The interview covers the highly anticipated collaboration with Square Enix for NEO: The World Ends with You elements, stemming from TAKUMI's personal fandom and a direct approach to Square Enix.

Platform choices are addressed, with the Nintendo Switch serving as the lead platform, despite acknowledging the game's demanding nature on the system. The possibility of future internal PC development within Japan is also mentioned.

The lack of Xbox releases is explained, citing insufficient consumer demand in Japan and the development team's lack of experience with the platform as significant hurdles.

TAKUMI expresses excitement for the Western release, highlighting the planned DLC releases designed to enhance player engagement and avoid spoilers.

The interview concludes with sections featuring Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima, offering insights into their contributions and perspectives on the project. Their responses reveal the creative process, inspirations, and personal preferences. The interview concludes with a lighthearted question about coffee preferences from all participants.

The interview provides a comprehensive look at the development of Reynatis, highlighting the passion, collaboration, and challenges involved in bringing this unique action RPG to life.